[ ISLAND HOPPING ]

Save on all isles

It's tax time and if you're strapped for cash but still need a place to stay, look to Marc Resorts, which offers kama'aina rates starting at $59 per night on Oahu.

Choose from five properties with their own individual character: Diamond Head Beach Hotel, Island Colony, Marc Suites Waikiki, Waikiki Royal Suites or Hawaii Polo Inn & Towers.

For Maui-bound kama'aina, rates start at $73 per night at the Marc Maui Vista in Kihei.

In Kailua-Kona on the Big Island, Marc's Kona Bali Kai offers kama'aina accommodations from $85 per night.

On Kauai, choose from the Marc Pono Kai Resort in central Kapaa or the Pali Ke Kua at secluded Princeville, starting at $90 per night for kama'aina.

If you prefer sites off the beaten track, there's also Marc Ke Nani Kai or Marc Moloka'i Shores to consider on the Friendly Isle. Kama'aina rates start from $93 per night.

Prices are available through Dec. 18, 2003, and valid identification must be presented at check-in. Peak-season rates apply June 20 through Aug. 31.

Call 1-800-535-0085 or visit www.marcresorts.com.

Kapalua gives 25% off

The Kapalua Bay Hotel & Ocean Villas celebrates its 25th anniversary this year with a gift of 25 percent off rack rates for travelers. The discounted rates range from $270 per night for a Plantation Room to $1,125 per night for a two-bedroom oceanview suite.

The discount cannot be combined with any other offer and is subject to space availability.

The hotel -- with a name meaning "arms embracing the sea" -- opened its doors on Oct. 12, 1978, as a forerunner in Hawaii's luxury market.

Kapalua Bay was recognized last year as one of Conde Nast Traveler's "Top 25 Pacific Rim Resorts" and Travel + Leisure's "Top 25 Hawaii Hotels." This year, the hotel was named to Traveler's prestigious Gold List and T+L's list of "500 Best Hotels in the World."

For reservations, call toll-free at 1-800-325-3589. To book the 25th anniversary special, ask for rate code: 25ANN.

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