With the current economic turmoil, not all of us dare to imagine ourselves reclining on white sand, hundreds of miles away from the desk, the bill pile, and the carpool. More than ever, a Hawaiian vacation seems destined to remain a reality only in our dreams.

But there is a lining to this grim cloud: the Hawaiian islands want us as much as we want them. Case in point: the hotels and resorts on O’ahu are offering reduced rates and deals to help make a tropical escape possible, even today. And did we mention that they’re tossing in some seriously helpful perks like free room nights and credits for dining, spa treatments, parking, car rental, and food?  Following are finds that can bring you one step closer to paradise.

The historic Royal Hawaiian (above and left) is one of the beautiful resorts helping guests to make it to paradise. Their celebratory 1927 package includes luxury accommodations in a Royal Grove room (the first night costs an unheardof $19.27), dinner for two at the new Azure Restaurant, two Mai Tais at the world-famous Mai Tai Bar, and a special Royal Hawaiian memento. It’d make one hell of a holiday gift, giving something very special to look forward to in the Spring.

For those looking to get away before the new year rings in, other special opportunities include the one at Castle Resorts & Hotels, offering discounts of up to 58 percent off regular rates with what they call WonderFALL Savings. This one runs through December 21 and features rates starting at $68 a night. Crazy. Stocking stuffers would simply seem inadequate after that.

Other end-of-year deals can be found at The Wyland Waikiki (right), where you receive a free night when you book three. They’ll throw in a complimentary upgrade and daily breakfast too. As if they needed to tempt us any further.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg. The island is practically swimming in amazing opportunities. Check these out as well:

Aqua Hotels & Resorts (below) Their Snooze -n- Crooze package includes a car rental and complimentary daily parking. Each property offers free amenities including daily continental breakfast, high-speed Internet, daily local newspaper, daily coffee packet replenishment, local and toll-free phone calls, and use of the in-room safe.

OHANA Waikiki West: Now through December 21, 2008, guests who book a Standard Kitchenette guestroom at $139 per night will receive a free upgrade to a City View Kitchenette guestroom, plus a daily complimentary $15 voucher for the Food Pantry food market. Yum.

OHANA Hotels & Resorts: Their Fourth Night Free package is available for bookings now through December 21, 2009 and offers a free room night with every three-night reservation.

Outrigger’s Beachfront Hawaiian: The Memories package includes three nights’ accommodations in a range of room category options at either the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach or the Outrigger Reef on the Beach, daily breakfast for two at one or more restaurants on property, plus a choice of either an Outrigger Catamaran ride for two; a half-hour photo session on the beach with photo CD and one 5" x 7" keepsake photo; or a canoe surfride for two with a photo CD.

ResortQuest Hawaii: Guests who book a three-night stay by December 1, 2008, for travel between January 2 to December 21, 2009 at select ResortQuest Hawaii properties will receive a fourth night free. Also, guests who book a stay by December 1, 2008, for travel between January 2 to December 21, 2009, will receive discounts of up to 20 percent off already-low rates at select ResortQuest Hawaii properties.

ResortQuest is also covering the ever-important food angle. Guests booking a minimum four-night stay at either ResortQuest at the Waikiki Banyan or ResortQuest Waikiki Sunset will receive a $50 Food Pantry gift certificate. In addition, ResortQuest always offers a two-for-one lu’au dinner and show per room, and a Kids Stay, Play & Eat Free deal that entitles children 12 years and younger to free activities, meals and merchandise.

Embassy Suites®-Waikiki Beach Walk® (right): The Mahalo Miles deal offer allows guests to earn 10,000 Hilton HHonors bonus points, double frequent flyer miles on participating airlines and a complimentary plush spa-style bathrobe. All guests who stay four or more consecutive nights from now until December 21, 2009 will receive this special miles and points package.

Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa: The Golf & Spa Escape gives guests the option of either two rounds of golf at the Hawaii Prince Golf Club, including transportation to and from the course ($332 value), two Mandara Spa 50-minute Grand Journey treatments ($268 value), or one round of golf and one spa treatment ($300 value). The Golf & Spa Escape package is available now through December 31, 2008 and is based on availability. Take a look at the site for more details.

Prince Resorts Hawaii: Their 2 for 1 promotion allows guests who purchase one room at the published room rate to get a second room at no cost (based on two persons in the room) at the Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki and Golf Club. This one runs through December 22 this year.

It doesn’t get any more convincing than that, does it? Get packing!