Having studied the brochures of several tour operators, I find myself asking why should I take a packaged vacation to Hawaii this winter? And the answer I keep coming up with is: "A package saves me from the hassle." It's easy to go on your own to Hawaii, which, despite its distance from the contiguous 48 states, has the same laws and language as the other 49 parts of the USA, after all. And it might even be cheaper than a package, if you are very careful about your arrangements and cunning in your planning. But easy that ain't.
Just getting through the airport and onto a plane is stressful since last September 11, with decisions and imponderables every step of the way. "Dare I buy a cup of coffee? Do I need a lid on it? Can I bring a sandwich from home? A thermos of soup? What a about a safety razor? Should I wear my dress shoes instead of boots? Will they make me drink my mouthwash?" (Don't laugh; I have had problems relating to all these worries.)
Then there are the hours spent planning a trip, looking for the best bargains in airfares, hotels, rental cars, wondering if there will be coupons at the other end, or savings vouchers.
But if you buy a package tour, one that's moderately priced, you shouldn't have a thing to worry about. Based on my experience, I'd like to put in a word for Cosmos and Globus, sister tour operators who have been in business for 75 years now and part of the world's largest travel-providing organization. You can find good-value vacations in Hawaii with them from as little as $1,328, air from California included or $849 land-only package. (For a truly budget deal, see the end of this article.)
The above is an eight-day Hawaiian Escape package, which allows for plenty of free time, but includes such must-see targets as the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor and the Iao Valley in Maui. Land-only prices for this are as low as $849 to $979, while air-inclusive from Los Angeles or San Francisco run $1,328 to $1,429. Departures operate from now through March 2003.
Cosmos has a 10-day Hawaiian Sunset package with land-only prices of $1,099 to $1,129, including air from $1,511 to $1,529, with departures from now through March 2003. There's a 13-day Splendors of the Hawaiian Islands package that visits all four major islands, with departures from now through March 2003. Land-only prices range from $1289 to $1,369, with air from $1,701 to $2,167.
Most Cosmos tours include the services of a professional tour director, internal transportation (including flights between the islands), airport transfers, private deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach when touring, twin-bedded hotel rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, service charges and tips for baggage handling. One or two breakfasts are often included, too. And yes, inter-island flights are included in the "ground-only" package.
Hawaiian Highlights
Among the highlights of any Hawaiian trip have to be one or more of the following:
On Oahu itself, head right for Waikiki Beach to see what its fame is all about. Whether crowded or not, you'll see at once why everyone loves it--the wide, sloping beach, the gentle waves, the unbeatable vistas---it's all here, and you'll be glad you came.
On a more sober tone, experience a bit of American history by visiting Pearl Harbor's Battleship Row, where the USS Arizona lies buried beneath the water, the bodies of its drowned crew still entombed below. They have been there since December 7, 1941, and are to remain in their watery graves "forever," according to federal law.
Still in Honolulu, be sure to take a good look at the charming and yet elegant Iolani Palace (home of Hawaii's last kings and queens) and Chinatown. Up on the north shore of Oahu is the Polynesian Cultural Center, a Mormon-sponsored park where you can learn about the past of the state's original population, their culture and beliefs. It's well worth a visit and there is no obvious religious proselytizing.
While you're on Kauai, be sure to see the dramatically lush Hanalei Valley and Opaeka's Falls before you hit the white-sand beaches. It's also fun here just to visit the smaller villages and their general stores, for local treats and occasional gossip.
On Maui, be sure to discover the Iao Valley and its Needle (a volcanic spire), and enjoy walking around the waterfront in Lahaina or on the beach at Ka'anapali. It's imperative that you go to Haleakala National Park here, site of a huge volcanic crater known as "the House of the Sun." Be sure, also, to visit the Maui Ocean Center if you're into marine life at all. From mid December through mid April, humpback whale-watching cruises are also available from Lahaina.
On the Big Island, check out the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see Kilauea Crater, with its steam pits of fire and tubes of lava. (You might even lunch at Volcano House, worth the trip in and of itself.) If you have time, tour the Mauna Kea summit, take a ride along (or above) the Kohala coastline (best done by a helicopter, if you can afford the time and expense), and consider visiting the famed Parker Ranch.
No matter what island you end up visiting, be sure to take advantage of the great outdoors, which is what Hawaii is all about. Head for the water and enjoy swimming, surfing, snorkeling or scuba diving. Get into a canoe, kayak or paddle boat. On land, check out the golf possibilities, hire a horse or bicycle and get on the road (or trail). If your feet and heart are good enough, put on that backpack and start hiking through jungle, along beaches, up mountains. Despite the encroachments of developments, Hawaii still has plenty of room in which to get lost on purpose, to commune with nature and learn a bit more about yourself.
Where to Stay & Eat: A Few Places in Honolulu
If you decide to travel on your own, you can look around for hotel bargains such as the kind you will find at the Ohana Reef Towers, part of the giant Outrigger chain. A room for two here goes for around $79, for instance, in late October. Formerly known as the Outrigger Reef Towers, it's located at 227 Lewers Street, about a block from Waikiki Beach itself. Rooms with kitchenettes are available, too. Check them out at www.ohanahotels.com.
Here's a quick rundown on mostly inexpensive (some moderate) places to eat informally,with or without family, right in Waikiki: Duke's Waikiki Restaurant and Barefoot Bar, 2336 Kalakaua, is a good beachside spot for burgers ($7.50), Sunday brunch, and just hanging out. Aloha Sushi, at 1778 Ala Moana in Discovery Bay, is really a takeout place, but you might want to nibble at an improvised picnic nearby, and why not? Most items go for $2 or $3 each. At Perry's Smorgy restaurants (the Smorgy as in Smorgasbrod), you get family diner-style breakfasts for under $6, lunches under $7 and most dinners under $10. 2380 Kuhio Street.
The Holiday Inn Waikiki at 1830 Ala Moana is a good place for a filling but cheap breakfast, at just under $8, and spectacular $12.50 dinner buffets. Similar feasting can be carried out at the Malia Cafe & Poi Bar in the Ohana Waikiki Malia Hotel, 2211 Kuhio. It's a coffee shop, but mighty cheerful, with breakfast also under $9 and dinners under $15.
Globus Tours
Cosmos' big sister, Globus, charges a bit more for its tours, the main difference being that they put you in a higher grade of hotels and offer meals. They have a nine-day vacation, The Best of Hawaiian Islands, which covers Oahu, Hawaii (The Big Island) and Maui from $2,479 including air out of Los Angeles or San Francisco ($1,979 ground-only), with departures running from January through March of 2003.
Globus has a 10-day National Parks of Hawaii tour, departing from now through December, 2002. Prices range from $2,416 to $2,456 including air from California, $1,959 to $1,999 for ground-only. Another 10-day trip is The Hawaiian Splendor, the price of which ranges from $2,160 to $2,777 with air from California, $1749 to $1979 for ground-only. This tour also visits three islands, this time Oahu, Kauai and Maui.
A 13-day Globus tour, the Grand Hawaii Vacation, covers all four of Hawaii's major islands (Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island), with air-inclusive prices from California ranging from $2,647 to $3,102, ground-only costs being $2,269 to $2,469. Departures from now through March 2003.
Globus tours usually include the following: flights (unless you choose the ground-only package), airport transfers, professional tour director's services, hotel room with twin beds, private bath or shower, hotel taxes, service charges, and baggage handling tips. Also private air-conditioned motorcoach for touring, daily American breakfast, some lunches, most dinners, and more.
For additional information on any vacation, contact Globus or Cosmos through your travel agent. You can learn more about the firms, however, at www.cosmosvacations.com or www.globusjourneys.com.
And for the Extremely Budget Minded...
Don't forget about Suntrips, which has been offering cheap airfare and packages to Hawaii out of Oakland, California for some time. Now through the end of September you can get roundtrip airfare from only $299 to Honolulu, $329 to Maui or Kauai. Or you can get a full airfare and a seven-night stay in Honolulu starting from $399. For full details, go to www.suntrips.com or call 800/746-8747.