Tips for How to Travel to Hawaii on a Budget

The Hawaiian Islands are a beautiful place to take your honeymoon or any special vacation. The scenery can range from palm tree lined beaches to tropical gardens to lava fields. You can really suit Hawaii to your desires, whether that may be long lazy days at the beach drinking mai tais or jam packed days hiking and snorkeling.

Because the islands are isolated from the mainland, resources such as food and gas are priced higher than on the mainland of the United States. A typical hotel room can cost upwards of $400 per night.

But don't let these facts keep you from enjoying this fabulous location. With some creativity and a few insider tips, you can actually vacation on the Hawaiian Islands while on a budget.

Read on to learn some ways to save money without depriving yourself of the any of the fun you deserve on your vacation.

Saving Money on Meals/Food

Prices for breakfast at hotels are outrageous! Expect to spend about $15-30 per person. To save a bit of cash, try these tips:

Prices for breakfast at hotels are outrageous! Expect to spend about $15-30 per person. To save a bit of cash, try these tips:

Stay at a hotel that offers free continental breakfast.

Purchase granola bars or items such as Pop-Tarts at a local grocery store. If your room has a mini-fridge, you can even buy milk and cereal in pre-portioned cups.

During the weekends, particularly Sundays, many hotels offer a brunch buffet. They are costly, but if you time it right you can double the meal as both breakfast and lunch, requiring you to only pay for one additional meal that day.
Steer clear of the mini-bar and vending machines for drinks. Use that in-room fridge to store drinks purchased from a convenient store or grocery store. Even if you don't have that mini-fridge, stopping by a gas station on your way back to the hotel room to pick up water or soft drinks will save you some change.

Saving Money on Activities

Booking your activities online can save you big bucks. Want the suggestions from a concierge for an activity provider? Go ahead and get their suggestions, but then make the arrangements online using the computers in the hotel's business center. Booking directly can save you up to 25% - a substantial amount when helicopter flights and snorkeling cruises are often between $100 - 300 per person.

If you plan on using a tour company, find out first if the facility is accessible without a tour. For example, many tour companies offer trips to the Mauna Kea observatory for about $150 per person. But did you know that you can visit on your own? If you have a rental car, you can drive to the observatory and take advantage of the facility's offerings (a four wheel drive vehicle is recommended if you plan to go further than the Visitor Information Station.) Many hotels offer free entertainment on site, such as hula and ukulele lessons, cultural demonstrations and craft activities. Take advantage of any of these activities that interest you.

Hawaii is a beautiful and fun place to visit. While it may be an expensive trip, you will most likely enjoy every moment on the islands. One final tip: if you are on a honeymoon or celebrating a special occasion, be sure to mention it upon your hotel check in. You just may receive a free bottle of champagne and other perks!