hawaii condo rental

Hawaii travel planner - The Hawaii of Your Dreams

WEATHER REPORT. Hawaii's consistently balmy air temperatures are a big part of its year-round appeal. On Waikiki Beach the average January daytime high hovers around 80 [degrees] - only 6 1/2 [degrees] cooler than the summer high. Still, winter storms can drench the Islands. Honolulu, for example, averages 3 1/2 inches of rain in January but has waded through close to 20 inches in wet years.

Tip: Leeward sides of the islands are normally warmer and drier than the windward sides.

RESORTS AND HOTELS. The black cloud of the Asian economic downturn has a big silver lining for travelers from the West: more room availability and better discounts.

Tip: We list standard rack rates on all lodging for comparative purposes; ask about package rates that include rental cars, meals, or activities like golf or snorkel cruises.

CONDOMINIUMS. Families love them, and big management companies like Aston Hotels & Resorts (800/922-7866) and Village Resorts (800/367-7052) offer plenty of choices. Ray White at Hawaii Condo Exchange (800/442-0404) can help you find smaller and more distinctive properties starting at $135.

Tip: Ask for written descriptions of furnishings and services (i.e., daily maid and linen service) provided with your specific unit.

B & Bs. Increasingly popular with couples looking for country quiet or small-town charm. Hawaii's Best Bed & Breakfast (800/262-9912) has a statewide directory of carefully screened homes and cottages.

Tip: Some require multinight stays. CONTACT. For a statewide travel planner, call (800) 464-2924 or check out www.gohawaii.com.

PHONE. Area code is 808 unless noted.

SYMBOLS

B/L/D: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Average dinner entree prices: $ = less than $10, $$ = $10-$22, $$$ = more than $22

Kauai

Lodging

SHERATON KAUAI RESORT. Closed for years after Hurricane Iniki, this family-oriented 413-room resort anchoring Poipu Beach finally reopened after a $40-million rebuild. Spacious new oceanfront rooms from $390, renovated garden rooms from $260. (800) 7820488 or www.sheraton-kauai.com.

HONU KAI VILLAS. Four modern one-and two-bedroom condo-style villas share a small pool and hot tub a short walk from Poipu Beach Park. Rooms from $175, plus cleaning charge with a four-night minimum stay. (800) 854-8363 or www.honukai.com.

HALE MANU BED AND BREAKFAST. Like many north shore B & Bs, Hale Manu, near Kilauea has just one spacious, nicely furnished apartment. It's booked far in advance, but the property's stunning gardens are worth planning ahead for. From $85. (888) 828-6641 or www.bnbweb.com/HaleManu.html.

WAIMEA PLANTATION COTTAGES. Hidden in a coconut grove near the edge of a gray-sand beach, these restored one- to five-bedroom plantation cottages with kitchens are cozy old Hawaii near Waimea. A new brew pub has opened on-site since our visit. Cottages from $175. (800) 992-4632 or www.waimea-plantation.com.

Dining

PACIFIC BAKERY & GRILL. Uber-chef Jean Marie Josselin's new Lihue restaurant offers salads and pizza plus creative main courses. B/L daily; $. 4479 Rice St., Lihue; 246-0999.

HANAPEPE CAFE & ESPRESSO BAR. The rich Italian overtones of chef Christian Riso's vegetarian menu make this out-of-the-way cafe worth the drive. B/L Tue-Sat, D Wed-Sat; $$.3830 Hanapepe Rd., Hanapepe; 335-5011.

HOUSE OF SEAFOOD. Contemporary but casual Hawaiian decor complements the fresh seafood. D daily; $$$. 1941 Poipu Rd., Poipu; 742-6433.

Contact

KAUAI HOTLINE. (800) 262-1400 or www.kauaivisitorsbureau.org.

The Big Island

Lodging

MAUNA LANI BAY HOTEL AND BUNGALOWS. The area, with its royal fish ponds, ancient trails, and caves, was once a retreat for King Kamehameha III. Now you can get the royal treatment at this recently renovated classic on the Kohala coast - the island's only AAA five-diamond property. Rooms from $335. (800) 367-2323.

KAILUA PLANTATION HOUSE BED AND BREAKFAST. As you sit in this Kailua-Kona inn's torch-lighted outdoor hot tub, you can sometimes feel a mist from the surf pounding nearby. Romantic yet modern, with television and telephone. Oceanside rooms are quieter than those facing the street. Rooms from $160. (888)357-4262 or www.kphbnb.com.

KILAUEA LODGE. Nights get chilly in Volcano Village near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is why the two cottages and older Hale Maluna rooms have fireplaces; newer Hale Aloha rooms have heaters and share a lounge with fireplace. Rooms from $110, including breakfast. 967-7366.

SHIPMAN HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST INN. One of the state's few remaining Victorian houses, this beautifully restored home filled with museum-quality period furnishings has been in the same family for nearly 100 years. Rooms from $130, including continental breakfast. (800) 627-8447 or www.hilo-hawaii.com.

Dining

OODLES OF NOODLES. Chef Amy Ferguson Ota prepares generous portions using bold flavors and fresh ingredients. The Koloko Cooler shave-ice dessert could feed four and is worth every belt-unbuckling bite. L/D daily; $$. 75-1027 Henry St. (at the Crossroads Shopping Center), Kailua-Kona; 329-9222.

KEEI CAFE, Don't be fooled by the plastic chairs and tables. Daily fish specials and a nice wine list make this roadside cafe a rare find on the sleepy Kona coast. D Tue-Sat; $$. State 11, Honaunau; 328-8451.

SURT'S. The menu at this Volcano Village newcomer erupts with fish and Asian and European flavors. L/D daily; $ $. Volcano Village square, on Old Volcano Rd., 967-8511.

BAMBOO RESTAURANT & GALLERY. When things are slow, waiter Nalani Cabrera dances classic hula while diners munch on Auntie Mary's yummy potstickers. L/D Tue-Sat, brunch Sun; $$. State 270 in Hawi on the north tip of the island; 889-5555.

Contact

BIG ISLAND VISITORS BUREAU. (800) 648-2441 or www.bigisland.org.

Oahu

Lodging

KAHALA MANDARIN ORIENTAL HAWAII. The real appeal of this beachfront resort favored by honeymooners is that it's not in Waikiki but close enough (15 minutes by car) that you can still enjoy it. Rooms from $295. (800) 367-2525.

COLONY SURF HOTEL. Completely refurbished iN understated Balinese moderne, this 50-room gem next to Kapiolani Park is a short stroll from Waikiki Beach. Rooms and nearby studio condos from $255. (888) 924-7873 or www.colonysurf.com.

WAIKIKI PARC HOTEL. Rooms in this modest high-rise a block back from Waikiki Beach are spartan but clean and comfortable. Rooms from $175. (800) 422-0450 or www.waikikiparc.com.

Dining

KAKAAKO KITCHEN. The city's best introduction to the Hawaiian-style plate lunch; also pastas, salads, and sandwiches. Meals are served in plastic foam but reflect a high degree of TLC. B/L Mon-Sat; $. 1216 Waimanu St., Honolulu; 596-7488.

DAVID PAUL'S DIAMOND HEAD GRILL. The sleek, modern dining room - with Diamond Head as a backdrop - is the perfect gallery for Chef David Patti Johnson's works of culinary art, lobster and caviar among them. L Mon-Fri, D daily; $$$. In Colony Surf Hotel, 2885 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu; 922-3734.

ALAN WONG'S RESTAURANT. Wildly creative dishes (where else can you get an opihi shooter?) at this sophisticated third-floor dining room. The best desserts anywhere in Hawaii, hands down. D daily; $$$. 1857 S. King St., Honolulu; 949-2526.

Contact

OAHU VISITORS BUREAU. (877) 525-6248 or www.visit-oahu.com.

Maui

Lodging

KAPALUA BAY HOTEL. Nearly 1 1/2 years and $15 million later, this resort has luxurious new guest rooms (the bathrooms include spacious soaking tubs). Have dinner at the top-notch Bay Club restaurant, then work off those calories at the tennis courts, the golf courses, or the new fitness center. Rooms from $275. (800) 367-8000 or www.kapaluabayhotel.com.

KAANAPALI BEACH HOTEL. One of Maui's oldest hotels, this is the place to soak up some Hawaiian culture: watch or learn lauhala weaving, ti-leaf skirt making, hula. The great beach location helps offset the sometimes tired-looking decor and furnishings. Rooms from $160. (800) 262-8450 or www.kaanapalibeachhotel.com.

OLD WAILUKU INN. Sink into a wicker chair on the front porch of this nostalgic B & B in Wailuku and enjoy the feel of days gone by. The 1924 plantation-style house with seven rooms has been lovingly restored. Rooms from $120. (800) 305-4899 or www.aitv.com/ulupono.

MAMA'S BEACHFRONT COTTAGES. Each of these five apartment-style units in Paia are self-sufficient with a full kitchen, VCR, CD player, and barbecue. Kuau Cove beach is steps away, and Mama's Fish House restaurant is next door. Cottages front $90. (800) 860-4852 or www.maui.net/~mamas.

Dining

SAM CHOY'S KAI - KAHULUI. Choy's newest outpost, where locals lunch on insanely huge portions of tasty Island favorites like laulaus, salads, and burgers, is busy and noisy. B/L/D daily; $$. 275 Kaahumanu Ave. (in the Kaahumanu Shopping Center), Kahului; 893-0366.

HALIIMAILE GENERAL STORE. An eclectic mix of cuisines - from brie quesadillas to spicy Asian dishes - prepared with homestyle finesse. Fun, casual setting in restored plantation store with funky fish sculptures on the wall. L Mon-Fri, D daily, brunch Sun; $$. 900 Haliimaile Rd., Haliimaile; 572-2666.

OLD LAHAINA LUAU. The food is fresh and well prepared, and the specially built grounds are an attractive setting for the sunset show. "Open bar," however, means watered-down drinks. $65 per person; 5:30 seating daily. 1251 Front St., Lahaina; (800) 248-5828.

SEASONS. At the Four Seasons Resort, in a stunning setting with ocean views. World-class service; exquisite ingredients and prices. D Tue-Sat; $$$. 3900 Wailea Alanui, Wailea; 874-8000.

Contact

MAUI VISITORS BUREAU. (800) 525-6284 or www.visitmaui.com.

COPYRIGHT 1999 Sunset Publishing Corp.
COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group