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 The fifth hole on the Kings' Course at Waikoloa. Several years ago, my dad told me to sign up for every frequent-flyer program. Not only did we sign up for a dozen rewards programs, my husband attached our e-mail to nearly every hotel preferred-guest program. Now our inbox is flooded with special rates and promotions. This is a good thing. Since we travel as much as time — and our wallet — permits, we’ve discovered that our choices are seemingly endless. Travelers are finding that Hawaii, its tourism on a decline for the first time in a decade, has some of the best deals around. To compensate for a struggling economy, hotels and resorts are offering everything from a free night’s stay to complimentary breakfast and car rentals. Many golf courses also have lowered their green fees to attract budget-conscious tourists. “In the current economic climate there are many great travel deals being offered,” said Jennifer McNally, director of sales and marketing at Wailea Golf Club on Maui. “Golfers have not stopped traveling altogether — some are either spending less on their vacation, or they are spending approximately the same amount but upgrading their vacation experience by taking advantage of these promotions to get more for their dollar.” Visitors to Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu can receive reduced rates through the end of the year, and additional incentives include rental clubs that can be borrowed for free within a seven-day period. Golfers also can play the Fazio Course for $15 ($5 for juniors) after 3 p.m. To entice visitors of the adjacent Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa and other non-resort guests, Poipu Bay Golf Course offers transferrable three-round packages for $366 and repeat play within 10 days for $105; the same deals for non-guests are $427 and $220, respectively. Junior golfers play free (walking only) after 4 p.m. In addition to discount golf specials, the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is offering its Three for Free deal, which includes a free room upgrade, free breakfast for two and the fifth night free. The Explore package includes free breakfast and two rounds of golf. The resort expanded its spa facility about a year ago, offering a menu of abbreviated services that come with a reduced price tag. For Wailea Golf Club, it’s all about adding value to the experience. The 54-hole facility started a super twilight program this year and also is offering a free golf clinic for beginners and pro tips for avid golfers over the age of 10. Melissa Ludwig, sales and marketing director for Kaanapali Golf Resort on Maui, said the resort decided to offer multi-round packages rather than reduce green fees. A sampling includes the Mixed Plate package: one round for $269 for Kaanapali Resort guests, $339 for non-guests; the 123 Free package: four rounds for $399 for guests, $499 for non-guests; and the Whale of a Deal package, five rounds for $599 for guests and $699 for non-guests. The resort also is focusing on golfers of all skill levels — the Golf My Way package is for the casual golfer who wants to play a little golf here and there, finishing all 18 holes anytime within a seven-day period. There also are several deals at 36-hole Waikoloa Beach Resort on the Big Island. Golfers can play the Beach or Kings’ course mid-morning for $145, in the afternoon for $105, or after 2:30 p.m for $75. Other offers include pre-pay three rounds, play the fourth free for $375; pre-pay two rounds, get the third at a quarter of the price for $295; and two rounds for $225. “We believe that those who play the most golf should get the best deals,” said Scott Head, director of golf at Waikoloa. “We like to provide incentives accordingly. In addition, our time-sensitive pricing allows our golf staff the ability to overcome rate objections by moving golfers into non-peak times for a lower rate.” While Internet travel sites list a great number of package deals to Hawaii resorts, it’s worth a visit to the hotel websites to check out additional online offers. For more information Waikoloa Beach Resort (877) 924-5656 • waikoloabeachresort.com Poipu Bay Golf Course (800) 858-6300 • poipubaygolf.com Wailea Golf Club (888) 328-6284 • waileagolf.com Kaanapali Golf Resort (866) 454-4653 • kaanapali-golf.com Turtle Bay Resort (808) 293-6000 • turtlebayresort.com Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa (808) 742-1234 • kauai.hyatt.com |
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