• Intro
• 1. Aruba
• 2. Barbados
• 3. Key West
• 4. Oahu
• 5. Providenciales
• 6. Puerto Vallarta
• 7. Rincon
• 8. San José del Cabo
• 9. St. Lucia
• 10. St. Martin

Oahu

The most cosmopolitan of the Hawaiian islands, Oahu is quickly becoming a cultural and culinary hot spot. Of course, its prime appeal still lies in the 100-plus miles of beaches, including the perennially cool Waikiki (only 10 miles from the airport) and the more secluded, surf-heavy North Shore.
  
SPLURGE The Waikiki Parc Hotel is the trendy little sister to the opulent Halekulani across the street. The fact that this property is not directly on the water knocks a few hundred dollars off the price. Spare funds can be put toward the new Nobu outpost in the Parc’s lobby, the superlative spa at the Halekulani, and an upgrade to an ocean-view room. From $173/night; waikikiparc.com

VALUE Set a few blocks from the beach, the Aqua Waikiki Wave underwent a total renovation in 2006, and airy rooms with flat-screen TVs and free WiFi put this hotel a few notches above the competition. Reserve a room on one of the upper floors to avoid the street din. From $135/night; aquaresorts.com

GETTING THERE Direct flights from Portland (5.5 hours); Los Angeles (5.5 hours); San Francisco (5.5 hours); Seattle (5.5 hours)