clearly I owe everyone a MaiTai!

Nope I don't travel with a laptop, but do use internet cafes almost daily to keep in touch, they're easily found and not expensive. But having something free at the hotel is an extra perk.

definitely will report back. thanks all!

The Bus is $2.25 these days :-)

ok so I made a 10-day reservation at Sand Villa, with their weekly discounted rate plus a great fare I grabbed on Hawaiian Air, I've got air/hotel/transfers for ~$979 total! whoo-hoo.

Ummm...I think somebody owes me a MAI TAI????? Mahalo!!!

When and where MissM... when and where? ;-)

Yes, thank you for the excellent suggestion. Waikiki Sand Villa turned out to be superb. I've got a hotel review posted over at TA with photos if anyone's interested.