If you're making your first visit to Hawaii, lucky you. Our lush, green 50th state is like no other: When, for example, was the last time you did the hula in Wisconsin? Chances are your first visit will be to Hawaii's principal island, Oahu, and your hotel will be in the bustling district of Waikiki, with its famous beach. Nothing wrong there, but to make that long plane ride even more worthwhile, you have to see a lot more of the island. Here are some recommendations for first-time visitors:
Circle the island. Rent a car or take a tour to see such splendid sights as Hanauma Bay, the Byodo-In Temple, and the north shore surfing beaches. If you take a tour, however, opt for one in a van, not a bus, because the smaller vehicles can take you to places the bigger ones cannot. During my latest visit to Oahu, our entertaining and philosophical driver, Rockne Villaruel of E Noa Tours (www.enoa.com; 800-824-8804), showed us something I had never seen before: giant sea turtles on the beach in the North Shore town of Laniakea.
Circle island tours take four to eight hours and cost about $25-$60.
Have some fun. This is almost impossible not to do on Oahu. Hawaii's most popular paid attraction, the nonprofit Polynesian Cultural Center on the north shore, combines a learning experience with fun and includes an authentic luau and stage show with a cast of more than 100. All of Polynesia, from Samoa to New Zealand, and of course Hawaii, is represented in the seven island villages in the complex. Canoe rides are given. Depending upon what is included, and whether you want VIP amenities, ticket prices are $50-$195. Because there is a lot to see -- even war dances and traditional wedding ceremonies -- a Free Within Three option allows visitors to tour the seven villages again within three days at no extra cost.
Call 800-367-7060 or visit www.polynesia.com.
Don't forget the freebies. The Oahu Visitors Bureau lists 101 free things to do on Oahu. Well, a few of the items are actually low cost (under $10), but perhaps 90 percent are absolutely free, including these suggestions: Visit the Hawaii State Art Museum, take a walking tour of the Waikiki Historic Trail, watch a traditional torch lighting and hula performance on the beach of Waikiki near the Duke Kahanamoku statue at sunset, walk through the Mission Houses Museum, ascend to the top of the Aloha Tower, visit the Damien Museum, visit Fort DeRussy Beach and its military museum, and tour the Waikiki Aquarium.
For information on Oahu, call 877-525-OAHU (877-525-6248) or go to www.visit-oahu.com. For a multi-island vacation planner, visit www.gohawaii.com or call 800-GO-HAWAII (800-464-2924).
New luau The Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa is now putting on a ''Tepatasi" luau every Friday evening. On the outdoor, torchlit Pualeilani Terrace, guests will have a buffet featuring roast Hawaiian pig, grilled teriyaki steak, Hawaiian poi, and an array of desserts. One cocktail, tropical drink, beer, wine, or soda is included. In addition, guests will meet Hawaiian cultural specialists in lei making and palm-frond weaving and take home a handmade memento. Contemporary Polynesian entertainment will include hula dancers, fire knife dancers, and songs and chants from throughout the Pacific islands. Adults are $80, children $50. A cocktail show package is $40. Prices include tips.
Visit www.marriottwaikiki.com or call 800-367-5370.
Fall condo savings Through Dec. 21, the Outrigger Luana Waikiki condominium property has cut its nightly rates to $115 (from $210) for studio accommodations without a kitchen and $195 (from $325) for a one-bedroom suite with a complete kitchen. On the Big Island, the Outrigger Fairway Villas offers a two-bedroom, two-bath condo for $219 (regularly $325).
Call 800-OUTRIGG (800-688-7444) or visit www.outrigger.com.
Golf packages Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu's north shore boasts the only 36-hole golf course on the island and offers two packages. The Golf Championship Package starts at $2,350 and includes five nights in an oceanfront room, two rounds on the resort's Palmer course and one round on its Fazio course, five days of unlimited range balls, one lunch, and welcoming gifts that include a golf shirt. The Unlimited Golf Challenge Package for $1,620 includes three nights in an oceanfront room and three days of unlimited golf, cart, and range balls.
Visit www.turtlebayresort.com or call 866-827-5327.
For Katrina victims The Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods, N.H., is auctioning the entire hotel for one night, Nov. 9, to raise money for Hurricane Katrina relief. Through Sept. 24, the auction will be on
For more information about The Mount Washington Resort at Bretton Woods, call 877-873- 0626 or visit www.mtwashington.com.
River viewTake in fall colors along the Mississippi on a 12-day trip by train and steamboat, with prices beginning at $2,995 a person. The trip from Uncommon Journeys begins Oct. 21 with a three-night stay at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, including a welcome reception and daily breakfast. Participants then travel aboard the Texas Eagle train to St. Louis for sightseeing before embarking on the Mississippi Queen for a seven-night sailing from St. Louis to St. Paul with four excursion stops in between; all meals and entertainment are included. After sightseeing, a farewell dinner, and an overnight stay in St. Paul, passengers travel to Chicago aboard the Empire Builder train.
Call 800-323-5893 or visit www.trainholidays.com/th.
When not included, hotel taxes, airport fees, and port charges can add significantly to the price of a trip. Most prices quoted are for double occupancy; solo travelers will usually pay more. Offers are subject to availability and there may be blackout dates. Richard P. Carpenter can be reached at carpenter@globe.com. 
