November 5, 2023 - Anyone ever get a fortune cookie that said "Crisis Equals Opportunity?" In the aftermath of a disaster, there is always someone who makes out like a bandit. According to Hawaii Tourism Authority, for the month of September 2023, hotels in the Lahaina/Kā‘anapali/Kapalua region had Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) of $354 (+9.1% vs. 2022, +78.6% vs. 2019), Average Daily Rate (ADR) at $535 (+14.2% vs. 2022, +93.6% vs. 2019), with the occupants almost exclusively displaced Lahaina residents impacted by the fires and relief workers. These numbers were the highest in the entire state, with the next highest RevPAR $322 and ADR $398 in Kauai. When the government is paying, and there is no competitive bidding, things can get a little bit crazy.

Meanwhile, the period of super cheap rentacars in Maui may be coming to an end. Sizable portions of the rental fleets have been shipped off island, and rates are staging a recovery. 

This week's lowest advertised car rental rate for a one week rental starting Monday 11/5, from Maui's Kahului Airport (OGG), is up from the previous week.

Off-airport (with shuttle) $191. 37

Airport Rentacar Center $327.82

Source: rentalcars.com