With interisland travel reopen for Hawai‘i residents, we are in a unique position to be able to actually enjoy our island spaces and businesses without the addition of thousands of extra bodies each month. Though funds continue to be tight for many families due to Covid-19, some find that they have some additional income that they want to spend within their own communities. Playing tourist is one way to indulge in kama’aina discounts and other offers that you may not find so readily available in the future, and there are plenty of hotels, attractions, and more that are offering big breaks.
While you’re enjoying yourself, remember to tip well to make sure that money gets directly into the hands of local workers, and buy local whenever possible. Also, be sure to bring your Hawai‘i state ID when utilizing these kama‘aina discounts, as all of these businesses require one to receive the deal. And don’t forget to submit your mandatory travel form, which is now available to fill out online.
All that said, cases are definitely on the rise in the Islands, and it’s incredibly important to stay vigilant about washing hands, wearing masks, and social distancing, especially while traveling. Be sure to be even more careful after August 1. Note that we are NOT encouraging travel or travel experiences if cases rise dramatically in our community.
Also, please keep in mind that hotels may have to shift their experiences and offerings (like dining, gyms, etc), as well as hours of those offerings, due to Covid-19, so be aware when booking that some things may change.
Kama’aina Deals: All Islands
Castle Resort has hotels/condos on the five major travel islands and is offering a 25% off Stay & Play Package. In addition to the discounts, kama‘aina will receive free early check-in, free late check-out, free room upgrade at select properties, waived resort fee at select properties, and 24-hour cancellation.
Kama’aina Deals: Hawai‘i Island
You can visit the newly reopened Mauna Lani Resort by taking advantage of their kama‘aina discount. It’s $299 plus tax per night with a complimentary upgrade to an Ocean View room (based upon availability at check-in). The special rate is available on stays from August 1st through November 20, 2020. Black out dates apply and it is based upon availability. Book directly via phone and be sure to mention the kama ‘aina rate when you call: 844-366-6934.
In addition, Mauna Lani Resort has recently reopened CanoeHouse for oceanside dining, and they offer kama‘aina discounts for dining there, as well. CanoeHouse is hosting a special performance by Mark Yamanaka as a fundraiser for Kahilu Theater on July 19. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Fairmont Orchid has a fantastic kama‘aina Stay & Play program that gives big discounts on regular room rates. The Garden View rooms are reduced to a rate of $150, and if those aren’t available the Ocean View rooms are discounted, as well (partial ocean view rooms are only a bit more pricey and are worth the splurge). The offer also includes a $15 daily resort fee (normally $35), complimentary self parking, and 10% off food and beverage at all dining outlets. Follow this link to book directly. The deal can be found for booking dates after August 16, 2020.
Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay is offering a kama‘aina deal with various rates and packages based on the room type. To utilize the deal, enter code Z43 when looking at rooms (I find the easiest way to do that is go to their Offers & Deals page, click any deal, then change the code in the dropdown menu).
Grand Naniloa offers kama‘aina rates, though you’ll still have to pay the $30 daily resort fee.
Kama’aina Deals: Oahu
Wet & Wild offers a 50% kama‘aina discount every Wednesday through the end of August when purchasing online. If you can’t make it on a Wednesday, they have lots of other great deals available on their website.
Kama’aina Deals: Maui
Kama‘aina First: Maui County has created an amazing resource for their islands that makes it super easy to search kama‘aina deals:
Welcome to “Kama‘aina First,” an exciting program supported by the County of Maui Office of Economic Development that brings our local community together, to kokua one another, during these unprecedented times of COVID-19. This is an opportunity for Maui County businesses to share their kama‘aina deals at no cost; for locals to take advantage of great discounts on staycations, meals, services and products; and, best of all, to show your aloha for our islands’ businesses and ‘ohana.
Some of the more “touristy” deals that might appeal most to Big Island travelers headed to Maui this year include:
- Accomodations: Hotels, vacation rentals, condo rentals and more are available for local travelers. Be sure to look at the discount end date — a lot of the vacation rental deals end July 31, just in time for the out-of-state tourists to arrive.
- Activities: Snorkeling, surfing, golf, sport fishing, sailing, and plenty more are available in Maui.
- Restaurants: Every type of grindz can be found on this list, from healthy to indulgent, though it would be great to see more restaurants participating. Looking for a recommendation? Down the Hatch/Breakwall Shave Ice in Lahaina is a family favorite (plus, their 15% off kama’aina deal is permanent).
- Shopping: Definitely check through this list to get discounts for supporting local vendors. Some also have shipping options so you don’t even have to visit to shop!
- Personal services: Though most of the services on the list appeal directly to those living on Maui, other local travelers can take advantage of rental car deals, massages, haircuts, and more.
Kama’aina Deals: Moloka‘i & Kaua‘i
Thanks to their inclusion in Maui County, Moloka‘i and Kaua‘i also benefit from the Kama‘aina First program, though the list of vendors is definitely smaller. The two islands have their own page on the website here.
In addition, Kauai’s County Office of Economic Development and the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau launched their own kama‘aina offers site on June 26. Those discounts can be found here.
Hotel Moloka‘i is currently offering 30% off of their rooms. If you’ve never been, Molokai’s only hotel is a wonderful place to relax, enjoy incredible sunsets, and eat some really delicious foods. The kama’aina discount at the hotel is usually 15% off, but Hotel Moloka‘i general manager Michael Drew wanted to double it to give kama‘aina the chance to visit.
If you want to really take in the breathtaking views on Kauai’s Napali Coast, Blue Ocean Adventure Tours is offering a $99 kama‘aina deal through the end of July. The 4.5 hour coastal adventure tour is typically $147 per adult, so be sure to take advantage of this great deal if you’re headed that way!
Kama’aina Deals: Lana’i
For a chance to indulge at a Four Seasons Resort, look no further than Lana‘i where both Four Seasons properties have reopened as of July 1. At Four Seasons Resort Lana‘i guests can book a kama‘aina rate 20% off regular room rates (starting at $784 per night), as well as 15% off of spa services. Kama‘aina rates can be booked only by phone 800.321.4666 or email [email protected] for Four Seasons Resort Lanai. Though Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort, doesn’t offer a kama‘aina rate, you can find some amazing packages or room-only rate options starting from $650 if you’re able to indulge. Guests booking a stay at either property by August 31, 2020 for travel arriving by January 4, 2021 will also enjoy round-trip luxury flights on Lanai Air with a reservation of any room or suite in addition to airport transfers and intra-island transportation.
Are you a Hawai’i business with a great kama’aina rate? Email us at [email protected] to be added to our list!
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