Dining
For Italian fare, Poipu locals dine at the tiny Pomodoro, where homemade garlic focaccia, chicken saltimbocca, and pastas—cannelloni, manicotti, and lasagna—are standouts (Rainbow Plaza, Kaumualii Hwy., Kalaheo; 808-332-5945; entrées, $14–$24). Lunch is never ho-hum at the family-run Hanapepe Cafe & Espresso Bar. Here, even the lowly burger is elevated to fine fare when topped with sautéed mushrooms, grilled onions, pesto, or fresh-grated Parmesan cheese. Dinner is served only on Friday nights, with a seasonal menu featuring fresh seafood. There's no liquor license, but you can bring your own (3830 Hanapepe Rd., Hanapepe; 808-335-5011; lunch entrées, $7–$13; dinner entrées, $16–$24). On the Coconut Coast, dine outside—under a star-filled sky and surrounded by mango and banana trees—at Caffè Coco. The eclectic menu ranges from basics such as homemade soups to fresh fish in a wasabi cream sauce (4–369 Kuhio Hwy., Wailua; 808-822-7990; entrées, $9–$24).
Jeanette Foster

MAUI

Maui might be one of the world's most popular islands, but it's certainly not the most affordable. The secret to doing the Valley Isle without breaking the bank is finding an alternative to a costly resort and eating where the locals do. If you like the golf, shopping, and buzz of Maui's luxe resort communities—Kapalua, Kaanapali, Wailea, and Makena—book a condo instead of a hotel. If you don't need all that glam, consider more modest resort areas like Kihei and Napili. You can also save with the island's inns and B&Bs, particularly those in Lahaina, Hana, and Wailuku.

Lodging
Tucked into a residential street in the lively beach town of Kihei, Aloha Pualani is something new for Maui: a cross between a luxe apartment and a small hotel. Five tastefully designed two-story suites and one studio, all with Pacific Rim furnishings and granite-counter kitchens, encircle a lapis-tiled pool. Strength: The beach is across the street. Weakness: South Kihei Road is perpetually traffic clogged (808-875-6990; alohapualani.com; suites, $235–$335).

Alongside the Ritz-Carlton and the legendary Plantation Golf Course, Kapalua Villas rents 240 villas and private homes. Properties in its Gold Villa program must meet standards for appliances, furniture, and even flooring. Strengths: An $18-a-day resort fee includes on-demand shuttle service within the property, daily maid service, $50 to $100 off greens fees, and unlimited domestic and international calls to 43 countries. Weakness: Shag carpeting and mirrored walls in the cheapest condos (800-545-0018; kapaluavillas.com; one-bedrooms, $299–$579).