Discounts on Hawaii Hotel Rooms : From Waikiki to Maui and the Big Island, short-term specials can better senior rates.

Though Hawaii’s capital city and tourist hub, Honolulu, was spared major damage from Hurricane Iniki--whose Sept. 11 fury was concentrated on the island of Kauai--tourism was nevertheless affected on all four of the major islands.

In order to attract visitors, resort hotels in the Waikiki area of Honolulu, and affiliated hotels on the neighboring islands of Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii, are now offering significant discounts, based on the season, view location and other factors. (Most of Kauai’s resort hotels are not expected to be operational until at least early next year.)

Travelers are advised to request the lowest possible current rates. Short-term specials or packages may provide better value than senior rates. Confirmations should also be requested, with the room rate indicated.

Information, brochures and reservations for the hotels and hotel chains listed below may be obtained through any travel agent or by calling the toll-free numbers. Unless otherwise noted, discounts apply throughout 1993. Quoted rates are for two persons occupying the same room.

a * Aston Hotels: Aston owns or manages more than 30 resort hotels and condominiums on all four major Hawaiian Islands. The “Sun Club” program for seniors offers guests 55 and over 20% off published rates, a free rental car for each night’s stay, and an Aston Fun Book with free or discount gifts, meals and admissions to attractions. Call (800) 922-7866.

* Colony Surf Hotel, Honolulu: At the foot of Diamond Head and adjacent to Hawaii’s largest urban park, Kapiolani Park, just southeast of Waikiki, the Colony Surf has oversized one-bedroom suites with kitchens, picture windows and balconies. It is the home of the award-winning Michel’s restaurant. Travelers 50 and over receive a 25% discount. Rates: $94-$236. (800) 252-7873.

* Hawaii Naniloa Hotel, Hilo (Big Island): With the Golden Age program, guests over 55 receive a 10% discount, which means a $62 rate per night for two persons. Room and rental car is $80 per night. Both offers include continental breakfast daily, and 1O% off all additional in-hotel food and services. (800) 367-5360.

* Hawaii Prince Hotel, Honolulu: All rooms in Waikiki’s newest luxury hotel, adjacent to the colorful Ala Wai Yacht Harbor, front the ocean with floor-to-ceiling windows. Senior guests receive a fruit basket on arrival. All guests receive slippers and robes, daily newspaper, complimentary fruit juices each day and a free in-room safe. A free shuttle service operates to the Ala Moana Shopping Center and points of interest in Waikiki, including duty-free shops and the Honolulu Zoo. Minimum age is 65. With the mature traveler discount of 20%, rates range $160-$330 per night for two persons. (800) 321-6248.

* Hawaiiana Resorts: The chain operates resort hotels on Oahu (four, in or near Waikiki), with condominiums on Maui and the Big Island’s Kona Coast. Discounts are 1O%-25% for guests 55 and up, with rates of $63-$99 in Honolulu, $72-$126 on Maui and the Big Island. Condos include studios or one or two bedrooms, and all have kitchens. (800) 367-7040.

* Hyatt Regency Resorts: This chain includes one resort hotel on each of the four major Hawaiian islands. The Hyatt Kauai is due to reopen Jan. 15. All four offer 25% discounts for seniors, but minimum age at the Honolulu and Big Island Hyatts is 62, while on Maui and Kauai it’s 65. Rates vary from $158 (Honolulu and Waikoloa on the Big Island) and $161 (Kauai) to $214 (Maui). 233-1234.

* Ilikai Hotel, Honolulu: Discounts of 25% are available on all rooms and suites for travelers over 50. Comfortable, spacious rooms cost $105-$125 per night in the hotel’s Yacht Harbor Tower. Rates in the Ilikai Tower for rooms with kitchens range $125-$150. One- and two-bedroom suites with kitchens are also available. Rates are valid through Sept. 30, 1993. The Ilikai also offers a Senior Club Package: four days/three nights for $639 for two persons, including a one-bedroom suite, fruit basket and champagne on arrival, dinner for two in the Yacht Club Restaurant and two passes (including transportation) to the Polynesian Cultural Center. (800) 367-8434.

* Keahou Beach Hotel, Kona: Seniors 60 and over get a 5% discount on its $99 package, which includes room, rental car, breakfast for two and room upgrade. Members of TWA Getaway Vacations and American Express’ Golden Hawaii Seniors program receive upgrades or gifts. (800) 367-6025.

* New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel, Honolulu: Located on Waikiki near Diamond Head. Members of AARP and NARFE (retired federal employees) receive a 10% discount on rooms and suites. The discount is also available to all seniors over 55. Standard room rate begins at $99. Superior and deluxe rooms cost up to $220. (800) 733-7949.

* Outrigger Hotels: The largest hotel chain in Hawaii has 21 Waikiki hotels plus resorts on the neighbor islands. The Outrigger Fifty Plus program offers a 20% discount off every room or suite in the chain to guests over 50, with rates beginning at $80 per night for two persons in a deluxe hotel until March 31, 1993. Beginning April 1, a seasonal increase brings the minimum rate for mature travelers to $92 per night for two. (800) 733-7777.