Tourism, The Economy, and Negotiating a Good Deal

CNN reported it as "Black Monday"; the worst stock crash since 9/11. It's unfortunate for every American financially (because I'll bet I've lost money in my 401k and any other investment I have out there). But I remain optimistic.

I'm very fortunate and thank god everyday. I have a stable job and work in a stable industry. I have a home that has not been ravaged by Hurricanes or any other natural disaster. And I even get to marry the girl of my dreams next July in Hawaii.

And so the topic of this post is to talk about living the good life... except without having to spend that money to do so. It sucks, we live in a shaky economy where daily necessities to luxury items are exorbitant. However, this is the optimal market for the buyer / consumer! Americans are forgetting a great freedom that's actually used by every other country worldwide, the freedom of NEGOTIATION!

I'd like to focus primarily on the Travel Industry. According to a recent New York Times article:

...Business in particular areas — like Maui in Hawaii, which is almost entirely dependent on air travel — has "already fallen off a cliff," said John Arabia, an analyst for Green Street Advisors, a real estate research and consulting firm in Newport Beach, Calif. Occupancy at the island's hotels has dropped to 63 percent from 85 percent last year, according to Hospitality Advisors, a research firm in Honolulu. One reason was the demise of two airlines serving Maui, Aloha and ATA, this spring.

In the next few months, I will be searching for the best deals for places to stay, plane tickets and travel arrangements for my family and I. This statistic is tragic for the travel industry, but great for us. I've recently received an email newsletter from Hawaiian Airlines offering round trip flights from the Mainland to Honolulu for $370! Yes, ROUND TRIP. That's spectacular.

Checkout the Autumn Offer Here:
http://www.hawaiianair.com/SpecialOffers/Pages/colors-of-hawaii-autumn.aspx

As I prepare arrangements, I'll keep updated on the blog of any special deals and any other negotiations I can come up with. And even though the economy really sucks right now, consumers have the ball in their court. Go out and negotiate today (William Shatner Priceline Commercial reference)!

Wedding Plans (Chapter 1): Planning Begins

After a lovely vacation in May 2008, Lisa and I have since returned from Hawaii to resume our regularly normal lives back in Phoenix. We have planned to keep announcements about the wedding unofficial, just until we square down a contract and specific date.

Our top choices for locations were to have it in her hometown of Tempe, San Diego, Cabo San Lucas, or Hawaii. For Cabo San Lucas, we decided to eliminate it since passports for our guests would be an issue, and as well as we did not really have any wedding type connections in Mexico. San Diego was also another good idea but we did not know anyone there either. In Tempe, we visited a few places that took care of the whole ceremony and reception package. Lastly, we investigated a few places in Hawaii and found one in particular to our liking called "Turtle Bay Resort" on Oahu's North Shore.

If we were to have it in Tempe, our wedding (out-of-pocket) costs would be significantly higher due to a higher head count (80+ people). This is in comparison to having a smaller destination wedding in Hawaii (40 people and a few thousand dollars cheaper). Hawaii is currently our number one pick and we are probably going to have it here (still unofficial).

We have a deadline to make July 30th, in which we are to sign off to a contract at Turtle Bay Resort. Although, we are fortunate to have assistance from our families, I still believe I have every right to negotiate and obtain the best value for this wedding. Having come from a business oriented background professionally, I have a tremendous issue of paying for this service without the ability to negotiate for the best price and value.

Needless to say, it's certainly one of the cheapest deals around, it's a premiere location on Hawaii, a majority of the planning is being taken care of, and this is to be a very memorable day for both of us. I comprehend that and my willingness to negotiate doesn't make feel any less of the product we are paying for.

If I were to pay for the price sum they are asking for, I feel it would be a better value to simply have a complimentary room for the Bride/Groom for the weekend. That's what I want out of this deal, and if I can squeeze in a round of golf for our groom/bride party, that would be even better.

In our current 2008 economy, leisure travel has been down and thus effecting the hotel industry significantly. I have a colleague in the Hotel industry run the numbers for Hawaii (Oahu) and found that to be true statistically. To make up for lost revenue, Hawaii hotels trend to increase the pricing per night. In Oahu, $175/night is the average price to stay.

I can only imagine the margin made off the catering department for the price we are going to pay. Especially in this hurting economy, I'm sure these resorts and hotels can sure use the revenue. Asking for a complimentary room for the bride/groom to use for the wedding night isn't a whole lot to ask. The worst they can say is "no", right?

For more information about our potential wedding hotspot visit:
http://www.turtlebayresort.com/

Hawaii 2008: I stopped counting days - Kauai

The next half of the week is spent in Hawaii's most northern island - Kauai. It's known as the Garden Island, as it's lush and green all over. My family stayed in Poipu on the most souther tip of the island. It's less touristy and defintely an Island you want to visit to just get away from it all.



Although, the southern tip of the island is inhabited by big name hotels and condos, you don't really get the feeling of being a tourist. Dining was okay. Our first experience was at Poipu Burger - and it was horrible service and horrible burgers all around. A mentionable place was Puka Dog - known for it's Hawaiian version of the hot dog. I highly recommend this place - but don't forget to bring the pepto for the less tolerant.



Other commendable places were the beaches around the island. Although a smaller island, the travel time is somewhat difficult and grueling as Kauai lacks a freeway system and is limited to windy roads. We were able to travel counter-clockwise around the island to the very north west corner past Princeville to a place called Hanalei. The beaches there were perfect for snorkeling. We were able to see a few sea turtles and a lot of fish.

Back to the south of the Island, Poipu beach park was a safe place to snorkel as well. A lot of fish life and coral. One of the days, we were able to buy fish food. Caution, as the fish food attracted a treamendous amount of fish. They would swarm around you and it was a little overwhelming at first.



Kauai was a great place to relax. There was also a canyon more inland to do more outdoor recreational activities. We did not participate in the inland activities - being from Arizona, we already had a canyon. Other mentionable places was Kauai Coffee Plantation. Lots of free coffee samples too!



Finally, our one week Hawaii tour came to an end. We took the 30 minute short flight back to Oahu to transfer to a bigger plane for the mainland. Unfortunately, the plane was delayed a few hours. Hawaiian Airlines was nice enough to accomodate us with meal tickets. We took the several hours to rent a car and drove to Honolulu/Waikiki to shop. Finally, we made our flight and arrived back to Arizona around 6AM (3 hour time delay).

Hawaii 2008: Day 3-4 Oahu Stuff

Hawaiian Coffee Plantation (located at the Ala Moana - Westin Waikiki):
Probably the best coffee I've ever had. Having some of this actually questioned my actual taste for Starbucks. My recommendation try the Mocha blended drink which has a bit of gelato in it. Tasty!



Night Life:
Apparently, Honolulu/Waikiki has a night life but defintely not on a Sunday night when we were there. After the proposal, Lisa and I trekked back to the hotel, showed and changed and went out to what seemed the only bar open that night, the Yardhouse.

Circle Hotel:
Apparently, the Circle Hotel is one of the oldest hotels on the Waikiki strip. We decided to stay one night after having a few at the Yardhouse. Although today, it is now one of the smaller hotels there shadowed by parking structures and other hotels. Great service though provided by Steve. Thanks Steve!

Fine Dining:
Aracino Italian Pasta and Pizza located on Beach Walk Avenue in Waikiki offers a great italian feel even in the islands. We had a great lunch the morning after.


Hiking at Diamondhead:
Defintely not for the faint of heart, nor anyone without at least a bottle of water. Located on the southeast end of the island next to Waikiki, Diamondhead Crater is ... well, a big crater. After a very hot hike up to the very top, the views are breath taking. I would bring a couple bottles of water. And I wouldn't bring your kids or senior citizens (LOL).

Kailua Beach:
Rated one of the top beaches in the world, Kailua Beach stood by it's claim to fame. One thing I even noticed was that the sand was so fine, not like the ones in Waikiki. Swimming and kyaking were big activities there. There was a small island 1/2 a mile away from the shore in which we swam/snorkled to. Overall, I wish I had more time at Kailua. In the town of Kailua, we ate some of the local lunch areas and had an Acai smoothie for the ride home.

Hawaii 2008: Day 2 - the Proposal

LOST:
Lisa and I are die hard Lost fans. In fact, last time I was in Hawaii, my sister and I were able to sneak onto a few Lost filming locations located in North Shore. According to www.lostvirtualtour.com, there was a privately owned beach in Haleiwa where the Survivors camp was located.



After Lisa declined my idea of eating out at Banzai Sushi (located in North Shore town of Haleiwa), I had to think fast.

LISA AND I, and the PLAN:
Well, just so we're on the same page, I've been planning for months to propose to my girlfriend of five years. Lisa and I were college sweethearts, as we met through fraternity and sorority functions at the University of Arizona. Back then, I was in charge of sorority relations and led our pledges to serenade her sorority. Lisa has also known me as everything musical and so I wanted to incorporate that part of my life in the moment.



My original idea was to visit Banzai Sushi where there was a little stage in the patio dining area where musicians would often play. I would excuse myself and reappear a few minutes later where, accompanied with a guitar at hand, sing the song Adam Sandler sang to Drew Barrymore in the movie, "the Wedding Singer." I even practiced the song flawlessly for weeks.

Well, now that Lisa declined my inviation to the Banzai, I thought fast and asked her if she wanted to visit the area of where Lost was filmed (which by the way is private property - enter at your own risk). This would be the setting for a romantic view of the sunset.

PROPOSAL:
We proceeded to park at the Haleiwa beach park, and snuck past the obvious signs of "private property." We finally stopped at a place called Puena Point. After a few minutes of what stalling, and what can be described sweating excessively, I whipped out my guitar (which I happened to have in the car), and sang the song "Grow Old With You." Which by the way, I was so nervous, i completely forgot the lyrics, almost. After the song, I got on one knee and asked her to marry me.

Hawaii 2008: Day 2 - Back to Haleiwa

AROUND OAHU:
After a great morning in Waikiki, Lisa and I trek it back to the North Shore. We headed up the Pali Tunnel (which cuts right through a series of mountains) and headed up east of the island down the 83 Kam Highway. Along the route, we were able to pass by some great locations like the China Man Hat, and Kauloa Ranch (site where many movies and tv shows were filmed - I'll get to that later).

Last year, we were able to stay at a house located on Waimea Bay. During that time, we caught the time of year when the waves on the North Shore were most calm. We were able to snorkle in the clamness of the bay. We've heard stories of the exclusiveness of surf season, and when we visited this May, we knew why.




The waves this time around were crashing like no other and snorkeling visability was not very clear. Nonetheless, the north shore was still a beautiful place. We stayed for an hour or so soaking up the sun.

At this time, it's getting near sunset. I've planned to end the day with a nice dinner at a nice little Sushi place in the town of Haleiwa called Bonzai Sushi. We were able to eat there last year in August and so I asked Lisa if she felt like going. She said she did not want to go to the restaurant on account it was "hippyish." Little did she know, this would foil my plans for her next!!!!

Hawaii 2008: Day 2 - Surfs UP

BREAKFAST: Woke up bright and early Sunday morning refreshed and ready to go. My parents, Lisa and I ate breakfast on Ford Island (near Pearl Harbor) at this Cafe in the Pearl Harbor Museum: spam, eggs, rice - Hawaiian Breakfast!

SURFS UP: Lisa and I are determined to get surfing lessons and drive over to Waikiki and met a surfing instructor trying to solicit us a lesson - Uncle Gil. We signed up at a beach side surfing lesson booth for $35/person for 1.5 hour lesson. Lisa really killed it on the waves. I had about 4 out of 10 waves I actually caught. Overall fun, but very exhausting when paddling out.

Hawaii 2008: Day 1 - Dead on Arrival

After being prepared to leave on time, we call PHOENIX's Discount Cab 2.5 hours before departure. They are NO show, and it's 1.5 hour before we are set to depart. Typically, you want to be at the aiport by that time. What a way to start off the vacation, thinking we're going to miss our flight. After calling 4x's and getting disconnected 4x's seeing the status of our taxi, my parents drive and we park at the temporary parking at the airport. It's about 45 minutes before departure. Regardless, we make in just in the neck of time, and arrive on Saturday afternoon in Oahu, Hawaii.

After getting the rental car and checking into the hotel, we proceed to eat at a local Filipino cafeteria establishment called Filipino Express located in Waipahu, Oahu. At that time, it is already 3-4PM in the afternoon, and flies are swarming around the food (Food Health code anyone?). Despite them not having any LUMPIA or PANSETTE (your typical filipino food), we eat anyway the 'few-hours old' left-over cafeteria style filipino food. The food is nothing short of spectacular.

We get back to the hotel and unpack, and pretty much sleep until the next morning. Remember we are 3 hours behind Phoenix time so we are all exhausted and dead tired. Lisa and I originally wanted to go out Saturday night to Waikiki. Oh well.