Hawaii is about to become sold out. This is happening so fast that even those in the industry, and on the ground here, are still amazed. Here is what you need to do to stay ahead of the situation and still enjoy a 2021 Hawaii vacation.
Yesterday we addressed the situation with Hawaii car rentals. You’ll see, however, that is just one part of the situation. For a variety of reasons, all aspects of Hawaii travel will soon approach capacity for summer and perhaps beyond.
Why Hawaii travel leads the way.
Travel analytics firm Adara has just reported that the most popular of all domestic destinations for summer flights is Honolulu. Denver, Chicago, and Miami follow that.
This is a result of the plethora of benefits Hawaii has to offer. Those include:
- An exotic tropical destination with a warm year-round climate, superb beaches, and more.
- Ease of access with many airline choices.
- No concerns about foreign travel rules.
- Low COVID rates in the islands.
- No health insurance issues for mainland visitors.
- Ubiquitous COVID vaccinations.
- Flexible cancellation policies.
- Vaccination passport travel coming.
The bottom line is Americans can’t wait to resume travel, even before the CDC says it is okay to do so. The picture is clear as to where they are heading: Hawaii.
Get ahead with reservations for airlines, accommodations, car rentals, and even restaurants.
Flight bookings in the U.S. have risen sharply since February, and it is being reported that since then, hotel bookings throughout the U.S. have gone up by over 300%.
Restaurants and activities will need to be scheduled in advance.
This is partly due to limited capacity because of COVID rules in addition to soaring demand.
David just commented: “I would recommend making some dinner reservations as far ahead as possible, especially if there is someplace you really want to enjoy. I tried booking Mama’s Fish House 3 1/2 weeks out, and the entire week was already reserved. Also, plan on spending far more than you are used to on a rental car. Still worth it, though. After losing last year’s trip, we are very excited for this one.”
Regular Jon replied to David re Mama’s Fish House, saying, “Thanks for the heads up, David! I was able to snag lunch at Mama’s. Merriman’s Kapalua was also pretty booked.
Vacation rentals demand will far exceed hotels.
Hawaii vacation rentals have always been highly desirable. In today’s world, that is more so than ever before.
Are you ready to book your Hawaii vacation?
Anyone going interisland should not, repeat NOT, use Vault Health for their covid test. Supposed to be a two-day turn around on a zoom call saliva test. Forget it – 6 days later I had to go with an in-person test. Cost $119 and I feel ripped off as they won’t refund even though package unopened. Hawaiian Airlines should take them off their site.
Thank you!
If the state of Hawaii insists on a Vaccination Passport in order to enter their state I will be more than happy to join a Class Action Lawsuit opposing this. Hawaii isn’t a separate country, they are PART of the United States of America, whether they like it or not. No other state in the union is requiring a vaccination passport. There are lots of people that can’t take vaccines. This COVID vaccine is still listed as “experimental” by the FDA and CDC. It doesn’t STOP or KILL the virus. It’s only effective for 90 days and it’s only 90%-95% effective. I’ll take my chances with my own immune system, no vaccine, to protect me against a virus that has a 99.5% SURVIVAL RATE!
By the way, I own property in Hawaii and haven’t been able to visit it for more than a year because of Hawaii’s BS lockdowns, quarantines, and mandates.
We just got back from Maui and aside from the cooler than “normal” weather we had a blast! A little shocked to find we had to make reservations at many restaurants (usually only do that for Mama’s!). We managed to get in some places as walk-ins or get takeout. The big shocker was showing up at the black sand beach on the road to Hana and told we needed a reservation and they were booked up. That’s ok, still hiked the bamboo forest to the falls. We noticed the car rental was much higher than normal and our condo wasn’t doing housekeeping but overall it’s still a little piece of heaven on earth and we are already planning our next trip back. Thanks for all your info!
Hi Erin.
Thanks. We appreciate you sharing how your recent trip to Maui went.
Aloha.
Thank you!
Aloha BOH,
We are excited about returning to beautiful Kauai in May for a belated 70th BD celebration with our family .. have a question for your readers – our checkout from rental home is 10am; flight departs at 10pm..Other than hanging out on beach? We are old so would prefer having a room to hang out in.. should we look into a hotel room?
Mahalo for any suggestions
Hi Cheryl.
Congratulations. Wishing you a great time on Kauai. Not sure what choices you are looking for regarding either spending the day out and about or at a hotel nearby the airport.
Aloha.
Often you can you can get a what is called a day room at hotels. Call a few hotels and see if you can find one that suits your needs.
Many thanks – will take your advice
Mahalo
Sorry to bother you and many thanks for quick reply – hoping for a hotel suggestion that may let us buy a day pass? Or any other suggestions on where to hang out till the evening?
Again, Mahalo and cannot wait to be back ..
Cheryl
Hi Cheryl.
Maybe someone else can help. We aren’t of any hotels that rent by the hour.
Aloha.
We have always paid for an extra night at our accommodation because most flights back to the mainland are red-eye, leaving well into the evening. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find any “day rooms” to use.
It would be a great business idea to offer luggage storage and shower access to travelers who need this near the airports. I’d gladly pay up to the half the cost of another night at my condo.
Hi,
You are so right; I have learned a lesson..mahalo
Cheryl
We are expecting to visit Maui in April. And I just wanted to say THANK YOU B.O.H. VERY MUCH FOR ALL OF THE INFORMATION. Every day I look forward to seeing your posts. Thanks again, Bob D.
Hi Bob.
Thank you! Have a great time on Maui next month.
Aloha.
As a homeowner who does rentals in Ko Olina, I would agree with what the author is saying. We went from almost completely empty to almost fully booked in the span of a month or so. Never seen anything like this past year.
After reading the warning regarding car rental prices, I quickly booked a 6-day minivan rental for Maui (7/25-7/30) thru Costco for $1253. Ouch! The savings I gained from my Dec airfare booking has gone towards the vehicle rental.
Check Wisecars.com best prices of anyone and they do flash sales. Booked a minivan for Maui 7/7-721 for $853 and it’s from thrifty.
When you come please drive with aloha. I have seen a massive increase in rental cars over the past few weeks and most people are driving like they’re still on the mainland, speeding through school zones, cutting people off. Also check the weather before you venture out, so many rescues and sadly many tourists who have perished in the mountains and sea recently. Make sure when you venture somewhere off the beaten path that it is not private property and that you are physically fit enough to traverse it. Have fun, be kind & patient, stay safe♡