89 thoughts on “It’s The Rip-Off Honolulu Hotels That Are Killing Us”
Donna C
Kauai Calls: Used them a few years ago when we stayed in Kapaa, they are legit and the prices were more reasonable than Poipu, only drawback is that it rains quite often in Kapaa! We stayed in a wonderful condo that was nicely decorated with great appliances! The pool had a lazy river type feel…loved it!! I would not hesitate to use them again!
I just checked a unit that we rented that Kauai Calls now owns. Unbelievable I paid $100 a night plus taxes in 2017 for that Islander on the Beach unit. The same unit now rents for almost $300 a night with taxes included. That is gouging, not reasonable.
It’s not rocket science when our public school systems are not teaching our kids to think critically, i.e., and challenge obsolescence in elected officials.
I thought of adding three days on Oahu after our December trip to maui. 400.00 plus room rates high taxes and resort fees on top. I can afford it but I don’t like getting ripped off.
What do you know about the rental company Kauai Calls, and how can I make sure they are legitimate? We booked a room for 10 nights (Islander on the Beach), and were charged a bottom line price of $2930.00. No parking or resort fee. Basically, no other charges. Checking on numerous other sites, the same property & building (after all add-on charges) we would be charged between $4600/$5200. The phrase, “if it sounds too good to be true” comes to mind? I have talked and e-mailed Kauai Calls, and have no reason to think they are not legitimate. TIn fact, they are very nice. I just need to make sure before we get there that there are no surprises. Any suggestions?
It appears to me from reading what you are writing and my sister’s visit last month that Hawaii prices are getting out of hand for the middle class. I imagine that residents enjoyed the less crowds during Covid. Think about this….if a lodging costs $200 a night for four families and they stay for three nights, that is $2400. But if the charge is $400 per night and three families rent, that is $3600 for the three nights. Renters of lodging would get less people for more money. That satisfies the want for more money but not having the islands be as crowded. But….how sad to make Hawaii a vacation place only for the rich. So much there to do for honeymooners, couples and families with kids who aren’t wealthy.
Back in May,i had the pleasure of 2 nights in Waikiki as I had to take care of business. Being from Kauai, the prospect of time on Oahu is a great treat.
Bookings.com helped me get a room at the Aqua Palms in Waikiki. Across from the Modern.Total price was about $290 for two nights which included taxes and fees. Room had a micro and refrigerator as well as a coffee pot.View was of the city from the back of the property.Not a big deal as I was gone all day.I didn’t have a car so parking wasn’t an issue. I believe it may be $25/day.
It was wonderful to be able to walk to my appointments – within a mile, stop at AlaMoana for a lovely walk and window shopping, and even get my favorite “guilty” pleasure for lunch!
Will definitely return!
All Hawaii accommodations are ridiculously priced. It happened before the inflation mess started, actually. Greed. That hotel room doesn’t cost the hotel any more money than it ever did. Hawaii is not a good value. Add on your visitor fees and Hawaii may get what it says it wants- less visitors. Be careful what you wish for.
Kauai Calls: Used them a few years ago when we stayed in Kapaa, they are legit and the prices were more reasonable than Poipu, only drawback is that it rains quite often in Kapaa! We stayed in a wonderful condo that was nicely decorated with great appliances! The pool had a lazy river type feel…loved it!! I would not hesitate to use them again!
I just checked a unit that we rented that Kauai Calls now owns. Unbelievable I paid $100 a night plus taxes in 2017 for that Islander on the Beach unit. The same unit now rents for almost $300 a night with taxes included. That is gouging, not reasonable.
It’s not rocket science when our public school systems are not teaching our kids to think critically, i.e., and challenge obsolescence in elected officials.
Hawaii is doing an excellent job of curbing tourism with these high prices…be carful what you wish for Hawaiians…
We like the Coconut Waikiki Hotel for Kamaaina. No resort fees and half price valet parking ($20).
I thought of adding three days on Oahu after our December trip to maui. 400.00 plus room rates high taxes and resort fees on top. I can afford it but I don’t like getting ripped off.
What do you know about the rental company Kauai Calls, and how can I make sure they are legitimate? We booked a room for 10 nights (Islander on the Beach), and were charged a bottom line price of $2930.00. No parking or resort fee. Basically, no other charges. Checking on numerous other sites, the same property & building (after all add-on charges) we would be charged between $4600/$5200. The phrase, “if it sounds too good to be true” comes to mind? I have talked and e-mailed Kauai Calls, and have no reason to think they are not legitimate. TIn fact, they are very nice. I just need to make sure before we get there that there are no surprises. Any suggestions?
Those dive hotel prices make the Disney Aulani seem almost reasonable.
Islander on the Beach in Kauai is Not a dive.
It appears to me from reading what you are writing and my sister’s visit last month that Hawaii prices are getting out of hand for the middle class. I imagine that residents enjoyed the less crowds during Covid. Think about this….if a lodging costs $200 a night for four families and they stay for three nights, that is $2400. But if the charge is $400 per night and three families rent, that is $3600 for the three nights. Renters of lodging would get less people for more money. That satisfies the want for more money but not having the islands be as crowded. But….how sad to make Hawaii a vacation place only for the rich. So much there to do for honeymooners, couples and families with kids who aren’t wealthy.
Back in May,i had the pleasure of 2 nights in Waikiki as I had to take care of business. Being from Kauai, the prospect of time on Oahu is a great treat.
Bookings.com helped me get a room at the Aqua Palms in Waikiki. Across from the Modern.Total price was about $290 for two nights which included taxes and fees. Room had a micro and refrigerator as well as a coffee pot.View was of the city from the back of the property.Not a big deal as I was gone all day.I didn’t have a car so parking wasn’t an issue. I believe it may be $25/day.
It was wonderful to be able to walk to my appointments – within a mile, stop at AlaMoana for a lovely walk and window shopping, and even get my favorite “guilty” pleasure for lunch!
Will definitely return!
All Hawaii accommodations are ridiculously priced. It happened before the inflation mess started, actually. Greed. That hotel room doesn’t cost the hotel any more money than it ever did. Hawaii is not a good value. Add on your visitor fees and Hawaii may get what it says it wants- less visitors. Be careful what you wish for.
So done with Hawaii.