Hawaii hotel occupancy 70.6%

Hawaii hotel occupancy 70.6%

Oahu and Maui hotels remained roughly three-quarters full last week, but the statewide occupancy rate of 70.6 percent reflected the Big Island joining Kauai in the 50 percent to 60 percent range.

For the period May 1-7, Hospitality Advisors LLC reported Friday, occupancy statewide was 2.3 percentage points better than the same time last year, and room rates were up more than 4 percent.

But it was really two stories, with Kauai and the Big Island significantly less full than Maui and Oahu and far below their own performances a year ago. Around the islands:

* Oahu: 77.1 percent, up 16.3 points. Average room rate: $141.05, up 7 percent.
* Maui: 72.1 percent, down 7.3 points. Average room rate: $188.95, up 2.4 percent.
* Kauai: 58.4 percent, down 19.9 points. Average room rate: $184.37, up 6.3 percent.
* Big Island: 53.2 percent, down 11.9 points. Average room rate: $153.28, up 9.2 percent.

National hotel occupancy in the same May 1-7 period was 61.5 percent, up 1.2 points from the comparable week a year ago. Average room rate nationwide was $90.37, up 5.5 percent, Smith Travel Research LLC reported. Points of comparison:

* Los Angeles: 69 percent, up 1 points. Average room rate: $100.89, up 7 percent.
* Orlando: 66.7 percent, up 5.7 points. Average room rate: $94.90, up 2.4 percent.
* San Diego: 69.6 percent, up 5.6 points. Average room rate: $114.70, up 5.6 percent.