A good chunk of North America has been covered in snow this winter, leading to daydreams about warmer weather. This week's Smart Deal comes from Pleasant Holidays (tel. 800/742-9244; www.pleasantholidays.com), which offers a three-night Hawaii vacation from $465 with airfare.
This affordable trip represents great savings even before you consider hotel accommodations -- a quick Expedia search revealed nonstop Los Angeles-Honolulu flights from $562, based on a Monday, Feb. 22 departure.
The Hawaii deal also includes three nights at the Castle Ocean Resort Hotel in Oahu, close to Waikiki Beach and shopping. Kids 12 and younger stay and play for free at this hotel, one of the many high-rises in Oahu equipped with a small kitchenette and high-speed Internet access. Upgrades to the Sheraton and Hilton -- both properties that are on the beach with landscaped gardens, larger rooms and more dining options -- start at $659 and $655, respectively.
Three-night vacations to other Hawaiian islands are possible. Staying at Maui's Kaanapali Ocean Inn, at the base of the West Maui Mountains, starts at $485 for airfare and three nights' hotel; Kauai's Aston Aloha Beach Hotel starts at $595 with airfare and hotel; and stays at Hawaii's Royal Kona Resort start at $649 for air and hotel.
Trip Type: Air-inclusive; independent
What the Quoted Price Gets You: Round-trip airfare from Los Angeles; three nights' hotel, fuel surcharges, hotel taxes, and fees.
What Else You'll Have to Pay: Government and airline taxes and fees of $38 per person.
Book By: As soon as possible to ensure availability
When: Daily departures through Feb. 26
Other Gateways: San Francisco (add $8), Chicago (add $165), Dallas (add $204), New York (add $241)
More Details: The packages to Maui and Kauai are based on San Francisco departures. Other benefits, promotions, and freebies will vary by property, including kids eat free and stay free deals. For those traveling with children, adding a child to the Castle Ocean Resort will cost $333, plus government/air taxes of $38.
