"Budget" and "Vacation in Hawaii" are terms you do not often hear uttered in the same breath. Isolated from the mainland and in possession of limited resources, everything from gas to groceries costs more in the Aloha State. A standard-issue beachfront hotel can easily set you back $300 or more for a single night's stay. However, with a bit of searching, you can find a number of budget options available if you are willing to make a few minor adjustments and plan well in advance of your vacation.
When most people visualize themselves in Hawaii, they conjure up images of endless Mai Tais ordered from room service and breathtaking ocean views admired from the balcony while wearing a fluffy, white robe. Budget travelers will need to nip this daydream in the bud. Staying one block away from the beach can drastically reduce your hotel costs. If you have your heart set on enjoying the view, check to see if you can purchase a package deal when buying your airline tickets. Many times you can book a room at a reduced rate when booking your flight. Alternatively, consider renting a condo with a kitchen and a washer and dryer, which will save money on dining out and keep you from returning home with a bag of damp, dirty laundry. For those on a really tight budget, there are dorm-style hostels available for less than $20 a night and tent camping on the beach or in state parks for even less.
Once you've arrived at your destination, save money by skipping the taxis and rental cars and making use of the bus system. Buses in Hawaii are safe and clean and make regular stops at all major tourist attractions. Pick up a map from the visitor's center at the airport, or ask your hotel's desk clerk for a copy; select your destinations and hop on. Four-day visitor passes can be purchased on the Internet prior to your arrival. Pass holders are granted unlimited access to the bus for $20 each.
To reduce your dining costs, book a hotel that offers a complimentary breakfast to guests. After breakfast head to Wal-Mart and load up on snacks and drinks to store in your room. If you don't have a mini-fridge in your room, purchase your drinks from the local convenience stores rather than the hotel vending machines. Once you've done the grocery run, locate a nearby source for the standard island plate lunch; for less than $10 you'll be given a huge portion of rice and meat or seafood and a side order of vegetables. Odds are good you won't be able to eat it all, so save the rest for later or plan to re-heat it the next day, or split it with one of your traveling companions. For dinner, stay out of the obvious tourist traps and try to eat where the locals do.
Decide what you'd like to do ahead of time and book online to save 25 percent or more on things like snorkeling, harbour cruises and helicopter tours. If you're not sure what you'd like to do and are more of a wait-and-see type of person, collect the free visitor magazines and brochures that are available at the airport baggage claim area. Flip through the pages, taking note of any specials or coupons for activities that sound interesting. By taking a few minutes to clip the "tourist coupons" you can save on everything from scuba diving to sightseeing tours. Additionally, don't forget to ask about free entertainment or activities such as hula or ukulele lessons being offered at your hotel.
