Senior Highlights....

ALOHA FROM HAWAII:

SAY HELLO TO BARGAINS

Hawaii may seem expensive to some senior travelers, but it's not if you know where to look to find bargains. With the following inside information, you'll soon say aloha to the Hawaiian Islands for less.

One of the best places to look for bargains and insider information is in a book called Hidden Hawaii, written and published by California-based guidebook guru Ray Riegert at Ulysses Press (800-377-2542). This award-winning classic guidebook to Hawaii is packed with specific insight concerning lodging, dining, history, special interests, and much more. It's motto is this: The less money you spend in Hawaii, the more likely you are to find paradise. The book is simply must-reading if you're serious about seeing Hawaii on a budget.

As with the rest of the world, one of the best and most economical ways to see the Hawaiian Islands is with a cruise. This is ideal for first-time senior visitors, in that it provides an overview of these enchanting pieces of paradise.

American Hawaii Cruises (800-765-7000) is the definitive leader and expert in Hawaii cruises. Their classic liner, the S.S. Independence, sails on weekly seven-day cruises through the Hawaiian Islands. The ship sails from Honolulu on Saturdays, with ports of call on the islands of Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island (Hilo and Kona). That's four islands and five ports of call in a week.

Through the line's Hawaiiana Program, passengers experience authentic hula, Hawaiian language, and the true aloha spirit of warmth and respect for Hawaiian people and places. Their president, Tony McKinnon, explains, "We intend the ship to be more than just a means of transportation between the islands. We strive to enhance our passengers' understanding of the Hawaiian culture and people." The award-winning shore excursions enhance the overall experience, making the cruise an ideal way to see the islands.

Other cruise lines with limited or occasional itineraries involving the Hawaiian Islands include Carnival, Crystal Cruises, Cunard, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, and Seabourn. Repositioning cruises that include Hawaii can offer great deals. Check with your travel agent or call The Cruise Line Inc. (800-777-0707).

Once a cruise has introduced you to all of the major islands or you know which island(s) you want to visit, it's time to look for specific packages. They're just a phone call and a friendly aloha away.

Seniors looking for bargains throughout the islands should share their plans with ITT Sheraton Hawaii. Thanks to their "Senior Vacations" program, these customized vacations are designed to offer senior travelers free meals, upgrades, and activities, as well as a host of discounts and amenities when they stay for three nights or more at all but the lowest rack rate room category at any of many ITT Sheraton Hawaii properties (five on Oahu, two on Kauai, and one each on Maui and the Big Island). Senior savings include 25% off the room rate, a room upgrade, a 25% discount on Avis Rent-A-Car, and a Valupac of Extras valued at $150 (good for dining and shopping discounts). At Kauai's stunning Princeville Hotel, seniors also receive daily complimentary spa admission and a free round of golf. Call 800-STAY ITT (782-9488).

For a collection of luxurious choices, The Luxury Collection of Hotels of Hawaii has huge potential. These jewels of the Pacific--The Royal Hawaiian (Oahu), Princeville Hotel (mentioned above, Kauai), and The Orchid at Mauna Lani (Big Island)--are each one-of-a-king luxurious gems on three of Hawaii's most spectacular islands. Great package prices are available, including The Orchid at Mauna Lani's "ABC" package, where you senior couples can choose tennis, golf, or spa options on any given day, starting at just $379 per night. The Luxury Collection, an elite assembly of more than 50 of the world's finest hotels and resorts in 22 countries, is brought together by ITT Sheraton. Call 800-STAY ITT (782-9488).

On the famed Waikiki coast of Oahu, the Hyatt Regency Waikiki has a "3 For Free" promotion that includes an extra night for free, a room upgrade, and complimentary daily buffet breakfast. Rates tart at $398 per person. Call 800-772-0011.

For another side of the island, check out Ihilani Resort & Spa in West Oahu. The first resort to open on Oahu's secluded 640-acre Ko Olina Resort, the Ihilani features special packages through December 19th, with specific beauty, health, sports, and fine dining packages at prices that are hard to beat in Hawaii. Call 800-626-4446.

Duffers on Maui will be wowed by the "Golfer's Getaway" package at Kea Lani Hotel, Suites & Villas. The package, which is available for just $1,470 per couple, includes three night accommodations in a one-bedroom ocean-view suite, three days use of rental car, and four 18-hole rounds of golf at the prestigious Wailea and Makena Golf Clubs. A seven-night package is also available for $3,610 per couple. Call 800-822-4100.

Off the coast of Maui, the Island of Lana'i continues to be a moderately-priced Hawaiian secret. The Hotel Lana'i, nestled in a scented grove of pine trees within Lana'i City, has been a landmark on this tropical isle since the 1920s. It remains a favorite of island residents and visitors drawn by its moderate prices, cozy dining room fireplace, and homecooked foods. It's ten rooms and one plantation-style cottage are just $95 and $135 per night, respectively. The upcountry 102-room Lodge at Koele and the 250-room Manele Bay Hotel provide more upscale possibilities. Call Lana'i Resorts at 800-321-4666.

On the Big Island, Waimea Plantation offers visitors a taste of old Hawaii. The property features cottages that were once of the homes of sugar plantation workers. A "Sun Club" rate of 25% off rack rates is available to guests 55 years and older. Call 800-9-WAIMEA.

Lae Nani Resort offers a hidden retreat on Kauai's Coconut Coast. Older visitors are especially interested in the resorts sacred Kukui Heiau and Hawaiiana programs, which provide insight into the history and culture of Hawaii. Call Village Resorts' Hawaii at 800-367-7052 or Lae Nani direct at 808-822-4938.

Whether you choose a cruise or a land-based resort package, you're sure to find your version of paradise at a good price.