Summer travel season begins with kamaaina deals

HONOLULU (KHON2) — It’s the official start of summer and tourism officials are counting on the peak travel months to make up for this year’s slow start. Several hotels are offering kamaaina deals to attract more guests to their properties. 

At this point, hotels are preparing to welcome mainly travelers from within the states, as international visitors are still slow to return. 

The Hyatt Regency Waikiki Culinary and Food and Beverage Operations Director Jeff Szombaty said the property has remained busy despite a general slowdown in the visitor industry. 

“The mainland market is really pushing travel into Waikiki and Oahu and the Hawaiian Islands,” said Szombaty. “Still a little bit of delay in Japanese travel probably due to the currency exchange with the yen.”

Tourism officials said the year started softer than expected with the State’s tourism office data showing a 10.5% decline in April compared to last year. 

The Hawaii Tourism Authority Interim CEO Daniel Nahoopii said, “It’s still softer than what we would like it to be and we are working diligently on developing campaigns in the Fall to continue to stimulate the market.”

The Embassy Suites Waikiki General Manager Simeon Miranda said they had to pivot to attract even more guests to the property.

Miranda said, “We get creative. We try to get groups here, small groups as well as more families we’re, very family-oriented here.”

Softness in the market creates more opportunities for hotels to offer more kamaaina discounts. 

Szombaty said, “We are reintroducing a 25% off kamaaina special for our buffet.” He said Kamaaina room rates are starting at $199 with waived resort fees. 

Meanwhile, Outrigger properties also offer kamaaina discounts such as 50% off parking and resort charges. 

Miranda said current guests are looking for the best value. 

Miranda said, “But if you think of the breakfast, cocktails and all the rooms being suites. And you pay just that one rate inclusive. It is a great way to stay in Waikiki.”

Several properties offer kamaaina discounts year-round.