Hawai'i was followed by the District of Columbia at $518 a day for food and lodging; Nevada, $348; Rhode Island, $329, and New York, $329.

AAA said the overall cost of vacations nationwide this year has grown by 5.4 percent from last year. A family of four can expect to pay an average of $261 per day for food and lodging, AAA said. Much of the increase is from lodging rates, which grew 9 percent to an average $141 a night. The cost of meals grew almost 2 percent to $120 a day.

"Rate increases for lodgings are mostly a result of supply and demand, especially in major markets," said Michael Petrone, director, AAA Tourism Information Development, which oversees the popular AAA Diamond Ratings. "For both lodgings and restaurants, rising energy costs as well as salary and benefit costs are certainly having an impact."

 Kaka'ako auction house to close its doors

Auctioneer Marty McClain, who recently opened a downtown auction center at King and Nu'uanu streets, is closing his auction facility in Kaka'ako with the final gaveling on Saturday and Sunday.

Ten percent of the auction proceeds will be donated to the Hawaii Children's Cancer Foundation. McClain is closing the facility on Halekauila Street after 10 years at the location. Before than he operated out of a building on Queen St. near the intersection of South Street.

Murphy's Bar & Grill is providing a barbecue for auction attendees at the Kaka'ako closing event. For further information, contact McClain Auctions at 596-3900.