Hotels

Though the island of Oahu is not the biggest in the Hawaiian chain, it offers the widest variety of accommodations. Should you stay in near-palatial surroundings where kings, heads of state, billionaires, and rock stars have spent the night, or in a quaint bed-and-breakfast on the North Shore where the rolling surf lulls you to sleep? Should you choose the bright lights and action of Waikiki or the quiet comforts of Kahala? Oahu has the perfect place for everyone.

The major high season is mid-December to March. At this time of year, rooms are always booked and rates are at the top end. Secondary high season is June to September, when rates are expensive, but bookings are somewhat easier. The low season, with fewer tourists, cheaper rates, and possible "deals" on rooms is April to June and September to mid-December.

Be sure to factor in Oahu's 11.962% tax, and don't forget about parking charges -- up to $25 a day in Waikiki.

Lounging on a Lanai -- Don't go asking for a balcony in Oahu; you won't find one. Instead, islanders call them lanais. If you're into balcony lounging, be sure to request a lanai with an ocean view.

Smoking vs. Nonsmoking in Your Accommodation -- More and more hotels, resorts, condos, and vacation rentals are moving toward a no-smoking policy, and the majority of bed-and-breakfast units forbid smoking in the rooms. Be sure to check the policy of your accommodations before you book.

B&B Etiquette -- In Hawaii, it is traditional and customary to remove your shoes before entering anyone's home. The same is true for most bed-and-breakfast facilities. Most hosts post signs or will politely ask you to remove your shoes before entering the B&B. Not only does this keep the place clean, but you'll also be amazed at how relaxing it is to walk around barefoot. If this custom is unpleasant to you, a B&B may not be for you.

If you've never stayed at a B&B before, here are a few other hints: Generally the hosts live on the property, and their part of the house is off-limits to guests (you do not have the "run of the house"). Most likely there will be a common area that you can use. Don't expect daily maid service. Your host may tidy up, but will not do complete maid service. Also don't expect amenities like little bottles of shampoo and conditioner -- this is a B&B, not a resort. Remember you are sharing your accommodations with other guests, so be considerate when you come in late at night.

Nickel-&-Dime Charges at High-Priced Hotels -- Several upscale resorts in Hawaii have begun a practice that I find distasteful and dishonest: charging a so-called "resort fee." This daily fee (generally in the $15-per-day range) is added on to your bill for such "complimentary" items as a daily newspaper, local phone calls, and use of the fitness facilities -- amenities that the resort has been happily providing free to its guests for years. In most cases you do not have an option to decline the resort fee -- in other words, this is a sneaky way to increase the nightly rate without telling you.