Set on Maui's bustling and beautiful northwest coast, the Kaanapali Beach Hotel offers guests a quiet taste of traditional Hawaiian culture. Honored as "Maui's Most Hawaiian Hotel," this property schools its employees in the islands' history and traditions, who in turn offer guests classes in leimaking, hula dancing and ukelele playing.  The Hawaiian feel is carried throughout the hotel, from the native cuisine served in its restaurants and rooms decorated in wicker and rattan, to displays of employee-donated Hawaiian artifacts throughout the property.

This hotel is offering a "Family and Friends" package for $499 for a two-night stay between now and December 17, 2008.  Is this a good deal for families?  Let's crunch some numbers.  The special offer includes: 

• Pool View room for two nights and up to four people (supposing the kids are between 6 and 17, worth $454) 
• Ohana welcome breakfast on their first morning (always free, worth nada)
• Breakfast buffet on the second morning in the Kaanapali Mixed Plate Restaurant (worth about $48 without tax and tip)
• Mid-size rental car (worth about $80 for two days)
• One 12-inch pizza, and get a 2nd pizza for 50% off (realistically, $12) 
• One bottle of water per person, per day for up to four people (maxing it out, $12)
• $20 food credit at the Tiki Grill
• $10 discount on each adult ticket to Kupanaha dinner show
• One cooler bag with Hawaiian juices and chips (guesstimate of $10)

Priced separately, the total comes to $619—which means this package saves you $120 even before the extra credits and discounts. If you take your family to the Kupanaha dinner show ($79/adult, $39/kids 6-12) and for a meal at the Tiki Grill, you'll save another $40.

Deal or no deal?  Aloha! Deal!