Your tips for an affordable trip to Hawaii
#1
Senior Moderator; Moderator, Eco-Conscious Travel, United and Flyertalk Cares
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: Fulltime travel/mostly Europe
Programs: UA 1.7 MM;; Accor & Marriott Pt; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 17,831
Your tips for an affordable trip to Hawaii
After reading the Frommer's link, cblaisd kindly posted, I kind of wonder if we FTers don't have quite a few tips of our own to add.
I don't have time to post all mine right now, but thought I'd start with these:
1) Skip the pricey resort spas and head to a massage school. Most all the islands have a few schools and you can easily find them by doing a Google search. It's wise to make reservations well in advance of your trip as locals tend to take the bulk of the slots. Most places are $25 an hour. I had one in Hana that was poolside and still only $25 plus tip.
2) Research, research, research. If you're interested in great hikes or kayak trips, you can usually either pay a guide to lead you or, with research, find the same great sites and go on your own. We've done a lot of hikes and kayak trips that would have been $100 a person. We went on our own and paid nothing, except for a nominal fee to rent the kayak.
3) I think we all know to bring our Costco and Safeway Club cards. Costco is always my first stop for wine, coconut syrup and other snacks.
4) I'm a huge fan of B&Bs. I've found some awesome ones - my latest fav has Sammy Haggar as the closest neighbor - and they're usually priced about like the resorts, but offer so much more - personal attention, serenity, free phone calls, wonderful breakfasts and often time all the beach goodies (chairs, umbrellas, mats, coolers) for free. No points, but who cares.
I'll post more later, but please add your own.
I don't have time to post all mine right now, but thought I'd start with these:
1) Skip the pricey resort spas and head to a massage school. Most all the islands have a few schools and you can easily find them by doing a Google search. It's wise to make reservations well in advance of your trip as locals tend to take the bulk of the slots. Most places are $25 an hour. I had one in Hana that was poolside and still only $25 plus tip.
2) Research, research, research. If you're interested in great hikes or kayak trips, you can usually either pay a guide to lead you or, with research, find the same great sites and go on your own. We've done a lot of hikes and kayak trips that would have been $100 a person. We went on our own and paid nothing, except for a nominal fee to rent the kayak.
3) I think we all know to bring our Costco and Safeway Club cards. Costco is always my first stop for wine, coconut syrup and other snacks.
4) I'm a huge fan of B&Bs. I've found some awesome ones - my latest fav has Sammy Haggar as the closest neighbor - and they're usually priced about like the resorts, but offer so much more - personal attention, serenity, free phone calls, wonderful breakfasts and often time all the beach goodies (chairs, umbrellas, mats, coolers) for free. No points, but who cares.
I'll post more later, but please add your own.
Last edited by cblaisd; Sep 19, 2005 at 12:25 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Honolulu, Hawaiʻi [+MKK4 EBBER R577 EDSEL R577 ELKEY EXERT]
Posts: 15,826
http://www.backyardoahu.com/ - For hiking trips, etc.
I've got a lot, but they're all crammed in this sleep deprived head, so I'll give it my best shot
I'll post more later.
aloha
I've got a lot, but they're all crammed in this sleep deprived head, so I'll give it my best shot
- If you're not looking to rent a car, there are various shuttle services that service Airport-Waikiki for around $9-$14. A search on this board will bring up alternative transportation tips.
- If you're not interested in miles and points, you might try using www.priceline.com with help from www.betterbidding.com or www.biddingfortravel.com to help. I've heard of some people knocking down large amounts of the internet rate or rack rate. Only problem with Priceline is that you don't get to choose your location, but hopefully the two assistance offering sites up there will help. If all fails, get a AAA card. It won't lessen the cost this time around, but it will help with all of your travels.
- Entertainment Books help if you'll be staying on O'ahu and if you'll be fine dining a lot. The only problem I have with the ENT book is that it constrains locations to which I can go to. Activities are also there which include various items. A search on this board will pull up more information about the ENT book and look out here on Flyertalk to see when they start selling those books for $15 a pop (within the next few months).
- Discounters often offer bulk ticketing to lessen the cost of a Mainland-Hawai'i ticket. Call a Hawai'i travel agent/your own travel agent for better pricing.
- L&L & Zippy's are a plus for reasonable dining and somewhat good food (arguable but cheap )
- Visit expensive attractions you feel will only be a once in a lifetime experience and look for coupons for these in the ENT book. One prime example in my mind is the Waterpark. On a recent flight back home, I sat next to a frequent visitor who asked about the water park out in Kaka'ako. Well, I told him it's expensive and it's a once in a lifetime experience to take the family and about the coupons in the 03 ENT book...
- You can have a great time watching people stroll Waikiki... or the "entertainers" along Kalakaua Ave
- Take your shopping someplace other than Waikiki or even Ala Moana (although Ala Moana has a great selection of stores). The Flea Market at Aloha Stadium offers many different vendors (yes, it's true that some items are stolen, but it's cheap). You can do a Google search to find out more about the Flea Market a.k.a. Swap Meet at Aloha Stadium.
- There are interesting expos all the time at the Blaisdell. Admission ranges but is usually below $5.
- Costco/Walmart/Sam's Club can be very helpful. Do a search here for a very extensive thread on all three. Gas at Costco can be a great treat given high gas prices around the islands.
- Flying to the neighbor islands? Get an AAA membership and knock off money off an Aloha Air ticket... or, become an AlohaPass member and get a ticket for $59... Better yet, redeem 5,000 miles for a RT on Aloha with United Miles or 5,000 miles for a RT on Hawaiian with Northwest Miles. (10,000 miles for CO or AA redemption both on Hawaiian).
- Don't buy anything at the airports! It's just too expensive. (e.g., buy the bottled water at Long's for 2 for $.99 -- Also check Long's Sunday Ad in one of two Hawai'i newspapers for cheap snacks.
- There are some on again/off again deals for dinner and a movie at Ward Centre worth checking out.
- Drive around the island by yourself rather than taking a tour. It's a pretty nice drive and won't take longer than a day (with stops of course). Explore somewhat deserted beaches (yes there are those on O'ahu! and even more on the neighbor islands!).
- Employ the help of a local friend to show you around They'll know all the cheap stops and may even pull of a kama'aina discount for you.
I'll post more later.
aloha
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: NJ
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, UA Silver, dirt elsewhere
Posts: 46,919
Call a hotel and ask if they offer the Ent discount even if they're not listed in the book.
We used to stay at the Outrigger Waikiki all the time (before I started getting HH & Hyatt points) and even though it was never in the book, we always got it for 50% off - even the suites. A bargain for the location.
Mary
We used to stay at the Outrigger Waikiki all the time (before I started getting HH & Hyatt points) and even though it was never in the book, we always got it for 50% off - even the suites. A bargain for the location.
Mary
#4
Senior Moderator; Moderator, Eco-Conscious Travel, United and Flyertalk Cares
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: Fulltime travel/mostly Europe
Programs: UA 1.7 MM;; Accor & Marriott Pt; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 17,831
slippahs wrote:
IIRC, there were some other ways of getting cheap inter-island flights. One was through a certain bank's ATM and the other was to stop in at a Hawaiian travel agent once you got there and get them there. Do you know slippahs if any of these options are still available? I know last I checked on the bank one it wasn't much better and with travel agents losing their commissions, perhaps that one doesn't exist any more either. I'm with you though on the 5K miles - that's certainly about the best award deal around.
[This message has been edited by letiole (edited Mar 20, 2004).]
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Flying to the neighbor islands? Get an AAA membership and knock off money off an Aloha Air ticket... or, become an AlohaPass member and get a ticket for $59... </font>
[This message has been edited by letiole (edited Mar 20, 2004).]
#5
Senior Moderator; Moderator, Eco-Conscious Travel, United and Flyertalk Cares
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: Fulltime travel/mostly Europe
Programs: UA 1.7 MM;; Accor & Marriott Pt; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 17,831
More:
1) I know this takes some of the romance out of it, but buy your souveirs on eBay. I've found two good Hawaiian craft sellers that sell at or below wholesale prices on gold and sterling jewelry (such as the flipflop pendants and other Hawaiian designs) and on handmade Hawaiian quilts. Perhaps you can visit their showrooms in Hawaii if you write them, but their prices are dirt cheap. The quilts, for example, are all hand-stitched and run $250-$270 with shams for a queen size that would normally cost you $800+ at a boutique on the islands.
2) Want a lei? If you're staying at a resort sign up for a lei-mkaing class. Usually the classes are free and so you end up with a free lei. (When my son was little and woke up with the sun in Hawaii, we'd occupy ourselves by strolling the resort and picking up the just fallen plumeria that still looked perfect. We'd then string them with the in-room sewing kit.) Of course, if you want to buy a little fancier lei, Costco's the place. Chinatown is usually a little cheaper too.
More to come ..
1) I know this takes some of the romance out of it, but buy your souveirs on eBay. I've found two good Hawaiian craft sellers that sell at or below wholesale prices on gold and sterling jewelry (such as the flipflop pendants and other Hawaiian designs) and on handmade Hawaiian quilts. Perhaps you can visit their showrooms in Hawaii if you write them, but their prices are dirt cheap. The quilts, for example, are all hand-stitched and run $250-$270 with shams for a queen size that would normally cost you $800+ at a boutique on the islands.
2) Want a lei? If you're staying at a resort sign up for a lei-mkaing class. Usually the classes are free and so you end up with a free lei. (When my son was little and woke up with the sun in Hawaii, we'd occupy ourselves by strolling the resort and picking up the just fallen plumeria that still looked perfect. We'd then string them with the in-room sewing kit.) Of course, if you want to buy a little fancier lei, Costco's the place. Chinatown is usually a little cheaper too.
More to come ..
#6
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: atlanta, GA
Posts: 2,040
at home, there is not a Costco that is convenient to me. I saved $45 and just went to Walmart. Bought a nice lei there too for $5.95. Its artificial but it looks real and my wife still has it. A real lei would never have made it home. Great souvenirs at Walmart too.
#7
Moderator Hilton Honors, Travel News, West, The Suggestion Box, Smoking Lounge & DiningBuzz
Join Date: Jun 2000
Programs: Honors Diamond, Hertz Presidents Circle, National Exec Elite
Posts: 36,016
The International Marketplace is a great place for a cheap and good lunch. The Aloha Broiler has an excellent grilled fish and noodles. Follow with a scoop of coconut ice cream with chocoloate sauce (frozen mounds bar effect )
Particularly if you're staying toward the Ewa side of Waikiki, the Wailana coffeeshop and decent food that's inexpensive. And the people-watching is great.
Particularly if you're staying toward the Ewa side of Waikiki, the Wailana coffeeshop and decent food that's inexpensive. And the people-watching is great.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by slippahs:
...There are interesting expos all the time at the Blaisdell. Admission ranges but is usually below $5. </font>
...There are interesting expos all the time at the Blaisdell. Admission ranges but is usually below $5. </font>
Last edited by cblaisd; Sep 19, 2005 at 12:26 am Reason: Privacy
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Honolulu, Hawaiʻi [+MKK4 EBBER R577 EDSEL R577 ELKEY EXERT]
Posts: 15,826
- Want fresh fish? Try the farmer's market at Ward or the fish market in Chinatown (just be careful what you buy or step in)
- Shave ice (like Snow Cone) makes a great dessert for a relatively cheap price. Try Waiola's (in Makiki) or Matsumoto's on the North Shore.
- The Ala Wai might be a nice place to Golf if you're into that sport -- there are also good rates on the Windward side at Bayview GC.
- Sea Life Park (the park featured in the movie "50 First Dates") has coupons in the ENT book.
- Snorkeling at Haunama Bay may be worth the price and wait (and remember, it's closed on Tuesdays).
- You can pick up cheap water equipment from Costco/Walmart (rentals within Waikiki can be quite expensive).
- Don't buy bottled water (as I often see people -- tourists and kama'aina alike -- do) because Hawaii's water is quite possibly the best in the nation (arguably once again).
- Kodak Hula Show is no longer but the Royal Hawaiian Band still provides some traditional free entertainment.
- Nothing beats lunch from a lunch wagon. And, it's extremely cheap.
- Buy your pineapple (to take back home) from Costco/Farmer's Market and not from Dole or the airport.
aloha
#9
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 282
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by slippahs:
Don't buy bottled water (as I often see people -- tourists and kama'aina alike -- do) because Hawaii's water is quite possibly the best in the nation (arguably once again).[*]
I would have to second that opinion. Water is my beverage of choice and having read comments from other folks I knew the places to go to buy cheap bottled water. Imagine my surprise when on the first day I tried the hotel water and found it to be great. I was at the Hilton and with the two bottles of water they gave us and the two I had from the plane ride I just kept refilling the bottles and putting them in the fridge. Never did buy any water. Saving money was great but I liked the convenience factor plus the added plus of not piling the landfills with empty bottles (I'm a tree-hugger).
[Quote}Nothing beats lunch from a lunch wagon. And, it's extremely cheap.[*]
aloha[/B]</font>
Don't buy bottled water (as I often see people -- tourists and kama'aina alike -- do) because Hawaii's water is quite possibly the best in the nation (arguably once again).[*]
I would have to second that opinion. Water is my beverage of choice and having read comments from other folks I knew the places to go to buy cheap bottled water. Imagine my surprise when on the first day I tried the hotel water and found it to be great. I was at the Hilton and with the two bottles of water they gave us and the two I had from the plane ride I just kept refilling the bottles and putting them in the fridge. Never did buy any water. Saving money was great but I liked the convenience factor plus the added plus of not piling the landfills with empty bottles (I'm a tree-hugger).
[Quote}Nothing beats lunch from a lunch wagon. And, it's extremely cheap.[*]
aloha[/B]</font>
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Honolulu, Hawaiʻi [+MKK4 EBBER R577 EDSEL R577 ELKEY EXERT]
Posts: 15,826
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by HawaiiBound:
Slippahs, I didn't see any lunch wagons. Where are they usually located? I will be returning in less than a month and thought I'd check it out.
</font>
Slippahs, I didn't see any lunch wagons. Where are they usually located? I will be returning in less than a month and thought I'd check it out.
</font>
aloha
#11
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: New York USA
Posts: 2,933
ABC Stores
Great for everything.......
snacks, sandwiches, drinks, water, liquor
Excellent prices on souvenirs, macadamia nuts, calendars (cheap AND space-effective in the luggage, if you need to bring home gifts), sunscreen and last minute pharmacy needs.
Alsp great for tubes, boogie boards, swimmies, beach mats and anything else that was too cumbersome to pack.
Additionally, if no one has stressed it yet,
the Entertainment Book....especially on Oahu, and super especially if you are staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Pays for itself in one meal.
Great for everything.......
snacks, sandwiches, drinks, water, liquor
Excellent prices on souvenirs, macadamia nuts, calendars (cheap AND space-effective in the luggage, if you need to bring home gifts), sunscreen and last minute pharmacy needs.
Alsp great for tubes, boogie boards, swimmies, beach mats and anything else that was too cumbersome to pack.
Additionally, if no one has stressed it yet,
the Entertainment Book....especially on Oahu, and super especially if you are staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Pays for itself in one meal.
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Honolulu, Hawaiʻi [+MKK4 EBBER R577 EDSEL R577 ELKEY EXERT]
Posts: 15,826
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by flyerwife:
ABC Stores
Great for everything.......
snacks, sandwiches, drinks, water, liquor
Excellent prices on souvenirs, macadamia nuts, calendars (cheap AND space-effective in the luggage, if you need to bring home gifts), sunscreen and last minute pharmacy needs.</font>
ABC Stores
Great for everything.......
snacks, sandwiches, drinks, water, liquor
Excellent prices on souvenirs, macadamia nuts, calendars (cheap AND space-effective in the luggage, if you need to bring home gifts), sunscreen and last minute pharmacy needs.</font>
aloha
#13
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 282
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by flyerwife:
Additionally, if no one has stressed it yet,
the Entertainment Book....especially on Oahu, and super especially if you are staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Pays for itself in one meal.[/B]</font>
Additionally, if no one has stressed it yet,
the Entertainment Book....especially on Oahu, and super especially if you are staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Pays for itself in one meal.[/B]</font>
http://www.entertainment.com/jsp/con...learn_more.jsp for a free 10 day trial period and if you choose to continue the cost is $3.99 per month. Depending on your timing you could pay nothing or maybe $3.99 for one month and then cancel online. The drawback is you need to go through the offers and print the coupons you want and I believe the coupons are only valid for two weeks after you print them.
[This message has been edited by HawaiiBound (edited Mar 22, 2004).]
#14
Moderator: Hawaii-based airlines & Hawai'i forums
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Ka ʻĀpala Nui, Nuioka
Programs: NEXUS/Global Entry, Delta, United, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, and Hertz
Posts: 18,031
For Honolulu, here are some family friendly events.
Each Friday, weather permitting, the Hilton Hawaiian Village has a fireworks display at 7:30 p.m.
http://www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com...st.asp#jubilee
There is a torchlighting ceremony and hula show each evening at Kuhio Beach, at the east end of Waikiki.
There is also Sunset on the Beach, which is a free screening of a first run movie and Breakfast on the Beach which is a great food festival.
http://www4.co.honolulu.hi.us/webcal...?calendar_id=2
Each Friday, weather permitting, the Hilton Hawaiian Village has a fireworks display at 7:30 p.m.
http://www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com...st.asp#jubilee
There is a torchlighting ceremony and hula show each evening at Kuhio Beach, at the east end of Waikiki.
There is also Sunset on the Beach, which is a free screening of a first run movie and Breakfast on the Beach which is a great food festival.
http://www4.co.honolulu.hi.us/webcal...?calendar_id=2
#15
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Bellevue, WA, USA
Posts: 253
Go to the sunshine market to buy your fruit and vegetables.
Go to the stores that the Kama'aina use if you can. For example the Lahina Safeway is a better bet than the market in Kahana.
Suffering through a timeshare presentation may be worth it depending upon how much you value your time and you *DON'T* buy the timeshare.
Go to the free hula shows and/or local entertainment and skip the luaus.
Go to the stores that the Kama'aina use if you can. For example the Lahina Safeway is a better bet than the market in Kahana.
Suffering through a timeshare presentation may be worth it depending upon how much you value your time and you *DON'T* buy the timeshare.
Go to the free hula shows and/or local entertainment and skip the luaus.