Last year, my then six-old daughter celebrated her 12th visit to Hawaii. However, to her, the Aloha State is more than just a top tourist destination, it’s also home to grandma, grandpa, and a huge network of aunts, uncles and cousins.
I kid that she would have been marking trip number 20 if it weren’t so dang expensive to fly from Wisconsin to Hilo. Fortunately, once we land in the “Land of Aloha” we score free room and board.
Bottom line: traveling to Hawaii is not cheap. However, there are ways you can save on your next vacation there provided you follow these 10 tips:
1. Timing is Key: Most major airlines offer discounted rates to travelers flying on either Tuesday or Wednesday. Also, some hotels in Hawaii offer substantially discounted mid-week rates to guests, especially during the off-season which roughly translates to February, May, September and October.
2. Look for Freebies: While you are at the rental car counter ask for a free map of the island you are visiting. Also, look for free eats at bars that offer cocktail hour. Waikiki is home to a plethora of bars that provide mouthwatering appetizers for free with the purchase of an alcoholic beverage.
3. Gas Up: Hawaii is home to the highest gasoline prices in the country. However, if you think gas prices in downtown Honolulu are high, wait to you see the posted rates at the stations in the tiny towns on the other side of Oahu. Most are about 20 to 30 cents higher per gallon. To save money while you cruise the islands, gas up in major cities
4. Resorts vs. Hotels: Resorts in Hawaii offer you everything from a chance to swim with dolphins in their onsite dolphin cove to having not one, not two, but often up to five pools and a maze of waterslides on the same property. Save money and stay at a cheaper hotel, then inquire about obtaining a day pass to use the amenities at the mega-resorts.
5. Food Truck: You’ve seen them on Food Network and on the streets of major cities, now you can get a taste of lunch trucks first-hand. In Hawaii food sold from trucks is cheap, delicious and the portions are huge. For example, on the North Shore of Oahu dozens of trucks offer everything from fried chicken to Korean short ribs. A combination plate that includes two scoops of rice, a scoop of macaroni/potato salad, chicken and ribs on a bed of fresh cabbage costs less than $5.
6. Buy Local: Each island features a weekly Farmers Market that offers island-grown fruits and vegetables, seafood, chicken, and local flowers. Forget about buying tropical lei from the airport to take back home; rather, purchase one from the Farmer’s Market and you will be guaranteed freshness at rock-bottom prices.
7. Affordable Souvenirs: The best deals on Hawaiian souvenirs can be found at Wal-Mart. Hawaii Wal-Mart stores feature a large section of local souvenirs; everything from postcards, magnets, beach bags, t-shirts, aloha shirts, shot glasses, hula dolls, etc. What’s more, they are the exact same items sold at souvenir specialty shops, but at much cheaper prices.
8. Affordable Admission: Nothing is cheaper than free and that’s exactly what you will pay at the Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo. Located in Hilo, Hawaii, this 12-acre zoo is the only tropical rainforest zoo in the United States. It is home to more than 80 animal species including the endangered Nene (Hawaii State Bird) and a rare white Bengal Tiger. It is open daily and admission is FREE.
9. BYOWB: Bring Your Own Water Bottle. Having fun in the Hawaiian sun can work up quite a thirst, so be prepares. Whether you are hiking up Diamond Head or hiking down to the latest lava flow at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you will often be met with vendors offering you a bottle of cold water to coat your parched throat. At three to five dollars for a 20-ounce bottle of water, you can save money by bringing your own.
10. Membership Has Its Privileges: If you are active-duty or retired military personnel, then a vacation in Hawaii can be quite affordable. From hotels to rental cars, local attractions to restaurants, the savings are BIG. For example, a room at Hawaii’s Hale Koa hotel, a resort for the exclusive use of retired and current members of the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves, and National Guard, will cost at least 50 percent less than a room at hotels with comparable amenities just down the road.
Photo by Bernard Spragg Flickr
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