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20 Mar 2006 06:15 AM

Visiting Hawaii on a Budget

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

You're stretched out on a powder soft white sand beach, waves lapping at your feet, tropical drink in hand, and... then your alarm goes off. Your dream of traveling to the island paradise of Hawaii squashed because you think you cannot afford it. Well, think again! Believe it or not, there are affordable ways of making your dream trip a reality. Take it from me. I was born and raised in Hawaii, but now live in Wisconsin. I make the trip back home with my 2-year-old daughter at least twice a year. She loves it there and so will you... and your wallet. Just follow these ten tips.

1. Fly out and return mid-week. Many airlines offer discounted rates to travelers flying on either Tuesday or Wednesday. Also, the major hotels in Hawaii offer substantially discounted mid-week rates to guests. In addition, flights are less crowded on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so if you are traveling with a "lapchild" (the airline's term for a child under two; traveling without a ticket) you will likely have an extra seat next to you for your little one to stretch out on.

2. You've made it to Hawaii and now you need to pick up your wheels. While you are at the rental car counter ask for a free map of the island you are visiting. Often they will only give you a Xeroxed street map of the city where you are picking up your car. Tell them you would like the complete map of the island. It will save you three to five dollars and valuable time that you would otherwise waste having to stop to purchase one.

3. GAS. Recently, Hawaii passed a Gas Cap Law. The Gas Cap Law is a legal limit on wholesale gasoline prices, or the maximum amount that may be charged for producing gasoline and delivering it to a service station. Under the new law, the gas cap is set weekly by the Hawaii Public Utilities based on average spot prices for regular unleaded gasoline in three U.S. markets, New York Harbor, the Gulf Coast, and Los Angeles. Currently, Hawaii has the most expensive gas in the nation. To save money while you cruise the islands, gas up in major cities. That means if you are staying on the island of Oahu, gas up in Honolulu because if you are planning to drive to the North Shore to visit the big waves at Pipeline or watch a sunset at famed Sunset Beach, you will be paying more money for gas in the smaller towns that dot the island. If you are visiting the Big Island of Hawaii, gas up in Hilo, because if you wait until you get to the smaller city of Waimea you will be paying at least ten cents more.

4. Beware of the "resort." Save money and book yourself into a "hotel." In Hawaii, it's tricky. Resorts 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 and make use of the day passes offered by the resorts to "non-guests." For a fee, which varies by property, you and your children can partake in all of the "resorts" amenities while catching your zzzzz's in a more affordable "hotel" room.

5. Eating out for all of your meals can really add up. My suggestion: look for the many "lunch wagons" that dot the beaches of Hawaii. The food is more than affordable and the portions are huge. For example, on the North Shore of Oahu dozens of "lunch wagons" set up shop from 11am-1pm offering 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. It's a meal that will leave you and your wallet full.

6. If you are looking for some cheap local flavor check out Hawaii's many Farmer's Markets. Each offers island-grown fruits and vegetables, seafood, chicken, and best of all, it is the cheapest place to get local flowers. Forget picking up flower lei from the airport to take back home, by purchasing them at the Farmer's Market you are guaranteed freshness and affordable prices. On the Big Island of Hawaii, the Hilo Farmer's Market is open daily, with Wednesdays and Saturdays drawing the largest variety of vendors.

7. Forget the local souvenir shops. The best deals on souvenirs can be found at Walmart. Regardless of what island you visit, each Walmart store includes a large section of Hawaiian souvenirs; everything from postcards, magnets, beach bags, t-shirts, aloha shirts, shot glasses, hula dolls, etc. The exact ones you will find at the souvenir specialty shops, but at much cheaper prices. The price savings range from 50 cents to upwards of $5 on some items.

8. Free admission. Look for attractions that include those two words. In Hawaii, you'll be surprised that you get more than you bargained for. Like the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo. Located on the "Big Island" of 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 Namaste', a white Bengal Tiger. It is open daily and admission is FREE.

9. BYOWB. Bring Your Own Water Bottle. Having fun in the Hawiian sun can really make you thirsty. And many area vendors are counting on that...literally! 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, save money and bring your own.

10. If you are in the military or retired from the service then a vacation in Hawaii is more than affordable, it can be down right cheap. 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. And guests at the Hale Koa won't pay the 11.4 percent Hawaii sales tax on rooms - easily $20 a day at a civilian hotel. So take advantage-you deserve it!

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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