• New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel (Oahu; www.kaimana.com; tel. 800/356-8264): This is one of Waikiki's best-kept secrets: a boutique hotel nestled right on a lovely stretch of beach at the foot of Diamond Head, with Kapiolani Park just across the street. The Waikiki-side guest rooms are teeny-tiny, with barely room for two, but they are tastefully decorated and open onto lanais with ocean and park views (plus they start at just $144 a night). A good budget buy is the parkview studio with kitchen. You can stock up with provisions from the on-site Mini-Mart.
  • Ke Iki Beach Bungalows (Oahu; www.keikibeach.com; tel. 866/638-8229): This collection of studio and one- and two-bedroom cottages snuggled on a large lot with its own 200-foot stretch of white-sand beach between two legendary surf spots (Waimea Bay and Banzai Pipeline) has been totally renovated to the tune of $1 million. Most units are compact -- the kitchens and living rooms are small and the bedrooms even smaller -- but they're affordable, with rates starting at $150 a night. And with the ocean just outside, how much time are you going to spend inside anyway? The winter waves are too rough for most swimmers, but there's a large lava reef nearby with tide pools to explore and, on the other side, Shark's Cove, a relatively protected snorkeling area. Nearby are tennis courts and a jogging path. All units have full kitchens and their own barbecue areas.
  • Kona Tiki Hotel (Big Island; www.konatikihotel.com; tel. 808/329-1425): Right on the ocean, away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Kailua-Kona, is one of the best budget deals in Hawaii: tastefully decorated rooms with private lanais overlooking the ocean, starting at just $80 a night! Although it's called a hotel, this small, family-run operation is more like a large B&B, with plenty of friendly conversation around the pool at the morning continental breakfast buffet.
  • Holualoa Inn (Big Island; www.holualoainn.com; tel. 800/392-1812): The quiet, secluded setting of this B&B -- on 30 pastoral acres just off the main drag of the artsy village of Holualoa, 1,350 feet above Kailua-Kona -- provides stunning panoramic views of the entire coast. This contemporary 7,000-square-foot Hawaiian home built of golden woods has six private suites (starting at $260) and window-walls that roll back to embrace the gardens and views. Cows graze on the bucolic pastures below the garden Jacuzzi and pool, and the coffee plantation on the property is the source of the morning brew.
  • Waipio Wayside Bed & Breakfast Inn (Big Island; www.waipiowayside.com; tel. 800/833-8849): Jackie Horne renovated this 1938 Hamakua Sugar supervisor's home -- nestled among fruit trees and surrounded by sweet-smelling ginger, fragile orchids, and blooming birds-of-paradise -- and transformed it into a gracious B&B. Just minutes from the Waipio Valley Lookout and the village of Honokaa, this comfy five-bedroom house abounds with thoughtful touches, such as a help-yourself tea-and-cookies bar with 26 different kinds of tea. Jackie's friendly hospitality and excellent continental breakfasts really round out the experience. Rooms start at $99 for two.
  • Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono (Maui; www.mauiinn.com; tel. 800/305-4899): This 1924 former plantation manager's home, lovingly restored, provides a genuine old Hawaii experience. The theme is Hawaii of the 1920s and 1930s, with decor, design, and landscaping to match. The spacious rooms are gorgeously outfitted with exotic ohia-wood floors, high ceilings, and traditional Hawaiian quilts. A full gourmet breakfast is served on the enclosed back lanai or, if you prefer, delivered to your room. The inn is located in the old historic area of Wailuku, about 10 to 15 minutes to the beach. Once you settle in, you may not want to leave -- and with rooms starting at $185 for a double, you can afford to stay awhile.
  • Wild Ginger Falls (Maui; www.wildgingerfalls.com; tel. 808/573-1173): If you dream of a hidden cottage, tucked away in a tropical jungle, but filled with every amenity that you can think of to promise a comfortable vacation, this is your dream come true.
  • Dunbar Beachfront Cottages (Molokai; www.molokai-beachfront-cottages.com; tel. 800/673-0520): Each of these green-and-white plantation-style cottages sits on its own secluded beach -- you'll feel like you're on your own private island. Impeccable decor, a magical setting, and reasonable rates ($175 for two) make these cottages a must-stay.
  • Hotel Lanai (Lanai; www.hotellanai.com tel. 800/795-7211): Lanai's only budget lodging is a simple, down-home, plantation-era relic that has recently been Laura Ashley-ized. The Hotel Lanai is homey, funky, and fun -- and, best of all, a real bargain (starting at $99 for two), compared to its ritzy neighbors.
  • Kauai Country Inn (Kauai; www.kauaicountryinn.com; tel. 808/821-0207): This old-fashioned country inn, nestled in the rolling hills behind Kapaa, seems too good to be true. Each of the four suites (starting at just $179) are uniquely decorated in Hawaiian Art Deco, complete with hardwood floors, private bathroom, kitchen or kitchenette, your own computer with high-speed Internet connection, and lots of little extra amenities. Everything is top-drawer, from the furniture to the Sub-Zero refrigerator. The grounds are immaculate, and you can pick as much organic fruit as you want.
  • Hanalei Surf Board House (Kauai; www.hanaleisurfboardhouse.com; tel. 808/651-1039): Book well in advance -- this place is so fabulous, it will go fast! Just a block from the beach, these two incredibly decorated studio units are $250. Host Simon Potts, a former record-company executive from England, has filled his two studios (with kitchenettes) with imaginative decor choices: One of them sports a whimsical cowgirl theme, while the other is filled with Elvis memorabilia. But the best reason to stay here (besides the 2-min. walk to the beach and the 10-min. walk to downtown Hanalei) is Simon himself: His stories about the record industry will keep you howling with laughter for hours.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.