BudgetTravel

Sheila Beal: It sounds like you might enjoy an evening dinner/dancing cruise from Honolulu. You would be able to watch the fireworks from the ship. From the cruise ship, it's pretty to see the fireworks reflecting off the water. The Star of Honolulu is one company that I know offers that.

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Palm Desert, Calif.: What is your suggestion for a great New Year's Eve in Hawaii?

Sheila Beal: Honolulu has a great fireworks display on New Years Eve. The city also has a very active club scene, if that's of interest. Many of the resorts and restaurants typically have special dinners, bands or shows for celebrating the night. For example, the Hilton Hawaiian Village has KC and the Sunshine Band playing for the evening. I've not seen many announcements for this New Year's special events, yet. I will post them on GoVisitHawaii.com as I see them.

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Lafayette, Ind.: My parents are 70 and 80, and not in the habit of indulging themselves. But my mother is just recovering from major surgery, and needs something to look forward to. I'm encouraging her to fulfill a lifelong dream and plan a trip to Hawaii.

Here are a couple of hurdles:

1. They're well off, but frugal. They aren't adverse to spending money when they need to, but wouldn't want to buy a lot of things they dont need. Comfy beds and good service are important; a cocktail lounge and club scene aren't. At the same time, I think an all-inclusive package may encourage them to try more things.

2. My father hates to fly. Would it be better for them to sail to Hawaii, or to endure the long flight there to maximize time at the destination? I also don't think he'll admit that he'd like to make the trip, but he'll probably enjoy it once he goes.

I envision a few days' stay at some sort of resort, followed by some touring around the islands - maybe a cruise? They both like to read, and I'm sure my father would be interested in historical and natural sites. World War II ended right after he joined the Navy, so I know he'd like to visit Pearl Harbor and other appropriate places. My mother will want to see palm trees and pretty beaches, and probably some of the things mentioned in James Michener's book.

Some activities would be good - adventurous, maybe, but not strenuous. They're both in good health (or will be by the time they travel), and I know my father would enjoy the trip more if he'd have regular access to a tennis court. He's also very outgoing, and would be happy chatting with people of all ages. My mother is a little more reserved, so a friendly staff would help her get out and have fun, but I think she'd also like some time to just relax and enjoy herself. She doesn't relax much.

Travel dates would be very flexible - any time after the New Year. I expect they'd like to spend two weeks, more or less.