matnikstym

I live in Hawaii and we have 2 rates at most hotels and attractions. The "kamaaina" or local rate and the tourist rate. Being a "kamaaina" i can book these hotels or activities at usually 50% less than what you would pay. I think it is set up so that we can get out and enjoy the "tourist traps" once in awhile.
Dennis

thit_cho

That's great Dennis. I wish it were the case, then, that when you came to NY you paid twice as much as I did for a hotel room. Fair is fair. Somehow, though, I think many would find that offensive.

matnikstym

I agree thit-cho, didn't say it was right, just that we have it here and I fully take advantage of it. in theory, new york, london, paris or wherever would have 1/2 price for the "locals" and I as a tourist to these places would pay the "normal" rate, not pay double.
Dennis

thit_cho

I don't see it happening in NY, but its nice that you're able to take advantage in Hawaii. Is that generally available in all hotels? I've been to Hawaii twice, sadly though on business, but I was able to extend one trip to visit the big island and Volcanoes National Park. In Honolulu, we stayed at the Kahala Mandarin, which I still remember as having the most comfortable bed ever, though it may have been the jetlag. One of the great frequent flyer bargains is that its only 35k miles from NY to Honolulu, but those tickets are very difficult to secure, but I would like to get back to the other islands (I've only been to Oahu and Hawaii, so I have plenty more to see).

matnikstym

thit-cho, yes almost all hotels have this discount as do all attractions, some rental car companies and shops. Doesn't work in the grocery stores though unfortunately, as a gallon of milk here is around $6.00 and a box of Cheerios about the same. I live on the big island, roughly 7 miles from the lava flow as the crow flies, an awesome sight to see! hope you enjoyed your stay here, if you ever come back, i'll book your hotel for you and you can enjoy my discount

DJE

thit_cho, You stayed at a great place on Oahu. I've stayed at the Kahala Mandarin as well and thought it was in a very good location on the other side of Diamond Head. A much quieter area.

matnikstym, I've known about the Kamaaina rate in Hawaii for quite some time as I have a friend who uses it regularly when visiting the islands. She happens to have a Hawaii drivers license, so qualifies.
I've visited the Big Island 3 times and find it the most interesting Island with great diversity in geography. The one thing I haven't done is get all the way up to see the giant telescope and view the stars. Will hopefully do this next time I visit.

sandi

When we recently did our "fly" safari, our two private charters were based on number of pax and so the size of the plane with a fixed price. We divided the price between 2 pax. On the scheduled flights, there is a fixed per pax price, but the plane is provided based on the total number of pax reserved for the given route. If there are 35 pax, then a larger plane is used, if 10 pax a smaller piece of equipment.

The single supplement is certainly unfair, but if applied properly should only include the difference for the room only (nothing to do with food, staffing, etc.) Maybe CCA doesn't charge a single supplement, but one has to admit that their prices are high from the get-go!

I just checked one property - Cottar's which charges at rack rate (no one in their right mind should every pay rack) for sharing $595/person - the single rack rate is $695. Easy math only $100 additional. Or Little Governor's at $300/person sharing - the single is $405. Easy math - $105. I'm sure depending on the property the numbers overall aren't going to be that much different, though some may. If too high, just choose another property or get some friends/buddies.

I have no problem with a two-tiered pricing system especially in other than first-world countries. Otherwise, the majority of residents wouldn't be able to afford just the park entry fees. You'll find two-tiered pricing throughout Central and South America and I have seen it in most every country in Africa.

However, in a country such as South Africa where there are many wealthy residents - makes no sense especially if they're flying in on private charter (mentioned above). Certainly the low and middle-class wouldn't under any circumstances be able to afford the high-end properties so that's not even at issue, but for those who can, I don't believe any discount should be applied; many are likely as financially secured as other westerners if not more so.

My two-cents.

thit_cho

Wow, with milk at $6.00/gallon, no wonder they give you a break on hotels.

What does gas go for? In NY, its just shy of $3.00/gallon.

I stayed at Volcanoes House in the national park, and had a room with a crater view. It was great but since I added trip to end of business trip, I didn't bring my camera since I didn't think I'd get to add on the weekend visit to Volcanoes NP, so I need to get back b/c the photo opportunities are incredible. I did get to take the helicopter tour (w/Blue Hawaii) and it was great!!

Michael

Nyamera

Like Sandi I have no problem with a two-tiered pricing system in national parks. In Kenya non-residents pay $ 30 for category A parks, residents pay Ksh 500 and citizens Ksh 100. The only thing that irritates me is that overpaid ex-pats that I already envy for living in Kenya get such a huge discount. Residents discount for top-end accommodation is an entirely different matter. On budget accommodation there’s usually one price for all. $ 100 a month is a normal salary for a Kenyan teacher. Even if a mid-range lodge/camp charges a resident 1 ½ teacher’s salary per night instead of 2, no normal Kenyan is going to stay there.

The residents discount compensating for the inconveniences of living on an island far away from the mainland is practised on the Canary Islands as well. I once flew from Tenerife to Málaga under false name because of it. The Canarian resident I was travelling with insisted on making another resident get a ticket for me in this person’s name – and my protests were very mild. My friend checked in and I ran to gate with the carry-on luggage under the excuse that we were late. This was before 9/11, but my friend’s ID was checked anyway.

Last year I ended up in Mombasa without having planned for it. I was staying in town, but, as I was on the coast, I wanted a couple of nights on the beach. At a travel agent I asked if there were any reasonably priced beach hotels. Everything was expensive but they said it would be easy to pass me off as a Kenyan. When I asked if I wasn’t too pale I was told I looked like a white Kenyan. Must be because of my sun damaged skin. Again my protests were mild… They checked the residents rates, but the difference wasn’t that big. I ended up staying at a nice place 200 metres from the beach.