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Interisland Travel

 

Going holoholo to the Neighbor Islands is easier than ever and - in some instances - less expensive than just 12 months ago.

Continuing airfare skirmishes have resulted in prices being slashed on a periodic basis. And the new Hawaii Superferry service between O'ahu, Maui and Kauai offers a great option for folks who prefer skimming the waves between islands, rather than soaring in the skies above them.

Vacation packages to the Neighbor Islands easily rank as the top destinations for those of us who live on O'ahu and want to live like tourists - even if it's only on a three-day weekend.

Akamai travel agents are well versed in the ins-and- outs of bargain hunting and can make first-hand recommendations for fly-and-drive vacation packages.

These getaway deals generally include air transportation, a room and a rental car, along with kama'aina discounts for golf, tennis, horseback riding, gourmet meals and spa treatments. Or if you prefer just lounging around the pool and working on your tan, they can arrange that too.

These fly-drive-hotel packages take the humbug out of vacation planning and generally save you a bundle of cash along the way. Kama'aina rates also apply to many dive tours, luau buffets, nightclub acts and helicopter rides.

If you prefer more of a hands-on approach to Neighbor Island hopping, you can book everything on your own using the Internet.

Log on to the Web sites for Hawaiian Airlines (hawaiianair.com), Aloha Airlines (alohaairlines.com) and go! Airlines (iflygo.com).

Hawaiian and Aloha have been serving the Islands for decades, offer multiple flights throughout the day and have the greatest number of available seats.

go!, which is a division of Mesa Airlines, began its flight operations in June, 2006, and has fanned the flames of competition by reducing airfares to rock-bottom prices.

These promotional prices have grabbed headlines and made go! the darling of budget travelers, even if the number of tickets were limited. Because of go!'s aggressive marketing techniques, Aloha and Hawaiian Air have followed suit, matching a number of go!'s offers.

Of course if you like to shop around for travel discounts from the comfort of your backyard lanai or hammock, check out the multiple listings in The Honolulu Advertiser's Sunday Travel Section or go online to www.honoluluadvertiser.com.

When booking a getaway, keep in mind that Friday afternoons, Sunday evenings and holiday periods are peak travel times to and from the Neighbor Islands.

If you're flexible and don't mind flying out on a Tuesday afternoon or returning on a Thursday night, you'll probably save a sizeable chunk of your hard-earned cash.

Of course if you'd like staying a little closer to home, you can live life like a pampered tourist without ever leaving O'ahu.

Instead of spending money on airfare and a rental car, pocket the savings and use it to book a penthouse suite at one of Waikiki's luxurious high-rise hotels.

A part of Waikiki has undergone a major makeover and there's more to see and do than ever. The latest hot spot is Waikiki Beach Walk, the largest development project in Waikiki's history. This new destination encompasses nearly eight acres along Lewers Street and includes an outdoor entertainment plaza, nearly 50 retailers, 16 dining establishments and five hotels.

If you prefer a quiet retreat that's far away from the sights and sounds of the city, spend a few days at Ko Olina in Leeward O'ahu, the recently remodeled Turtle Bay Resort out on the North Shore or book a beachside bed-and-breakfast in Lanikai.

Golf courses, swimming and great restaurants are always nearby and you can enjoy a change of scenery without the hassle of finding someone willing to drive you to the airport.

For more tips on what's happening here on O'ahu, log on to gohawaii.com.