One of the most fun activities offered on the island is "Hawaii Food Tours," a company started by Matthew Gray, a former chef and the top food expert in Hawaii. Gray was even featured on the Food Network. MSNBC has called Hawaii Food Tours one of the best food tours in the world, so it is an experience you should not pass on. The tour is worth it, and is possible for the traveler on a budget if you make sure you cut back on other expenses, like your hotel.
The Pagoda, located in the center of Honolulu, is divided into two wings---the Pagoda Hotel Tower, a 12-story building with almost 200 rooms, and the Pagoda Terrace, a five-story building with more than 150 rooms with kitchenettes.
The Pagoda has a pool, sundecks and koi ponds. In September 2010, the rates range from singles at $99 to a two-bedroom kitchenette for $150 that up to four people can share.
The hotel also has free parking, on-site laundry facilities, a beauty salon and a restaurant nearby.
Pagoda Hotel
1525 Rycroft St.
Honolulu, HI 96814
(800) 472-4632
pagodahotel.com
Based on availability, the Aston Maui Lu hotel offered rates as low as $80 per night in September 2010. It offers quiet accommodations with beachfront views. For a slightly higher rate, the hotel has private balconies or patios that overlook the water.
There is access to two private beach coves for sunbathing, as well as a large swimming pool, two tennis courts and outdoor barbecues.
Aston Maui Lu
575 South Kihei Road
Kihei, HI 96753
(877) 997-6667
resortquesthawaii.com
One of the oldest operating hotels in Kauai, the Coral Reef Resort offered specials in September 2010 for as low as $89 when reserved well in advance.
It has a pool with a waterfall surrounded by palm trees, as well as a fitness room and a sauna.
Its rooms come with microwaves, refrigerators and Jacuzzi tubs.
Hotel Coral Reef Resort
4-1516 Kuhio Hwy.
Kapaa, HI 96746
800-843-4659
hotelcoralreefresort.com
