Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge (the sister community adjacent to Gatlinburg, 7 miles away)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gsa6nrNASgrcMD4a7
could be considered the "Myrtle Beach" of the mountains.
Between the two there are literally hundreds of stores, shops, restaurants, big-time shows, go-cart tracks, amusement parks,
and one of the very largest & best Christmas shops anywhere. The two places are completely different, yet complementary.
Gatlinburg is a typical mountain tourist town, whereas Pigeon Forge is a long main drag where all the "activity" is lined up along the roadside.
There are a few timeshares there, so look them up and decide. We usually just rent something--- even a hotel, condo, or cabin----
so the range and costs can be quite different. Both towns stay extremely crowded during peak times, and busy even in off-peak times.
We have been going to this destination area annually for 30+ years, and Fall wouldn't be the same without it. It's a 4+ hour drive for us, but very worth it.
It's not a glamorous place like you're probably used to, and the accommodations don't compare
to a Marriott timeshare (except for some fantastic condo or cabin rentals, but it's simply plain fun.
IMHO, I cringe at a stay in Honolulu compared to the atmosphere in Gatlinburg/PF.
(Keep in mind, it will be HOT in TN at that time, which does make a difference. We never go in summer, and would highly recommend Fall.
You could do both and arrange the Tennessee trip for Fall, just to experience what it's all about while enjoying the great temperatures....
definitely mid to late October.
BTW, I would also plan a stay in Asheville NC for the same trip east....You would love that.
The Biltmore House alone is something everyone should see......better than any castle in Europe, and Asheville is a great city.
Special note: And if you have time, visit the
Omni Grove Park Inn on the other side of town, up on the mountain.
Maybe a 10-minute drive, but very easy, and you'll see why I recommend it only after entering the place. It's breathtaking. Nothing like it.
It's a very old stone hotel, but has been modernized without losing the amazing charm.
Look it up and read about it----9 or 10 US presidents have stayed there, as well as dozens of Hollywood actors. (Many photos are on the walls in the corridors!)
Numerous famed authors stayed there, too, and the stories are interesting. Also famous inventors and financial moguls, and a handful of unique people like Houdini.
You'll be amazed at how beautiful the place is---it's like a city inside, you may get lost.
But it overlooks the gorgeous valley with the city of Asheville seen a few miles away.
There are several restaurants inside (one is among the very few AAA Four Diamond restaurants in the south),
and the amazing bar area extends out onto a huge veranda which has great views.
The decor is Craftsman, and has unique Stickley furniture---a low-key, casual environment which reeks of luxury in a subtle way.
It's expensive, especially following the pandemic, but actually it's our most favorite place
anywhere on the planet, including all our timeshares and any hotel at which we've stayed. We try to go annually, especially between Thanksgiving and Christmas....the decorations are wonderful, and charm overwhelming. It's definitely special.
It's worth spending half a day just hanging out there. There's also a very nice golf course on site, a Donald Ross-designed course.
And one of the most gorgeous spas anywhere----an underground grotto----see the pictures online---amazing.
The fireplaces at each end of the Great Hall are huge, and burn 6' logs....almost tall enough for a man to walk into. There are rocking chairs that surround the fireplaces, and visitors/guests sit there and just enjoy for hours. It has a real charm seldom seen anywhere else.
Online pictures are amazing---I even posted many pics at some point here on TUG.
Two to three nights there, coupled with a visit to the Biltmore House and the Biltmore Village of shops and cafes just outside the estate,
would be quite a memorable trip, and guaranteed more special than many of the great places we all visit all the time with our timeshares.)
Seriously check the prices of the smaller & closer airports. Sometimes they are cheaper. And, if you fly into Asheville, you might be able to visit Biltmore Estate, Grandfather Mountain, and/or the Blue Ridge Parkway before going to Gatlinburg. 
