Eligible for a Military Discount on Hawaii? Beware.
 

We are eligible for a military discount and Outrigger offers them. I looked on the military section of their website and for a two bedroom Ocean Front condo at Lae Nani, the quote was $335 as compared to the rack rate of $370. On the Outrigger website however, the same accommodation type was $370 rack but $315 for the "best rate available" with no eligibility requirements. A discount isn't always a discount. I am holding the reservation at Lae Nani in case the rates go up. Its fully cancellable and if I find a better condo or rate, I am there.

It's a "normal" occurence that the best available rate is lower then senior, AAA, AARP, and maybe any other discount.

Was it the first time you've checked? Always click on everything, explore all possibilities.

A discount is always a discount. Just not always the best one!

Why don't you try the Hale Koa Hotel which is right on the beach at Waikiki?
It's a military hotel.

We are staying at the Hale Koa, we like it there but we are also going to stay on Kauai for 5 nights. I tend to "shop", so I do drill down to see what else is available for rates and I expected the military rate to be at least comparable with other discounted rates.

DAWN , PLEASE call Outrigger (1-800-outrigger) and check if there is an ENTERTAINMENT rate available at Lae nani on the days you want. You can buy the card after you check (on the internet, or at a local fund raiser)..WHEN they have the E card rates available, they are a full 50% lower than the rack rate. When we went last summer (2004) we paid far less than $200/night for a two bedroom condo--can't recall the exact rate. However, these rates are not always available. When i looked just now, the "best value" rate was $219/night for 2 br ocean front. Are you goijng in a high season time?

Another option for military visitors on Kaua`i, are the cottages at PMRF:
http://www.greatlifehawaii.com/docs/PMRF_FAQs.pdf

We are going mid August which I think is the high season. I got a rate of $315 but a 50% off rack rate would definately be better. I did see Lae Nani in the 2005 book but I haven't picked up the 2006 book yet. It usually depends upon the rate of occupancy at the time. I will definately try however.
Auntiemaria, We have friends that have stayed at Barking Sands and they love it. My husband is concerned however that it is not very centrally located and that it will be too hot. For the price I would be willing to "sacrifice". They are right on the beach and the bedrooms are air conditioned. Any opinions on that property in August? I also know that they are hard to get and we wouldn't be able to book until 4 months from our vacation so we would need a "back up plan" anyway.

I believe that Military Rates and Senior Rates are made to look like they are offering it as a special "public service". What they are really doing is trying to make it appear that you are getting a special deal because of your military service or age. They are just trying to get you in the door and get your money before you go somewhere else. Its sort of like car dealerships advertising a special huge discount sale on new cars with a scratch or something on it. People go to the dealer thinking they will get a great deal but the car would end up costing about the same amount anyway. And they got you to buy Now and from Them.