kamahinaohoku

Waldo, the Hale Koa Hotel is for active military or retired veterans only. Other hotels are not nearly as inexpensive, so unless Imalongin or her husband is a veteran, your information won't help her.

Meesthare

There are some lovely, reasonably-priced b&b's in South Kona. The elevation is high enough that you don't need air conditioning - it gets chilly at night. We vastly preferred this kind of accommodation over any of the resorts.
I agree that 4 islands in 2 weeks is an awful lot of travelling. My own bias is the Big Island because there's so much to see and do. Have a look at www.konaweb.com - they have some really good information.

maw

You've gotten some great advice here, and the internet is amazing for travel research.
I just wanted to add my agreement that 4 islands in 2 weeks is TOO much, and you'll miss the whole "feeling" of Hawaii. The more time you spend on one island, the more "aloha" you'll soak up

Waldo

To Kamahinaohoku-
I agree on the Hale Koa remark, but there are plenty of hotels in Waikiki (and other islands), that are in the $100.00 a night price range. What I'm saying is that a two week vacation in Hawaii need not cost more than $4000 for two sensible people. You're not gonna get the Halekulani, but there are lots of other nice hotels. Many of the interesting sights and things to do in Hawaii are free, and food need not cost you a bundle.

kamahinaohoku

Waldo, you're absolutely right with regard to the prices. A Hawaiian vacation doesn't have to cost a fortune if you're informed and akamai (smart) about spending.

dallasgirl2005

Hi there! I just came back from a week on Oahu and have to pass along my new favorite resource for info on the islands.... www.dudebrothers.com !
I was referred to the website by a friend and found some interesting info on hotels and food, then bought the tour cd figuring I wouldn't miss the $10 if it was terrible- I'm happy to report it was great!We popped the cd in the rental car and did the entire island in a day our 1st day there and loved it! Allowed us to see a snapshot of everything and then go back and spend time at the places we loved most!
They also have a tour and info on Kauai...
Sorry for the infommercial, but I travel a LOT and really got a kick out of this locally produced (but NOT tourist-y) tour guide! Have a great trip, Imalongin!

Budman

dallasgirl2005, thank you for coming on this site, and for your very first post, try to sell us something.

As Bill would say, "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark."

dallasgirl2005

wow....Bill, so sorry to have offended. I am new to posting, but not new to this board- it is chock full of resources, referrals and websites geared at helping travelers share information. I certainly don't think my addition is out of keeping with many other posts i've seen....I've responded to many of the posters here, and even rented a Paris flat for an upcoming trip based on connections made on this board. Trust me, I have no interest in selling you anything- but I do think it's helpful to pass along information to other travelers, so I'll continue to do so, if it's alright with you and Shakespeare!

JAKCruiser

Imalongin - I live in Orlando, not far from you, and went to Maui last year and was able to keep costs low by doing a lot of the research myself. I have also been to the Caribbean and Hawaii is totally different. Condos are a great way to save money on accomodations. We stayed at the Maui Kai condos (as mentioned above) and thought they were great. We're not into big fancy resorts but find having a nice condo with oceanview accomodations and a kitchen important. Its located directly on the beach (every unit is oceanfront) just north of Kaanapali. We loved having a big lanai where we could relax and sit gazing at the ocean while eating breakfast or enjoying a late night glass of wine. We find we save a lot of money and time by having breakfast there and sometimes packing a picnic lunch. Then, we splurged on nice dinners. No matter which islands you choose, there are great condos everywhere. Everyone has different priorities so I would suggest you and your husband decide what is important to you (accomodations, fancy meals, etc.) and go from there.

carolyn

If you really want to do the four islands--a good way to find out which you like better for a possible return trip--try Your Man Tours. You get a lot for your money, and if you don't take many of the extra trips offered you won't spend too much.

Oahu is my favorite island, with Maui the second.