Current Strike Situation in Oahu Hotels
You may have heard that there are strikes happening in hotels in parts of Oahu right now.
Here’s a brief overview of what’s happening right now.
As of October 17, 2024, a significant strike is affecting several hotels on Oahu, prominently including the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort—the largest in Hawaii.
This strike, which has been ongoing for more than two weeks, focuses on demands for higher wages, better staffing, and improved working conditions.
Seven Waikiki hotels have also had workers authorize strikes. In total, affected hotels include:
- Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort;
- Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa;
And possibly
- Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa;
- Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa;
- The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort;
- Sheraton Princess Kaiulani;
- Sheraton Waikiki;
Impact of the Strike on Hotel Operations and Guests:
• Service Disruption: The ongoing strike has led to severe disruptions in daily operations. At the Hilton Hawaiian Village, for example, amenities like pool bars and many restaurants are shut.
There are also reports of trash and wet towels accumulating in hallways. Basic supplies like toilet paper, towels, and clean linens are hard to get ahold of. All of this is contributing to a stressful and tense environment for guests.
Hotels are NOT notifying guests of the strike. They are on-site from early in the morning until late at night. They block traffic so it’s hard to get in and out of the hotel, and chant through megaphones.
Reservations and Refunds
• Booking Status: Despite the strike, the Hilton Hawaiian Village continues to take reservations. This in spite of the fact that the guest experience during this period is affected by the limited service availability.
• Refund Policies: The specific policies regarding refunds for pre-booked stays during the strike are not entirely clear. Guests need to address these concerns on an individual basis, dependent on each hotel’s policies and the terms of their bookings.
This strike is a part of broader labour actions across the U.S. Hotel workers are pushing for better labour conditions and benefits within the hospitality industry.
What to Do?
Anyone planning a trip to Oahu or with reservations during this period should contact their hotels directly. Verify the status of services and discuss potential options for refunds or changes to bookings.
Be sure to have all conditions spelled out, and read all small print carefully.
Alternatives to Waikiki Hotels
An excellent option to putting your vacation in jeopardy is to stay in vacations rentals instead. I always recommend that friends stay in Kailua when they come to visit.
Kailua is a pretty beach town, very walkable, with 2 beaches and everything you need for an incredible stay. The restaurants are varied and excellent, there are several hikes right in the area.
And there are a lot of little shops and boutiques in town, for your own shopping pleasure and to pick ideal island souvenirs for people back home. It’s also very easy to access the different routes to top island attractions.
More to Do on Oahu
One of my favourite island activities is snorkelling, and there are some incredible spots on Oahu! I also recommend that you set aside a day to explore Waimea Valley and take a few waterfall hikes. The natural beauty around the island is just staggering!
Hele hauʻoli! (Happy travels!)
Keep reading:
🏄🏻♂️ 57 Best Things to Do in Oahu in 2024
🤿 Best Private Tour in Oahu Hawaii: Customized for You
🌴 9 Oahu Botanical Gardens that Prove Paradise Can Get Even More Beautiful
🍱 19 Cheap Eats in Oahu: Eat Well Without Breaking the Bank
