A four-year-old condo complex tucked between the posh resorts of the South Kohala Coast, Outrigger Fairway Villas has 80 two- and three-bedroom units, each with a roomy kitchen, giant TV, and patio facing the greens of the Waikoloa Beach Golf Course. A petroglyph park bordering the complex is a fine place for an early-evening stroll. Strengths: Small pool; hot tub; daily housekeeping; within walking distance of shops and restaurants. Weaknesses: Fifteen-minute walk to a mediocre beach; ten-minute drive to a better one (800-688-7444; outriggerfairwayvillascondo.com; two-bedrooms, $355).

Dining
The owners of Tokyo's Fujimamas restaurant opened a Kailua-Kona outpost in 2005 that turns out some of the best food on the island, including an obsession-worthy Thai-style Caesar salad. Sit on the tiki-lit bamboo patio (75-5719 Alii Dr.; 808-327-2125; entrées, $12–$24). Visitors typically stop at the Coffee Shack for its views of Kealakekua Bay, but they come back for the inventive sandwiches on fresh-baked breads, the homemade pies, and the best eggs Benedict on the planet (83-5799 Mamalahoa Hwy., Captain Cook; 808-328-9555; entrées, $8–$13). When locals need a break from Hilo's typically greasy fare, they head for the organic dishes at Hilo Bay Cafe. One bite of the heirloom tomato salad or the braised short ribs and you'll forget you're in a strip mall (315 Maka'ala St.; 808-935-4939; entrées, $12–$18). Bamboo Restaurant, in the funky artist enclave of Hawi, is housed in a historic plantation building that doubles as an art gallery. It's a local favorite for delicious Pacific Rim fusion dishes such as grilled fish served on crispy goat cheese polenta and topped with a spicy mango salsa (Old Takata Store, Akoni Pule Hwy.; 808-889-5555; entrées, $12–$33).
Amy Westervel

KAUAI

The most affordable rooms on Kauai are outside the main resort areas of Princeville, on the lush, misty north shore, and Poipu, on the sunny south coast. But we've turned up some great deals in both prime spots. Kauai is smaller and quieter than the Big Island, Maui, and Oahu, so no matter where you stay, you won't have to compete for space on the island's cliffside hiking trails or its broad, soft beaches.

Lodging
The seven beautifully furnished apartments at Hideaway Cove Villas are nestled in a tropical garden only a block from Poipu Beach. Ranging in size from a studio to five bedrooms, each has spacious living areas, fully kitted-out kitchens, and big outdoor lanais. Strengths: Close to the beach; Wi-Fi. Weakness: Not all apartments have full ocean views (808-635-7142; hideawaycove.com; doubles, $210–$225; $90–$110 cleaning fee).