What Are Kama’aina Discounts & How Do I Get One?

If you’re new to Hawaii, you may hear the terms malihini (newcomer) and kamaʻāina (local resident).

One of the perks of becoming a resident is access to kamaʻāina discounts—special pricing offered to Hawaii residents on activities, hotels, and more. In this blog post, we’ll explain what kamaʻāina discounts are, who qualifies, and how to take advantage of them.

What Does “Kamaʻāina” Mean?

You may have heard the phrase “kama’aina discount.” In Hawaii, “kamaʻāina” refers to a local resident—someone who lives in the islands and has established residency.

What Are Kamaʻāina Discounts?

Businesses often offer kamaʻāina discounts as a way to support local residents and encourage them to enjoy activities across the islands. They can be a huge bonus, especially when it comes to inter-island travel and booking activities for you and your guests.

Where Can You Use Kamaʻāina Discounts?

Travel & Activities

You can get discounts on things like helicopter tours, snorkeling cruises, and submarine tours. Companies like Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, Fairwinds Cruises, and Atlantis Submarines offer kama’aina discounts of up to 20 to 50% for their activities, especially during the off-season.

Hotels & Staycations

Many hotels, the Sheraton, Mauna Lani Resort, and bed & breakfasts throughout Hawaii offer kama’aina discounts based on availability. Be sure to ask when booking your reservations.

Parks & Attractions

Park entry fees for beaches such as Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area are waived when you present a Hawaii State ID.

Cultural Experiences

Museums and cultural experiences like the Polynesian Cultural Center offer kama’aina packages.

How Do You Qualify for Kamaʻāina Discounts?

To receive kamaʻāina discounts, you typically need to show proof of Hawaii residency. This usually includes:

• A valid Hawaii State ID
• Hawaii driver’s license
• In some cases, proof of local address

How to Get a Hawaii State ID

If you plan to live in Hawaii on a part-time basis, obtaining a Hawaii State ID may be worth your while. Now that there is a new West Hawaii Civic Center in Kailua-Kona, obtaining your Hawaii State ID is a fairly simple process. Possessing a Hawaii State ID is an advantage for you and your family.

Before heading out to the Kona Driver Licensing Office, be sure to bring the following documents:

• Legal Name (birth certificate, US passport, marriage certificate)
• Date of Birth (birth certificate, US passport, driver license)
• Legal Presence that prove you are legally in the US (birth certificate, US passport)
• Social Security Number (Social Security Card, W-2, 1099 Form)
• Hawaii Principal Residence (2 documents required: voter registration card, pay statement, utility bill, bank statement)