Free, Cheap and Easy: Exploring Hawaii on a Budget

Draped with striking waterfalls, triumphant hiking trails, and interactive geological wonders, the Big Island has endless enclaves of natural perfection. And most of them don't cost a penny. Contrary to popular belief, touring Hawaii is incredibly cheap, especially for those big on adventure.

The island has two main cities: Kona and Hilo. It only takes about three hours to drive between the two, with tons of must-see stops along the way, so choosing where to stay is no more than a personal preference. Kona is on the western side of the island and tends to be more expensive than Hilo, the eastern counterpart. Kona has that touristy vibe with bustling bars and thematic restaurants overlooking the ocean. Hilo also overlooks the ocean, but is more old-fashioned and spans just a few city blocks. Both cities feature renowned seafood, traditional marketplaces, and luscious Hawaiian scenery. And no matter where you rest your bags, you will definitely want to stray.

For the budget traveler, it is important to know the two things in Hawaii that are expensive: food and resorts. Most food is imported, which is why even breakfast at Denny's will cost you over $10. But supermarkets are easy to find and many accommodations have kitchenettes. Pack lunches, cook dinner, and look for the hole-in-the wall, off-the-beaten-track places to eat and save your pocketbook.

Accommodations are another easy place to save money. Kona is known for their elaborate resorts, and there is no better way to waste your money. The resorts are their own isolated communities, resting upon landscaped beaches, a good 15-20 minutes from downtown Kona. The beaches are beautiful, but they are also public. With the exception of a few native-owned beaches, every other beach in Hawaii is public property. So if you want to lay in the sun, lounging upon a five-star beach at an exotic resort, you are perfectly welcome to do so- for free.

If you can live without luxury, you can find a two or three star hotel right on the main strip in downtown Kona for $60-$100 a night. Check Travelocity.com or hotels.com for deals, although Uncle Billy's tends to be the cheapest and is centered right in the heart of esplanade. If you don't mind camping, then your nights become even cheaper. Hapuna Beach is a favorite campground for the Kona side and comes equipped with all the essentials. Permits are required, so call Division of State Parks for rates and reservations: (808) 974-6200.

In Hilo, low-luxury hotels also begin at $60 a night. Another option is to take advantage of one of the wellness retreat centers 45 minutes south of Hilo, in the Pahoa District. Kalani Honua is a great place for campers. Although regular rooms are available, for $20 a night guests can set up their tent and have access to the pool, sauna, and can pay extra for a meal package. Guest can also pay extra for yoga, a massage, or a tour. In the same vicinity is Yoga Oasis, where for $35 a night, guests can camp and have brunch and morning yoga. For less frills, McKenzie Park is down the road and has camping for $5 a night with a required permit.

No matter where you stay, there is so much to see and do on the island that a car is definitely recommended. Use priceline.com to reserve one, and you shouldn't have to pay more than $17-20 a day. All the rental places are at either the Kona or Hilo airport, so get that squared away before you arrive. Once you have your car, here are places not to be missed that are cheap, if not free:

Volcano National Park- A must see for the Big Island. Drive and walk across the volcanoes, taking in panoramic views and staring into the hollowed crater. Walk through inactive lava tubes and watch in amazement as active lava flows into the ocean after dark. The flat fee for each car is $10. Once in the park, camping is free and the area is complete with restrooms, water, picnic tables, and barbecue pits. No reservations required.

Captain Cook Monument- Arguably the best snorkeling on the island. This placid area of the ocean is just south of Kona and there are a few ways to get there. On an organized tour on a ferry (expensive), renting a kayak (moderate), or hiking (free). A tour will provide you with all the equipment and make it effortless for you to get to this hot spot, but with a hefty price tag. A kayak is fun and safe, even for novices, and will take about 45 minutes to an hour each way. Rentals runs about $20-25 per person and snorkel gear is an extra $5-8. Hiking takes about 3 hours each way and is free. There is plenty dry land and rocks to lounge on in between snorkeling, and if you plan to stay there all day, be sure to bring your own food, because once you are out there, you are really out there.

Place of Refuge- This historic site isn't too far from the Captain Cook Monument and is a great place to watch sunset after a long afternoon of snorkeling. The Place of Refuge is a reconstruction of an area of land from the 1700s where no blood was allowed to be shed. Any man who made it to this territory would be forgiven for all his sins, even if he was previously facing the death penalty. It is $5 per person and free brochures will guide you through the area.

Mauna Kea- Scraping the sky at over 14,000 feet this volcano transcends typical Hawaiian climate and scenery. With four-wheel drive, you can drive to the very top, passing the clouds and entering freezing temperatures for an exquisite view of the island and an unparalleled sunset. At 10,000 feet all cars can access the Visitors Information Center, where there are highly advanced telescopes professionally directed at the planets, so be sure to go at night. There is also extensive information about volcanoes, including a video and other interactive tools. Free.

South Point- If you travel across the island on the southern route, this is a monumental stop. It is the southern most point of the US and people celebrate this feat by jumping a few stories off the cliff into the water. Special ladders are there just for this purpose. Free.

Waipeo Valley- A lush, expansive tropical reserve. Hike down an incredibly steep road that will make even the most avid hiker's quads shake, and then be delighted by your arrival at a long stretch of beach leading to a playful waterfall. You can stop there, or spend a few days hiking and camping through the valley. Free.

The Red Road- South of Hilo, the jungle expands and tourists become fewer. In the Pahoa District, there is a narrow road that connects one natural wonder to the next. You will find natural steam vents, thermal hot springs, black sand beaches, lava tubes, and tide pools, all within a ten mile drive. There are no information booths, tour guides, or souvenir shops. You are free to play as you wish. All free.

Akaka Falls- A massive, towering waterfall emerged in the tropics and situated at the northern end of the island. A good rest stop on a journey across the island. Free.

Beaches- For the white sand beaches lined by swaying palm trees, the Kona side has this Hawaiian prototype. As mentioned before, all the resorts are legally required to give everyone free access to the beach. In addition, they have free parking and free access to showers. Several black sand beaches linger south of Hilo, landscaped by mother nature and not visible to any hotel.