Downtown Honolulu: Once a fishing village called Kou, Honolulu was described in the 1820s as "a mass of brown thatched huts looking like haystacks. In the course of that century, however, it became a vital port of call for fur traders and whaling vessels visiting O'ahu, ad in 1866 the novelist Mark Twain commented that every step in the city revealed a new contrast. This is no less true today. In a relatively small and compact area. Downtown Honolulu manages to squeeze together towering skyscrapers, Japanese shrines, New England-style missionary houses, a cathedral, a royal palace former opium dens, strip joints and fish markets. This bustling capital has a strong ethnic mix and the downtown streets mirror the diversity. Hawaiian businessmen in three-piece suits, children in school uniforms and Samoans in bright sarongs mingle in harmony.

Chinatown: Hawaii's first chinese arrived on merchant ships in 1789, followed in 1852 by large numbers who came to work on Oahu's sugar plantations. On completion of their contracts, many gravitated to downtown Honolulu to build restaurants herb shops and clubhouses. Chinatown also develop a flourishing opium trade. From thousand room oceanfront mega-resort to a treehouse for two in Hawaii Island's Waipi'o valley, the accommodation possibilities in Hawaii are as numerous as they are diverse. The Price range, too, is vast. As the beach is the main attraction for most visitors, the hotels closest to the ocean are considered most desirable and are usually the most pricey. Air-conditionig is standard, though some smaller and older hotels provides ceiling fans instead. In addition to resort hotels, there are many dozens of smaller hotels, condominiums, inns and bed and breakfasts, all with lower rates. Many of the inns and B&Bs are charming and distinctive and stress personalized service; some, like Old Wailuku inn at Ulupono on Maui, are historic properties.

Most of Hawaii's large resort hotels are run by well-known chains such as Hilton Hyatt and Sheraton. Some are so self-contained and offer such a variety of activities that many visitors choose never to leave the property. If you prefer elegance and gracious service, however, head for gems like the Halekulani in Waikiki Four Season Resort less pricey options include local chains such as Aston Hotels & Resorts, Outrigger Hotels Hawaii and Marc Resort Hawaii, as well as smaller, individual establishment that stress service over amenities. Hawaii's few inns are worth seeking out as an alterative to the big hotels. Because they are small and do not offer the amenities of the resorts. their half pride themselves on service and attention to detail Maui's Lahaina Inn, a restored Victorian-era masterpiece, is a stunning example. Hawaii has accommodations to match every desire and wallet. Prices are highest from December to April, ad lowest in May, June, September, and October. One of the more economical options is to stay in a condo. A one-bedroom unit, which can easily fit a family of four, costs between $150 per night. Some inns and B&Bs have double roms for under $100 a night.