Hawaii Hurrah Before the Holidays

As kids return to school and summer gear is packed away, Hawaii shines with fall travel incentives designed to lure families for one last tropical hurrah before the holidays.

“In the fall, we have the same great weather but fewer visitors and better pricing,” said Julie Zadeh, managing director of travel trade marketing for the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB). “We’re seeing free car programs, air credits, hotel upgrades, food and beverage credits and two-for-one activities. Travel agents working with their preferred wholesale partners will have access to the best values and pricing available.”

According to Amy Terada, Pleasant Holidays’ vice president of marketing, the wholesaler has beefed up its fall “Hot Deals” with complimentary use of a Hertz midsize rental car for three days when staying  at participating hotels.

“In addition, our exclusive rate at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa saves travelers up to $1,300 on a five-night, air-inclusive vacation that allows kids 17 and younger to stay for free with their parents,” she said.

Terada adds that Pleasant is tapping into travel trade publications, e-newsletters, e-blasts and webinars to keep travel agents posted on discounts and offers.

Vacation condominiums elevate family value naturally since they are designed with fully-equipped kitchens that help save on dining expenses.

“By September, summer crowds have thinned, offering increased availability for popular rooms — including our two- and three-bedroom units,” said Shari Chang, senior vice president of sales, marketing and revenue management for Aston Hotels & Resorts.

Chang also noted that condo resorts have in-room or on-property laundry facilities, so families can pack light to save on airline baggage fees.

“Our travel trade website at Agents.GoHawaii.com has a great interactive calendar of events,” said Zadeh. “It’s also a good resource for everything our travel professional partners need to learn about, sell and market the Hawaiian Islands.”

Upping Autumn’s Ante

Hotels and resorts are offering a flurry of value-added perks and packages for fall family travel. Here’s a sample.

Island-Wide
•  Kids Stay, Play and Eat Free and Aloha Book of coupons for up to $2,500 savings with Aston Hotels & Resorts.
•  Fourth night free at Outrigger Hotels & Resorts vacation condominiums through Dec. 21.

Hawaii Island
•  Fourth night free with $200 resort credit at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel from Oct. 1 to Dec. 17.
•  A $300 hotel credit and daily breakfast for two with Island Treasure Package at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa (minimum four-night stay).
•  Third night free and $100 resort credit at Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel from Oct. 1 to Dec. 22.

Kauai
•  Free compact car with upgrade through Dec. 25 at Sheraton Kauai Resort.
•  Value-added beach goodies, tour discounts and complimentary golf for children 17 and under (when playing with an adult) through Dec. 31 with Kauai Marriott Resort’s Fun in the Sun package.
•  Fifth night free and daily breakfast buffet for two with Grand Hyatt Kauai’s Sunshine on Sale offer.

Maui
•  Up to 30 percent off suites and villas with The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui’s Book Now, Save Later promotion from Aug. 16 to Dec. 20.
•  Two-bedroom condo, mini-van use and BBQ grill food pack with Destination Resorts Hawaii’s Family Chill n’ Grill.
•  All-inclusive dining pass for $20 per child (ages 4-12) daily when dining with an adult at select Westin Maui Resort & Spa restaurants.

Oahu
•  Third night free from Oct. 1 to Dec. 22 at Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki.
•  Two kids under 12 eat for free with adult purchase through Dec. 31 with The Royal Hawaiian’s Treat the Whole Family plan.
•  One-day admission to kids camp, half-price watercraft rentals and spa discounts with Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort’s Camp Penguin Room Package through Dec. 31.