I’m not making this up.
Yes, fuel prices are through the roof. Yes, the cost of everything seems to be going up. Yes, it seems like every day there’s a new travel surcharge. But for travelers with frequent flier miles, there may be a silver lining — in Hawaii.
In checking around recently, I have found that many airlines actually have seats to the Aloha State this fall — even some weekend dates. Normally, Hawaii is the brass ring for US fliers, with seats all but impossible to get. But whether its the economy, or people have just given up, there are plenty of seats.
And once you get to Hawaii, the deals are as good as I’ve seen in more than 20 years. Airfares are ridiculously expensive for the off-season, because most airlines have added over $100 each way in fuel surcharges. (United, the number one airline to Hawaii, is currently charging $260 roundtrip.)
But these high fares mean that after the summer rush, hotels are doing everything they can to compensate and attract guests. For example, the Fairmont Orchid, a five star hotel on the Big Island, is offering a third night free, and a $200 resort credit.
On Maui, the Ritz Carlton Kapalua, newly-remodeled property, is offering a fourth night free, and a $250 resort credit. Sheraton hotels all over the islands are offering the third night free. And even the Four Seasons Maui and the Four Seasons on the Big Island, perhaps the highest ranked — and most often sold-out hotels — in Hawaii are offering fifth and fourth nights free, respectively.
Of course, all these deals have some restrictions, and most generally run from late August through mid-December. (No, there still aren’t great deals at Christmas.) Even when you have free tickets, travel agents can book land packages, and a good travel agent should be able to help you find several to choose from.
As a bonus, most agents who sell a lot of Hawaii trips have good relationships with hotels so they might even find you a sweeter deal than those advertised.
Plus, while you’re pinching pennies, an agent can tell you which hotels toss in free snorkel equipment, free tennis, free use of the gym, and yes, even free sunscreen by the pool.
