This time of year, airfare to Hawaii will likely run you a chunk of change even if you're leaving from the West Coast. The low price is just one of the reasons why we chose this week's Smart Deal from Beach Destinations (tel. 877/433-4378; www.beachdestinations.com), which bundles six nights' hotel in Oahu and Kauai with airfare for a starting price of $825.
Every year, about five million visitors go to Oahu for its beaches, waves, marine life, and aloha lifestyle. Kauai, on the other hand, is known for its natural beauty and opportunities for adventure (kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, zip-lining, and more) -- in addition to the requisite relaxing on the beach, of course. By combining stays on Oahu and Kauai, you get to sample both and decide which island suits your travel style the best.
If you fall in love with one island or the other -- or think you might -- it's possible to customize the package and extend your stay beyond the six nights. You can also easily upgrade to more luxurious accommodations. On Oahu, choose from hotels in Waikiki (near or on the beach) that range from enormous hotel towers to five-star resorts with lagoons, waterfalls, and private beaches. Your overall package price will depend if you choose a three-star beach resort or upgrade to more indulgent stays, such as the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa or the St. Regis Princeville Resort.
Trip Type: Air-inclusive; independent
What the Quoted Price Gets You: Airfare from Los Angeles to Honolulu (returning from Kauai), three nights' hotel in Oahu, flight to Kauai, three nights' hotel in Kauai, breakfast daily if provided by your selected hotel, hotel taxes, and fuel surcharges.
What Else You'll Have to Pay: Air taxes, insurance, or optional delivery charges, all of which can add up to $140 to the base price.
When: Travel now through the end of the summer
Book By: As soon as possible to ensure availability
Other Details: Expect to pay more if you upgrade your hotel, if you travel on a major holiday, or if you travel seven days before or after a major holiday. Flights are midweek departures in coach.
All prices are per person and, if lodging is a component of the package, based upon two people traveling together (unless otherwise noted). The prices listed are general starting rates; see "What Else You'll Have to Pay" for details about associated taxes and fees. Base-prices, taxes, and fees can vary based on point of departure and time of travel. Trip add-ons like sightseeing tours and meal plans may also increase the price. Check with the tour operator for additional gateways and any single supplements, which is the extra cost that a solo traveler would pay to book the deal.
