Travel-Planning Guide

Airlift: An increasing number of major carriers now fly directly from the mainland to Kauai, the Big Island and Maui. American Airlines (800-433-7300, www.americanair.com) and United Airlines (800-241-6522, www.ual.com) serve all four major islands. Carriers for interisland travel include Hawaiian Airlines (800-367-5320, www.hawaiianair.com), Island Air (808-652-6541, www.islandair.com) and Aloha Airlines (800-367-5250, www.alohaair.com). Island Air flies to both Lanai and Molokai.

Wholesalers: Companies like Creative Leisure International (800-413-1000, www.creativeleisure.com; agent contact is Laura Polley: 800-548-3566 ext. 201, [email protected]), Pleasant Holidays (800-448-3333, www.pleasantagent.com; agent contact is Nikki Shanley, 800-442-3234 or [email protected]) and Apple Vacations (800-517-2000, www.applevacations.com; agent contact is the inside sales department, 800-727-3550) offer commissions that usually start at 10 to 15 percent. It's often easier to collect activity commissions from wholesalers than from individual tour operators.

OAHU

Lodging: The stretches of white sand in Waikiki sit within walking distance of shops, restaurants and entertainment. Hilton Hawaiian Village (800-445-8667, www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com) puts your client in the middle of the activity. The Lagoon Tower has oceanfront suites with kitchens and additional space perfect for families. Contact Debbie Hogan: 808-947-7843, [email protected]. The elegant Halekulani's (800-367-2343, www.halekulani.com) 720-square-foot, corner Junior Ocean Suites have double lanais with views of the ocean and Diamond Head; connecting rooms are available. Contact Lynn Hirayama: 808-923-2311, [email protected]. For a quiet atmosphere close in proximity to the city, book rooms at the Kahala Hotel and Resort (800-367-2525, www.kahalaresort.com). Contact Rowena Anecito (808-347-1268, [email protected]).

Restaurants: Renowned chef George Mavrothalassitis emphasizes local ingredients on his seasonal, wine-matched menus at Chef Mavro (www.chefmavro.com). Multi-course meals aboard the Star of Honolulu (www.starofhonolulu.com) complement views of the city skyline.

Transportation: Exotic cars are available from carriers like Paradise Rent-a-Car (808-946-7777), but if your clients plan to spend time in remote areas, you may want to steer them away from flashy vehicles that can attract thieves.

KAUAI

Lodging: Prince Junior Suites at the Princeville Resort (866-716-8110, www.princeville.com) on the island's North Shore have a dining area for four and "magic" windows that front the ocean, providing privacy or ocean views with the flip of a switch. Contact Carol Diaz (808-826-2235, [email protected]). Hilton Kauai Beach Resort (808-245-1955, www.hiltonkauairesort.com) offers a moderately priced East Shore, oceanfront option. Contact Janet Lindsey (808-246-5502, [email protected]). The Grand Hyatt Beach Resort and Spa (800-554-9288, www.kauai.hyatt.com) is on the South Shore and has 600-square-foot deluxe oceanview rooms. The spa is undergoing construction in phases, so you may want to inquire about available services. Contact Chris Winderberg (808-240-6428, [email protected]).

Restaurants: The moderately priced Hanalei Gourmet (www.hanaleigourmet.com) serves fish specials, burgers and crab cakes. Roy's Poipu Bar and Grill (www.roysrestaurant.com) serves Hawaiian fusion cuisine.

Transportation: Tropicars (www.tropicars.com, 808-635-5383) offers airport and car service in a 1958 Ford.

BIG ISLAND

Guests can interact with dolphins in the ocean-fed lagoon of the Hilton Waikoloa Village (808-886-1234, www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com). The Lagoon Tower is for families who value pool access, and couples looking for quiet romance pick the Ocean Tower. Contact Russ Kembel (808-886-2933, [email protected]) or Teresa Cosgrove (808-886-2933). Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort (808-332-3441, www.outriggerkeauhoubeachhotel.com) hangs over the edge of a point, giving guests in the deluxe oceanfront rooms—including three suites—a bird's-eye view of tide pools. Contact Annabelle Smith (808-324-2509, [email protected]).

Restaurants: Jameson's by the Sea (www.restauranteur.com) serves fresh fish at tables overlooking Magic Sands Beach. Pahu i'a (www.fourseasons.com/hualalai/dining) also comes with ocean views, serving Hawaiian-style dishes.

Transportation: A four-wheel-drive car will give your clients better access to beach roads. Most large rental companies operate in Maui and offer four-wheel-drive options.

MAUI

A moderately priced option on the busy stretch of Kaanapali Beach is the Kaanapali Beach Hotel (800-262-8450, www.kbhmaui.com). The hotel features oceanfront family suites, and the ground floor rooms of the Lanai and Maui wings offer more space. Contact Carol Santos: 808-667-0105, [email protected]. Guests at the Grand Wailea Resort (800-888-6100, grandwailea.com) can stay in the Napua Tower. Connecting rooms accommodate families and ground floor rooms with lanais provide access to the pools. Contact Jasmine Valdez: 808-875-1234 ext. 3165,jasmine.val [email protected]. For clients who want to get away from the crowds, try the Hotel Hana Maui (800-321-4262,www.hotelhanamaui.com). For an adults-only vacation, visit in May and September when the hotel forbids kids. Contact Emma Park (808-248-8211, [email protected]).

Restaurants: The Pacific Rim seafood at Mama's Fish House (www.mamasfishhouse.com) is the best dining on Maui. Leilani's on the Beach (www.leilanis.com) offers island-style fresh fish and steak. Resources

Transportation: Expeditions (www.go-lanai.com) and the Molokai-Maui Ferry depart daily from Lahaina Harbor, carrying passengers to Lanai and Molokai.

LANAI

Lodging: There are panoramic views of the ocean from prime oceanfront corner rooms at Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay (808-565-2000, www.fourseasons.com). Koele deluxe corner rooms overlook the gardens at Four Seasons Resort, The Lodge at Koele (808-565-4000). For both, contact Jennifer Hess: 808-565-7700, [email protected].

Restaurants: Pele's Other Garden (www.pelesothergarden.com) in Lanai City serves pastas and salads.

MOLOKAI

Lodging: The Lodge and Beach Villages at Molokai Ranch (808-660-2824, www.molokairanch.com) offers canvas "tentalows," solar-powered, beachfront bungalows with two bedrooms and a private bath. Contact Marlo Nishimoto (808-521-9561, [email protected].

Restaurants: Paddler's Inn (www.paddlersinn.molokai.com) has pub food, indoor and outdoor seating and live music.