If you like real-life characters, you'll love William Kimi, aka Uncle Billy. He owns and operates two hotels down on the Big Island, along with a general store and a restaurant or two, and his reputation among locals and visitors is legendary. He swears that his properties are the only hotels owned by actual Hawaiians in Hawaii and promises that his staff is his family, though every guest becomes ohana (family), too. What's more, he has a special going now that runs to as little as $94 per room per night if you stay a full week.
That's what the seven-night Big Island Escape works out to, costing $658, and allowing you to mix and match by staying at one or both of his hotels during that period. One establishment, the Hilo Bay, is a waterfront property where rooms usually go from $74 a night. The other, the Kona Bay, is in the heart of Kailua-Kona Village, and room-only prices start at $84. But with the package, you not only get the room (for one or two persons), but a rental car, free breakfast and free activity credits on popular island activities.
A three-night "Neighbor Island Get-A-Way" costs just $348, with room (for one or two), car, breakfast and activities discount. For more information or to make reservations, phone Uncle Billy at 800/367-5102 or 808/961-5818. The Web site is www.unclebilly.com. To read our reviews of each property, click here for the Hilo Bay; click here for Kona Bay.
Other properties on the Big Island have specials going this winter, too. One is the Ohana Keauhou Beach Resort, which has a "Hawaii Free Ride" package that includes a free compact rental car (automatic shift), with room rates starting at $209. There are some restrictions and limitations. Call the Ohana people at 800/462-6262 or 808/322-3441 or visit www.ohanahotels.com.
At the Outrigger chain properties mentioned below you can have a Room-and-Car package starting at $215 a night for a one-bedroom garden view room at the Royal Sea Cliff in value season, $263 the rest of the time. At the Kanaloa at Kona, the price is $205 per night during the value season and $240 per night the rest of the year. The value season runs from April 1, 2003 through June 24, 2003 and August 26 to December 21, 2003. For more information or to make reservations call 800/688-7444. You can call the Sea Cliff directly at 808/329-8021; the Kanaloa at 808/322-9625. The Web site is www.outrigger.com.