How to Have an Affordable and Memorable Oahu Vacation

A Hawaii vacation can be expensive and disappointing, or it can be affordable and memorable. This author lived on Oahu for over twenty-five years and has ten tips to make your trip a rewarding one.

1. DO NOT stay in Waikiki! Waikiki is nothing more than concrete and fake beaches. You will easily spend hundreds of dollars per night for a tiny room, and you will be inundated with tourist marketing. Try to find a bed and breakfast or a vacation home to rent instead. If you can find a place to rent in Kailua, Kaneohe, Waimanalo, or the North Shore, you will not be disappointed. Such rentals can be much more affordable than a hotel room, and you will have most of the amenities of home. You can also save money by buying groceries instead of eating out at restaurants.

2. DO escape the packed tourist beaches of Waikiki by visiting beaches in other areas of Oahu. Lanikai Beach, in Kailua, is frequently described as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. (Note: There are no restrooms at Lanikai beach. Another note: Many famous people have homes on Lanikai Beach, and this author has personally seen Michelle Pfeiffer and family, Oprah Winfrey, Jim Carrey, Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Robin Williams, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and most of the cast of "Lost" in and around Lanikai.) The beaches in Waimanalo are even prettier. (Note: Do not leave any valuables in the car if you go to the beach in Waimanalo.) The beaches all along the east coast on the drive out to the North Shore are pretty for sight-seeing. The beaches on the North Shore are spectacular, especially during the winter when the surf is big and the contests are happening.

3. DO NOT buy your gifts at tourist shops. You will spend more money than necessary. You can find affordable Kona coffee, macadamia nuts, specialty candy, and postcards at Longs Drugstore or Daiei (a supermarket).

4. DO go for a hike. A good hike for tourists with children is the Waimea Valley Falls hike, which is hardly a hike at all. It is just 3/4 mile, and at the end of the hike is a waterfall and a large pond. You can swim in the pond. There is a lifeguard on duty, and changing rooms and life jackets are available. The walk up is pretty, with hundreds of native Hawaiian plants to look at along the way. A good hike for more serious hikers is the Hauula Trail, although children can handle this one as well. You can find passion fruit and guavas to eat along the trail, and afterward, you can jump in the ocean at Hauula Beach.

5. DO NOT visit Ala Moana shopping center unless you have a lot of money to spend. Better places to shop are in Chinatown, near the University of Hawaii, on Kapahulu Avenue, or on Waialae Avenue. These areas have cute and unique boutiques and shops.

6. DO have dinner or drinks at Buzz's Steakhouse in Kailua one night. The restaurant is in a unique location on Kailua Beach, and has had many famous visitors, including former President Bill Clinton. There is a tree growing right through the restaurant! Order the calamari and a BFRD. The calamari comes slathered in a delicious sauce, and the BFRD is a Big...Rum Drink.

7. DO NOT go to a luau in Waikiki. You will get much more out of visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center. You can enjoy an entire day of entertainment and learning, followed by a luau. Children love this place. (Note: They are closed on Sundays.)

8. DO take advantage of the rich Asian cultures that exists in Hawaii. There are many authentic Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, and Filipino markets, shops, and restaurants for you to enjoy. Go to a Japanese sushi bar where you can watch the chef prepare the food. Visit Chinatown, especially during a festival such as Chinese New Year.

9. DO NOT ignore warnings about surfing and weather conditions. If a sign is up that says you should not swim, pay attention! Many vacations have ended in tragedy this way. Along those lines, it is always safer to do water activities like kayaking or surfing with a tour guide. If something goes wrong, they know what to do.

10. DO look in to exciting and thrilling activities such as swimming with dolphins, para-sailing, hang-gliding, or sky-diving. One exciting and affordable activity is swimming with the fish at Hanauma Bay. This is a great way to introduce children to sea life.

Above all, enjoy your trip and respect the land!