8 local resorts with kama‘āina discounts

A perk of living in a tourist destination—beyond the pristine white-sand beaches, picturesque hiking trails, and well-manicured parks—is being a stone’s throw from some of the country’s best resorts. And in Hawai‘i, these resorts aren’t just for tourists.

Many roll out the welcome mat to locals who want to celebrate a birthday at a hotel restaurant, lounge by the pool, enjoy a hula performance, or indulge in a fun-filled weekend staycation. Here are 8 Hawai‘i resorts where kama‘āina get special rates on rooms, activities, and services.

The expansive 62-acre, 647-room Hilton Waikoloa Village is a family-friendly favorite known for its playful dolphins, saltwater lagoon, and multifaceted pools. Visitors can purchase a resort day pass and spend the afternoon gliding down a 175-foot waterslide, floating on the lazy river, or relaxing in the hot tub.

The Kona Pool, the island’s largest, also features a rope bridge and a sandy children’s beach. If you just want to chill with a fruity cocktail, the Ocean Tower has an adults-only pool.

Wi-Fi is complimentary, and kayaks, pedal boats, and water trikes are available for rent. Passes are first-come, first-serve; each allows access from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kamaʻāina spa and pool pass: Adults, $65; children 5–12, $40; kids 4 and under, free. Parking is free with food and beverage purchases of at least $50.

Make it a staycation: Hilton Waikoloa Village’s Kamaaina Extra Special Offer includes reduced room rates, free self-parking for one car, and a reduced daily resort fee of $15 (it’s usually $45).

Listen to music and watch hula performances at Twilight, a popular monthly event at the AAA Four Diamond Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection.

This beloved community gathering started in the 1970s, when Daniel “Kaniela” Kahikina Akaka Jr., then a Hawaiian studies program student at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, first visited Kalāhuipua‘a, a sacred site that’s home to six ancient royal fishponds, as well as petroglyphs and lava tubes.

Akaka spent the evenings with his classmates talking story, dancing hula, and playing music on the porch of the site’s Eva Parker Woods Cottage. Nearly 30 years later, Uncle Danny, now a historian and ambassador at Mauna Lani, continues to host a monthly event on the Saturday closest to a full moon.

Residents and hotel guests bring lawn chairs and picnic baskets and settle on the lawn in front of the cottage to watch local musicians and hula dancers perform from 5 to 8 p.m. Free, includes resort parking.

Make it a staycation: In addition to discounted kamaʻāina rates (prices vary; averages around $449 per night), locals receive complimentary parking, have their resort fee waived, and get 15% off dining, spa treatments, and purchases at the on-site retail stores.

Zen out at the Outrigger Kauai Beach Resort & Spa with a spa pass that includes access to the steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, relaxation lounge, spa garden, and changing room. Afterward, explore the property’s lush tropical grounds and stroll along the powdery beach.

Cap the evening listening to live entertainment while enjoying dinner at Shutters Lounge Bar. Adults only, $100. Free valet parking with restaurant validation.

Make it a staycation: Kamaʻāina specials start at $209 per night, with 50% off parking for one car (self-parking base rate is $29 per night) and no resort fee.

Steps from Wailea’s pristine Polo Beach, the AAA Four Diamond Fairmont Kea Lani is Hawai‘i’s only hotel to feature all suites and villas—413 one-bedroom suites and 37 two-story villas.

Visitors can purchase a day pass to the luxury oasis, home to two lagoon-style pools connected by a 140-foot slide, two hot tubs, a keiki splash pool, a swim-up bar, and a basketball hoop. To escape the bustle, head to the adults-only serenity pool and hot tub.

While at the resort, you can see rare artifacts and learn about Hawaiian culture with lessons in hula, ‘ukulele, and the Hawaiian language at the new Hale Kukuna, an open-air cultural center that doubles as the Fairmont’s lobby. Be sure to stay for the nightly torch-lighting ceremony, the blowing of the conch shell, and an oli, then toast the sunset with a cocktail at the adjacent Kō restaurant.

Day passes allow pool access from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and include complimentary sunscreen and aloe; free Wi-Fi; and free parking. Adults, $80; children 6–17, $50; children 5 and under are free.

Make it a staycation: Fairmont Kea Lani offers 25% discounts at all its dining venues and 10% discounts on spa treatments. During select events, such as the annual Gathering of the Voyagers, the resort offers special weekend kamaʻāina rates.

The aptly named Heavenly by Westin Spa Pass at the AAA Four Diamond Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kā‘anapali offers folks a welcoming glass of champagne and access to the splash pool that overlooks the ocean, the relaxation lounge, the locker rooms, and the fitness center. After working out a sweat on the elliptical machine, cool down with complimentary citrus-infused water or tea.

Additionally, the resort recently partnered with on-site Aloha Fitness Maui, where fitness buffs can sign up for an oceanfront fitness circuit on pristine Kāʻanapali Beach or work on their glutes and core with an experienced trainer.

Complete the wellness day at the hotel by adding a Heavenly Massage or a deep-tissue treatment. Heavenly by Westin Spa Pass includes valet parking for one vehicle. Adults 18 and above, $129; kama‘āina receive 15% off spa treatments.

Make it a staycation: Stay at one of the resort’s newly renovated towers: the 217-room Hōkūpaʻa Tower or the redesigned Kūkahi Tower. Kama‘āina receive 20% off the Wailele lū‘au, 10% off at dining outlets, and, through December 19, 2024, up to 50% off room rates.

The retro-chic 368-room Romer Waikīkī at the Ambassador recently launched a Neighborhood Pass for its Waikīkī Swim & Social Club. The highly Instagrammable pool deck sports candy-striped cabanas, colorful umbrellas, and eye-catching bean bags. Perks include hourly face mists, sunglasses cleanings, cold towels, cold water shots, sunset viewing, and reminders to slather on your sunscreen.

Lounge by the pool with a book. Nosh on lap cheong avocado toast or a smashburger. Or take a dip in the water to cool off from the heat. Throughout the year, the Waikīkī Swim & Social Club hosts fitness pop-ups and poolside astrology readings, and DJs spin the latest tunes on Fridays and Saturdays. Free for kama’āina (parking included), with a $50 per person minimum spend on food or beverage.

Make it a staycation: Hawai‘i residents receive 30% off nightly rates and free daily parking, and pay no resort fee.

Hawai‘i residents can get in shape at the new 839-room ‘Alohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach’s oceanfront wellness center, Fit Waikīkī, which has state-of-the-art cardio machines, exercise bikes, strength-training equipment, and free weights.

Members have access to a yoga studio with mats and exercise balls, as well as the rooftop tennis court and group classes that range from yoga to Pilates to kettlebell kickboxing. A personal trainer is on hand to help with your goal assessments.

The 24/7 fitness center is stocked with complimentary towels and eucalyptus towels. For an additional fee, members can add lap-pool access and an assigned locker. Membership is $120 per month with a 12-month commitment and includes 3-hour parking. Personal locker is $20 per month.

Make it a staycation: Residents have their resort fee waived and receive complimentary self-parking, complimentary rentals at Beach Candy Waikiki, an 11 a.m. early check-in, and a 3 p.m. late checkout.

The 112-room boutique Surfjack Hotel’s iconic pool doubles as a piece of artwork, with “Wish You Were Here!” painted on the pool’s floor by artist Matt Tapia. It’s been a popular gathering place for locals since the hotel’s 2016 opening.

Throughout the year, the hotel hosts events including summer pool parties, movie nights, and dance parties. Every Friday from 8 to 11 p.m., you can enjoy DJs, cocktails, and bar bites from Mahina & Sun’s. Pool events are free, and validated parking is $8 for 4 hours at Hyatt Centric Garage.

Make it a staycation: The Surfjack offers special kamaʻāina and military rates that include off-site overnight parking for $10 per day and waived amenity fees. The best part? Dogs of any size stay for free, so you can vacation with your best bud.

Rachel Ng is an award-winning travel and food writer based in Volcano. She is a co-author of National Geographic’s Great Outdoors U.S.A.