We’re almost a month into 2009. There’s a sense of cautious optimism as we move ahead. In the travel world, however, things seem a bit dour.

Still, affordable travel to Hawaii shouldn’t be a fantasy. The New York Times’ made that point evident by including Hawaii near the top of its list of the Top 44 Places to Go in 2009. The list features a variety of culturally diverse and economically friendly destinations, ranging from Berlin to the Galapagos Islands.

Hawaii landed at No. 7, receiving high marks for value, particularly appealing to vacationing families and frugal travelers.

A bulk of the Times’ Hawaii write-up focuses on the recent reopening of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki. The “Pink Palace” is commemorating its original 1927 opening by offering a special one-night rate of $19.27 for a minimum four-night stay, proving that luxury isn’t impossible in these tough economic times.

If that offer doesn’t appeal to you, the article points to great travel packages via Hawaii.com.

For more great deals may we suggest the official Hawaii Visitors and Conventions Bureau (HVCB) website, as featured in our Affordable Hawaii feature in the Jan/Feb 2009 issue, currently on newsstands. The HVCB works with Hawaii’s resorts and wholesalers to bring travelers the most current deals. Click here to check it out for yourself.




Check out these related HawaiiMagazine.com posts:
Auld Lang Syne, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Louis Armstrong … Bruddah Iz
John Cruz and our 90 other "Best of Hawaii" picks
“Best of Hawaii” 2009: Our favorite Hawaii road trips