A Hawaiian's Guide to Visiting the Hawaii Tourists Don't Know

What do you think of when you think Honolulu, or Hawaii, for that matter? You might think of paradise, beaches, luaus, fire dancers and girls in grass skirts. Yeah, I have heard them all. It seems the next thing people realize is how expensive it is not only to visit here, but to live here as well. And believe me - I know.

I wanted to tell you more about Hawaii and how you can enjoy it at a cheaper price and how you can truly experience Hawaii. The real Hawaii - not the tourist version.

First of all Hawaii is not Waikiki. Waikiki is an overcrowded tourist attraction. I do my best to avoid it at all costs. If you want to enjoy the beaches (I am not talking about just another beach; I am talking about the softest sand that is almost talcum powder-like and the most spectacular blue beach), then you need to head over to Kailua Beach Park. It takes a while to get there, but once you do, you will see what a nice, quaint little beach town that it is. If you have ever been to Cocoa Beach in Florida, then you will know what I am talking about. Great, friendly people with just a sprinkling of tourist and enough room on the beach for everyone.

If you want to experience real surf, then you need not go any further than the Mecca of surfing. The north shore of Oahu. There is a little beach in Haleiwa town that not a lot of people go to, but that has one of the best surf Oahu has to offer. Head on down to Ali'i beach park. Just off the beaten path you can get some of the best waves any where on the world, plus they have surf schools that can accompany you out there.

If it is souvenirs that you want then steer clear of those little shops in Waikiki or Honolulu. They are a rip off. Often they will double or triple their prices. There is a local swap meet at Aloha Stadium, home of the Hawaii Warriors Football team. There you will find any and everything to take back for friends and family. They are open on the weekends and only a quick drive from Honolulu and the Waikiki area. You can usually get there in less than a half an hour.

You can get 5 T-shirts for $20 and even cheaper, pect for friends wanting a souvenir Hawaii shirt. Things printed with things like "North Shore Life Guard" or other sayings. You can also get the coveted puka shell necklaces or kukui nut leis. There is something for everyone and at a bargain price.

Try out these tips and you will be saving a ton of money on your next trip to Hawaii. There is a ton more secrets I would like to share with you, so keep on the look out for more.