Where in Hawaii can we expect to get the most for our money?
Ed Lee: Hawaii has a wide variety of accommodations in all price ranges including bed & breakfasts, hotels, and condominiums. The city of Waikiki has more hotels than condominiums and you can find a number of moderate hotels if you don't mind staying three or four block from the beach. Maui, on the other hand, has more condominiums than hotel rooms. The moderately priced hotels and condominiums can be found in the southern region of Kihei. The Kihei properties are conveniently located across the street from the public beaches. Kauai and the Big Island of Hawaii have fewer choices for moderate hotels and condominiums. The moderate hotels on Kauai can be found north of the airport in Lihue along the coconut coast of Kapaa. The moderate hotels on the Big Island of Hawaii can be found in the Kailua Kona area on the western side of the island.
When is the best time of the year to go to Hawaii?
Ed: Hawaii is a great destination with warm and balmy weather most of the year. Rainfall varies with the location more than the season. The western and southern regions of the islands, the leeward side, have the driest and sunniest conditions with the calmest waters. The rainy season is from November to April. You will find stormy weather at times during the winter, but much of the rain consists of short daytime showers followed by rainbows.
Hawaii has several peak travel seasons, January - March, June - August, the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons. The highest prices and greatest travel demand are found during these peak travel seasons.
Do you have any favorite "hidden gems" in Hawaii?
Ed: You can find hidden gems on most of the Hawaiian Islands. The Outrigger Royal Kahana on Maui is good value that is located just north of the more expensive hotels on Kaanapali Beach. It is a condominium with a full kitchen in all units and is close to shopping, fine restaurants, and golf courses.
The Miramar at Waikiki is a moderate hotel on the island of Oahu with a great location. It is a few blocks from the beach and in the heart of Waikiki near shopping, restaurants, and public transportation.
The Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort on The Big Island of Hawaii is a moderate hotel with a great location. Turtles and fish can be found in the tide pools and coral formations at the resort and it is a great place to snorkel. A replica of King David Kalakaua's beach cottage and the remains of three heiau, ancient Hawaiian temples, can be found at the resort.
Hawaii has a number of smaller luxury hotels if you want to splurge for your honeymoon. The Whalers Cove on Kauai is small, secluded oceanfront hideaway located in the sunny Poipu area of the island. It is a condominium resort with spacious units and a cove that is perfect for snorkeling and diving.
The Hotel Hana Maui is a small, luxurious hotel in a remote town on the island of Maui. A private deck hot tub is offered in many of the Sea Ranch Plantation style cottages. The hotel offers yoga classes, horseback riding along the Hana Coast, a spa and much more.
The Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay Resort on the private island of Lanai is a secluded retreat of pristine natural beauty. The resort is perched above a white-sand beach that borders a protected marine preserve and features spectacular views of the ocean and Lanai's dramatic coastline. The resort has an exclusive spa, outstanding dining venues, and luxury guest rooms.
Compared to Mexico or Tahiti, what makes Hawaii a special desination?
Ed: Hawaii is an exotic Polynesian destination that is a part of the United States. For American travelers, the demands of a foreign country such as a passport, currency exchange, a different language and culture are not found in Hawaii. The diversity of Hawaii with its great beaches, rainforests, volcanoes, sea cliffs, and the friendly mix of people make it a unique and exotic destination.
Hawaii is perfect for a short or long vacation with a flying time of about six hours to most islands from the west coast of the United States.
The Hawaiian Islands have many people that return to visit due to the stunning beauty of the islands, the diverse culture, and its rich history.
Where do celebrities like to stay?
Ed: Hawaii is a favorite of celebrities for the great beaches, the warm tropical weather, and great natural beauty of the islands.
The Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay was the honeymoon destination of Bill Gates and Melinda French. The Kona Village on the Big Island of Hawaii was the honeymoon choice of Christie Brinkley and Peter Cook.
The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii was the site of Lisa Marie Presley's wedding to Nicolas Cage.
The Princeville Resort on Kauai is a favorite of celebrities such as Matt Leblanc.