Who wouldn’t want to visit picture-perfect Honolulu; a place that seems to epitomize everyone’s dream of a holiday? Yes, it is one of the best places for a vacation in the United States; unfortunately, it’s also one of the most expensive destinations. Starting from high flight costs to expensive food, every aspect of a holiday in Honolulu can break the bank. But this doesn’t mean you can’t have your Honolulu holiday; just find out how to get the best deals and save on costs to enjoy your budget holiday in pricey Honolulu.
Fly Low: You probably know by now that it’s important to book your flights months in advance to get good airfare deals; so let’s not dwell on that. Book your flights to Honolulu for the off-season of April-May or shoulder season from September to November. These are the season when you can get decent fares, good accommodation on the cheap and great service because your hotels won’t be too crowded. And don’t worry; the weather wouldn’t be too bad too.
Stay Away: Lounging in a lanai in your ocean-facing room in a luxury resort makes a pretty picture for your camera; unfortunately it puts a dent in your budget. To stay comfortably, yet within your means, stay away from tourist hotspots like the Waikiki beach though most hotels are located here. Find a nice B&B for a homestay experience or book a vacation rental where you get a kitchenette with your apartment. These are cheaper when compared to hotels and much more practical since you can cook your own meals and save on dining expenses.
See For Free: For an insight into what started the Second World War, visit Pearl Harbor and experience its history through the USS Arizona National Memorial. Visit the Aloha Tower along with its marketplace. There are lots of free and interesting attractions in Honolulu like the US Army Museum, free cultural activities at the Royal Hawaiian Center and band entertainment at the Kapi’olani Park. Of course, these cannot be compared with the best free attraction you get in Hawaii; watching the sun set while relaxing on the beach.
Explore: Take The Bus. The cheap and effective public transport system of Oahu offers a better alternative to renting a car or taking a cab. Parking fees and taxi fares can be quite high; it’s a lot easier to find out which bus to take and make sure you are at the stop on time.
Eat In: Appetites run high on holidays; but food prices in Waikiki may make your stomachs churn. Grocery stores and markets are also quite expensive when compared to their peers in other states. If you are on a budget, it’s better to cook your own food in your apartment kitchenette and pack your lunches if you are planning to go out. If you want to eat out, step out of the key tourist areas and you can get good plate lunches at very affordable rates. Try cafes at Chinatown or local Hawaiian hole-in-the-wall stalls for inexpensive and authentic fare.
Do: Here’s one aspect of your Honolulu holidays that you can’t afford to compromise on. While you can hold onto your money without spending too much on food or stay in Hawaii, make sure you spend enough to enjoy the plethora of activities offered here ranging from surfing to snorkeling, kayaking, paddling, cycling, teeing and diving. Go on a shark adventure, try your hand at hang gliding or if you want a cultural experience, experience a traditional luau on the beach. Yes, you may have to shell out a fortune for these activities; but then, you were the one who wanted a holiday in Honolulu and your vacation would be incomplete without these experiences.