Experience Hawaii for Less: From O'ahu to The Big Island

Ahhh, Hawaii. The name conjures up images of clear, emerald green waters, miles of beaches, tropical waterfalls and volcanoes, and often how expensive it can be to visit. If you've ever thought that the Aloha State was out of your budget, we've found several Hawaii travel deals that'll make you think otherwise. Just send us a postcard, will ya?

First off, let's get you there cheaply. That's easy enough with the latest Hawaiian Airlines sale, which offers round trip fares for as low as $298. For comparison, that's about half the cost of some flights to Alaska, where we venture to say you won't get a tan this winter. Are you more of an all-in-one vacationer? Check out this Flight and 3-Night Castle Kiahuna Plantation & Beach Bungalow Package for Two (from $1,518, a low by $300), which includes a 1-bedroom condo in Poipu on Kauai's south shore.

Many visitors start on the island of O'ahu, perhaps to visit the state capital, Honolulu, and have their pick of hotel packages. We'd like to relax at the Aston Waikiki Joy Hotel (from $103 per night, a low by $10; scroll down to find it.), with its soundproof rooms and jacuzzis that open to sights just across from Waikiki Beach. Or, check out the Modern Honolulu Resort (from $199 per night), and go surfing and body boarding at the nearby Ala Moana Beach Park.

While you're on this particular island, dive into the crystal clear waters on the Island Magic Catamaran Ala Moana Kakaako Snorkeling or Sunset Cruises ($20 for kids, from $24 for adults, at least $20 off). Underwater, you'll get to watch sea turtles and tropical fish, but if you prefer, you can float atop the sea with a fun noodle toy. Alternatively, you can take a North Shore Catamaran Chartered Whale Watching Cruise ($30 for kids, $40 for adults, at least $30 off) for a couple of hours and enjoy the northern breeze from the boat. Dry land activities aren't out of the question either; start your engines at Podium Raceway's with a Go-Kart package for kids or adults ($25 for two tickets, $25 off).

For the best Hawaiian experience, why not island hop? Hawai'i ("The Big Island") has plenty of places to stay as well. Purchase this Flight and 3-Night Royal Kona Resort Package for Two (from $1,010, a low by $267) to rest easy on the main island, with a view of the Kailua Bay. Be sure to visit Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park in the southeast, where the Kilauea Volcano has been erupting continuously for over 30 years. Also unique to The Big Island is its geological diversity: it's home to 11 of the world's possible 13 climate zones, including the snow-capped Mount Mauna Kea and the Kau Desert. (If you think Seattle gets a lot of rain, visit Hilo; research shows it's one of the wettest cities on Earth.)

If Hawaii isn't currently on your wish list, be sure to check out our weekly roundup of the top travel deals from the past week for additional discounted flights, hotels, and vacation packages.

Front page photo credit: Digital Trends
Photo credits top to bottom: ADHD in Hawaii Blog, Questionpoint, Hawaii Reservations, and Smile in Seconds