Say 'Aloha' to Hawaii: the best deals on Rainbow State travel
Aloha, travel enthusiasts! A paradise-like vacation amidst waterfalls, active volcanoes, sandy beaches, and lush vegetation awaits in Hawaii. With these airfare, vacation packages, and cruise deals, you'll be one step closer to the wondrous beauty that distinguishes our nation's 50th state from the rest of the pack.
Make your way to the northern set of Polynesian islands with United Airlines roundtrip flights to Hawaii from select departure cities such as San Diego, Seattle, Las Vegas, and New York (from $455.50, a low by $7; expires June 30).
Or, take to the seas from the start by boarding a Celebrity Cruises 15-night Hawaii cruise for two (from $2,658, a low by $120; expires June 30) and witness the distinct islands from the Century's deck. You'll make pit stops in Hilo, Kailua (make sure to see Hawaii's most active volcano, Mount Kilauea), Lahaina, Honolulu, and Ensenada, Mexico. This mid-sized ship also provides plenty of perks on board including a variety of restaurants, access to the casino, and ample beverages at the Martini Bar — the first ice bar at sea.
Looking for a more sprawling vessel to take you to Hawaii's finest islands? Book a room abord the 2,590 passenger Grand Princess and set sail on a Princess Cruises 15-night Hawaii cruise for two instead (from $3,198, a low by $116; expires June 30). This ship offers everything from movies under the stars, to private time at an adults-only sanctuary, plus live comedy acts. Coupled with half-day and day-long stops in chic Honolulu, blissful Nawiliwili, Kauai, Lahaina, Maui, and Hilo, you'll have ample time to explore the main sights before heading back to sea.
If exploring the hills, waterfalls, beaches, and volcanoes by land is more your style, we can recommend a number of airfare, hotel, and car rental packages instead. Wander Hawaii's third largest island of Oahu with exactly such a vacation package: this 3-night flight, hotel, and car rental package for two with a stay at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani will cost you less than $2,000 (from $1,889.85, a low by $408; expires June 30). Definitely take advantage of having some wheels and visit all of the island's hotspots: swimming in the warm waters of Waikiki; enjoying mountain views at Nuuanu Pali Lookout; ogling the brave surfers on the North Shore; and getting a taste of local flavors in Kapahulu. Perhaps most impressively, the hotel's status as former estate of Hawaii's last princess means you'll also have easy access to Waikiki Beach, views of Diamond Head, the Koolau Mountains, and Honolulu's city lights.
Speaking of Diamond Head, a 3-night flight, hotel, and car rental package for two at the Aston at the Waikiki Banyan (from $1,346, a low by $7; expires June 30) will put you in the center of it all. Plus, with rates starting at $735 per person, this property's 1-bedroom suites can accommodate up to five people, and are in close proximity to the beach, Kapiolani Park, and the Honolulu Zoo, which make it a great destination for families.
Often called the Magic Isle, Maui is home to a plethora of wildlife. Relish in your surroundings with a 3-night flight, hotel, and car rental package for two with a stay at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel (from $1,421, a low by $106; expires June 30). Situated on 11 acres that front the sands of famous Kaanapali Beach, the hotel is also surrounded by tropical gardens, and offers complimentary Hawaiian activities like ukulele, and hula lessons, lei-making, a cultural garden tour, nightly hula, and music shows at sunset. Explore the island by hiking through a forest of bamboo, taking a helicopter ride through pristine valleys, and waterfalls, and horseback riding near Kipahulu's Seven Sacred Pools or atop Haleakala, Maui's highest peak.
For a luxury getaway, book yourself and travel buddy a 3-night flight, hotel, and car rental package for two with a stay at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa (from $2,770, a low by $200; expires June 30). Also set on an expanse of Kaanapali Beach, the Sheraton is located at the foot of the legendary Pu'u Keka'a, Black Rock, and the newly renovated resort draws honeymooners, and families alike (kids stay free!) Take a dip in the freshwater swimming lagoon, sway to nightly Hawaiian entertainment, and view a traditional cliff-diving ceremony at sunset. While you're there, check some ocean activities off your list: snorkel among popular Maui reefs, sail on a Teralani catamaran, and kayak with the dolphins.
With these deals to Hawaii, you'll get just the right dose of island paradise without even leaving the country. But, if you've got different ideas for a vacation, be sure to check out our daily travel deals for other airfare, hotel, and vacation packages.
Summar Ghias is a contributor to dealnews.com, where this article first appeared.
