Summary: If you think Hawaii hotels rates are high, think again, because we're actually CHEAPER when you're talking about how they compare to other similar destinations.<br> <br> l will concede that room rates in Hawaii are about double the national average, but there is at least one simple explanation for that disparity. There are a whole lot more crummy hotels on the mainland without the exacting standards of the many branded hotels we enjoy here in Hawaii. I mean, you just can’t compare a Best Western in Wichita to the Royal Hawaiian. The sheer number of lesser properties on the mainland drives that national room rate average way down.<br> <br> As with any industry, it’s all about supply and demand. In Hawaii, that translates into hotel occupancy numbers. In Hawaii in December, hotel occupancy was just over 70%. That number is up 4.7% over the same period a year before, and that’s encouraging, but hotels get nervous when occupancy dips below 80%. So a 70% occupancy rate means that most hotels will offer limited-time discounted rooms to increase occupancy. An empty room loses money.<br> <br> Listen to today's show to hear here more and learn how you can save on Hawaii Hotels your next Hawaii Vacation.
