Hawaii - When should I book hotels (big island, April)

Are there better / worse times (read: promotions / expensive times) to book hotels on the big island for an April visit?
Also, we plan on driving to the National Park and seems like staying somewhere close would make sense - any recommendations?

Unless you're looking at advance purchase/non-refundable, I'd book now as you can always cancel and rebook if prices go down. just check periodically.

I've always stayed in Waikoloa and made a long day out of a trip to VNP, so I've never stayed in the area. I'm pretty sure there are many fewer options on the east side.

Unless you're looking at advance purchase/non-refundable, I'd book now as you can always cancel and rebook if prices go down. just check periodically.


That is a great idea. I do that frequently with hotels. I have two stays in HI in June at Aston properties. I booked 11 months in advance, but have lowered the rate on each of the stays. It can be a hassle to check the sites frequently, but that is the best option financially.

I'll grab something and keep on checking.

We just came back from two weeks in Hawaii and spent one week on the Big Island.

On the Hilo side of the island, your hotel options are much more limited. No major chains on that side. We did want to spend a few days on the east side to do Volcano National Park, Mauna Kea and Waipo Valley... so I booked three nights via Priceline. Ended out getting the Hilo Seaside for approximately $35 a night. Nothing fancy by any means, but it met our needs since we were usually out by 7 am and did not get back until after dark.

To me, it makes for a very long day if you have to do the long trek from the Kona/Waikoloa area to Volcano National Park. I would much rather spend that time exploring vs driving to get there.

...Ended out getting the Hilo Seaside ....

My condolences. :D

The Castle Hilo Hawaiian is as downmarket as I dare. Priceline rates them two stars, which I think is a bit conservative (especially given their star inflation at times). They do have a nice seafood buffet. I love arguing with giant crab legs and winning.

I know.... but hey, when you only need a place to sleep... it worked.

Only downside for us was that they were fully booked... so we got a room with two beds instead of one king... but since were were only in the room an average of 7 hours a night... it was survivable.... barely.... :)

My condolences. :D

We'll be there March/April.. I haven't booked any accomodations yet.. although I did carry a reservation at the new Disney Aulani hotel for a week and a half, and decided to cancel it.. no penalty no harm..

On the cusp of booking something on Lanai, pending Oahu reservations.. depending, we may jump to the Big Island, as I can get an Ocean Front Suite at Fairmont Orchid.. and/or trek to Maui and stay at the Fairmont there..

Will be there three weeks..

Me, I book as soon as we decide to go on vacation somewhere. Usually a year in advance. That said, you shouldn't have a problem getting a room but the rate might not be the best. FYI, if you are going during school vacation week, you may have a problem.

Personally, we book when we have funds available... So I booked our June of 2012 vacation back in August....

But keep in mind to keep checking prices. My wife and I book through Costco and we booked Maui for June of 2012. I checked the package last week and it had dropped $1,200 in price and they included access to the spa for two every day (this is at the Hyatt in Maui).

I called them up and rebooked the package at the cheaper price and to include the spa access. They did charge a $75 rebooking fee, but well worth the savings and included spa package.

So for me, I book when as early as I can, but make sure that if prices change, you can rebook without penalty. That $75 dollar rebooking fee gave us enough money back to cover the two weeks of eating out and more.

As a further note, usually I book ahead.. but this year I haven't yet..

Once we get some accomodations in Oahu, I'll book the next island.. once finalized, I'll book the next..

I have booked right off the bat before.. but I knew where I was going, and wanted to be there..

Priceline works well in the islands! Now!