Budget Tips
1. Rent a Condo
Condominiums tend to be less expensive than hotel rooms. Rentals are readily available on O’ahu – get out of Honolulu and the expensive areas of Diamond Head, Koko Head, Kahala, Hawai’i Kai and Kailua for the best deals. Condos range from studios to three bedroom apartments. They’re almost universally well maintained and equipped.
2. Eat In
The cost of dining out can easily rack up, so eating in is the obvious alternative, especially if you’re renting a condo. Throughout O’ahu, there are lots of supermarkets, grocery stores, and farmers’ markets where the fixings for a great meal can be easily found.
3. Ask about Discounts
Hotels, restaurants, and activity desks often offer discounts, especially during the slower months (May, June, September, October). Restaurants routinely offer “early bird” specials for folks who like to dine before the prime 6–8pm slot. Late night specials are common, but less well advertised.
4. Plan Well Before You Travel
Virtually every airline, many hotels, and even some car rental companies offer better prices to travelers who book well in advance. It’s also a good idea to check out restaurants and activities – many have websites before arriving to avoid price surprises. Some advance research also allows you to comparison shop for things like whale watching and other costly activities.
5. Use Visitor Coupons
When you arrive at any airport in Hawai’i, you will see racks and racks of free visitor publications. Every one of them has coupons for discounts on restaurant meals and activities. If you have the time and the inclination to peruse the pages, the savings can be substantial.
6. Frequent Flyer and Corporate Discounts
Frequent flyer miles can be used for both free or upgraded air travel on all the major U.S. airlines. If you are a member of a national organization such as AARP (for the over 50s) or work for a large corporation, ask about discounts. You may find that your company ID card can save you money!
7. Book a Package Tour
Package tours are always less expensive than purchasing air and ground transportation and accommodations separately; any good travel agent will have lots to choose from. But even if you do choose to book your own trip, inter-island package tours (from local companies like Pleasant Island Holidays and Roberts Hawai’i) are a great and affordable way to experience another island.
8. Shop the Internet
The internet has become a fantastic resource for excellent travel deals. The big, discount travel sites (Orbitz, Expedia, Kayak) always have discounted prices on air fares and hotel rooms. Many of the major airlines also offer special internet fares.
9. Travel Off-Season
Hawai’i is most expensive during the winter months when travelers from cold climes swoop down upon these sun-drenched, tropical islands. The summer months (July and August) are family travel time, since children are out of school. This leaves May, June, September, and October for the bargain hunters.
10. Book a Non-Ocean View Room
Oceanfront rooms are the most expensive accommodations in Hawai’i. Next come ocean view rooms and then partial ocean view rooms. In high-rise hotels, the upper floors are also priced at a premium. Booking a mountain or garden room view could save you hundreds of dollars on your bill.
