Need to get away? Some hotel kama'āina rates are surprisingly affordable right now. At the Big Island's Hilton Waikoloa Village, left, there are plenty of free family activities once you check in: lovely boat and tram rides; swimming, snorkeling, walking behind waterfalls; a children's sand pool; a $7 million museum walk; dolphins to view up close; whale-watching. Or go just for the day: an $80 "pool pass" allows a family of four to use the pools. Many local hotels have similar deals.

— Leslie Lang