While the tentative worker agreement at Hilton Hawaiian Village signals relief for visitors, it may not spell r-e-l-i-e-f at other hotels. As Hilton workers prepare to return, visitors wonder if other Hawaii hotels could soon face similar disruptions.
With unresolved labor contracts lingering at multiple high-profile Hawaii resorts, the possibility of further strikes looms, adding an unpredictable twist to travel plans. For anyone planning a Hawaii visit, staying informed in the coming weeks is essential as the potential for renewed action across other properties remains high.
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What’s next for Hawaii’s major hotels.
Hilton Hawaiian Village’s tentative agreement brings hope for stability at this bustling Waikiki resort, where guests and workers alike felt the strike’s impact.
However, UNITE HERE Local 5 reminds us that several other major properties—including Marriott, Hyatt, and Kyo-ya hotels in Waikiki and Sheraton Kauai—remain in ongoing negotiations, with strike actions possible if talks fail. The union authorized strikes at these properties as early as August, highlighting demands for fair wages, improved staffing, and a return to pre-pandemic guest services.
For travelers, this means that while Hilton Hawaiian Village may soon operate as usual, potential labor disruptions at other resorts could bring unexpected changes to their Hawaii experience. Staying alert to updates is crucial, as the landscape could shift quickly at other top properties.
How will Hawaii travelers be impacted by potential future strikes?
During the Hilton Hawaiian Village strike, guests encountered significant disruptions, particularly in housekeeping, dining, and front desk services. Interestingly, some visitors even protested or joined workers in support on the picket line, demonstrating a shared sentiment for improved working conditions.
If other major resorts proceed with strikes, travelers could face similar disruptions, potentially affecting the overall experience of staying at Hawaii’s premium hotels.
Visitors planning stays at these properties are encouraged to check policies around service levels, as hotels may attempt to mitigate impacts with contingency measures.
Ongoing demands in the Hawaii hotel industry.
UNITE HERE Local 5 has consistently voiced that several Hawaii hotels leveraged the pandemic to reduce staffing and essential guest services, such as daily room cleaning, while Hawaii hotel profits have continued to surge. The union argues that these cutbacks have left workers handling unsustainable workloads with minimal increases in pay, which is a source of huge frustration across the industry.
While the exact terms of the tentative Hilton settlement remain undisclosed, union leaders have made it clear that the issues extend beyond this single property, albeit the largest in Hawaii. Addressing fair wages, appropriate staffing, and restoring guest services will be key to averting additional strikes for other hotels.
What travelers should do now.
For those planning Hawaii trips, it’s wise to stay informed about hotel developments in Waikiki and Kauai. Are you staying at one of the properties still in contention? If so, contact your hotel to confirm reservations and ask about contingency plans if service disruptions arise. Additionally, consider options like other hotels or vacation rentals, which may not be affected by these union actions.
The Hilton Hawaiian Village agreement may signal an attempt at some initial stability. However, the union has made it clear that the potential for other strikes will leave open questions about the Hawaii hotel visitor experience.
If you stayed at a property on strike, what was your experience like?
Photo credit Beat of Hawaii at Friday night fireworks at Hilton Hawaiian Village.
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John, I’m sure you can find a nice STR that’s within your budget. On Maui, we regularly rent ours for much less than the average hotel room and we offer more space, kitchen, A/C, your own washer/dryer, off street free parking and a better view/steps to the beach with no roads to cross. Oh. Excellent Indian restaurant with a full bar. Just an elevator ride away.
I lived on the Big Island(Hawaii) from mid 80s-2005. The high cost of living drove me out 20 years ago. Whenever I’d visit I stayed with friends cause accommodations are expensive for any type available. Now my friends are gone and there’s no hotel our family can afford to stay at. Hawaii has become affordable only for the rich. I miss Hawaii and hope to being my son to visit. We live overseas in Asia. Aloha Nui Loa.
Just spent a week at Hawaiian Village, going home tomorrow. Wasn’t too bad other than protesters blocking road into the complex. Small inconveniences but we figured there would be. Planned this 6 months ago and weren’t able to make changes to get the family together.
What about Maui & strikes? Anything on horizon?
Thank you for your support! Yes, maybe even a good idea to take your money completely elsewhere from Maui and from any of the Hawaiian Islands for that matter. As a native Hawaiian, please understand that we are sorry
While the teams are on strike, are the properties proactively looking for and/or passively receiving experienced mainlanders to fill the ad hoc need?
Hawaii is way operated and used up already.
Many better locations in southeast Asia to be had for less.
Let that ship sink.
Yes. Most other countries are cheaper to vacation in because the labor laws are so lax. Have fun!
30 years to Maui , this is the last year . We are not wanted , so we will take our Aloha and money somewhere else . Mahalo
First, you’re probably right — if you’re coming with an attitude of entitlement, you’ll have trouble finding anywhere that welcomes you.
Second, this was an article about Kaua`i and O`ahu. What’s Maui got to do with it?
But since you brought it up, and since you loved it enough to come visit for 30 years, have you contributed to the recovery efforts in Lahaina or were you just waiting for others to so you could get back to your idyllic vacations?
If the strike agreement includes increased wages and additional workers, then you can reasonably expect hotel room rates to rise even higher. The hotels whether small or large are not going to operate at a loss. They are in the business to make money. Wait for it!!
“The hotels whether small or large are not going to operate at a loss.”
But are they operating at a loss, … really?
Prices keep going up, service keeps going down. Recent stay at waikiki hotel for 10 days. Outrageous daily rate and still charged almost 60 a day for the pool and other “amenities “. Guess the rediculous daily rate is just for the bed. Service was almost nonexistent. Room “refreshed” every other day. Had to find housekeeping carts to replenish towels or in room coffee. Very obvious that housekeeping staff are overworked and underpaid. The hotels raise prices, cut services and housekeeping hours, and bank record profits. No aloha spirit at all, just price gouging tourists and underpaying staff.