Your best deals in Hawaii are those that are not right on the beach. Also, if you go to the Waikiki area, you won’t need a vehicle; there are regular transit systems as well as trolleys to get you anywhere and everywhere you want to go as well as tour buses with low fares! Most places are walking distance to most hotels.
Personally the best hotel in all the Hawaiian islands, in my opinion was the Grand Wailea Hotel. We stayed at the Grand Wailea last year and it was simply incredible. The rooms were very comfy and we had a deck that faced the ocean and overlooked one of the many koi ponds. Also, the “water park” they had on the premises right by the beach was a ton of fun. There were various slides (a couple which really gave me that rollercoaster feeling in my stomach!), a water swing, a one-in-the-world (so they said) water elevator, a continually running current that surrounded the park, and a water bar, and that’s not including the many beautiful swimming pools scattered throughout.
The Kapalua is the second nicest hotel I have stayed at in Hawaii. If you are going on a honeymoon, vacation without kids, or are an older person its perfect.
Also, just south of Wailea is the Prince Hotel, with a very good restaurant, Prince Court. If you’re not yet adjusted to the Hawaiian time, you should try getting sunset seating for dinner. Breathtaking view! This actually applies to any west-facing restaurant. The hotel presents spectacular all-oceanfront accommodations and world-class service at one of the most desirable and convenient locations in Waikiki.