Go Visit Hawaii

July 8, 2008 Update: Points of Light has suspended operation of their ebay store for travel. For more information see this Q&A.
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A Go Visit Hawaii reader, Lindsay, recently wrote me to tell me about how she had purchased two roundtrip tickets for $780 on American Airlines. That’s a steal at $390 per person from the Midwest!

Now, you’ll probably never guess where Lindsay purchased these tickets. It wasn’t through the American Airlines, or a travel agency, or online discount agency like Travelocity. Are you ready for this? She purchased the tickets on ebay. That’s right, ebay! So, how did she do it? She was kind enough to give me to the scoop to share with you.

So, here’s the deal. There’s a non-profit organization called Points of Light that auctions tickets and vacation packages on ebay as a means for raising funds. Here’s a link to their ebay shop. They sell other items besides airline tickets and travel packages, so you may have to sift though random stuff to find the Hawaii travel related items for auction. Some travel items are available for “buy it now” and others are available for bid. At the moment, here just a sampling of the Hawaii airline tickets and packages that are up for auction:

• Buy It Now: 2 Roundtrip Coach Tickets from the West Coast - $900
• Buy It Now: 2 Roundtrip Coach Tickets from US and Canada - $1500
• For Bid: 2 Roundtrip Coach Tickets from US and Canada - current bid at $810
• For Bid: 4-Star Hotel and Coach Roundtrip Airfare for 2 to Kauai - current bid at $1,475.

Note that there are restrictions for each item for auction so make sure you know what they are before purchase or bid. Also, make sure you understand what additional taxes and fees may be required. Most tickets and packages have restrictions like a 7 or 14 day advance reservation and a Saturday night stay. Most tickets must be used within 12 months. From sifting through a few of them, it appears that it’s best if you have flexibility in your travel dates.

Though this ebay seller has an overall positive feedback rating (approximately 96%), they do have a some neutral and negative ratings. Make sure you shop with ebay wisely.

For frequent fliers, you’ll still earn travel miles with these tickets. That’s a great bonus.

A big mahalo to Lindsay for sharing this tip! What do you think of this way of purchasing discount tickets? Do you think it’s worth a try or are you scared? Have you purchased tickets or vacation packages from this ebay store? How did it work for you?

UPDATE: Did we flood their system? The day after I posted this tidbit, all the travel items were removed from the ebay store and this notice was posted:

Due to unexpectedly high volumes of summer travel, we have exceeded our capacity to handle new travel packages efficiently. We have temporarily suspended the sale of future travel until we can catch up with your demand.

If you live near Seattle, you can get a one-way fare as low as $239 to Maui or Kauai on Alaska Airlines.  Other cities from Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Canada can get fares as low as $289.  You must create a “My Account” at AlaskaAir.com, book the travel online, and use the discount code ECFL05208 with your reservation.  This fare is valid for travel between now and September 30th, but you must purchase the ticket before June 20th.  Blackout dates are June 27-28 and July 5-6, 2008. 

The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HCVB) and it’s partners have launched travel promotions aimed at making Hawaii a more affordable destination. Here’s more about it in a statement from the HVCB

Travelers will save at least $200 per person on their trip to the Hawaiian Islands through HVCB’s partnership with American Airlines Vacations, American Express Vacations, Classic Vacations, Expedia, NWA WorldVacations, Orbitz, Pleasant Holidays, Travelocity, and United Vacations, which offers travelers money saving air vacation packages loaded with incentives including deeply discounted airfare, free hotel room nights, free meals, free rental cars, and free food and beverage dining credits. These value packages offer significant savings and make Hawaii a competitive vacation destination this summer.

They’ve created a website to house these deals at GoHawaii.com/summerfun. Have a look at the special offers.  They’re pretty enticing.

Check out eCouponsHawaii.com before you go on vacation and you may find some valuable savings. I’ve been clicking away on that website and finding some nice deals that would definitely benefit Hawaii visitors and residents, too.

To save you some steps, I’m linking to coupon pages that I felt were worth pointing out to my fellow Hawaii travelers. The offers do vary from island to island. After you click on the island link for each category listed below, access the specific coupons by clicking on the individual business logos.

• Car rental coupons for Maui, Oahu, Big Island, and Kauai. Definitely take a look at these coupons and compare them to quotes you get from some of the websites like Expedia, Travelocity, Kayak, etc.
• Looking for discounts on tours and activities? You’ll find discounts for everything from guided tours to luaus to kayak rentals, bike rentals, and much more. You’ll even find coupons for helicopter tours. Here are the links for the offers for the Big Island, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Molokai.
• Spas! See these spa and beauty coupons for Oahu and the Big Island.
• Are you getting married in Hawaii? Then check out these coupons for weddings including photography, transportation, flowers and beauty needs for Big Island, Oahu, Maui, and Kauai.
• A free DoleWhip with the purchase of two DoleWhips at the Dole Plantation on Oahu. A DoleWhip is a refreshing frozen pineapple treat. If you have the time a stop at the Dole Plantation is a neat little place to visit, though it is a bit touristy. I enjoyed just walking around the gift shop and seeing some unique souvenirs.

I like to thank the LA Times Daily Deal Blog and a comment from Hawaii Money Saving Mama for introducing me to eCouponsHawaii.

While we’re on the topic of coupons and discounts, I’d like to point out that the 2008 Hawaii Entertainment books are currently on sale for $9.99. You may recall we talked about these Hawaii coupon books last month. The consensus from the comments is that the coupon books were particularly valuable for Oahu, but not as useful on the other islands.

Wednesday, May 28th update:  It appears that all the lower fares are possibly all gone, but it’s still worth looking into as Kayak.com is reporting some lower fares.

Tuesday, May 27th afternoon update: These fare seem to be fluctuating erratically. I just checked Charlotte to Honolulu for myself and the best Continental fares were gone, then 10 minutes later, I rechecked and they were back. The good news is that American Airlines fares were $588, which is still a very, very good fare from the East Coast to Hawaii. I’ll keep my eye on this situation for you.

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United Airlines and Continental have dropped fares to Hawaii with prices as low as $297 roundtrip. So far, these great airfares only apply from these hubs:

• Newark (United)
• Houston (United)
• Charlotte (Continental)
• Philadelphia (Continental)
• Pittsburgh (Continental)

You must fly on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays and stay for three nights minimum. Per the Frugal Travel Guy, the travel dates that apply are:

Jan 9 to Feb 15
April 24 to June 7
August 21 to Nov 10
December 5 to Dec 14

Continental is only offering the best airfares into Honolulu (HNL), while United is offering the good deals to both Honolulu and Kauai (LIH).

Use Kayak.com to help you find the best airfare. With the fantastic hotel deals in Hawaii combined with these excellent airfares, this is an amazing time to go visit Hawaii.

A big mahalo to the Frugal Travel Guy for the heads up!

Happy Aloha Friday and Memorial Day weekend! Here are some interesting newsy bits and enticing Hawaii deals for you.

• Dr Beach announced his 2008 list of the ten best US beaches.  Hanalei Beach on the North Shore of Kauai made the list at number 2.  Hamoa Beach on Maui near Hana is this year’s seventh best US beach.
• BookIt.com named ResortQuest’s Waikiki Beach Hotel in their top ten list of Memorial Day weekend getaway deals.
• Starwoods hotels have some fantastic Hawaii hotel deals.  They’re offering 35% off, fifth night free and a $100 dining credit. .  The offer is only available for Starwoods Preferred Guests, if you’re not already a member, don’t worry, sign up is quick and free.  The offer is valid for stays through December 25th, but you must book before June 30th.
• Four Seasons Resorts are offering a couple of freebies that vary by Hawaii location.  They’re offering a free night’s stay on Lanai, and free breakfast for two on the Big Island and Maui. 
• American Airlines announced that it will be charging a fee of $15 for the first checked bag. Elite status passengers are exempt from the fee.  Other airlines are considering adding this fee, but Delta said they wouldn’t. Remember that you’ll save yourself money and time by packing light. 

Here are some great deals I dug up today.  If you find a really good one, would you consider taking me along? 

Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Big Island Orbitz Sale
The Deal:  Save 10% or more   
Why I like this deal: This sale covers all budgets from 2-star to 5-star hotels.  I was particularly drawn to the 5-star Mauna Lani on the Big Island at a nightly rate of $266 including buffet breakfast for two.  I’ve stayed here and it’s a nice hotel in a wonderful location.      
Offer Valid Through:  Book by July 6th for travel by September 30th (2008)   
Special Rate Code: SUMMERSALE10  
For More Information: See this link to Orbitz

$438 Hawaii September Weekend Getaway
The Deal:  Four nights accommodation and airfare for $438 purchased through Expedia.   
Why I like this deal:  It includes airfare!  The catch is you must fly from Los Angeles (LAX), if LAX is not your normal departure airport, consider buying separate roundtrip airfare from your home to LAX.      
Offer Valid Through:  It’s valid for September weekend stays only.  You must depart on Thursday and return on Monday.
Special Rate Code:  NA  
For More Information:  See this link.  

The Hawaii Entertainment Book is a book of coupons for restaurants, luaus, golf, shopping and more. The 2008 books are currently on sale at $15 which is a $10 savings, plus shipping is free.

I noticed that the book has several 25% discount coupons for luaus. The coupons aren’t for “no name” luaus either. In Oahu, for example I see 25% coupons for two very popular luaus, Paradise Cove and Germaine’s. The book could very quickly pay for itself on a luau coupon alone.

Here’s a secret hint I recently picked up - you can get a free trial with three free coupons. So, a few days before you go on your vacation, go get the free trial. You’ll need to enter the zip code of your destination to get started.

Have you used the Hawaii Entertainment Books on your vacation? Did you think it was worth the price? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Now that winter is passing, Hawaii springtime deals are starting to bloom. Here are some deals that have fallen into my lap today that made me look twice. 

Hawaii Marriott “Hawaiian Sand Dollar” Specials
The Deal:  Get one free night and daily breakfast for two.
Why I like this deal:  In addition to the free night’s stay the daily breakfast will save you around $60 per couple per day.  My favorite Hawaii Marriott locations are the JW Marriott Ihilana Resort at Ko’Olina on Oahu, the Wailea Beach Marriott on Maui, and the Waikoloa Beach Marriott on the Big Island. 
Offer Valid Through:  November 2, 2008
Special Rate Code:  S29
For More Information:  See this link and these details. 

Kauai Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villa Special
The Deal:  There’s several here, but I like the “Value in Paradise - Rates from $299″ offer.
Why I like this deal:  There’s three great reasons I like this deal.  First, it’s a brand new upscale condo resort that opens April 11th.  Next, I love the lush windward area of Princeville.  Finally, I’m busting to kayak the Na Pali coast and the season for kayaking starts in a little more than a month.  (Hey, darling hubby!  Are you reading this?) 
Offer Valid Through:  Not specified.
Special Rate Code:  VALPAR
For More Information:  See this link or call (866) 716-8140

Kaanapali Beach Hotel “Beauty and the Beach”
The Deal: For $515 per person (based on double occupancy), you get 4 nights partial ocean view room, daily breakfast for two, compact rental car, and a choice of a $25 massage or facial.
Why I like this deal: Gosh, did you see what you get for the money?!  The Kaanapali Beach Hotel is known as “Maui’s Most Hawaiian Hotel” and has won awards for it’s dedication to Hawaiian culture. 
Offer Valid Through:  December 21, 2008
Special Rate Code:  None specified for this “Beauty and the Beach” offer.
For More Information:  See this link. 

United Airlines & Outrigger and OHANA Hotels & Resorts First Night Free
The Deal: There’s a couple specials that include free nights, some freebies, plus a savings of $200.
Why I like this deal:  It comes with a best price guarantee.
Offer Valid Through:  Book by April 30, 2008 and travel between June 15 - August 15, 2008.
Special Rate Code:  SUMMER2008
For More Information:  See this link

I just came across this excellent Kauai one-bedroom ocean view condo deal and had to pass it along.  Here’s the skinny:

• 1 Bedroom condo at the oceanfront Kaha Lani Resort in Lihue (East side of Kauai)
• Book by April 11th for a special rate of $149 per night.  (For comparison, the regular rate is $265 and the lowest rate I found elsewhere was $210.  You must book though TravelZoo for this deal.)  You can upgrade to a 2-bedroom, 2-bath unit for an additional $50 per night.   
• This special offer is valid for travel between now and December 21, 2008. 
• Be aware that, each unit is individually owned so the quality may vary from unit to unit. 
• Read TripAdvisor reviews of this resort. 

Just as a reminder, I don’t get paid to pass along these deals. This is not an advertisement.

Image courtesy of Castle Resorts & Hotels.