NOTE: The fares mentioned in this week's Deal are one way, not roundtrip.

Diana: You're listening to The Savvy Traveler. I'm Diana Nyad. It's time for our Deal of the Week, which means it's time to check in with our Travel Expert-in-Residence, Rudy Maxa. Hi, Rudy.

Rudy: Hey, Diana. It's been a little chilly here on the East Coast. Apparently spring isn't as close as those 70-plus temps seemed to promise a couple of weeks ago.

Diana: Let me guess: Your deal involves someplace sunny and warm?

Rudy: You got it -- that reliable standby, Hawaii.

Diana: There's never anything wrong with Hawaii.

Rudy: No, there's not -- though Hawaii has been hard hit by three things: the recession here; the terrible economy in Japan, which has severely reduced tourism from that country; and, of course, the drop off in travel following Sept. 11.

Diana: So there must be deals.

Rudy: Yes, beginning with an airfare sale by United announced Tuesday. It's good for travel to Hawaii through June 12th. Sample prices: Boston-Kona, $414 . . . DC-Lihue, the same . . . Denver-Honolulu, $294 . . . and here's one for you -- LA-Maui, $195.

Diana: Fine print?

Rudy: You must book 7 days in advance by March 13th. Those fares don't include the new security fee, a flight segment tax and passenger facility charges, all of which can add as much as $40 to the cost of the ticket.

Diana: Those are still great fares. I bet hotel costs have dropped, too.

Rudy: Some have. Check out suntrips.com, for example, for some prices and packages. And if you're dealing with a hotel directly, don't be shy about negotiating an extra night for free or a complimentary breakfast. And watch to see if other airlines drop fares to match the United sale.

Diana: Will do. Thank you, Rudy. See you next week.

Rudy: Right-o.

Savvy Resources: For the United deal to Hawaii: Visit www.ual.com and click on "Special Deals" For package deals and hotels in Hawaii: Visit www.suntrips.com