August Rates Up, Occupancy Down

Aloha Kakou:

Maui's occupancy was down for August of 2011 compared to August, 2010, but ADR and RevPar were both up for the island during the month.

At least part of the success can be attributed to a strong Canadian visitor presence. August was the 14th month in a row where ADR exceeded that of the same month in the previous year.

http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/554261.html
http://www.staradvertiser.com/businesspremium/20111011_Foreigners_had_hotels_humming_in_August.html?id=131501093

2012 Growth "Modest"

Aloha Kakou:

Modest growth for 2012 is the key takeaway from a study issued today by University of Hawaii economists.

Regarding housing prices, Maui condominium prices were down compared to 2010, with a $325,000 median price in July. That's about 16.7 percent less than the $390,000 price for the same month a year earlier.

Homes too suffered a decline in price in July, with the median price of $410,000 down from last July's $500,000.

It has been reported that almost 40% of all home sales in the 2nd quarter of 2011 were foreclosures.

http://mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/553032/UH-economists-say--recovery-has-slowed--but-not-stopped-.html?nav=10

Maui July Occupancy Flat, Spending Up

Aloha Kakou:

July's island-wide occupancy was only 392 fewer than last year.

Additional airline seats and a strong Canadian dollar mean the number of visitors from "north of the border" increased significantly this year with arrivals up almost 18% compared to last year.

Maui visitors spent $177 per person per day in July, up from $164 last July.

http://mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/552768/Canadians-support-isle-s-steady-visitor-numbers.html?nav=10

Maui's June Not Impressive

Aloha Kakou:

Despite a promising start to 2010, Maui's hotel occupancy began slowing in April. That slowdown continued through June.

Maui's June occupancy was only one percentage point higher than that of June, 2010, at 66.7%.

Rate gains for the first six months of 2011 may seem impressive but they're coming in comparison to the low, low rates of 2010. RevPAR for Maui was up 16.2% to $179 from $154.

http://mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/552531/Occupancy-recovery-slows.html?nav=10

Extreme Internet Charges

Aloha Kakou:

How much would you pay for daily internet service? $10, $20? Try $40 at the Airport Hilton in Rome. Yikes!

http://www.consumertraveler.com/today/highest-priced-hotel-internet-do-we-have-a-winner-or-rather-loser-in-rome/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+tripso+%28Consumertraveler.com%29

June Occupancy Decreases

Aloha Kakou:


Statewide occupancy decreased for the first time in a year and half during the month of June. June's occupancy rate of 70.7% was .7% lower than June of last year. Average Daily Rates (ADR) were up 9% compared to last June at $185.46.

Natural disasters and financial uncertainty seem to be causing potential guests to rethink a vacation to Hawaii,

http://www.staradvertiser.com/businesspremium/20110817_isle_hotel_occupancy_suffers_june_swoon.html

Condo Sales

Aloha Kakou:

Take a look at this list of west side condo units that have sold - it will give you an idea as to the potential value of what's on the market today.

http://www.ramaui.com/PopUp.php?Task=Solds&WhatIDX=Maui&UserID=48583e59d0aee&WhatOffice%5B%5D=5336&WhatSortType1=Class&WhatSortDirection1=DESC&WhatSortType2=ListPrice&WhatSortDirection2=ASC&Show=Full&WhatNumber=1&WhatPage=7&PropType=Condominium&WhatDistrict%5B%5D=Kaanapali

Hotel Rates To Stay Flat

Aloha Kakou:

Recent economic events have lead at least one analyst to conclude that hotel rates for the remainder of 2011 and through 2012 will remain flat.

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9P001A00.htm

June Maui Visitors, Spending Up

Aloha Kakou:


Though Maui had a slight increase in visitors, Hawaii's June occupancy was lower this year than last. Statewide, visitor spending was up, most likely due in part to increased room rates.

http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/126212278.html

Maui Eldorado Current Listings

Aloha Kakou:

Here are the most recent Maui Eldorado Current Active Listings as of 7/21/2011.

J-118 Studio $250,000 LH Jim Foster Chase N Rainbows 661-7994/ Cell 870-5858

K-215 Studio $250,000 LH Susan C DeLoria Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext 533/ Cell 250-5948

J-109 Studio $300,000 LH Nancy Montoya Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext.518/ 250-5073

G-105 1B/2B $305,000 LH Susan C DeLoria Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext.533 / Cell 250-5948

E-205 Studio $338,000 LH Susan C DeLoria Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext 533/ Cell 250-5948

C-202 1B/1B $340,000 LH Derek Escalera Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext.229 / Cell 264-4617

D-206 1B/2B $349,500 LH Fred Haywood Realty
579-8848/ Cell 870-4904

K-110 Studio $350,000 LH Bud Kilmer Prudential Maui Realtors
661-5200/ Cell 280-0435

J-106 1B/1.5B $375,000 LH Susan C DeLoria Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext.533 / Cell 250-5948

C-201 Studio $375,000 LH Joline Dorner Lowson and Associates
661-8771 / Cell 276-9015

B-103 1B/1B $412,500 LH Donna Nabavi Coldwell Banker Island Prop.
669-6565/ cell 276-5230

E-204 1B/1B $417,000 LH Jim Foster Chase N Rainbows 661-7994/ Cell 870-5858

D-102 1B/2B $525,000 LH Nancy Montoya Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext.518/ 250-5073

D-208 2B/2B $739,000 LH Susan C DeLoria Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext.533 / Cell 250-5948

C-205 2B/2B $950,000 LH Mischelle Lawrence Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext. 521/ 264-3337

I-204 2/2B $1,175,000 LH Casey Fukuda Sakamoto Properties Inc.
669-0070 / Cell 264-5362

May Occupancy Flat, Spending Up

Aloha Kakou:

Maui occupancy remained consistent to that of last May but visitor spending increased compared to last year, up $6.50 per day per person to $184.20.

http://mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/550912/Visitor-spending-continues-to-climb.html?nav=10

Maui's Unemployment State's Highest

Aloha Kakou:

Maui County's unemployment rate stands at 7.2%, the highest in the state. Still, that figure is a decline of 1% from the same time last year.

Maui island's unemployment rate is 7.1%, compared to the Hawaii in general at 5.9%.

http://mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/550498/Maui-has-state-s-highest-unemployment-rate--but-it-has-fallen-over-the-past-year.html?nav=10

Beds Missed Most

Aloha Kakou:

One of the best thing you can give your guest is a good night's sleep, according to a recent survey of 1000 U.S. consumers on vacation trends. Of that 1000 respondents, 57% said they would miss their beds most when on vacation.

http://www.hotelnewsnow.com/Articles.aspx/5717/Vacation-trends-Americans-miss-their-beds-most

First Scheduled Nonstop Between Shanghai & Honolulu

Aloha Kakou:

China Eastern Airlines is poised to begin the first scheduled non-stop air service between Shanghai and Honolulu in August, according to Mike McCartney, President and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

The twice-weekly flight will make it easier for Chinese visitors to come to Hawaii as currently they must make a stop in either Japan or Korea.

Now if only the US would make it easier for Chinese citizens to get travel visas, we might see the beginning of a Chinese travel boom.

http://bit.ly/kUL2id

April Room, Occupancy Rates Rise

Aloha Kakou:

Maui's hotel occupancy numbers showed a modest increase of 2.5% this April compared to last year. Hotel occupancy was 69.2% overall during the month.

Maui's ADR rose $30, from $229 to $259 during the same period.

http://mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/550403/April-occupancy-numbers-up-to-69-.html?nav=10

Maui Condo Sales Up, Prices Down

Aloha Kakou:

Maui condo sales rose 5.7% this May compared to May, 2010.

Maui's median condo price of $349,000 increased from April's $338,603 but was 14.9 % lower than last year's price of $410,000.

http://www.staradvertiser.com/business/20110611_Condominium_sales_rise_on_Maui.html

Air Seats Down To OGG

Aloha Kakou:

The Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) has notified us that the number of air seats to OGG will be down about 8% this summer from US mainland destinations.

The total number of seats is down about 434k and is slightly offset by 16k seats from Canada.

Jun-Aug-2011

April Visitor Numbers Look Good

Aloha Kakou:

Maui had an 11% growth in our number of visitors this April compared to 2010. Total visitor spending was up this year by 22.4%.

"The growth in arrivals to Maui in April 2011 was supported by increases from Canada (+32.7%), U.S. West (+12.4%) and U.S. East (+1.4%), which offset fewer visitors from Japan (-34.2%). Considerably more Canadian (+38.5%) and U.S. West (+15.4%) visitors stayed exclusively on Maui compared to last April."

"For the first four months of 2011, arrivals to Maui from Canada (+23.8%), U.S. East (+8.4%) and U.S. West (+8%) increased, but arrivals from Japan (-5.2%) declined compared to the same period last year. "

Spending per person per day was up about 9% to $79.40, about a $10 increase over 2010.

http://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/default/assets/File/reports/visitor-statistics/April%202011%20Visitor%20Stats%20PR%20(FINAL).pdf

San Diego 6 Contest

Aloha Kakou:This commercial is running on San Diego's channel 6. We're participating in a contest with that channel and in conjunction with Kaanapali Beach Resort Association by providing 12 comp nights. Contestants can win one of four 3 night trips, including air on Alaska Airlines, to stay at the Outrigger Maui Eldorado.

All About Hawaii Feature

Aloha Kakou:



All About Hawaii emailed this flyer out on Wednesday to approximately 3,820 travel agencies from their database, reaching over 10,115 individual agents. The special will also posted to All About's website and www.mailpound.com , a travel agent reference site currently serving over 196,596 travel agents.



11065E OUT

Guests Prefer Shower To Bath

Aloha Kakou:

With many travelers preferring to showers to baths, many hotels have removed bathtubs from most rooms.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/travel/2011-05-19-where-is-the-hotel-bathroom-tub_n.htm

Wither Goest Thou, Tourism?

Aloha Kakou:

Hawaii's tourism outlook for 2011 depends upon who you ask.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority is projecting a total number of visitors to the islands very close to the record set in 2006 of 7.63 million.

According to UHERO, the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization, is predicting a decline in visitors from Japan will lead to weaker numbers for Oahu and Big Island but will lead to a 6% increase on Maui, compared to last year.

http://www.staradvertiser.com/business/20110520_Tourism_outlook_Up_Down.html

Bait And Switch?

Aloha Kakou:

A lawsuit filed in US Federal Court this week alleges that a hotel's resort fee is a "hidden" charge and essentially amounts to a bait and switch scheme.

Fortunately, the resort fee model is not one to which we subscribe here at the Outrigger Maui Eldorado.

http://www.hotelsmag.com/MembersOnly/webNews/details.aspx?item=23698

Summer Airfares Waning?

Aloha Kakou:

There are projections that the airlines, who had held out for higher fares for the summer months, may be about to lower them based on the few seats that have sold. It may be worthwhile to pay extra attention to airfares in the next few weeks.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43022148/ns/travel-seasonal_travel/

Outrigger Condos Go Green

Aloha Kakou:

Please take a look at this article in Travel Age West (a publication for travel agents) regarding Outrigger's Maui Condos green initiatives:

http://www.travelagewest.com/OutriggerEcoCondo/

March Maui Expeditures, Arrivals Up

Aloha Kakou:

The Hawaii Tourism Authority today released visitor numbers for March.

Total Maui tourism expenditures were up almost 10% compared to March, 2010, to $283.2 million.

Maui had 11.3% more arrivals this March compared to last at 201,602.

Per person expenditures per trip declined a little more than 1% to $1404 from last year's $1422.

http://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/documents_upload_path/tr_documents/March%202011%20Visitor%20Stats%20PR%20(FINAL).pdf

Maui Eldorado Sale Listings

Aloha Kakou:

Here's the most recent list of units for sale at the Maui Eldorado, as provided by Susan DeLoria of Whaler's Realty:

Maui Eldorado Current Active Listings 4/21/2011

J-118 Studio $265,000 LH Jim Foster Chase N Rainbows 661-7994/ Cell 870-5858

J-120 Studio $299,000 LH Anastasia Tagayuna Prudential Maui Realtors
661-5200 / Cell

J-109 Studio $300,000 LH Nancy Montoya Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext.518/ 250-5073

G-105 1B/2B $305,000 LH Susan C DeLoria Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext.533 / Cell 250-5948

K-215 Studio $315,000 LH Susan C DeLoria Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext 533/ Cell 250-5948

I-201 1B/1B $329,000 LH Susan C DeLoria Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext 533/ Cell 250-5948

E-205 Studio $338,000 LH Susan C DeLoria Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext 533/ Cell 250-5948

C-102 1B/1B $349,000 LH Betty Sakamoto Sakamoto Properties
669-0070 / Cell 870-7062

D-206 1B/2B $349,500 LH Fred Haywood Realty
579-8848/ Cell 870-4904

K-110 Studio $350,000 LH Bud Kilmer Prudential Maui Realtors
661-5200/ Cell 280-0435

A-210 Studio $350,000 LH Susan C DeLoria Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext.533 / Cell 250-5948

C-202 1B/1B $360,000 LH Derek Escalera Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext.229 / Cell 264-4617

K-202 1B/2B $375,000 LH Thomas Brozozowski Roos Realty Inc.
667-9163/ Cell 280-0113

C-201 Studio $399,000 LH Joline Dorner Lowson and Associates
661-8771 / Cell 276-9015

B-103 1B/1B $412,500 LH Donna Nabavi Coldwell Banker
669-6565/ Cell 276-5230

D-102 1B/2B $525,000 LH Nancy Montoya Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext.518/ 250-5073

K-100 2B/2B $570,000 LH Robert J. Cartwright Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext.222

C-205 2B/2B $975,000 LH Mischelle Lawrence Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext. 521/ 264-3337

I-204 2/2B $1,175,000 LH Casey Fukuda Sakamoto Properties Inc.
669-0070 / Cell 264-5362

Maui Council Debates Property Taxes

Aloha Kakou:

The Maui County Council yesterday heard testimony from hotel general managers and directors regarding the effect proposed property tax rates would have on the visitor industry.

http://mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/548582/Visitor-industry-leaders--Tax-burden-high.html?nav=10

Here are comments regarding the meeting from Carol Reimann, Executive Director of the Maui Visitor Bureau, who attended the meeting:

"Here is a short list of subsequent discussions on the floor:
· taking another look at the homeowner rate - at $2.50 we are the lowest in the State, if not the Country. Coupled with the homeowner exemption – we’ve created an environment of investment speculation in real estate.
· homeowner exemption - which is currently $300,000, the highest in the state
· revamping the circuit breaker credit - so that it only benefits those who are in need (currently, it was reported that there were homeowners in the $5-$10 million bracket receiving circuit breaker credits!)
· the fact that other counties treat commercial and hotel/resorts the same
· the fact that timeshare are treated the same as hotel/resorts in all other counties
· the hotel/resort classification includes hotels & condos on 9,754 hotel-zoned parcels of land. Currently the category includes only 28 hotels on 285 parcels; the remaining parcels are primarily condos. They discussed possibly breaking apart the 28 hotels into a separate category because fluctuations in valuations of hotels vs condos are often not at the same level, making it difficult for the County to adjust RPT rates in a fair manner.
· Mike White pointed out that the way our RPT rates are structured has created a scenario where our businesses provide the lion’s share – carrying the weight of homeowners. He also shared statistics that clearly shows how most homeowners do not pay their share of governmental services that they enjoy.
· Riki Hokama noted that RPT rates are not about fairness, but is a tool that has been used to set policy for land use. He is also quoted in the Maui News today – his quote clearly reflects his displeasure with our timeshare partners.
· here’s an interesting statistic - 30% of homeowners pay the minimum in real property tax - $150 per year!!!"

Southwest To Hawaii

Aloha Kakou: When Southwest Airlines takes delivery of it's first 737-800's next January, it is possible that the airline will consider Hawaii as a destination. See the quote from David Carey, president and CEO of Outrigger Enterprises Group, at the end of the article. http://www.staradvertiser.com/business/20110418__Isles_within_reach.html

Maui Home Prices Stay Low

Aloha Kakou: Home prices on Maui continue to stay low as short sales and foreclosures weigh down market prices. During the first quarter of 2011, only 28 condos were sold in Kaanapali as compared to 82 for the first quarter of 2010. The average Kaanapali condo price was $872,095 and the median price was $670,000. Keep in mind these prices include condos in the oceanfront properties of the Whaler and the Alii as well as in the new Honua Kai. http://mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/548259/Distressed-properties-keep-Maui----.html

How Big Is Your TV?

Aloha Kakou: Hotel room televisions are getting larger as price and energy consumption both drop. Many properties are now converting their sets to 37 inches. http://www.buyerinteractive.com/buyer/article.aspx?articleid=20320

February Visitor Numbers Up

Aloha Kakou: February's average daily room rate increased $21 this year, up to $257 compared to last year. Occupancy was also up to 83.5%, compared to last February's 77.7%. Maui's number of Canadian visitors was up almost 20% this year as compared to 2010. While the state as a whole will be affected by declining visitor numbers due to Japan's crises, Maui and the Outrigger Maui Eldorado will not be greatly impacted as the number of visitors from that country has always been a very small part (about 5%) of the overall visitor picture. http://mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/547984/February-visitor-count-goes-up-again-but------.html?nav=10

United Changes Frequent Flyer Program

Aloha Kakou: In conjunction with it's merger with Continental, United is making some changes to it's frequent flyer program beginning June 15. The changes are announced on United's website. Upgrades to Hawaii will now cost fewer dollars and more miles, 17,000 to 25,000 each way plus $125. http://www.consumertraveler.com/today/united-quietly-rolls-out-mileage-program-changes-for-june-%e2%80%94-too-quietly/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+tripso+%28Consumertraveler.com%29

State, Island Rates & Occupancy Up

Aloha Kakou: Visitor industry metrics were up for the month ending March 23, with Maui’s 80.6 percent occupancy rate up 5.4 percentage points compared to the same week in 2010. Rates were also up on Maui; $266.39 was 14.6% higher than last year. http://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/news/2011/04/01/hawaii-hotels-see-more-guests-as-rates.html

Do You Want To Buy A Hotel?

Aloha Kakou: The Kapalua Ritz Carlton goes on the block in May as the result of foreclosure. I don't know how much of a deal you could get with $263 million outstanding debt. http://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/news/2011/03/28/ritz-carlton-in-kapalua-to-be-sold-at.html

LA Examiner Mention

Aloha Kakou: Following is a mention of the Outrigger Maui Eldorado by a LA Examiner travel writer. This piece appeared in December, but feel free to forward the link. http://www.examiner.com/travel-diva-in-los-angeles/angelenos-left-their-hearts-on-the-best-beach-maui

Visitor Slowdown Possible

Aloha Kakou: State and local officials, as well as private travel companies, are concerned that the Japanese tragedies will mean fewer people traveling to Hawaii, both from the east and the west. The number of Japanese visitors will decline due to that country's current difficulties, as Japanese believe it is inappropriate to travel while their fellow countrymen are suffering. Visitors from the mainland could also decrease due to hysteria surrounding unfounded fears of potential radiation. http://www.staradvertiser.com/business/20110330__Tragedy_takes_bite_of_isle_tourism.html http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42339972/ns/travel-destination_travel/ http://mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/547773/Japan-disasters-could-slow-tourism-rebound.html?nav=10

Visitors, Nights, Dollars Up In February

Aloha Kakou: According to documents released today, Hawaii visitors spent more than $1 billion in February, 2011, an amount that surpassed the $999.97 million in February, 2007. Maui's visitor expenditures were up more than 12% this February compared to last at $279.5 million. Visitor days increased by 9% and visitor arrivals increased 8.2%. http://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/documents_upload_path/tr_documents/February%202011%20Visitor%20Stats%20PR%20(FINAL).pdf

Here They Go Again

Aloha Kakou: The Hawaii Attorney General is going after on-line travel agencies for what he considers unpaid hotel room tax. While the OTAs pay GET and TAT on the wholesale rate that we offer them, the AG is looking to recoup taxes on the retail rate that the guest pays to the OTAs. This has been tried before in Hawaii with the result being no additional taxes collected but a huge amount of frustration on the part of the travel community. States have not prevailed in other localities where this has been tried. http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9M5NIO03.htm

Home Design Trends Migrating To Hotels

Aloha Kakou:

While not all of the design ideas in this article will work for Outrigger Maui Eldorado owners and guests (the bathtub in the bedroom idea, in particular!), this article has some interesting comments about guest preferences and trends in hotel rooms.

But I really like this quote: Manitoba Hotel Association president and CEO Jim Baker said keeping up on design is often a matter of survival. "Hotels have to invest in their future... or they'll be out of business," he said. "It's all about being inviting (to travellers)."

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/business/hotels-update-look-to-woo-travellers-118487549.html

Statewide Property Tax Rates

Aloha Kakou:

If you've wondered how Maui County property tax rates compare with the rest of the state, here's a chart showing all categories for each island.


RPT Rates All Islands - 2011

Property Tax Assessment Appeals Cautions

Aloha Kakou:

With the recent mailings by Maui County of your property tax assessment, Danny Agsaolong, the Maui County director of finance wrote a letter to the Maui News regarding appeals. Following is his quote regarding an appeal based on leashold versus fee simple:

"Assessments for leasehold apartments are another point of confusion. Leasehold property is assessed at its base, fee simple value. In most cases, a property owners' leasehold agreement obligates them - and not the landlord - to pay the property taxes. While this comes as a shock to many leasehold apartment owners, this is the way the law is written and the way that it must be enforced. Appeals based on the challenge that a leasehold property is not the same and should not be assessed at fee simple rates may not succeed."

You can see his entire letter here:

http://mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/547499/Viewpoint--Some-things-to-consider-before-filing-an-appeal-to-real-property-tax-assessment.html?nav=18

Statewide Decrease In Visitors Likely

Aloha Kakou:

It is expected that the number of Japanese visitors to Hawaii will dip due to that country's recent difficulties.

"In general, the second quarter will take the biggest hit," said Danny Ojiri, vice president of sales and marketing for Asia Pacific for Outrigger Enterprises.

Japanese visitors do not make up a large percentage of Outrigger Maui Eldorado guests, so the impact to us will be minor.

There have been rumors of cancellations by visitors from the US mainland due to unfounded concerns regarding radiation exposure. We have yet to see any cancellations for that reason.

http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/20110318_Disasters_sap_tourism.html

Hawaii Radiation Levels Normal

Aloha Kakou:

While repair and remediation work continues on the broken Japanese nuclear reactor, radiation levels in Hawaii remain at normal levels. There is no threat of increased radiation.

http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/118257574.html

If you are interested in the possible path of the nonexistant plume of radiation, take a look at the forcast for the jetstream's path - Hawaii is clearly out of the way.

http://www.pilotfriend.com/av_weather/jetstream/28.htm

Higher Cotton Prices Mean More Expense For Hotels

Aloha Kakou:

The recent dramatic increase in cotton prices mean that hotels pay more for sheets, towels and even pillows. And the current state of the economy means those prices are not being passed along to the consumer.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?play=1&video=3000007153

Maui January Numbers Up

Aloha Kakou:

Maui's January occupancy came in at 73.6%, up 6.7% from January, 2010.

The island's Average Daily Rate of $245.23 was also up 6.7% from January of last year.

Occupancy and revenue remain below their historic highs but have been moving upward from 2010's low numbers.

http://mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/546941/Hotel-numbers-continue-gains-in-January.html?nav=10

New For Sale

Aloha Kakou:

Here's the most recent list of units for sale at the Maui Eldorado.


Maui Eldorado Current Active Listings 3/7/2011
J-118 Studio $265,000 LH Jim Foster Chase N Rainbows 661-7994/ Cell 870-5858
G-105 1B/2B $305,000 LH Susan C DeLoria Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext.533 / Cell 250-5948
K-215 Studio $315,000 LH Susan C DeLoria Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext 533/ Cell 250-5948
J-109 Studio $325,000 LH Nancy Montoya Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext.518/ 250-5073
I-201 1B/1B $329,000 LH Susan C DeLoria Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext 533/ Cell 250-5948
E-205 Studio $338,000 LH Susan C DeLoria Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext 533/ Cell 250-5948
C-102 1B/1B $349,000 LH Betty Sakamoto Sakamoto Properties
669-0070 / Cell 870-7062
J-120 Studio $349,500 LH Anastasia Tagayuna Prudential Maui Realtors
661-5200 / Cell
D-206 1B/2B $349,500 LH Fred Haywood Realty
579-8848/ Cell 870-4904
K-110 Studio $350,000 LH Bud Kilmer Prudential Maui Realtors
661-5200/ Cell 280-0435
A-210 Studio $350,000 LH Susan C DeLoria Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext.533 / Cell 250-5948
C-202 1B/1B $370,000 LH Derek Escalera Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext.229 / Cell 264-4617
K-202 1B/2B $375,000 LH Thomas Brozozowski Roos Realty Inc.
667-9163/ Cell 280-0113
C-201 Studio $399,000 LH Joline Dorner Lowson and Associates
661-8771 / Cell 276-9015
B-103 1B/1B $412,500 LH Donna Nabavi Coldwell Banker
669-6565/ Cell 276-5230
D-102 1B/2B $525,000 LH Nancy Montoya Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext.518/ 250-5073
K-100 2B/2B $570,000 LH Robert J. Cartwright Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext.222
C-205 2B/2B $975,000 LH Mischelle Lawrence Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext. 521/ 264-3337
I-204 2/2B $1,175,000 LH Casey Fukuda Sakamoto Properties Inc.
669-0070 / Cell 264-5362

Hawaii January Numbers Up But Not Enough

Aloha Kakou:

While occupancy and ADR for the state rose almost 10% in January compared to last year, those increases are not sufficient to return state hotels to profitability.

Price recovery for Hawaii's hotel industry is still another two or three years away.

"In the last few dollars of ADR lies almost all the profit," said Barry Wallace, executive vice president of hospitality services for Outrigger Enterprises. "The vast majority of ADR pays for employees and taxes. Profit is the final dollar or two, and that's the dollar that isn't there. Many Hawaii hoteliers can't pay the mortgage or are in some level of distress."

As a result, hoteliers will continue to feel squeezed, and visitors will continue to get great deals, he said.

"We can't pull back the specials because we are still using them to drive demand," Wallace said. "We are all still very cautious."

http://www.hotel-online.com/News/PR2011_1st/Mar11_HawaiiGains.html

Maui Visitor Spending Up

Aloha Kakou:

Maui's per person spending in January rose 9.8% to $196 compared to December. That's the eleventh straight month of visitor spending increases.

The average visitor stayed nine and a half days on Maui.

http://mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/546531/Maui-January-visitor-count-up-9-2-.html?nav=10

Islands Population Up

Aloha Kakou:

Hawaii's population increased 12.3% in the last decade, with the total number of people in the state numbering about 1.4 million. Maui's population grew about 21% to about 154,834.

http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/20110225_Isle_population_up_to_14M.html

Islands Visitor Spending, Arrivals Up

Aloha Kakou:

January saw an increase of 20% in visitor spending compared to 2010. Arrivals increased by 12% for the same period, with double digit increases coming from Japan, Canada and the western US.

http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/116860713.html

Hotel Prank Calls Continue

Aloha Kakou:

Fortunately, these "pranks" haven't happened in Hawaii. But really, gas masks hidden behind the bathroom mirror? You have to wonder exactly how guests come to believe an anonymous caller who claims to be from the front desk.

http://www.hotel-online.com/News/PR2011_1st/Feb11_PrankCalls.html

Rising Cotton Prices May Mean Rate Increases

Aloha Kakou:

With the recent dramatic run-up in the price of commodities, can hotels maintain current rates as the price of basic elements like sheets and towels rises to record levels? Just another example of how interlinked we all are.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/41739087

State Predicts Strong Economic Recovery

Aloha Kakou:

This Hawaii Public Radio story regarding tourism and Hawaii's
recovery was broadcast today. Note the quote from Outrigger's Barry Wallace.

State Predicts Strong Economic Recovery

"Get Me Out Of Here!"

Aloha Kakou:

There's nothing like a little nationwide publicity for the state to help get heads in beds!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41630703/ns/travel-destination_travel/

Free Wi-fi, Discounted Rates To Attract 2011 Guests

Aloha Kakou:

In a recent TripAdvisor survey, 91% of hotels say they will offer complimentary wi-fi service in 2011. Over 60% of hotels are planning on using discounted rates to attract guests in 2011.

http://www.hotelsmag.com/MembersOnly/webNews/details.aspx?item=21784

Latest Maui Eldorado Listings

Aloha Kakou:

Here are the latest listings for sale at the Maui Eldorado.

Maui Eldorado Current Active Listings 2/15/2011

J-118 Studio $265,000 LH Jim Foster Chase N Rainbows 661-7994/ Cell 870-5858

K-215 Studio $315,000 LH Susan C DeLoria Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext 533/ Cell 250-5948

J-109 Studio $325,000 LH Nancy Montoya Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext.518/ 250-5073

E-205 Studio $338,000 LH Susan C DeLoria Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext 533/ Cell 250-5948

C-102 1B/1B $349,000 LH Betty Sakamoto Sakamoto Properties
669-0070 / Cell 870-7062

J-120 Studio $349,500 LH Anastasia Tagayuna Prudential Maui Realtors
661-5200 / Cell

D-206 1B/2B $349,500 LH Fred Haywood Realty
579-8848/ Cell 870-4904

K-110 Studio $350,000 LH Bud Kilmer Prudential Maui Realtors
661-5200/ Cell 280-0435

G-105 1B/2B $350,000 LH Susan C DeLoria Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext.533 / Cell 250-5948

I-201 1B/1B $358,000 LH Susan C DeLoria Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext 533/ Cell 250-5948

K-202 1B/2B $375,000 LH Thomas Brozozowski Roos Realty Inc.
667-9163/ Cell 280-0113

C-202 1B/1B $380,000 LH Derek Escalera Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext.229 / Cell 264-4617

A-210 Studio $350,000 LH Susan C DeLoria Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext.533 / Cell 250-5948

C-201 Studio $399,000 LH Joline Dorner Lowson and Associates
661-8771 / Cell 276-9015

B-103 1B/1B $412,500 LH Donna Nabavi Coldwell Banker
669-6565/ Cell 276-5230

K-100 2B/2B $570,000 LH Robert J. Cartwright Whalers Realty Inc.
661-8777 ext.222

K-213 2B/2B $625,000 LH Thomas Brozozowski Roos Realty Inc.
667-9163/ Cell 280-0113

I-204 2/2B $1,175,000 LH Casey Fukuda Sakamoto Properties Inc.
669-0070 / Cell 264-5362

December Occupancies Up At The Price Of Rate

Aloha Kakou:

December's statewide occupancies were higher than than those of 2009 but rates are still down.

Lowering rates attracted more guests in 2010 but those guests will be reluctant to return to the rates they paid in 2006 and 2007.

"The occupancy has returned to more normal levels, but the average rate is still down about 15 to 20 percent from the peak and costs have risen 5 to 10 percent," said David Carey, president and CEO of Outrigger Enterprises Group. "Hotels and their owners continue to be squeezed."

"We are still six years away from even achieving the profitability of 2006 and 2007," said Keith Vieira, senior vice president and director of operations for Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Hawaii and French Polynesia.

http://mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/546141/Deals-help-raise-2010-Maui-occupancy-rates.html?nav=10





http://www.staradvertiser.com/business/20110214_Hotels_ended_2010_with_higher_rates_occupancy.html

Travelers Planning, Despite Economy

Aloha Kakou:

In a poll by Travelocity, 35% of respondents said they would spend more money on travel in 2011 compared to 2010.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41459140/ns/travel-seasonal_travel/

American Express Promotion

Aloha Kakou:

Here is a sample of a mailer that we're sending to American Express cardholders in select markets. The mailer promotes Outrigger Maui Eldorado's one bedroom garden view units for certain low season dates in the spring and fall.

1Q1 Outrigger Palms and Eldorado_Final

Shhhh, Don't Tell The Front Desk

Aloha Kakou:

Seems a hotel in Norway has technology sufficient to allow guest stays without human intervention. While I'm not proposing we take it this far at the Outrigger Maui Eldorado, could this be the wave of the future, at least at business hotels?

http://www.tnooz.com/2011/01/26/news/behold-the-human-free-fully-automated-hotel-stay/

Tourism Up, Still Behind Banner Years

Aloha Kakou:

While 2010's visitor arrivals and spending topped that of 2009, those metrics were so low in 2009 that it seemed we had nowhere to go but up. And 2010's increases over 2009 were not significant.

Please see the comments below from some of Hawaii's leaders as quoted in today's Star Advertiser:

"2010 finished ahead of the prior year and ahead of our expectations, but you have to take into account that it's being measured against 2009, when we fell into a very deep hole," said Barry Wallace, vice president of hospitality services for Outrigger Enterprises.

Profitability for the hotel sector is at least another three to five years out, said Jerry Gibson, Hilton Hawaii's area vice president. "We are coming off of 2010 with higher occupancies, but rates are still about a decade behind where they need to be," Gibson said.

Rising oil prices, which are at $90 a barrel, also could play havoc with visitor industry profitability, said Jack Richards, president and chief executive officer for Pleasant Holidays LLC, Hawaii's largest wholesaler.

"It's the wild card," Richards said. "If consumers have to pay more for long-haul travel, hotels, wholesalers and other travel sellers will have to work harder to drive demand."

http://www.staradvertiser.com/business/20110127_hawaii_experiences_a_refreshing_turnaround_for_tourism.html

Wholesale Ad

Aloha Kakou:

This ad, which mentions our wholesale specials, was emailed to all of our wholesale partners in December.

or

Kamaaina Ad

Aloha Kakou:

Here's a copy of an email blast mentioning Outrigger Maui Eldorado to the Kamaaina market that we did in December.

Or 1

Dirtiest Hotels

Aloha Kakou:

Once again, TripAdvisor's presents it's annual list of dirtiest hotels in America. Considering the comments regarding this year's winners, it must take a huge effort to make this list!

http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/tripadvisor/42942/

ASU Listing

Aloha Kakou:

Outrigger Maui Eldorado is listed in the ASU, which is a travel guide for airline employees.

http://search.asu.com/lodging/engine/geosearch-results.php?ll=20.928770,-156.691475&city=Kaanapali%2C+HI&hotelname=&hotels=1&condos=1&resortCondos=1&BandB=1&date=01/23/2011&nights=1&adults=2&rooms=1&p=c&s=1&r=10.00

Bedbugs Grow Resistant To Pesticides

Aloha Kakou:

Bedbugs are becoming resistant to pesticides, according to this Wall Street Journal article. Fortunately, we have our mattress encasements to help us spot any bugs before they become a problem. I probably shouldn't say this but we have not had an incident of this kind in recent memory.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703951704576092302399464190.html

Maui Eldorado on Twitter

Aloha Kakou:

Two recent Twitter tweets regarding the Outrigger Maui Eldorado:

https://twitter.com/#!/search/%22Maui%20Eldorado%22

Transactions Up, Prices Down

Aloha Kakou:

Last year saw 321 more Maui condominium sales transactions than in 2009. The average transaction price for a condo in 2010 was $648, 043, down 10% from '09, while the media transaction was only $258,000, down 16% from '09.

http://mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/544972/-Prices-are-not-back--for-Maui-properties.html?nav=10

2011 Guest Climate

Aloha Kakou:

I found this article to be of interest regarding the guest climate for 2011. Not all is relevant to us but still an interesting treatise.

http://www.hotel-online.com/News/PR2011_1st/Jan11_SpeedBumps.html

Now Playing...Outrigger Maui Eldorado G105

Aloha Kakou:

I hope that you are so pleased with the way that your unit looks that you are thrilled when it appears on the web. You never know when and where photos of your condo will appear on the Internet.

http://travel.webshots.com/album/579441877IgrttU

United Vacations

Aloha Kakou:

Here's how the Outrigger Maui Eldorado appears on United Vacations' website. United Vacations is one of the larger Hawaii wholesale companies.

http://www.unitedvacations.com/planning/hotel.do?hotelId=OGG_ME_ME

Your Travel Site Review Comments Can Help

Aloha Kakou:

Please note this thread from Fodor's Travel website forum. A poster is asking where to stay in Maui and one of the responses is Outrigger Maui Eldorado. While I would like to respond offering our website and 800 number, these sites frown on self-promotion. Please feel free to add our contact information since there already is a contact for one of our competitors.

http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/mauai-in-may-2011-looking-for-your-advise.cfm

Their Truck Was Right There

Aloha Kakou:

Let's hope the plumbers who installed the new backflow diverter are better at plumbing than they are at spelling!