In 25 years of traveling to Hawaii, I have never seen deals like these.  In fact, these sun-soaked isles are offering unprecedented savings in the hopes of attracting cost-conscious travelers ranging from multi-generational families to romantic couples and even BFF’s (best friends forever).  The sheer number of resorts plugging lower prices and better amenities in a lousy economy is mind numbing, so I've picked a few which stand out.  From airline tickets and value-added hotel packages including dining credits and bargain spa treatments, this summer is the time to bring your family and share in the spirit of Aloha.

Paddleboats and kayaks waiting to be used in Waikiki

Airline flights are at the same prices they were 25 years ago if you buy them in advance.  Tickets can quickly double closer to your trip date, so plan early.  In my case, I purchased tickets three weeks in advance of my arrival date for $400 round trip, fees included.  One of the most amiable and authentic airlines which  make you feel that your Hawaiian experience has begun from the moment you board is Hawaiian Air.  They are not always the least expensive, so do your homework and plan in advance.  Sign up for their email blasts and you will be privy to their latest deals.

On Hawaiian Air, the Fun Starts When You Board

One of the Hilton Hawaiian Village's Pools

Rooms start at the crazy low rate of $169 per night for a standard room.  Add the “stay four nights, pay $50 for the fifth night,” an additional $50 credit towards a spa treatment, dining, or beach craft rental, and you have a Hawaiian vacation for the price of a Caribbean one. 

Kids will go bonkers for the resort’s pools, where they can horse around in the brand new $7 million, five-thousand square foot family activity “Paradise Pool.”  With four slides, including a 77-foot lava tube slide and Waikiki’s longest slide, figure you won’t see the kids for a few hours.  The good news for parents wanting to keep kids busy and get a little quiet time themselves is that the pool’s design creates surprising little pockets of privacy to enjoy quieter pursuits such as reading or napping.  My teenager daughter and I took a stab at the new pool together, and we decided that the lava tube slide is an absolute gas for all ages.

Hilton Hawaiian Village's New Paradise Pool with Slides

Sign up for the new Waikiki Starlight Luau on the resort’s rooftop garden, which includes a hula and Polynesian show by Tihati Productions.  The luau includes a dinner buffet featuring a modern twist on traditional luau fare.  Kids love luaus whether their first or fifth, and they’re a great way to blend family and activity time.  Check out the Hilton Hawaiian's website for more information at (www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com). 

A Starlight Luau Dancer

Or just hang around outside on your balcony Friday evenings and listen to the short musical show around the pool, followed by spectacular fireworks.  Although the show is a bit cliche, for first-time visitors it will hold all the magic a more cultural and sophisticated luau would, and is much quicker for those with younger, tired keiki (kids).  The fireworks at the end of the production are very well done, and the hotel is so famous for them even locals come down with a picnic dinner and sit around the lagoon to watch them for free.

The resort recently completed the giant undertaking of cleaning up the lagoon outside its doors, and this area is now an attractive place to learn how to surf or try out the latest craze in Hawaiian sports - stand up paddleboarding, or SUP - before heading out to the open ocean.  Although the prices are steep at $40 for an hour in the lagoon only, or $75 for two hours including the ocean, it's hard to pass up the opportunity to try this oddly inventive new sport.  According to our instructor at the HHV's surf shack, Elijah, standup paddleboarding is an ancient sport enjoyed by Hawaiian royalty.  Others claim its arrival was much later, in the 1950's.  To be sure, it's all the rage.  At one beach the kids pointed out a man with a dog sitting placidly in front of him as he paddled out past the surf.  At another beach, we were shocked to see a young mother plop her baby in between her legs on the board, and off she went confidently through the surf and out for a paddle.  Elijah tells us that the sport is now spreading to the mainland where it's taking off.  

Stand up Paddleboarder

Within the same grounds of the Hilton Hawaiian Village is the recently completed Grand Waikikian, a gorgeous, new, mixed-use timeshare tower that doubles as rentals suitable for guests wishing a higher-end room experience.  With a more luxurious feel in both the lobby and rooms, all the units come with full kitchens, a living room, front loading stackable washer/dryer and two flat screen t.v.'s.  The rooms feel more like small apartments.  The decor is soft, the beds divine and a lobster-shaped towel awaited our arrival, which naturally had the kids shrieking in delight. 

A Luxurious Bedroom at The Grand Waikikian

Guests staying at the Grand Waikikian have full use of all the property's amenities while enjoying grander rooms.  We found the ability to do our own cooking a huge advantage over more traditional hotel rooms.  In fact, while there are currently no promotions or package deals, the property is still a reasonable choice for cost conscious travellers when you consider fewer rooms are needed for families, and not spending every meal at a restaurant saves enough money to bridge the cost gap.  For more information about Grand Waikikian suites, please call 808-942-7694 or visit www.hiltongrandvacations.  To book rental accommodations, call 888-875-4535 or visit www.hiltonfamilyhawaii.com.

Preparing a Meal in a Grand Waikikian Kitchen

The Outrigger’s Embassy Suites-Waikiki Beach Walk is another excellent choice for larger families, although they also have fun packages this summer for couples and friends traveling together.  The property’s location at the new Waikiki Beach Walk, year-round value-added amenities and competitive pricing make it as close to an “all inclusive” as you’ll find in this tropical paradise.

In any suite, your stay includes breakfast cooked-to-order each morning, a nightly “Manager’s Reception” with beverages, pupus (appetizers) and live Hawaiian music by the pool, and Mom’s favorite – daily maid service.  These condo-alternatives also have microwaves, refrigerators, a coffee maker, internet access, multiple TV’s in both one and two bedroom suite.  If you’re planning a stay, have the kids visit the Embassykids website and check out their trip planner.  One-bedroom suites accommodate 4 people, two-bedrooms accommodate six people.  If you have a third young child, ask for an exception if you prefer the one-bedroom suite.  Pricing isn't normally discounted as the value in the existing pricing is excellent and the hotel stays close to full.  Visit www.embassysuiteswaikiki.com.

Resting by the Pool at the Outrigger Reef Hotel

Just around the corner on the beach is the Outrigger Reef on the Beach, which just completed a massive renovation.  The location is stellar, on the beach and in the heart of Waikiki.  The pool, arranged next to the lobby so it takes visual prominence when you enter the hotel, is large with dozens of lounge chairs surrounding it.  Palapas, a low shake roof over the pool bar and tiki torches give the hotel an understated, authentic elegance.  We were settled into a lovely room in the wing over the lobby, but discovered on opening the sliding doors of the narrow balcony that our view was of the roof of the next wing.  So be sure and request the wing closest to the beach for the best view.

The Outrigger Reef has just completed an expansive $110 million makeover that has transformed this Waikiki hotel into Oahu’s newest haven of elegance, gracious hospitality and unparalleled commitment to Hawaiian culture. Enlarged guest rooms and suites, exquisite island artworks, curated artifact displays, new shops and a host of guest services are among the hotel’s numerous enhancements. This year, the hotel is offering a starting rate of just $159 for a moderate category room. Although that category of room doesn’t have a view, you really can’t beat the price for an oceanfront property where you literally step off the elevator and a few steps away is famous Waikiki Beach.

Photos on the walls are mostly underwater pictures taken on some of Hawaii's forbidden western islands, with spectacular colors.  The internet is free in the room, with wireless in the lobby and pool area.  We arrived just days before the opening of their new spa, Serenity Spa Hawaii, which offers The Art of Loving Touch with Chakra Balancing massage, the Tourmaline Skin Renewal facial, and The Island Body Therapy wrap.  The 4,500 square foot spa is a full-service luxury day spa overlooking Waikiki Beach.   Botanically-based Aveda products are used for their pure and natural beautifying properties.  To find out more about their packages, check with the hotel or visit www. serenityspahawaii.com.  The spa opens August 1, 2009.

XXX Spa at The Outrigger Reef

According to owner-operator Sheryl Bell, "Many people don't realize that this area where the hotel stands was a place of healing in the 1800s."  At Serenity Spa Hawaii, we continue that focus on the body, mind and spirit and are pleased to do so with our fine services and the wonderful Aveda line of products.”

This hotel is one of the few that has thoughtfully planned for those of us wishing to enjoy Hawaii's pleasant breezes and tropical sunshine without a solar overdose.  So grab a beach towel and make one of the hotel's many shaded lounge chairs surrounding the pool yours for the day.  Or, head out to the beach where you can rent an umbrella and lounge chair for $10 a day.  A relative bargain in Waikiki.

The Outrigger Reef Pool is Glassy, Quiet, and Serene in the Morning

The Hawaiian Islands are the story of a melting pot done just right.  Originally settled by Polynesians from the Marquesas Island group, they were later "discovered" by British explorer Captain Cook, who was mapping the Pacific Ocean.  Over the next century, the islands were flooded with adventurers:  Portuguese cowboys bringing ukuleles, missionaries hoping to convert the Hawaiians to Christianity, American land owners in search of profit and a better life, and Chinese and Japanese immigrants brought in to work in the sugar cane trade.  Eventually each culture added its own traditions and food to the mix.

Whether you decide to rent a car, take a cab, or buy trolley tickets, it's not hard to find some of these quintessentially Hawaiian yummies when in Waikiki.  It has become a part of my ritual when I visit the islands.  One of my favorites is Leonard's, where Malasadas, hot and fresh, are served all day.  Very like a sugar donut without the hole, a Malasada is ten times more delicious and unfortunately, extremely addicting.  They are so soft a single bite goes all the way through, so plan on eating more than one.

A Must in Waikiki - Portguese Donuts Served Soft and Warm 24/7

Another local favorite akin to A & W Rootbeer drive-ins back in the day is Rainbow Drive In.  Though you don't actually drive through, the feel is similar.  A local favorite for decades, the Rainbow was brought into the national spotlight when Barack Obama became President and the press followed him to Honolulu for his annual vacation at home.  A typical breakfast is the Loco Moco, which is a hearty plate of rice top with eggs and other high cholesterol items.

An Obama Favorite - The Rainbow Drive In on Kapahulu

Zippy's is another virtual legend, and is essentially the Hawaiian version of Denny's.  Try the Saimin, a delicious soup filled with vegetables, char-siu (barbeque pork), a light chicken-soup like base and of course, noodles.  Delicious, and hearty.  Perfect after a night of partying or for lunch on one of Hawaii's wetter afternooons. 

If you rent a car, you have the advantage of being able to visit any other part of the island.  If your visit is short, head straight up and over the Pali, or cliffs, towards Kailua.  Stop at the top and take a look over the Pali lookout, where you'll have one of the world's most beautiful vistas looking over Kaneohe Bay, Kailua, and even Chinaman's Hat.

Looking Over at Kaneohe Bay and Kailua Where Obama Spends Christmas Every Year

Make your way towards and through Kailua, a sleepy little town with beautiful beaches, and stop when you reach the Kailua Beach Park, where a small river runs into the ocean.  You can't miss it, as there are outrigger canoes everywhere, families are usually having yummy-smelling barbeques (more like feasts in Hawaii, where most things to do with food are done large), and canoers huddle around the club house.

Kailua Beach Park, Home to Great Swimming and an Outrigger Canoe Club

The weather on the Kailua side (eastern) is always irregular, which makes it wonderful and moody.  It is generally sunny in the morning and then turns to grey and often rains for a short period in the afternoon.  If you take the kids, head out early to catch the best rays and set your towels near where the river meets the ocean, as kids of all ages enjoy floating down and then running back to do it all over again.

Kailua Beach Park

After the end of the Hawaiian monarchy, many traditional customs were lost.  But in recent decades a resurgence of Hawaiian sentiment has brought renewed interest in the study and practice of the ancient traditions.  Today, every part of ancient Hawaiian life is under the microscope, from language and dance to authentic canoe sailing and music, exemplified by the popularity of slack key guitar groups.

Traditional sailing canoes are part of Hawaii's cultural resurgence

If you prefer staying on solid ground in Oahu and didn't rent a car, consider visiting Pearl Harbor, hiking Diamond Head, or exploring the Bishop Museum.  Most hotels have tour buses you can join, are reasonably priced and you won't have to navigate the city's whacky streets and freeways which we're pretty sure were designed by a one-eyed hamster on steroids.

Andrea's money-saving tips for surviving Waikiki: 

1.  Parking in Waikiki.  If you plan to rent a car and stay at a hotel in Waikiki, you will probably discover as you pull in that most hotels tack on a $25 per day charge to park your car on property.  So if you stay at the Hilton, Outrigger, or other hotels on the western side of Waikiki (closer to the harbor), you should consider an alternative parking lot that is still generally a secret to the visiting masses.  But only if you don't intend to get in and out of your car a lot, as it adds a little extra walking.  Try the public parking lot off Ala Moana Blvd and Hobron (heading east on Ala Moana Blvd, turn left on Hobron and drive all the way down to the parking lot adjacent to the lagoon).  It is 25 cents an hour, a significant savings.  However, the lots are strictly monitored and we noticed that hotel staff sometimes park there, so it can be a crap shoot to get a spot.  We didn't have much trouble, though we did tire of the hike over there and back to the hotel.

2.  Breakfast and casual meals.  The place to save money so you can spend it on pricier dinners or souvenirs is breakfast and lunch.  We spent several breakfasts at Denny's on the beach side of the new Waikiki Beach Walk.  Hardly romantic, but there's not a lot of romance to a good cup of coffee while the kids cram pancakes and bacon down, and you'll spend less than half of what you would at the hotel.  For lunch, check out Zippy's or any other plate lunch joint.  Ask anyone who looks local, including hotel staff.  We found one right outside the beach entrance to the Outrigger Reef, in a narrow little grouping of stores that had an incredible, huge steak plate lunch complete with rice and macaroni salad with a drink for about $6.  Look for where the guys in orange work shirts are eating, and you'll know you've hit pay dirt. 

3.  Loading your larder.  These days hotels are reluctant to load refrigerators with anything, providing it mostly for travelers with doggy bags or small amounts of groceries.  Take an extra 15 minutes and walk back from the beach a few blocks and you will invariably run into a grocery store.  Buy your milk, 1/2 and 1/2, snacks, and cereal there rather than in a hotel sundry shop where you will get more than nickel and dimed.  Don't skimp on the 1/2 and 1/2 because even some of the pricier hotels have lousy coffee and worse cream, or "creamer."  

For more information on what to do, where to eat, and a calendar of upcoming cultural events, log on to the Oahu Visitors Bureau website at www.visit-oahu.com.  They have done a terrific job providing information for visitors of all ages and with varied interests.

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