Deals from Honolulu

With the Mauna Kea volcano as backdrop, Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay designed the Hapuna Golf Course to complement the dramatic rise from the Pacific shore to about 700 feet above sea level. Named one of the top 20 courses in Hawaii by Links magazine in 2011, the course sits on the sprawling grounds of the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. The championship course could be the Hawaiian retreat's most striking feature were it not for its beach—a pristine expanse of white sand lining the turquoise Pacific on the Big Island's Kohala Coast.

Each of the hotel's oceanfront rooms offers views of the water from a private lanai. The intimate balcony features stone tile floors, a quaint café table, and comfy lounge chairs. Back at ground level, you can choreograph underwater ballets in the heated pool or lounge on cushy chairs under coconut palm trees and white canopy umbrellas. Nearby, there’s a small, secluded cove where giant sea turtles occasionally seek harbor and snorkelers set off to explore Hawaii's abundant marine life.

After a day of exploring the waterfront, you can cap your night with a traditional luau on the Mauna Kea luau grounds. As musicians pluck at steel guitars and hula dancers sway, diners feast on Hawaiian specialties including poi, sashimi, and roasted kalua pig.

The Big Island's Kohala Coast offers a nearly limitless selection of invigorating aquatic adventures. Certified instructors at scuba-diving centers within 15 minutes of the resort lead underwater tours through crystalline waters inhabited by whitetip reef sharks, eagle rays, and bottlenose mermaids. Amphibious travelers can also board catamarans for treks to areas frequented by humpback whales.

About a 60-mile drive from the hotel, Akaka Falls State Park is known for its waterfalls nestled in lush Hawaiian rainforest that teems with wild orchids, bamboo groves, and draping ferns. The park's namesake Akaka Falls, reachable by a winding footpath, presents a majestic sight as it plummets nearly 500 feet into a bubbling ravine below.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

May 15 2012 by Groupon

Customer Reviews

The Resort at Squaw Creek's golf course looks out over lush prairies and mountainsides covered in pine trees. It’s a gorgeous scene in sunny weather, but summer is technically off-season here. In the distance, you can see the six peaks of Squaw Valley USA, a sort of Shangri-La that served as the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics. When the landscape is blanketed with snow, the mountains are dotted with skiers and snowboarders. The golf course is transformed for the season into the Nordic Center, leaving it crisscrossed with tracks left by dogsleds, cross-country skis, and snowshoes.

Whatever the season, The Resort at Squaw Creek serves as a convenient home base from which to enjoy the outdoors; it’s tucked into the Sierra Nevada on Lake Tahoe's north shore. Hiking trails wind through the property, and on hand you’ll find a private outdoor ice rink and an onsite fly-fishing center. Guests can also feel free to stop by the outdoor pool complex's plunge pool and 120-foot water slide and choreograph water ballets in its heated lap pool and three hot tubs.

Six Peaks Grille, one of the resort’s four dining venues, serves up breakfasts of fresh fruit, lox, and a goldmine of pastries kept warm in white linens. The breakfast buffet allows you to load up on made-to-order omelets, bacon, french toast, and pancakes.

The resort’s 405 rooms and suites underwent a $53 million renovation in recent years. The deluxe forest-view room has a marble shower and a grand picture window that overlooks Tahoe National Forest. In fact, the entire guest tower—where all the rooms are located—is sheathed in lustrous black glass to maximize views of the valley.

Located about a 15-minute drive from North Lake Tahoe, Squaw Creek is situated amid some of northern California's most revered scenery and varied terrain. The resort rents out bicycles by the hour, including Marin cruisers for adults, Trek mountain bikes for kids, and tagalong carts for infants and beloved pet rocks. Use these to hop on Truckee River Trail, a gently rolling, paved path that follows a crystal-clear river 7 miles to Tahoe City. There, you’ll happen upon a paved trail with views of the Lake of the Sky and access to Tahoe Vista's beaches 10 miles to the north.

Lupine and buckwheat paint the mountainside, and the High Camp here is a nice jumping-off point to hike on some dry, pebbly trails. If you’re unaccustomed to the high altitude, you may find yourself easily winded on even short hikes; still, the 1.5-mile jaunt uphill to Emigrant Peak is worth the trip, as you get 360-degree views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada.

Quaint clapboard buildings housing shops and restaurants line the Village at Squaw Valley. One of these is PlumpJack Cafe, the brainchild of former San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom. In a dimly lit dining room, the restaurant serves seasonal contemporary fare such as the inventive ceviche cone, a feuille de brick cone filled with tuna, avocado, and ginger and topped with chili threads ($15).

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

May 15 2012 by Groupon

Customer Reviews

Red sky at night is a sailor’s delight, but red sky at morning means the ship's been steered inside a volcano. Discover further aquaformation with this Groupon.

After an introductory lesson, small groups practice their paddling skills in the water, then embark across crystal-clear waters, nabbing sights of sea turtles, dolphins, or whales on guided tours both above the water and among the reefs during snorkeling adventures. Alternatively, experienced paddlers and snorkelers can set forth on solo voyages with half- or full-day gear rentals.

West Oahu SUP's staff of professional surfers and lifeguards rents out and sells watersports equipment, such as standup paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkeling gear, leads tours, and conducts lessons on a secluded beach flanked by mountains on both sides. Here, adventurers bask in the region’s natural splendor, spotting wildlife such as sea turtles, dolphins, and Krakens, exploring reefs and lava formations during midday dives, or simply relaxing atop the waves. And at the end of a day spent working core muscles amid the island's beauty, patrons relax on the beach, the salt drying on their skin as their eyelids fall with the setting sun.

May 16 2012 by Groupon

Customer Reviews

In science-fiction movies, bad guys use lasers to burn down national landmarks, whereas good guys use lasers to burn CDs for cool aliens. Get closer encounters with this Groupon.

After an initial consultation, laser specialists target unwanted ink with a Q-switched laser. The device utilizes three different wavelengths to target all colors of ink, gradually breaking up the pigments so they can be absorbed and processed by the body. The length and number of treatments varies, though most sessions last fewer than 30 minutes.

The staff at Q Laser Center leads clients on a laser-driven journey toward smoother, less visibly vascular, or tattoo-free skin. The Center prides itself on using safe, FDA-approved, and effective laser treatments, carried out in a clean and comfortable environment, free of stressors such as onrushing asteroids. In addition to laser treatments, the Center's team also helps to rejuvenate the skin with chemical peels, cosmetic injections, and other aesthetic services.

May 17 2012 by Groupon

Customer Reviews

Though the islands of Oceania sit half a world away, they’ve captivated many North American travelers with lush flora, unique geography, and exotic indigenous wildlife. The islands’ diverse landscape ranges from New Zealand’s glaciers, volcanoes, and bubbling mud springs to the white-sand beaches along Fiji’s turquoise waters. With this deal from Pacific Holidays, you’ll set your own pace on a self-driving tour of New Zealand, before boarding a flight to spend the remainder of the trip in Fiji’s paradise-like setting. Click to view the full 11-day, 8-night itinerary.

Days 1–2: You’ll board the Air Pacific transpacific flight at LAX, and cross the International Date Line on day 2.

Days 3–7: On the third day, visitors arrive in Auckland and transfer to the Jucy Rental Car Depot. For the rest of the day, and the following four days, guests have free range to explore New Zealand’s North and South Islands on self-driving tours. Pacific Holidays staff can help guests structure itineraries, but suggested attractions include the North Island’s geothermal region, where waterfalls, hot springs, and mud geysers draw visitors to Rotorua and Taupo.

On the South Island, travelers can bungee jump, skydive, whitewater raft, and Zorb in Queenstown, known as the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Venture west into Fiorland National Park to see to Milford Sound, called the “eighth wonder of the world” by writer Rudyard Kipling for its spectacular waterfalls that tumble down cliffs into the Tasman Sea. Father north in the Westland Tai Poutini National Park, you can visit the renowned Fox Glacier and the Franz Josef Glacier.

With the included five-day Gold Pass, guests can retire to any of New Zealand’s Golden Chain motel locations, from a spot in Queenstown near Fiordland National Park to a post in Auckland.

Day 8: After returning your car to the Jucy Rentals Depot in Auckland, board a flight to Nadi International Airport (NAN) on the island of Fiji. Upon landing, Pacific Holidays staff provides a transfer to the Sonaisali Island Resort, located across the lagoon just a three-minute boat ride from the main island of Viti-Levu.

Days 9­–10: The next two days are left up to you. Lounge on the beach, splash in the lagoon-style pool with swim-up bar, and dine in the hotel’s two restaurants and four bars. Through the hotel, guests can book excursions such as horseback riding, surf tours, or snorkeling.

Day 11: Guests are transferred to NAN for a flight back to LAX, where they will arrive on the same day after crossing over the International Date Line.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

May 08 2012 by Groupon

Customer Reviews

The early bird gets the worm, but do you know what that busy worm gives you? A way to recycle kitchen food waste, nutrients for your plants or garden, and a healthier aina. Today's deal from Kokua Worms will teach you all about how composting worms turn food waste into nutrient-rich "vermicast" soil additive, and how to set up and maintain your enclosed, pest- and odor-free, home or office worm habitat. For $29 (a $60 value), you and two of your family members get a one-hour sustainability workshop and $20 credit toward these special worms and the worm habitat of your choice, from the varied selection of habitat sizes. The sustainability sessions are held on the second Saturday of every month, and will show you, step by step, how simple using a worm habitat for composting can be, and how to get the whole family involved. The convenient Queen Street location and flexible hours make it easy to snatch up your worms just like a bird, and put them to work for you and our aina.

May 14 2012 by Living Social

Customer Reviews

A room is never complete without a bit of your personal touch -- and we don't just mean putting your handprints on the walls. Adorn your abode when you pay $25 for $50 to spend on merchandise from Fathead.com. This online retailer is home to unique semi-permanent wall art made to suit any room and any personality. These massive, adhesive graphics come in all shapes and sizes -- pick up a life-size image of your favorite sports star for your man cave, a colorful cartoon character for the kids' den, or a bright photo mural to add a splash of flash to any room. You can even upload your own pictures to create a custom-made Fathead of your own design. This site's bag of tricks also includes driveway decals as well as a whole bevy of team logo laptop skins so you can flaunt your colors on to go.

May 17 2012 by Living Social

Customer Reviews

The Dead Sea Scrolls may provide valuable insight into past civilizations, but you're looking to make something else ancient history: your child's boredom. Pick up a modern-day scroll to keep your little scribe busy, courtesy of today's deal: For $20, you'll get four Doodle Roll packages -- each with a 30-foot-long, six-inch wide roll of paper and eight premium double-sided crayons for twice the colors -- plus four replacement paper rolls and included shipping within the continental US (a $41 value). Or, pay $32 (regularly $64) and get all this plus four smaller Doodle Roll packages, each with a 15-foot-long, four-inch wide roll of paper; crayons; and four replacement paper rolls. With its compact package and safe, easy-to-tear paper, this portable and versatile activity kit makes on-the-go fun a breeze for ages 3 and up -- no wonder it's received plenty of praise from Parenting and Dr. Toy. Whether you're killing time during a long car ride or waiting in the doctor's lobby, your child can draw a picture, write a story, or challenge you to a game of tic-tac-toe. That's what we call getting your creative kid on a roll.

May 17 2012 by Living Social

Customer Reviews

While we enjoy Brazil nuts and Brazilian hair-smoothing treatments, our favorite export from this South American paradise is the Brazilian wax. With today's deal from Lara Woltag Spa, score a sleek bikini area with a Brazilian wax for $27 (regularly $55). Lara has been performing Brazilian waxes for more than 20 years, and she's known for her speed and gentle touch. Or, smooth your skin with a chemical peel and microdermabrasion for $55 (a $135 value). This exfoliating treatment will bring out the sunshine in your skin by rubbing away damaged cells and fine lines to reveal a fresh, healthy surface. Lara has worked with high-profile pageants and celebrity clients, and now she dolls up wahine in her Waikiki spa. Grab this deal and get smooth skin -- down there or up top -- with help from a seasoned pro.

May 17 2012 by Living Social

Customer Reviews

You're looking to climb the corporate ladder, but it's hard to ascend the proverbial rungs when you're stuck trying to figure out complicated software. Get a leg up with this deal from Udemy, a popular hub for a breadth of educational opportunities: Pay $35 (regularly $198) for two online Excel courses. Learn at the comfort of your desk from a professional trainer, as you work your way through more than 120 short lectures and 9.5 hours of content per class. The program starts with the absolute basics of creating and understanding spreadsheets, and takes you all the way up to executing advanced formulas and functions. The visual training method lends itself to increased retention and accelerated learning, so you can expect to know how to competently work with this ubiquitously used software at the end of your studies. Your rise to the top has become more manageable with this deal.

May 17 2012 by Living Social

Customer Reviews

Even if you aren't a professional designer, the color scheme and layout you dreamed up for your home is quite the masterpiece. But if you're starting to run out of inspiration, snag this week's deal: Pay $10 for a one-year subscription to Dwell Magazine (a $20 value). You'll receive ten copies of this premier publication, which features discussions of both interior and exterior modern home design, meant to be stylish but also accessible. The editors think it's possible to live in a house or apartment with a bold modern look and "still be a regular human being." After you pick up amazing ideas from this magazine, your abode will get back to looking like a work of art.

May 17 2012 by Living Social

Customer Reviews

Herbert Hoover won America's hearts and votes when he promised a college-educated chicken in every pot and a kayak in every garage. Get a taste of the American dream with this Groupon.

During the ecotour, guides lead kayakers to Poipoa Island, Lanikai Beach, and the majestic Mokulua Islands, serving up lunch, refreshments, and knowledge along the way. The tour passes through the green sea turtle feeding grounds of Kailua Bay and stops on a white-sand beach for the aforementioned noshing. Paddlers will also head overboard for a snorkel-assisted visit to the bay's living coral reef. Those who choose the rental option can explore solo and drink in similar views of Flat Island and the Mokulua Islands, located roughly 15 minutes from land.

On the windward side of Oahu, the majestic Mokulau Islands embellish the sun-drenched horizon that faces Kailua, a beach town nestled directly below the Koolau Mountains. Here the aptly named Windward Watersports makes its home, under the direction of Jeff Tobias, a professional kitesurfer who helped to pioneer the sport locally. He and his staff leave the region's fragile ecosystem undisturbed as they lead passengers in exploring it via kayak, kiteboard, standup paddleboard, or surf board. Patrons can rent the vessels for self-guided adventures into a bay teeming with as many sea turtles as a marine biologist's bathtub, or follow guides on kayak tours to surrounding points of natural splendor such as the "Mokes," only 45 minutes away.

Strategically located, Windward Sports takes advantage of year-round trade winds and a temperature perpetually hovering around 80 degrees. Kailua serves as the ideal spot for kitesurfing, standup paddleboarding, and surfing lessons. Jeff and his sporty employees craft lessons that cater to all abilities and focus on safe, fun recreation atop frothy crests.

May 16 2012 by Groupon

Customer Reviews

Without parasailing, the only way to combine the thrill of flying with gorgeous views of the sea is by training to become a rush-hour helicopter pilot for swimmers commuting to work in the English Channel. Forgo your pilot’s license with today’s Groupon: for $59, you get a standard tandem parasailing experience from Seabreeze Water Sports (a $118 value). This Groupon does not include transportation, though a hotel shuttle is available for $10 per person.

Seabreeze Water Sports’s Coast Guard–licensed captain pilots a parasailing-specific KrantzKraft vessel, from which harnessed duos soar above the Maunalua Bay. Departing from Hawaii Kai Center, the parasailing excursion begins with a debriefing on the basics of the trip and how to fly through the air without vandalizing clouds. Tandems then take to the skies above the sparkling waters for one hour total, where for 8–10 minutes they’ll glide high above photogenic locales such as Diamond Head, Koko Head, and the Koolau Mountain Range. To ensure riders don’t sully their favorite antique loincloths, Seabreeze encourages all to wear swimsuits to take a dip in the tropical water.

May 18 2012 by Groupon

Customer Reviews

Neglected cars try to escape their owners by parking in tow zones or running away from their garages to join the demolition derby. Keep custody of your car with this Groupon.

After scheduling online, clients drop their vehicle off at the shop at 2057 Kalakaua Avenue. To begin the four- to five-hour detail, technicians wash the car's body, tires, wheels, and windows. They then zoom in to dress plastic molding and trim, as well as shampoo the interior. Wax treatment removes surface contaminants from the paint job while imparting a glorious polish and preventing the buildup of plaque.

The professional shiners at Auto Detail Masters have polished the ins and outs of more than 10,000 cars, trucks, and SUVs through their checklisted detailing services. Experienced technicians treat each car as if it were their own, doting on paint jobs with hand buffing and poly-sealant waxes and teaching the car to fetch sponges. Hardworking handyfolk work inside their shop, at the client’s home, or in any space with enough room and outlets to cleanse autos inside and out.

May 19 2012 by Groupon

Customer Reviews

Winking at strangers might get you into trouble -- stop squinting and start seeing things more clearly with today's deal from Pan Pacific Laser Vision Center on Kapiolani Boulevard: For $2,950 (regularly $5,900) get bladeless LASIK or PRK corrective surgery for both eyes, including a pre-op consultation and one year of follow-up appointments. Serving the community since 1993 and working as the medical director of Pan Pacific since 1999, Dr. Stephen Gee has completed more than 16,000 successful procedures and specializes in corneal and comprehensive refractive surgery, correcting astigmatism, nearsightedness, farsightedness, and presbyopia. In the 10- to 15-minute blade-free LASIK procedure, a thin flap of the cornea is lifted and the cornea is reshaped using a pulse-light laser for a quick 24-hour recovery (in most cases). The PRK treatment is a similar form of laser outpatient surgery, where just the top layer of cornea is reshaped without any lifting to correct imperfections; typical recovery time is one week. Correct your vision and save your winks for moments of intentional flirting.

May 15 2012 by Living Social

Customer Reviews

When life's stresses start to weigh you down, it can be tough to keep your head above water. With today's deal from Na Pali Explorer, you won't want to: Get a private afternoon or sunset cruise and snorkeling expedition for up to 14 people for $1,390 (regularly $2,785). Known as the jewel of Kauai, Na Pali is home to cascading waterfalls, white sand beaches, sea caves, and arches -- and it can't be accessed by roads. On this 4.5-hour excursion, you'll get to explore the waters of the ancient Hawaiian fishing village of Nualolo Kai, which boasts some of the island's best snorkeling. You'll also get underwater disposable cameras, food, drinks, and a cap to wear for the day. Take a break from the daily grind when you dive headfirst into today's deal.

May 16 2012 by Living Social

Customer Reviews

Whether it's a gold statue winner or a star from the silver screen, celebrities always seem to dazzle us. Get a glimpse of the glitz and glamour with today's gem of a deal from Us Weekly: Pay just $34 (regularly $69), and you'll receive a one-year subscription to Us Weekly magazine. Get exclusive celebrity news from Hollywood insiders, see the hottest fashions from the red carpet, and read all the intimate details about their lives. With regular features like The Red Carpet, Who Wore It Best?, and Hot Hollywood, you'll always be entertained and in the know. See what makes celebs really sparkle with this deal -- the Fashion Police agree that the latest gossip goes well with everything.

May 17 2012 by Living Social

Customer Reviews

Just as you politely declined your mom's Facebook friend request, you can say "No, thanks" to unflattering swimsuits with today's deal from SwimSpot: Spend $40 and get or gift $80 worth of swimwear from brands like Hurley and Splendid. Shop online for photo-ready pieces that are bound to rack up "Likes" from your online friends. Hit the beach in an Athena print bikini, or lounge by the pool in a sleek black one-piece from Luxe by Lisa Vogel. You'll find suits by Guess, St. John, Nautica, and more -- call or e-mail a SwimSpot Fit Specialist, and he or she will personally help you pick out a perfect-fitting suit. Shipping is included for purchases over $155, and there's no charge to exchange an item, so you can have total confidence in your look. Go ahead and grab this deal -- you'll impress your friends with your stunning new swimsuit and impress your mom with your money-saving savvy.

May 17 2012 by Living Social

Customer Reviews

Beauty may only be skin deep, but really -- who cares what your spleen looks like when you've got those incredible cheekbones to doll up? Get head-to-toe hot with today's deal from BeautyClub.net: Pay $20 and get $40 to spend online, excluding shipping costs. BeautyClub offers daily deals on an exclusive and diverse selection of designer and brand-name cosmetics, hair products, and fashions that have already been discounted up to 60% off the retail price. Trends-with-benefits include established and emerging brands like Kiehl's, La Prairie, Bumble and bumble., Clinique, and Moroccanoil, as well as natural herbal beauty-boosting supplements from Pure Body and Vital Cleanse. With a carefully selected inventory of lifestyle and home décor accessories, too, you can make sure your home's interior is as awesome as your exterior -- and because most in-stock items ship within 24 to 48 hours, you won't have to wait forever to become a thing of beauty.

May 17 2012 by Living Social

Customer Reviews

Facebook photos are like paintings in a museum: They're fun to look at, but unfortunately, you can't touch them -- or hang them on the walls in your home. Spring your snapshots from their electronic enclosure with help from Winkiwoo: Pay $5 (regularly $15) for a 20-page, 6x8-inch photo book created from Facebook photos. Start by installing the WinkiWoo application, and then select the Winkie Lite soft-cover option; next, upload 20 to 80 pics from your Facebook albums (or those of your friends) before arranging them in the perfect order. The process only takes a few minutes, and before you know it, a collection of high-quality prints -- of the trip you took to Rome or the time you went skydiving -- will arrive at your abode (with a flat shipping rate of $4.99 worldwide)... or at the home of a loved one for a gift that perfectly blends art with heart.

May 17 2012 by Living Social

Customer Reviews

The growth of India's economy owed much to the country's position along the famous Silk Road, which was exactly what it sounds like—a canal for transporting rocks. Taste what trade made with this Groupon.

The recently refreshed menu includes dishes such as lamb boti kebabs ($24.95), malai kofta ($20.95), chicken vindaloo ($18.95), shrimp coconut curry ($25.95), and gulab jamun, house-made doughnut balls ($5.95).

Dedicated to upholding traditional Indian recipes, Monsoon India's new management has designed a fresh menu of authentic fare such as coconut curries, house-made paneer, and juicy kebabs. Lentils, chickpeas, and eggplant anchor a large selection of vegetarian entrees, and chefs also simmer chicken, lamb, and shrimp in spiced curries. Traditional clay tandoor ovens remain ablaze through business hours, infusing heat into breads, meats, and snowmen that like to spend the summer as a cloud of steam. As soon as dishes are plated, servers whisk them to tables amid the melodies of traditional Indian music.

May 17 2012 by Groupon

Customer Reviews

Think smartphones and tablets and cloud computing are cutting-edge? Behold! The future is truly upon us with today's deal from SeaBreeze Water Sports Hawaii: Pay $169 for a Jetlev jet pack joy ride on Maunalua Bay in Hawaii Kai (regularly $399). SeaBreeze is the only place in Hawaii that offers this breathtaking new experience. Under the guidance of Jetlev's certified flight instructors, you'll harness yourself to a patented water sports jet pack that will safely send you 30 feet in the air using controlled water pressure for a 20-minute flight of a lifetime. Your instructor will control your water throttle so you can enjoy the view of the Hawaii Kai coastline and the Koolaus. It'll give you a whole new perspective on the ocean -- that not even submarine-building, movie-making billionaires have breached.

May 18 2012 by Living Social

Customer Reviews

The scent of freshly baked pizza seems to permeate the air in San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood, its streets dotted with red-and-white-striped restaurants. Crowds file in and out of the area's quaint shops, stopping in between to grab a quick cup of espresso at one of the cafés on India Street. Steps away from the vibrant shops, the stucco Porto Vista Hotel channels a fun, throwback vibe Frommer's calls "retro-Italian cool."

Upon your arrival, bartenders whip up two complimentary welcome drinks, drawing from ginger and elderflower essences as well as house-infused bacon vodka. Upstairs, cozy queen rooms are dominated by a floor-to-ceiling, '60s-style photograph taken by a local San Diego artist. The oversize image overlooks cushy pillow-top beds wrapped in crisp, white linens. Guests can snare wild frisbees from their window, which peers toward the glistening bay.

On the fourth floor of the Porto Vista, chefs at the Glass Door restaurant use local and seasonal ingredients to concoct inventive dishes such as duck-fat fries and prosciutto-seared salmon, which are served at communal tables amid wrought-iron lanterns and wall-to-wall waterfront views. Elsewhere, you can unwind at a rooftop sunset yoga class, get styled in the attached Evolve Salon, or explore the happening neighborhood just outside the Porto Vista's front doors.

Little Italy's historical streets bustle with tourists and locals alike, who come especially for the good eats. Handmade gelato and golden pizza pies fill the storefronts of classic, Italian-style eateries. One dessert café, run by a Paris-trained pastry chef, regularly sees lines forming down the block in the early morning as diners stock up on flaky, buttery croissants and scones.

Less than a mile from the hotel, the massive USS Midway Museum lets visitors wander through a Navy aircraft carrier and immerse themselves in life on the high seas. To observe San Diego's funky neighborhoods up close, you can shadow a local mailman or rent electric bikes for full- or half-day adventures. Some of the most popular destinations within biking distance include SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo, one of only four American zoos with giant pandas on display.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

May 11 2012 by Groupon

Customer Reviews

Fewer than 10 miles south of the Las Vegas Strip, the Mediterranean-inspired Green Valley Ranch- Las Vegas cuts an imposing figure, with Spanish-style architecture, tiled roofs, and a recessed driveway lined with towering palms. You don’t have to worry about transportation to the city’s main corridor, thanks to a complimentary shuttle that runs back and forth from the strip four times a day. But there's a lot to do right here—the sprawling Green Valley Ranch- Las Vegas encompasses restaurants, pools, a casino, and a movie theater.

In the upscale casino, exposed stone columns support towering arches and a vaulted ceiling. Gamers have the run of the place, which offers 2,200 slot and video-poker games, a poker room, race and sports book areas, and more than 55 table games such as blackjack, craps, and roulette. Spend your winnings at one of eight onsite restaurants, including Hank's Fine Steaks & Martinis, known for its selection of aged meats, and Terra Verde, a cozy Italian eatery with house-made pasta dishes and an extensive wine list. Getaway holders can use their resort credit at the onsite spa for services such as massages, facials, and mani-pedis.

Green Valley Ranch- Las Vegas's outdoor recreation area stretches across more than 8 acres outfitted with manicured lawns, private cabanas, and infinity-edge dipping pools. Head to the Pond, the resort’s private pool and lounge, to see and be seen during pool-party season. Come nightfall, you can catch a live band at Ovation or slip into Drop Bar for a nightcap.

The town of Henderson is conveniently close to Las Vegas, but it's also far enough to be an escape from the bustle of the strip. Next to Green Valley Ranch- Las Vegas sits The District, a pedestrian-friendly promenade lined with boutiques and restaurants. On Friday and Saturday nights from May through October, enjoy live music as you stroll the plaza.

To head to the Strip, hop onto the resort's free shuttle, which drops riders off at the Mandalay Bay Hotel. If you're tired of gambling, check out one of the long-running shows, such as Cirque du Soleil's Love, an acrobatic and visually stunning homage to the Beatles.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

May 15 2012 by Groupon

Customer Reviews

West Sonoma Inn & Spa stands amid 6 acres of Russian River Valley countryside in the heart of Sonoma wine country. The stylish boutique hotel pays homage to its lush natural surroundings by incorporating design elements drawn from the landscape, from its color palette of warm earth tones to the lobby's vaulted redwood ceiling. The inn also seems to evoke the wine country’s spirit through its pebbled wine garden, where burgundy-tinted oak barrels provide a makeshift wall for guests sipping reds and whites in lounge chairs. Outside, the neighboring 100-acre vineyard stretches toward the hills in the distance.

As the sun dyes the open California skies rosé, retreat to courtyard suites, where you'll find one king bed with a Pacific Coast comforter, either a fully equipped kitchenette with bistro-style furniture or a sitting room with a wet bar. Take in a similar view from massage beds at the inn's onsite spa. There, five massage therapists administer organic treatments ranging from cleansing sea-plant facials to the Russian River hot-stone massages.

Located about an hour north of San Francisco, Sonoma County’s gentle climate and rolling landscapes invite year-round recreation. West Sonoma Inn & Spa lies within walking distance of skyscraper-high redwoods and the canoe-friendly Russian River. A 25-minute drive to the craggy Pacific coastline takes visitors to unspoiled beaches where seals and pelicans easily outnumber people, making for lopsided outcomes in cross-species beach-volleyball tournaments.

Russian River Valley’s most rewarding aspect may be its rolling roads dotted with family-owned wineries. The wine pass included with this Groupon gives access to free tastings and discounts at 16 vineyards handpicked by hotel management. Many of the local vineyards specialize in handcrafted wines and employ sustainable farming practices. Sample the apple dessert wine at Graton Ridge Cellars, then head over to Hook and Ladder Vineyards to smell the cranberry and vanilla flavors of its award-winning pinot noir.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

May 15 2012 by Groupon

Customer Reviews

"Children who read on grade level by the end of third grade are more successful in school, work, and life," according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The foundation backs up this claim with data from the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress reading test. That same year, 85 percent of students from low-income families were unable to reach the test's "proficient" level. Many of these children lack regular access to age-appropriate books, and therefore go without the opportunities to improve their reading comprehension and maintain the same academic levels as their peers.

For every $9 this Grassroots campaign raises, First Book will distribute three brand-new books to children from low-income families, and three additional books thanks to in-kind matching donations from Disney Publishing Worldwide. First Book works to empower children with continuous supplies of new books throughout their childhoods so they can improve their reading skills, boost their desire to learn, and increase the amount they read at home. Volunteers recently distributed 17,000 new books to eight Title I schools in Newark and one million books across the United States in a single 10-day event.

All donations will be matched in-kind with three additional by Disney Publishing Worldwide up to one million books. You can follow the progress of this and other Grassroots campaigns at the Groupon Grassroots website.

First Book is a non-profit that aims to empower children from low-income families in the United States and Canada by improving their reading skills and subsequently their academic success and quality of education by increasing their access to books and educational resources. The organization connects classrooms and programs serving children with brand new books through its First Book Marketplace, where it sells new books online to community programs and schools at a reduced cost, and through the First Book National Book Bank, a clearinghouse for en masse donations from publishers. Since 1992, First Book has distributed more than 95 million books and educational resources in partnership with a network of more than 27,000 schools and programs across North America. After receiving books from First Book, children read more at home and overcome a pervasive barrier to success.

May 16 2012 by Groupon

Customer Reviews

Scooters boost their riders’ mobility while requiring less coordination than roller skates and a lower pain threshold than flaming pants. Get a move on with this Groupon.

Outfitted with seat belts and wheelie bars, FDA-approved scooters can carry up to 450 pounds. Scooterers can rent and return rides between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. seven days a week or request complimentary scooter delivery to any Waikiki hotel.

Seated atop three, four, or five wheels, mobility scooter riders zoom down sidewalks at up to 25 mph in rented steeds from Wiki Wiki Mobility Scooters. The FDA-approved scooters come with handlebar steering and up to two swivel seats, each equipped with a seatbelt and $2.13 in lost change. The scooters typically run on battery power, and the shop’s assorted e-bikes run on a cocktail of pedaling and electricity.

May 16 2012 by Groupon

Customer Reviews

A graduation is a rite of passage that will be remembered fondly forever, much like a baby's first steps or a truckasaurus's first SUV. Prance across the stage with this Groupon.

A shipping fee of $4.95 is included in the price of this Groupon; choose between redeeming your Groupon in 2012 or from January 1 to July 1, 2013. Professionally printed on bright, waterproof plastic, Tassel Toppers affix to mortarboards to identify individuals in a sea of graduates. The topper might thank parents, share an inspiring quote, or broadcast where the student is headed next. An online design tool customizes the accessories with background colors, text, clip art, or uploaded photos before they are brought to life in crisp, clear color by a UV LED printer. Adhesives affix the topper to three corners of the cap, leaving the front free for the tassel-turning ceremony. Like fake mustaches, toppers easily slip on and off between informal and formal occasions, and the accessories can be displayed on desks or beside diplomas for posterity, making for long-lasting graduation gifts.

Tassel Toppers emblazon the tops of caps with custom messages, causing smiling graduates to stand out in crowds of similarly clad peers. Collegiate logos showcase school pride, and Greek letters rendered in crisp color on the detachable accessory commemorate life in a fraternity or sorority. Some of the shop's bestselling images include heartfelt thanks for mom and dad, as well as cheeky messages such as “Kiss Me I'm Irish” and “Hasta La Vista.” The Miami Herald even profiled the innovative yet simple concept. In addition, an online design tool allows pupils to express their uniqueness without refusing to dance during the “YMCA” portion of the ceremony.

May 16 2012 by Groupon

Customer Reviews