Hawaii Travel Planner

Baker, Andrew, Phillips, Jeff, Finnegan, Lora J., Sunset

WEATHER REPORT. Hawaii's consistently balmy air temperatures are a big part of its year-round appeal. On Waikiki Beach the average January daytime high hovers around 80 [degrees] - only 6 1/2 [degrees] cooler than the summer high. Still, winter storms can drench the Islands. Honolulu, for example, averages 3 1/2 inches of rain in January but has waded through close to 20 inches in wet years.

Tip: Leeward sides of the islands are normally warmer and drier than the windward sides.

RESORTS AND HOTELS. The black cloud of the Asian economic downturn has a big silver lining for travelers from the West: more room availability and better discounts.

Tip: We list standard rack rates on all lodging for comparative purposes; ask about package rates that include rental cars, meals, or activities like golf or snorkel cruises.

CONDOMINIUMS. Families love them, and big management companies like Aston Hotels & Resorts (800/922-7866) and Village Resorts (800/367-7052) offer plenty of choices. Ray White at Hawaii Condo Exchange (800/442-0404) can help you find smaller and more distinctive properties starting at $135.

Tip: Ask for written descriptions of furnishings and services (i.e., daily maid and linen service) provided with your specific unit.

B & Bs. Increasingly popular with couples looking for country quiet or small-town charm. Hawaii's Best Bed & Breakfast (800/262-9912) has a statewide directory of carefully screened homes and cottages. …

Questia, a part of Gale, Cengage Learning. www.questia.com
Publication information: Article title: Hawaii Travel Planner. Contributors: Baker, Andrew - Author, Phillips, Jeff - Author, Finnegan, Lora J. - Author. Magazine title: Sunset. Volume: 202. Issue: 1 Publication date: January 1999. Page number: 78+. © 1999 Sunset Publishing Corp. COPYRIGHT 1999 Gale Group.

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