When it comes to cheap places to spend your vacation, Hawaii typically isn't the first destination that springs to mind. Not only does the 50th state rank the highest in its utility costs, but almost everything you're looking to buy in its restaurants, shops, hotels and gas stations is also imported from somewhere else and has the price tags to prove it. On the flip side, its natural beauty is priceless, and the competition for tourist dollars to enjoy the best of it can yield some smart bargains if you have the flexibility to travel off-season and avoid costly resorts and attractions.
Book your flight between the start of September and the middle of December, excluding Thanksgiving week. The second cheapest time frame for Hawaii travel is the first week of January through the middle of May, excluding Easter break. Not only will flights be less expensive but you can save money on your accommodations. According to Fodor's, you can save 10 to 15 percent on your hotel bill by avoiding high season.
Choose a less crowded island. Oahu, the third largest island in the chain, is the most popular island for tourists as well as the most populated by locals. As of publication, however, Maui has the highest average hotel rates. Lanai and Molokai are less commercialized if it's an authentic Hawaiian experience you're seeking, while Kauai and Hawaii have a broad mix of accommodations, especially during off-season.
Stay at a hostel if you're a student on a shoestring budget. These range from single rooms with a shared bath to dorm-style accommodations. Many have a central kitchen, laundry facilities, locker storage and free Internet access. A two-night minimum stay is required. As of publication, rates average around $30 per night.
Eat your biggest meals at midday. The islands abound with family-style buffet restaurants that are all-you-can-eat. The rest of the time, satisfy your cravings with fresh fruit, noodle bowls, shave-ice and plate lunches. If your accommodations have a kitchen, cook some of your own meals with groceries from neighborhood stores and community farmers' markets. Pack energy bars and mixed nuts for a quick snack.
Enjoy free activities such as beach walks, nature hikes, hula lessons, street performers, museums, swimming, body surfing, art galleries, lei-making, factory tours and scenic drives. In addition, Hawaii's parks and beaches are free to the public and there's no charge to indulge your inner child and build all the sand castles you want.
