The Good and the Bad News… by Doug Porter
Visitor arrivals to Hawaii were down nearly 17 percent in August and Kauai’s visitor arrivals were down 25 percent from last year. Visitor spending throughout the state and in Kauai is down similar percentages. The downward trend started earlier this year by rising airline ticket prices due to higher fuel costs and also the closing down of Aloha Airlines. These factors, combined with the more recent tailspin of the economy are taking their toll on the state. State tourism liaison, Marsha Winert said, “Hawaii’s visitor industry is feeling the effects of the continued softness in the national economy.”
“Softness” …have you looked at your 401K lately Marsha?
The good news is that if you’re coming to Kauai, there are some great deals to be had. Many hotels, resorts and other accommodations are slashing their prices. There are plenty of deals on privately owned Hawaii Vaction Rentals with owners trying to fill their calendars. There are deals on Hawaii car rentals too, especially if you go through companies that have negotiated special rates with the bigger national rental car companies. Nearly all sectors of the island economy are offering bargains as they try to hang on to market share. These discounts are helping. Certainly they help to offset the higher prices you pay to get here.
This fall we’ve even seen the airlines finally cutting their fares. There are some good deals if you look for mid-week travel. The bottom line is this, now is a good time to visit Hawaii. You’ll find the beaches and highways less crowded, better rates at hotels and some great deals on Kauai condos, plus everyone’s going to be glad to see you get off the plane.
