Many people dream of a sunny Hawaiian vacation but think there's no way they can afford it. Not true. The biggest obstacle is transportation, which can equal as much as half your vacation budget. Once you've worked out get to Hawaii, however, there are dozens of inexpensive options for lodging and hundreds of things to do that are cheap or, even better, free.
Instructions
Hawaii on the Cheap
1. Plan your vacation for one of the two off-seasons in Hawaii--which, coincidentally, are the nicest times to visit the islands. Mid-April to mid-June and mid-September to mid-December, with the exception of Japan's Golden Week when April turns into May, have the fewest visitors. You'll find airlines hungry for passengers, hotels only half-full and quiet beaches. Your overall costs can be reduced by 30 percent or more.
2. Plan your transportation first. There are few cruises to Hawaii, so you'll probably need to fly, and that will almost certainly be your biggest vacation expense. Start looking for special rates and good deals at least six months before your vacation. If you fly out from the West Coast, Phoenix, Las Vegas or Cleveland, sign up for Hawaiian Air's newsletter; it often has better deals than the national airlines. Expect costs to be $600 to $1000 per person, each way.
3. Choose an island before you go any further. You may have dreams of island-hopping, but you'll pay minimum over $100 for a round-trip ticket. The least expensive islands are Hawaii (the Big Island) and Oahu. The Big Island offers the only active volcano in the island chain as well as lots of activities; Oahu is more urban, but offers plenty of countryside as well. Both have inexpensive lodging options. Oahu is somewhat cheaper overall because food is less expensive, and it also offers more free things to do.
4. Do your homework. Hawaii has excellent online resources for researching activities. "This Week" and other free publications also offer dozens of coupons and specials every week. Check their websites before you go to Hawaii, pick up their books at the airport, then read them on your way to your hotel. Also, invest in a good guidebook with a map once you get to the island. Any bookseller will direct you to the best one for your needs.
5. Hawaii has plenty of inexpensive lodging options, depending on how many corners you're willing to cut. For small groups, hotel and privately owned condo suites at the Ilikai are a great deal; if you don't mind a cheap-motel atmosphere, the Royal Grove Hotel has daily and weekly rates comparable to a mainland motel and provides a mini-kitchen. On the Big Island, bed-and-breakfasts abound, as well as private condo and apartment rentals; Arnott's Lodge offers good rates on rooms and also places to pitch a tent safely. Wherever you stay, get a room that has a mini-kitchen or better. You'll save a fortune on food.
6. Make a list of all the free things you can find in Hawaii. Every island has the beach--and all non-military beaches are public--as well as hiking and sightseeing. On Oahu, free attractions include the Arizona Memorial, the Punchbowl Memorial, snorkeling at Hanauma Bay (parking fee), hiking on Diamondhead (parking fee) and sightseeing in Chinatown and throughout Waikiki. Pirate Bar Hawaii takes visitors on free two-hour cruises. On Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday (subject to change), you can enjoy the torch-lighting ceremony and evening hula show in Kapiolani Park, just southeast of Waikiki. On the Big Island, petroglyph tours, cultural shows and classes on making leis are offered in Hilo and everywhere else.
7. Car rental can be expensive, so look for other options. On Oahu, the bus is cheap and reliable; visitors can get four-day passes at ABC stores for $25. On all islands, you can rent bicycles and mopeds at cheap rates. "Toy" cars, electric vehicles based on golf carts, are street-legal throughout Hawaii, and if you look hard you can find low rental prices.
8. Finally, food: Hawaii is not known for its cuisine. You are unlikely to find great Hawaiian-style food unless you're ready to pay premium prices. If you want to dip into the native cuisine, stop by Zippy's, or pick up a box lunch at 7-Eleven. Otherwise, eat food you prepare yourself or stick with things you are familiar with. Save most of your restaurant budget for a luau.
Tags: your vacation, free things, Hawaii Cheap, inexpensive lodging, inexpensive lodging options, lodging options, options Oahu