Hawaiian vacations have become a lot more affordable in the past few months, thanks to a tidal wave of truly terrific hotel deals and some nice airfare sales (see below). If you're jonesing for an island getaway, Starwood Resorts has a pair of offers that can make families feel spoiled for choice. On the surface, both of the two deals appear to deliver fantastic savings. But look closer, and we find a super teachable moment. Let's call it recession travel rule no. 26: Don't confuse money saved with money not spent. And, yes, there is a difference. We priced out both deals for a three-night stay for a family of four.

The "Sunsational Hawaii" offer caught our eye because, while not marketed specifically to families, it delivers some juicy savings and perks that families can certainly appreciate. Book a stay at one of 11 Starwood properties (including Sheraton, Westin, Luxury Collection, and St. Regis) in Hawaii and you'll get:

• Third night free (same as a 33% discount on a three-night stay; can be worth $425 or more)
• One category room upgrade (often worth about $35/night x 3 nights = $105 for upgraded view)
  
• Either free buffet breakfast daily for two adults (neighboring islands) or $75 dining credit per stay (Oahu only)
• Kids 5 and under eat free from kids' menu; Kids 6-12 get 50% discount on meals from the regular menu (let's say $63/day for two kids x 3 days = $189)

What we like about this package is that each element is worth money, not simply a ploy of "feel good" marketing. For a family of four on a three-night visit, the deal breaks down as $689 saved on accommodation and meals (because you would otherwise have been billed for them), plus a value-added perk worth about $105—think of this as money not spent, since you may not have been willing to pay extra for the room upgrade. Book online or call 866/716-8140 and mention promo code JRY.

Then there's the "Family Fun Package," available at three of Starwood's Hawaiian properties, which gives you:

• special check-in area and orientation with a member of the Fun Team
• single room, guaranteed connecting rooms or a suite 
• $100 resort credit per day, to spend on the kid’s club, spa, golf or another activity (worth $300 on a three-day stay)
  
• kid's cup that allows unlimited soft drinks, milk, and juice daily at pool bar (say, $60 for two thirsty kids on a three-day stay)
  
• kids 12 and under eat free off of the kids' menu (let's say $36/day x 2 kids x 3 days = $216)
  
• “guilt free” dining: Kids get a separate, supervised dining room
• evening ritual
• age-appropriate amenity for each child in the room upon arrival
• complimentary crib and/or rollaway bed in room upon arrival if needed

While there are a lot of fun amenities thrown in here, let's focus only on the three elements that are actually worth money: The $100 daily resort credit, the "kids eat free" perk, and the unlimited poolside drinks for kids. For a family of four on a three-night stay, we're talking about $300 in resort credits plus approximately $276 in kids' meals and poolside drinks. So this deal adds about $576 in value, of which $276 is money saved on kids' food and drinks (because you would have likely had to spend that) while the $300 resort credit is money not spent (because you may not otherwise have opted for these paid activities).

For this deal, ask for promo code FML.

Which is the better deal? Both deals are impressive, but if you're looking for the one that packs the biggest Hawaiian punch of savings, go for the "sunsational" deal.