Think Hawaii this winter

The Perrin Post at Conde'Nast Traveler

The last time Obama was in Hawaii--a couple of weeks ago, to visit his grandmother for the last time--he stayed at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki, which is offering third nights free, plus a comp upgrade and daily breakfast for two, through December 19.

I've said it before, but I'll say it again: This is the winter to go to Hawaii. I'd be headed there myself for post-Election Day de-stressing if work assignments didn't have me bound for other parts of the globe.

Last week I told you about fares to Honolulu for $244 from L.A. and $452 from New York. Then yesterday Beat of Hawaii reported fares of $421 from Washington, D.C., and $426 from Boston, including over Thanksgiving!

We also learned yesterday that Hawaii hotel occupancy fell to only 63 percent in September. That's the worst it's been since the months right after 9/11. All those empty rooms will force resorts to offer big discounts and incentives this winter. How to nab the best deals?

My hunch is that the biggest Hawaii bargains are yet to come and will take the form of airfare-plus-hotel packages (since packages allow airlines and hotels to lower rates without advertising that they're doing so). You might want to look for packages that include any of these Hawaii beach resorts, which have been rated tops in the state by the very well-traveled and selective readers of Conde Nast Traveler. You also might want to follow two blogs that single out some of the best deals: Beat of Hawaii and Go Visit Hawaii.

If you've already got airline tickets and all you need now is accommodations, there are a ton of third- and fourth-night-free deals to choose from. Be prepared to act fast, though: The steepest sales nowadays last only a few days. And don't forget about vacation rental homes, which may well offer the best value for your dollar.