Escape to Hawaii: the best travel deals

Why not take a break from the winter gloom and take a trip to the happiest state in the US? Here are some of the best travel deals to Hawaii. 

With picturesque landscapes, sunny skies, and straight-out-of-your-dreams white sand beaches, it's no wonder Hawaii ranks as the happiest state in our great nation for the third year in a row. So why not head there soon to get rid of that persistent "I hate the cold" winter gloom? These deals will take you to the Aloha State for less, which may just be the greatest holiday gift of all.

Fly to any of the four major islands on United Airlines, where roundtrip fares from select cities to Oahu, Kauai, Maui and the Big Island start at $292 (a low by $3; expires December 25).

Or, avoid vacation-induced stress entirely with a little help from Pleasant Holidays's 3-night flight, hotel, and car package (from $885, a low by $187; expires December 31). Not only does this package include three nights at the beachfront Aston Aloha Beach Hotel next to the Wailua River and Kauai's only protected swimming beach, but it also includes roundtrip air, a Hertz Toyota Corolla or similar rental car, and free parking!

If three days in paradise isn't enough, take advantage of this 6-night flight and hotel package for two instead. Visit the Big Island and Oahu for $1,750 (a low by $47; expires December 31) and take it easy with roundtrip airfare via Continental Airlines and a 3-night stay at any of 17 hotels on the Big Island. But your journey doesn't end there, as this vacation package also includes a flight from the Big Island to Oahu, lodging at one of 57 properties in Oahu for three nights, daily breakfast, and hotel taxes. This itinerary sure makes it easy to bask in the sun at resorts like the Four Seasons Hualalai and the Boutique Hotel Renew in Honolulu while exploring all the sights both islands have to offer.

Alternatively, control your own itinerary and stay at one of the luxurious Starwood Hotels. Currently with every second night you book, you'll save 40%. Why not shack up and enjoy the ocean views at the Kauai Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas (from $992, a low by $58; expires December 31). If the beach scene is more your style, stay at the legendary Waikiki Beach landmark Moana Surfrider Resort & Spa, or kick back at the famous Ka'anapali Beach at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa.

Looking for a single-night stay? The Maui Coast Hotel is situated along nearby Kamoale Beach and will set you back just $159 per night (a low by $1; expires December 14). The hotel bundles stays with free WiFi and free parking, to boot. Once you're there, you can enjoy breakfast on your private lanai, play tennis on one of the outdoor night-lit courts, and more.

Now that you've made your lodging, airfare, and destination choices, put island water sports on your vacation agenda with eco-friendly Island Water Sports in Honolulu. The adventure sports outfitter is offering a submarine eco-scooter and turtle-watching adventure for $95 (a low by $103; expires December 12). Not just any old water sport, this adventure includes a 20-minute ride on a self-propelled submarine electric scooter in the waters of Maunalua Bay amidst colorful fish, coral, and sea turtles. The tour leaves time for 90 minutes of turtle watching as well as swimming and snorkeling.

Finally, get some relaxation in with a 30-minute massage and 30-minute facial at Ville de Coco ($110, a low by $103; expires December 16). Situated inside the Outrigger Luana Waikiki Hotel, the spa focuses on concentrated massages of the back, neck, and shoulders. You'll be able to choose your problem area and pick from three types of facials, too. It's the perfect way to round out a blissful vacation in the sun.

These deals prove that the mantra "Don't Worry, Be Happy" is attainable on your next vacation. 

Summar Ghias is a contributor to dealnews.com, a website devoted to finding the best deals on consumer goods. The site pledges to list the best deal, whether or not it's from an advertiser, although it does work with advertisers to craft deals for readers. Our guest bloggers are not employed or directed by the Monitor and the views expressed are the bloggers' own, as is responsibility for the content of their blogs. To contact us about a blogger, click here. This feature first appeared in dealnews.com.