Staycation: 4 Great Ways to Stay and Play

Look no further than your own backyard to plan your next vacation. Whether you’re after family fun or a romantic getaway, your trip begins right here in the Aloha State. Check out these great ideas and stay and play the island way. 

1. Enjoy Hawaii’s best luau.

You already know that Oahu’s Paradise Cove is the home of Hawaii’s best luau. There’s no need to wait for a visit from Mainlanders to enjoy beachside tropical cocktails, delicious food, Hawaiian games and arts and crafts. After a Shower of Flowers, join the Hukilau on the Beach to learn the net fishing techniques of Old Hawaii. Observe a recreation of a Royal Court Procession and learn about underground oven cooking at the Imu Ceremony. End with a traditional Hawaiian feast and be entertained with the traditional dancing of Hawaii and Polynesia as you sit back and enjoy the Paradise Cove Extravaganza. Paradise Cove offers three luau packages. Learn more about each at paradisecovehawaii.com. Call 808-842-5911 for Kamaaina rates.
 

Kid-Friendly Fun

Keiki 17 years of age and younger stay free with mom and dad at any Aston property with Aston’s “Kids Stay, Play & Eat Free” program when using existing bedding. Children 12 years of age and younger receive free meals at popular family restaurants when accompanied by an adult and free admission at top Hawaii attractions. Find out more at astonhotels.com.
 

2. ­­Take a tasting tour

Napa Valley has its grapes, but Hawaii has its own specialty crop known for smooth flavors and bold finishes. Kona coffee beans are a rare commodity grown only in North and South Kona. It’s an easy go! flight to the Big Island to tour the small, boutique farms’ orchards, watch the steps from roasting to grinding, and sample the nuances of beans grown in different areas. At The Kona Coffee Living History Farm, you’ll walk back into time with historic buildings, macadamia nut and coffee orchards, hands-on keiki activities, and costumed guides depicting the life of workers and families from 1920 through 1945. Learn more at konahistorical.org.
 

3. Enjoy a plantation-perfect stay

Take a trip back in time without sacrificing every modern convenience. Stay in a refurbished and beautifully appointed island plantation home at Kauai’s Waimea Plantation Cottages. Each cottage has a full kitchen and lanai and features plantation-style décor. Located in a rural setting and featuring floor plans with one to five bedrooms, the cottages provide a fun vacation spot for families and a relaxing retreat for couples. Indulge in simple pleasures such as a stroll through the gardens or an afternoon nap in a swinging hammock. Cool off in the beachside pool, walk along a black sand beach or take advantage of onsite spa treatments. Find out more at waimeaplantation.com.
 

It pays to stay local

Kamaaina guests at Aston Hotels & Resorts receive the Aloha Book, which contains offers worth more than $2,500 in savings on dining, shopping and activities in Hawaii.
 

Your Free Gift Awaits

When you rent a car from Budget, you automatically receive a free gift at a variety of great restaurants, shops and attractions across the Islands. And the best part is, you don’t have to do a thing. Budget has free gift coupons waiting for you when you pick up your keys. Budget features seven locations across Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island.
 

PHOTO: COURTESY OF BUDGET

4. See it all from behind the wheel.

Sometimes there’s no better way to see Hawaii than with the top down and sunglasses on. Whether you’re vacationing Interisland or just taking off for the day, consider an upgrade from your usual A-to-B vehicle to a dream machine. Rent a convertible, a Jeep or maybe even a zippy sports car from Budget to take you through Upcountry Maui, over the Hana Highway, along the Kona Coast, into Waimea Canyon or around east Oahu via Kalanianaole Highway from Waikiki to Kailua. Wherever you go, take the time to stop at the  favorite local eateries, roadside stands or the lookout point you might normally breeze right by. Visit budget.com for reservation information.