How To Travel To Hawaii Cheaply

Dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway but worried about the costs? With some planning and flexibility, you can visit these stunning islands without breaking the bank. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Book flights in the off-season, snag deals on hotels, rent a condo, and take advantage of free activities to keep your Hawaii vacation budget-friendly.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide money-saving tips for flights, accommodations, activities, food, and transportation to help you plan an affordable Hawaiian vacation.

Find Cheap Flights to Hawaii

Fly in the off-season

The peak tourism season for Hawaii runs from mid-December through mid-April. During this busy time, flight prices tend to be at their highest. If your schedule allows, consider traveling in the off-season of early spring (after Easter) and fall when airfare prices usually drop by 20-40%.

Even the summer months can have good flight deals before the crowds return for winter holidays.

Be flexible with dates and airports

Give flexible travel dates to maximize choice over cheap rates. Weekday departures tend to be less expensive than weekend dates. Bargain flights also often have inconvenient layovers. Be open-minded towards direct or connecting flights from alternative airports like Oakland, San Jose, LAX, or Long Beach to discover lower fares.

Researching alternate route options increases your chances of uncovering a flight deal. Some possibilities include:

• Fly into a neighboring island first, then catch an inter-island flight.
• Take an initial flight to the West Coast, followed by a flight to Hawaii from those airports.

Use flight deal alerts and sites

Utilize flight deal websites like Scott’s Cheap Flights, Secret Flying, and AirFareWatchdog which track airfare sales to Hawaii. You can set up custom alerts tailored to your home airport and travel dates so tempting deals get delivered right to your inbox.

Following flight deals sites on social media is another easy way to get notifications on Hawaii sales and mistake fares which must be booked quickly before they disappear!

Save on Accommodations

Book a condo rental

One of the best ways to save money on accommodations when visiting Hawaii is to book a condo rental. Condo rentals often have full kitchens, allowing you to cook some of your own meals and save on dining out. Many also have separate bedrooms, giving you more space than a standard hotel room.

Sites like VRBO, Airbnb, and VacationRentals.com offer a wide selection of condo rentals across the Hawaiian Islands.

Check for hotel deals and packages

Even when not traveling during peak seasons, Hawaii hotel rates can be high. However, some deals and discounted packages can be found, especially if you’re flexible on locations and travel dates. Sites like Priceline and Expedia let you easily compare rates across hotels.

Additionally, many Hawaiian hotels offer special packages that bundle room nights with extras like dining credits, spa treatments, or activity discounts. Checking a hotel’s website directly can uncover exclusive packages not found on third-party booking sites.

Consider hostels and vacation rentals

For budget-focused travelers, hostels and vacation rentals provide very affordable Hawaii accommodation options. Hostels offer basic dorm-style lodging and shared bathrooms at a fraction of a typical hotel price. Hawaii hostel choices include Hostel World Hawaii on Oahu and Maui Hostel in Lahaina.

Vacation rental sites like HomeAway and FlipKey list privately-owned condos, cabins, and even treehouses for rent across the islands.

As shown above, significant savings on nightly rates can be achieved by opting for alternative accommodations like condo rentals, hostels, or vacation home rentals rather than standard hotels. Pair these affordable lodging options with cooking some of your own meals and you can travel to Hawaii without breaking the bank.

Take Advantage of Free Activities

One of the best ways to save money when visiting Hawaii is to take advantage of the countless free activities available. From hiking trails to beaches to cultural sites, you can immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture without emptying your wallet.

Go hiking and explore nature

Hawaii has an abundance of spectacular natural sights that can be explored for free by going on a hike. Popular trails like the Diamond Head State Monument Trail on Oahu offer amazing 360 degree views of the Honolulu skyline and ocean at no cost.

The 4-mile round trip hike takes under 2 hours for moderate hikers. On Maui, the Pipiwai Trail winds through a magical bamboo forest leading up to the 400 foot Waimoku Falls. Remember to wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and apply sunscreen before venturing out into mother nature.

Visit local beaches and parks

Beat the heat with a trip to one of Hawaii’s world-renowned beaches, many of which offer free access. Hanauma Bay on Oahu is a snorkeler’s paradise with an abundance of tropical fish and sea turtles swimming close to shore. Entrance into the nature preserve is only $1 per person.

Magic Sands Beach on Hawaii Island is known for its sand that appears and disappears into four distinct shades throughout the year. The South Point Cliff Divers perform daily cliff diving ceremonies off the southernmost point in the USA.

Pack a lunch, lay in the soft sand, and relax under swaying palms at Hawaii’s beaches and coastal parks free of charge.

Experience Hawaiian culture

In addition to natural sights, learning about Hawaiian history and cultural traditions won’t cost you anything during an island getaway. Attend a live ukulele performance at the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound in Waikiki where hula dancers sway to Hawaiian melodies as the sun sets over the ocean.

The scene reenacts Queen Liliuokalani’s last walk as monarch in 1893. Pay respects to King Kamehameha I, who united the islands, at the King Kamehameha I Statue in downtown Honolulu. A favorite free activity for families is watching Samoan fire dancers twirl flaming batons atop outrigger canoes during nightly Polynesian revue shows in front of beachfront resorts.

Embrace aloha spirit by gaining an appreciation for native arts, music, and customs in Hawaii.

Use Public Transportation to Get Around

TheBus

TheBus is an affordable and convenient way to get around the main islands of Hawaii once you arrive. The public bus system connects most major towns and destinations across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island with fares starting at just $2.50 per ride.

Many hotels and resorts offer free shuttle services to the nearest bus stop too.

TheBus has an extensive route system that can take you to popular attractions like Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay, and even hike trailheads. Buses generally run from early morning until late evening with schedules posted at each stop.

You can plan your trip using the online bus locator that provides routes and arrival times.

If you’ll be riding TheBus frequently, consider purchasing a 4-day pass for $35 or a monthly pass for $70. Kids ages 6-17 can ride for just $1. Not sure which bus to take or where to get off? Bus drivers are usually happy to help anytime.

Rent a Car

While public transportation can meet most travel needs once in Hawaii, renting a car allows greater flexibility to explore more remote destinations at your own pace. Some ways to save money on rental cars in Hawaii include:

• Reserve the smallest car that will accommodate passengers and luggage
• Check for deals on compact cars which tend to have lower rates
• Look for inclusion of unlimited mileage and insurance when comparing rental quotes
• Avoid renting vehicles at airport locations which tack on additional fees

Rental car rates average around $50 per day for an economy car if booked in advance online. Some companies offer additional markdowns for rentals of 1 week or longer too. Just be sure to calculate in elevated fuel costs driving around the islands – gas prices are higher than the mainland.

With scenic routes begging to be driven in Hawaii, a rental car allows pulling over at your leisure to capture photos or take on spur-of-the-moment adventures. Just plan for potential traffic congestion in larger cities during busy tourist seasons.

Eat and Drink on a Budget

Grocery shop

One of the best ways to save money on dining in Hawaii is by grocery shopping. Many resort areas have large grocery stores nearby where you can buy ingredients to prepare simple meals. Making your own meals even a few times instead of eating out for every meal can lead to huge savings.

Some affordable and common Hawaiian foods to buy are seasonal fruits, baked goods, rice, Spam, salads, and fish.

When choosing which grocery store to shop at, try to find one that is popular with locals rather than a smaller convenient store. The big retailers like Times, Foodland, and Don Quijote often have better prices. You may even find some awesome deals or local specialties you can’t resist trying!

Food trucks and casual dining

Instead of dining at fancy restaurants every night, opt to eat at lower cost venues like food trucks, drive-ins, or small cafés at least a few times during your trip. Hawaiian plate lunch at a casual spot can be extremely tasty, convenient, and easy on your wallet.

Plate lunches typically include proteins like hamburger patties, fried fish, or teriyaki chicken served alongside staples like macaroni salad, white rice, and sometimes kimchi.

Food trucks are found all over Hawaii, especially near beaches and busy areas. You’ll often spot locals flocking to their favorite mobile kitchens during lunch and dinner hours. Situated along the North Shore of Oahu, the town of Haleiwa has dozens of food trucks selling everything from fresh fruit bowls to tacos for great prices.

Happy hour specials

Enjoying discount dining at happy hours is a popular way for visitors to cut costs in Hawaii. Many restaurants offer special menu deals for a few hours before actual happy hour with heavily reduced or even free appetizers when you purchase a drink.

Quality happy hour deals on the Islands draw in both tourists and locals looking to take advantage of lower prices on drinks and pu-pus (Hawaiian for “appetizers”).

Some luxury resorts offer the best happy hour specials you’ll find with incredible sunset views to boot. Before your trip, research restaurants nearby your hotel that promote daily early evening dining deals.

Arrive early to grab a table and enjoy half-off starters and cocktails just in time for the sunset! 🍹 🏝

Conclusion

With strategic planning across flights, hotels, activities, food, and transportation, you can have an amazing Hawaiian getaway without overspending. Focus on traveling in the off-season, being flexible, taking advantage of deals, and enjoying Hawaii’s natural beauty and culture.

Have a relaxing and affordable island adventure!

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