Dying for a Hawaii vacation? This week's Smart Deal comes from Pleasant Holidays (tel. 800/742-9244; www.pleasantholidays.com) and starts from just $459 for three nights and airfare. And it's just in time for summer travel.
The trip is the most affordable if you go to Oahu and stay in Waikiki. The Aston Waikiki Joy is two blocks from the beach. Each room has its own lanai and Jacuzzi. It's possible to select even more luxurious accommodations: the Aston Waikiki Beach Tower, a condo resort whose rooms have a full kitchen, washer and dryer and personalized services, starts at $785 with air
Suppose you've already been to Oahu and explored the North Shore? You can opt for one of the other islands with this sale: Aston Maui Lu is available from $479 on Maui; Aston Aloha Beach from $579 on Kauai; and Aston Kona by the Sea, from $719 on the Big Island. Each of these packages include three nights' hotel with airfare.
The beaches, of course, are the main attraction, along with all the snorkeling, surfing, swimming, and fishing you can muster. Further inland, off the beach, explore tropical forests, go hiking, or just pretend you're a castaway on Lost. On Maui, drive the hairpin turns of the Road to Hana through dense tropical rain forest. There are 50 miles of beaches on Kauai, and plenty of opportunities for adventurous types at Waimea Canyon, or the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. The Big Island teems with volcanoes, waterfalls, rain forests, and beaches with sand that run the gamut from golden to green and black.
Trip type:
Air-inclusive; independentWhat the Quoted Price Gets You: Round-trip airfare from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Waikiki, Oahu; three nights at the Aston Waikiki Joy; hotel taxes, Hawaii ticket tax; and fuel surcharges
What Else You'll Have to Pay: Government and airline taxes, which could add between approximately $30-$50 per person.
When: Prices reflect travel through Aug. 28.
Book By: As soon as possible to ensure availability
Other Details: This trip is based on double occupancy. If three nights isn't enough time, the trip can also be extended and booked for four or five nights. Other gateways are available, but expect prices to vary accordingly if you opt for something other than what we've featured here.
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.
Talk with fellow Frommer's travelers on our Hawaii Forum.
