Hawaii is one of the world’s most popular tropical destination. But for everyone who takes a trip to the 50th state, there are 5 others who simply cannot afford the airfare.

This year, prices are more reasonable than usual. Hawaiian Airlines is offering cheap fares from the mainland and there are plenty of high-season airfare-and-hotel packages that are priced well below normal.

During the 2010 high-season, Hawaiian Air is offering $477 one-way first-class fares between the West Coast and Hawaii. Aside from the quality food and complimentary cocktails, first-class passengers get that all-important additional leg room and more personal entertainment choices. The catch? The $477 routes are only available from the West Coast.

The airline also has a visa card that offers 20,000 frequent flier miles upon sign-up. With the distance between Hawaii and the Mainland, the additional miles from your first trip will add up quicker than you think.

Hawaiian is also advertising plenty of sub-$500 round trip fares for travelers who are willing to fly mid-week. Los Angeles to Honolulu, for example, costs $454 for a round trip economy class ticket.

Of course, packages can make a trip much, much more affordable. For not much more than the price of airfare, guests can spend 4-5 days on a hotel in Waikiki. An great example of this is an air plus four nights package at the three-star Aqua Park Shore Waikiki for under $500. Splurging on a four-star resort, like the Marriot Resort and Spa Waikiki (currently $734 for air plus four nights), might not even break the bank.

Another money-saving strategy is simply to find the cheapest airfare possible to the islands and they fly via inter-island flights to reach the cheapest resort or hotel. Inter-island flights, offered by several carriers including Hawaiian Airlines, are cheap, costing between $25-$70 one way. This will allow travelers to find the cheapest possible flight from the mainland regardless of which island it lands on.

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Hawaiian Fire Dancer Image: McMay