When you stay two consecutive nights, you’ll receive a $50 resort credit for each night of your stay. Use it for food, spa services, and almost anything else at the resort. With rates starting at $199 a night, you‘ll save as much as $180 a night.

The Kauai Marriott Resort has all the amenities required for a great vacation — 800 acres of beautiful grounds on Kalapaki Bay, a huge sandy beach, a 26,000-square-foot pool, five spas, and a helpful staff that can arrange virtually anything.

A limited number of rooms is available. Make your reservations at www.orbitz.com.

Read more about the Kauai Marriott Resort here.

Rates start as low as $80 a night for the Aloha Beach and include free parking and free high-speed Internet or WiFi access.

Near the Coconut Marketplace and adjacent to Wailua Beach, Aston Islander on the Beach has a pool, spa, and barbecue area. Their Discover Kauai Romance Package includes four nights in an ocean view room, your choice of a 50-minute couples massage or a kayaking adventure, dinner for two at the Voyager Grille in the Aston Kauai Beach at Makaiwa, two complimentary cocktails, and late checkout. The price is $206 per night, based on four nights. It’s available through December 21, 2010 and black out dates apply. Information is available at http://www.astonhotels.com/aston/specialOffers/hotDeals.do.

Find things to do near the Islander here.

The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 — also known as the Jones Act — prohibits foreign-flagged vessels from embarking and disembarking passengers in U.S. ports unless they visit a foreign country in between. Most cruise lines register their ships in other countries because it’s less expensive, which prevents them from doing roundtrips from Honolulu. That’s why many Hawaii cruises originate in Vancouver, Australia, or Tahiti.

But Norwegian Cruise Line registered their Pride of America in the U.S. So they’re able to operate seven-day, roundtrip sailings from Honolulu year ‘round. Pride of America is the first American-flagged cruise ship in fifty years, and she has an American staff and crew. With nearly 100 hours in port, you won’t spend that much time aboard, but when you do, there’s plenty to enjoy with a spa and fitness center, 14 restaurants, and 9 bars.

Pride of America sails from Honolulu on Saturday nights at 8PM. She arrives at Kahului, Maui the next morning at 8AM. Passengers have two full days in Maui for sightseeing, shopping, sunning, or whale-watching before sailing for Hilo at 6PM.

In Hilo, passengers have a full day to explore Volcanoes National Park, Akaka Falls, or downtown Hilo on the eastern side of the Big Island. The next day is spent on the other side of the Big Island in Kona and the Kohala coast.

Pride of America arrives in Kauai at 8AM on Thursday in Nawiliwili Harbor. Since the ship doesn’t sail until 2 the following afternoon, cruisers have plenty of time to visit the Napali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Hanalei Bay, Poipu Beach, or any of Kauai’s other beautiful attractions.

Right now, 2010 sailings are being discounted from 32% to 65% off. In early December, for instance, you can sail for as little as $769 per person, or $219 per couple, per day. When you consider that all your meals are included in that price and compare it to the cost of buying inter-island airfare, Hawaii cruise deals are way less expensive than doing the same trip independently. Plus you can visit several of the islands and only have to pack and unpack once.

Find Kauai must-sees for your time in port here.

Starwood Hotels Hawaii

Starwood Preferred Guests (SPGs) can save 35% off the room rate, and get a free night (with minimum stay), double points, a free double room upgrade or $100 dining credit, and free breakfast for two each day. The three participating properties are:

* The Sheraton Kauai. On a beautiful golden-sand beach in sunny Poipu, the Sheraton has the island’s only ocean-front luau. It’s walking distance to Poipu’s shops and restaurants, and the Point is one of the best spots on the island to watch the sun set.

* The St. Regis Princeville Resort. Recently reopened after a $100 million renovation, this member of the prestigious St. Regis group has unbeatable views of Hanalei Bay and Bali Hai. With five restaurants and two world-class golf courses, you’ll never leave.

* Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. With gourmet kitchens, private lanais, spas, and great programs for kids, these are some of the best Kauai vacation rentals. The location is convenient to North Shore beaches and Princeville golf.

The offer is good for bookings through June 30, 2010. But availability is limited, so make your reservations as early as you can to avoid disappointment.

You’ll find all the details at starwoodhawaii.com/morehawaii. Or find other recommended Kauai hotels here.

Spread across 30 beautiful, beach-front acres, Kiahuna Plantation has 333 units in 42 low-rise buildings. The grounds are landscaped with mature tropical plants. The beach is great for swimming, surfing, and sunning. There’s a wonderful restaurant on site, and lots of other restaurants within walking distance.

Each of the units has a bedroom, a kitchen, a private lanai, and daily maid service. And all have good access to the beach.

Right now, Outrigger has rates as low as $169 a night for stays in February, March and April. Since this is one of the best Poipu vacation rentals, it’s a terrific value and significantly less expensive than the other properties in the area.

http://www.outrigger.com/hotels-resorts/hawaiian-islands/kauai/outrigger-kiahuna-plantation?property=OCC-KPR&CID=RF_Travelzoo.com_KPR

Some of the best Kauai vacation rentals are on the sunny south side of the island, around Poipu. There are plenty to choose from, and they’re available in all price ranges.

Most Poipu vacation rental units are individually owned, so quality and amenities may vary a lot, even in the same complex. Check out the photographs of the unit, but don’t take anything for granted. Ask lots of questions before paying a deposit.

Poipu vacation rentals near Lawai Beach.

There are two nice vacation rental properties on Lawai Road. Both are convenient to Spouting Horn, the Botanical Gardens, and good snorkeling at Lawai Beach.

Prince Kuhio is just across Lawai Road from the beach. The vacation rentals here range in size from small studios to 700-square-foot one-bedroom units. Amenities at the property include a pool and barbecue area, and a laundry. And the complex is conveniently located. It offers solid value for money in an area where the weather’s nearly always pleasant.

For lunch, the Savage Shrimp truck is usually parked nearby. And The Beach House across the street is one of the best restaurants on Kauai.

Prince Kuhio vacation rentals are available through several property management companies. You can find them online. Some have a 5-night minimum, others only require 3.

On the beach side of Lawai Road, Kuhio Shores is right on the water. Many of the units here have fantastic ocean views — corner units have the best. In addition to one-bedtoom units, Kuhio Shores also has two-bedroom, two-bath vacation rentals with up to 1,200 square feet. There’s a barbecue area and laundry facilities on every floor. No swimming pool, but easy access to the beach.

One of the nicest Poipu vacation rentals – and most expensive — Whaler’s Cove has 39 one- and two-bedroom units in two circular beach-front buildings. There’s also daily maid service, in-room safes, and high-speed Internet access, with WIFI in most units. The nicely landscaped grounds have a beautiful heated pool and spa. Service here is first rate – they’ll even stock your fridge in advance if you’d like. Many of the units have koa wood doors and trim, as well as whirlpool tubs with ocean views. The units are individually owned, so they’re all different, but most are of a very high standard.

Poipu vacation rentals on Poipu Beach.

Although Poipu Kapili isn’t right on Poipu Beach, it’s a short stroll away. It’s a very nice complex with 60 units in seven low rise buildings across Kapili Road from a rocky beach. Spread across five acres, Poipu Kapili has an on-site management company you can rent through and there’s an activity desk. Each of the units has an ocean view and lanai, and you can choose from a simple one-bedroom or a two-story townhouse, which is a great value. Most of the two-bedroom rentals have washers and dryers in the unit. There are two tennis courts, a pool, a laundry, an herb garden, and barbecues on the property. It’s close to Poipu Beach shops and restaurants. Depending on the unit, Poipu Kapili is often less expensive than other Poipu vacation rentals.

Although Kiahuna Plantation has 333 units, you’d never know it because they’re divided among 42 low-rise building spread out across 30 acres that was once an old plantation. The lush grass lawn with mature tropical plants leads right down to the beach, where you can rent water sports equipment. And what a beach it is – broad, and sandy, perfect for swimming, sunning, or surfing. There are one-, two-, and three-bedroom units available, and the beach-front rentals really are right on the beach. It’s a short stroll to the bars and restaurants of the Sheraton Kauai or Poipu Village shops.

Prices vary widely depending on the location of the unit and its views. Most have private lanais.

Kiahuna Plantation rentals are available through both Outrigger and Castle.

Located between Kiahuna Plantation and the Hyatt, Poipu Kai Resort is a 350-unit complex with nine tennis courts, seven pools, and a spa. The 70-acre property has six subdivisions. You can choose virtually anything from a cottage to a house to a five-bedroom condo. Vacation rentals are categorized as deluxe or ultra-deluxe, and prices are based on location and view. Rentals on the west side have better access to sandy Poipu and Brennecke’s Beach. On the east side, it’s a short stroll to Shipwreck Beach, which is not safe for swimming. You can rent bikes, golf clubs, and water sports equipment from the concierge desk. Poipu Kai is also close to the shops and restaurants in the Hyatt.

Several management companies represent Poipu Kai, but Suite Paradise has the most biggest selection.

For more options, see our recommended Poipu hotels here.

For $100 more a night, you can upgrade to a Deluxe Ocean-Front room with a private lanai.

Since the Sheraton Kauai Resort is on Kiahuna Beach, which adjoins world-famous Poipu Beach, this is one of the best locations on the island for swimming, surfing, and enjoying unforgettable views.  The Point bar is the spot for cocktails and pupus at sunset.  Try Kalua Pig Nachos and a Black Cherry Mojito.

The Sheraton provides easy access to Poipu Beach restaurants, shopping, and activities, and something none of the other Kauai resorts offer – an ocean-front luau.

Those who prefer to stay on the north shore of the island near Hanalei Bay can opt for the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas in Princeville.   Premium Island-View Studio Villas are available for just $225 a night.  Since these include gourmet kitchens, in-unit washers and dryers, and amenities like flat-screen TVs, they’re great for families or couples who don’t want to eat all their meals out.

One bedroom villas are $125 more per night.   These are some of the nicest Kauai condos and there are plenty of activities for adults and kids.

These rates are significantly less than what you’d expect to pay in winter.  But you’ll need to be certain of your dates because you must pay in full at the time of booking, and rooms are nonrefundable.

Reservations are available through http://hawaii-exclusive.destinations.starwoodhotels.com/starwood_hawaii/value_in_paradise/?EM=Hawaii_Tzoo_EB_081209_PARVAL_MX_ALL

The hotel, formerly known as the Princeville Resort, boasts one of the most desirable pieces of real estate in Hawaii.  Perched on a cliff above Hanalei Bay, the resort offers breathtaking views of the bay and the peak that played Bali Hai in the movie South Pacific.

Always the most luxurious of the Princeville hotels, the old Princeville Resort has been elevated to an even higher standard.  With fewer than twenty properties worldwide, St. Regis is the most exclusive of the Starwood brands.  And the owners spent more than a year making the property worthy of the St. Regis name.

The resort now has 252 guest rooms, including 51 ocean-view suites.  The lobby features lots of native wood, soaring ceilings, and unforgettable views of Mt. Makana.  And a new 10,000-square-foot Halele’a (House of Joy) Spa offers exotic treatments and traditional Hawaiian healing massages.

There are five restaurants, including celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s new Kauai Grill and an ocean-front bar that overlooks the 5,000-square-foot infinity pool and Hanalei Bay.  Golfers will also enjoy the  two world-class courses.

It’s a challenging time to open a new luxury property, and most Hawaii hotels are weathering the recession by discounting their rates.  In fact, the average Hawaii nightly rate in early September was $160 — a far cry from the $360 to $6,500 rack rate at the St. Regis.  Once occupancy stabilizes, it will likely be one of the most expensive Kauai hotels.

But bookings for October are 20% better than projected.  And Hawaii residents can enjoy a special introductory rate of $199 per night.

Former guests will be pleased to know that an astonishing 96% of the old Princeville Resort staff are returning to the property.  And there are four “quintessential celebration” packages in October and November.  The first features a showing of the 1958 classic South Pacific and an appearance by  Mitzi Gaynor, who starred in the film.

For more information, visit Princeville and the North Shore on Kauai Hawaii Guide.

So how do you find the right place for you from the dozens of Kauai hotel choices?  Start by figuring out what you want to do.  And when you plan to visit.

Virtually everyone who goes to Hawaii is looking for sunshine and pleasant temperatures.  Fortunately, there’s plenty of sunshine on Kauai all year long.  But there’s also plenty of rain.  So if you’re visiting during the winter, you’ll get better weather in Poipu Beach and the surrounding area.

Many of the Poipu hotels and resorts have rocky beaches, so if a sandy beach that’s safe for swimming is a priority for you, stay as close to Poipu or Kiahuna Beach as you can afford.

If your idea of the perfect Kauai vacation is just relaxing in a chaise lounge with a good book, the Sheraton Kauai, the Grand Hyatt Kauai, or one of the other Poipu hotels will probably suit you just fine.  But Poipu vacation rentals can be a better value because they give you the opportunity to have some meals ìat home.

Having a kitchen frees you up to eat in or out whenever you please.  And if you visit one of Kauai’s farmers’ markets, you can enjoy lots of tropical fruit for breakfast and have impeccably fresh local fish for dinner.

Kiahuna Plantation has one, two, and three bedroom units, and many have beautiful ocean-view lanais.  If you stay here, you can also use one of the barbecue grills on the lawn to make dinner.

Less expensive Poipu vacation rentals are available at Prince Kuhio, Poipu Kapili, and Poipu Kai.

In summer, there’s less rain and the seas on the north shore are much calmer.  During that time of year, you can pretty much stay wherever you like.  Many of the best Kauai resorts are in the Princeville and Hanalei area.

The best known Princeville hotel is the St. Regis Princeville, which used to be the Princeville Resort.  It’s recently reopened after an extensive renovation.  The view of Hanalei Bay are some of the island’s best.

With gourmet kitchens and private lanais, the Westin Ocean Resort Villas are the ultimate Princeville vacation rentals.  Their kids programs make them a great, if expensive, choice for families.

The Hanalei Colony Resort, Pu’u Poa, and the other Hanalei hotels are less expensive and still provide great access to the north shore beaches, restaurants, and shops.

Kauai’s east shore also has hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals in abundance.  And most are less expensive than the Princeville or Poipu hotels.  Because the east shore is more congested — traffic can be a real problem around Lihue — you’ll probably be happier on the north or south shore.

Here’s why we think that you should spend your next tropical getaway in Kauai:

1)    It’s relatively easy to get there.  There’s convenient air service to Honolulu from almost every city in the U.S.  And from Honolulu, it’s an easy connection to Lihue Airport.   If you’ve never been to Honolulu, plan to spend one or two nights there before or after going to Kauai.

2)    Once you get to Kauai, it’s easy to get around.  There are only a few main roads, so it’s nearly impossible to get lost.

3)    There’s a lot to see and do in a relatively compact space.  Most attractions are no more than a two-hour drive from wherever you’re staying.  So even if you stay in Princeville, Waimea Canyon is an easy day trip.   With a little advance planning, you should be able to see all of Kauai’s top sights in a week.

4)    Relatively speaking, accommodations are less expensive than on Maui or the Big Island.  Prices at the top resorts on Maui are nearly 50% more than they are in Poipu or Princeville.  You can spend a fortune here if you want.  But a room that would cost $600 a night in Wailea would go for $400 on Kauai.  Many Kauai hotels are a good deal.

5)    Compared to Maui and Oahu, Kauai is still pretty laid back.  A local ordinance bans buildings taller than a coconut tree, so there are no huge high-rises.  And most of the island is still undeveloped.

6)    Kauai’s diversity is astonishing.  There are broad, sandy beaches, rocky coves, volcanic ridges, rain forests, a 3,600-ft-deep canyon, waterfalls, rivers, and dunes.  You can see more in a week here than you can imagine.  And most of Kauai’s natural wonders are free.

7)    If you’re active, you’ll never run out of things to do.  At the beach, you can swim, surf, snorkel, boogie board, windsurf, parasail, jet ski, scuba dive, or body surf.  If you like to kayak, you can paddle along the Na Pali Coast or glide down the Wailua or Hanalei Rivers.   Hikers can do the legendary Kalalau Trail, explore Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park, or hike to countless waterfalls and then cool off with a dip beneath the cascade.

8)    Some of the best beaches in Hawaii are on Kauai.  From 17-mile Polihale Beach to secret pools carved into lava shelves, there’s a beach for everyone.  And if you’re willing to walk 10 to 15 minutes, you can usually find one that’s practically deserted.   If you want lifeguards, bathrooms, showers, equipment rentals, and fast food, head for Hanalei or Poipu Beach.  If you want peace and quiet, try Donkey Beach

9)    Kauai is a great place to relax.  Kauai vacation rentals with a kitchen not only save you money on meals, they eliminate the hassle of going out for every meal.  If you have an ocean-view lanai or balcony, you can have a leisurely breakfast at your place, enjoy a full day of sightseeing, and then return to toast the sunset with a glass of wine or a cocktail before heading out to dinner.  The North Shore can be rainy, especially in winter, so bring a good book and plan to lay back and enjoy the sound of the rain on the roof.

10)  The locals are extremely friendly.  Hawaiians are known for their warm welcomes and aloha spirit.  But it’s especially true on Kauai, where the natives really go out of their way to make sure your visit is everything you want it to be.

Now that you know why we love it, we hope you agree that your next vacation should be to Kauai Hawaii.