Am going next December to Hawaii for the 1st time. Cruise the 1st 7 days (already booked), then 4 days in Honolulu and 7 days in Kona. Suggestions please on best rates for good hotels ( Waikiki beach and Kona ), car rental in Kona etc.
Thanks

First thing...you tagged this post as a trip report, so you might want to ask the moderators to "un-tag" it. Likewise, you might want to ask them to add a tag for Hawaii, since more people will open it if you do.

As for your trip questions, do you have a budget in mind? What constitutes a "good hotel" to you (just clean good enough, or must have 24-hour room service and a private concierge?)

For car rental, try discounthawaiicarrental.com, had a very nice car from them last visit to Kauai.

Here is your previous thread on the subject

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...p-459913-2.cfm

In order to find previous threads and other posts, click on your name at the top right (on a normal computer).

Not having looked at your previous thread, I'd suggest you consider the Kohala Coast are of the Big Island instead of Kona. Much of Kona is looking frayed around the edges, and there are no good beaches there. On the Kohala Coast, you'll find a wide range of nice lodging options in the Mauna Lani Resort. Nice beaches with some of the best snorkeling in the islands in and around the resort.

What price range are you looking for, for your hotel in Waikiki? What amenities are you wanting?