Wanting Hawaii visitors to return and making it financially attractive are very different matters.
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66 thoughts on “Hawaii Hotel Rates Up 58% As State Seeks More Visitors”
Wanting Hawaii visitors to return and making it financially attractive are very different matters.
It seems abundantly obvious to me that a roughly 40% increase in prices since the pandemic are going to negatively affect all tourism numbers going forward. I used to go to Hawaii quite often and now – with these prices – Not going.
It’s easy math for the hotels, they prefer 1 room occupied for $1000 a night vs 2 rooms occupied for $400 each. More $ for less hassle. The tone of the majority of the comments from loyal visitors seems to be enough is enough, time to seek alternatives. This doesnt bother the hotels as long as the ‘mindful’ (well heeled) keep coming and are ok with the new normal. It will be tough however on the small operators, cafes, tours, etc. and kinda sad for regular folks who want to visit but cant afford the sky high pricing. The hotels have a threshold and until they hit a certain mark of lower bookings no changes should be expected from them as far as reducing rates. Expect to see more residents headed out of state for economic reasons.
My wife and I have been to Maui and Oahu multiple times. We were considering going to Maui this fall to help support after the fire. I looked at rates in Wailea and it’s ridiculous the prices they are charging. If Maui truly wants tourist to return then stop being greedy and lower your prices. Once that happens we’ll be happy to return.
As Canadians, we are being priced out of this Market. We are looking at other options such as Costa Rica and Mexico or the Caribbean.
My family visited Maui and Kauai in 2019, both wonderful islands and people. Our hearts are so heavy for the people of Maui. Our hearts are just as heavy about the rapid increase of prices making it impossible for us to be able to afford to return. The sharp increases in prices send a message to middle income families that they don’t want people to return.
Sad because we loved it so much.
My wife and I arrived in West Maui two days before the Lahaina fire. Our first trip to Hawaii to celebrate our 30th anniversary. Obviously it was a miserable trip, but nothing compared to what the poor residents are dealing with in the aftermath of the fire.
Regardless, hotel rates are outrageous and I don’t see ourselves returning to the islands. There are many other more economical places to visit than Hawaii.
Hawaii should be grateful people are still coming to Hawaii. Hotel rates, car rental rates, are outrageously to high. It’s a mystery to me that people are willing to pay so much.