modern tropical getaway

big island home searching for nice modernists dreaming of spending their island getaway somewhere with good lines and thoughtful design during their next trip to hawaii. well, at least that's how i think it would sound if there was such a thing as architecture/design junkie matchmaking ads.

summer may be coming to an end but if you're planning a trip during the popular winter season it's time to get your vacation plans in order. we all know a nice place to stay can be hard to find so why not ditch the questionable attempts at hawaiian design that are so prevalent in the hit or miss world of vacation rentals?

spend a few nights at hale balleja, a modern vacation rental designed by architect craig steely, and discover if you are the modern type. even if it ends up not being your thing, you'll get to enjoy an ocean view without paying resort prices or surrounded by a stranger's outdated notion of island decor.

free night in hana

now that your ticket is booked you'll need a place to rest your pretty little head. if you're off to maui and can afford to stay at the hotel hana-maui . . . well, let's be honest, the savings from the discover hana package is probably just pocket change for you.

anyhoo, book 4 nights in select sea country cottages and the 5th night is on the house. they've even tossed in breakfast for two for the length of your stay. go see why the hotel recently earned the no. 12 spot on travel+leisure's top 25 hawaii hotels and check in with us after your stay so we can live vicariously through you.

the fine print:

• stay: sep 1st to dec 21st
• blackout: thanksgiving (nov 23rd to 30th)

escape to the royal hawaiian hotel

if you have always wanted to make like a tourist and stay at the royal hawaiian hotel (aka the pink palace), you have 2 days left to take advantage of their sizzling summer sale.

penny pinchers may want to skip over the fine print since, even at $195 a night, your credit card will still take a big hit. deal with it by heading to the abhasa spa and splurging on a pohaku massage with your savings.

the devil's in the details . . .

• click here to book (offer code: tvlz)
• book it: by friday, jul 21st
• stay: aug 16th to oct 15th
• blackout: sep 16th to 30th

hotel hana-maui

if i had a million dollars, i probably still couldn't buy the hotel hana-maui but at least i could go on holiday there like the few lucky souls who have vacationed at the intimate resort for generations. this is the hawaiian hideaway for travelers who yearn for the bygone era of the early 20th century and its gracious island style.

those who can afford the splurge will unwind in one of the 66 coveted bungalows steps from the sea and savor the privacy that only a property situated on 67 acres of former ranch land can offer. ready to getaway? a $200 resort credit is all yours if you can book by may 31st and vacation during the month of june.

halekulani + vera wang = $$$$

if you have $4000 burning a hole in your pocket, here's a way to blow it all in one night (and, no, i don't mean vegas) . . . the vera wang suite at the halekulani. not only will you enjoy a lanai larger than some apartments, but you'll also have your very own private butler who can pop in one of vera wang's favorite movies for you to enjoy on the 50-inch plasma tv while you lounge around your 2100 square foot suite that has been decorated with all things vera.

in addition to all the vera wang suite goodies, a chauffered limo will greet you at the airport and you can summon the spahalekulani to come to your room. the halekulani has also designed an experience hawaii program exclusively for suite guests which includes your very own private tour of shangri la.

thank goodness for the rest of us that the view of diamond head can still be enjoyed for free.