When looking to book a vacation in the Hawaiian Islands, you'll be pleasantly pleased at the huge selection of hotels available in the state. From urban-styled hotels in downtown Honolulu to ultra-exclusive, secluded getaway retreats in Lanai, hotels come in so many sizes, styles, prices, and locations that it can make the prospective vacationer's head spin. There are, however, a few key guidelines that can help you select just the right property for you.

First off, finding a hotel that fits your interests and your budget should be the first consideration when searching for a hotel in Hawaii. Obviously, every vacationer has a different travel budget, so what is defined as "affordable" will depend on the size of your vacation budget. For those who have no budget restrictions, searching only the five-star hotels will greatly reduce the number of possibilities. Hawaii has some of the most fabulous five-star hotels on the planet!  For those who are looking to save some money, however, finding the best value for your money is key.  Therefore, try to find a four-star hotel that has special package deals if at all possible. While these properties may not be as fancy or as new as the five-star hotels, they can often provide a comfortable stay with many nice amenities.

Of course, location is also a huge factor in selecting your hotel, especially in Hawaii. In a case of a lower-priced four-star hotel or condo, check to see exactly where it is located. If you wish to be right on the beach, you may have to pay a higher price. Many of the less expensive hotels, particularly in Honolulu are close to the beach but not located right on it.  Hawaiian beaches all have public access so if you are not opposed to walking a block or two to get to the beach, then a less expensive hotel or condo might be the right choice for you. You may also be able to get special package deals that might make it just as inexpensive to stay at one of the nicer hotels right on the beach if you check around.  With the downturn in the economy, this is an especially good time to get great deals on your Hawaiian travel.

Comfort and service is the final consideration. Even if you've found a hotel that is located where you want to be and seems like a good value, make sure it provides the amenities that you want.  Condos can often be a good alternative to hotel stays since many provide the ability to prepare meals in the room. They can also be a good choice if you have a large family or many people in your party. Restaurant meals in Hawaii are rather expensive and can quickly eat into a budget. Be prepared that even fast-food will cost more in the Islands than it does on the mainland. If you don’t plan on spending a lot of time in your room, perhaps you can settle for a hotel off the beaten path or a condo which can accommodate more people at a lower cost.  In any case, careful planning and budgeting can allow you to spend your money doing other exciting things while on your stay in Hawaii.

As the global travel industry continues to expand, more and more people are looking to go on vacation while spending the least amount of money possible. One of the newest trends in travel destinations is to rent a vacation property, rather than staying in a traditional hotel. Some vacationers prefer the home-like feel of a vacation home to the temporary, transient feel of a hotel. For those looking to travel to Hawaii, a wide assortment of vacation rental properties are available to fit your personal preferences and budget.
Vacation rental properties exist in virtually every setting on every island in Hawaii. From vacation homes to condos, apartment rentals, cottages, and villas, you'll find that there are many options to choose from.

Beachfront properties are ideal for the traveler who would like the convenience of hitting the beach without having to walk long distances, while not having to come back to a cramped hotel room.
While more expensive, beachfront rental properties give you the entire experience of living and vacationing in Hawaii: a pristine view of the aqua-blue Pacific Ocean, sandy, pearl-white beaches, lush mountaintops, and rugged, rocky volcanoes peek in through every window view. Most properties in Hawaii also feature patios, decks, or terraces, so that you can experience the warm sun and cool trade winds without even having to leave the house. Rental properties also give you significantly more room and offer more amenities than a common hotel room. You'll have access to a full kitchen, a driveway or garage for a rental car, a sitting room, and multiple bedrooms if needed.

Opting for a rental property in Hawaii can also help you save considerable money as well, depending on your vacation needs. For large families that would normally require more than one hotel room in order to accommodate everyone, a two or three bedroom house or condo will allow the entire family to stay together for less money. Also, having access to a kitchen means that a large family can cook some or all of their meals at home, thus saving tons of money on not having to eat out in restaurants all of the time. The roominess of a rental home also gives a larger family the option of spending more time at the home, as opposed to a hotel room, which is really only conducive for sleeping and bathing. To be sure, certain amenities might be missed: only the most expensive Hawaiian rental properties feature pools, and none of them will offer kind of service that you receive at a hotel. But for many people who are seeking to maximize their vacation budget, renting a vacation property in Hawaii makes the most sense.