Clara

I went to Kauai last summer with a family of six. We went way over budget. I want to return again this year but the more practical members of our group are insisting we wait some time. Our accommodation is not exorbitant as we get a condo. Our car with insurance was high (in the neighborhood of 1000 per week) and airfare was also a burden. So I guess I am asking can anyone suggest Airfare and car deals that would make our trip less expensive?

Suzie

I used Expedia to get a good deal on my airfare to Kauai this past September. I just checked the rates for mini vans in January and the rates quoted were between $234 and $387 per week. I would check with my own insurance broker to see if you are already covered for the rental car. It's possible that you will not need extra insurance. Our round trip tickets from Oakland were about $450 (taxes included) on Aloha. Good luck. I know there are many other travel sites that offer good deals as well but I haven't used them.

Clara

Hi Suzie I have found prices as low as 331 from the west coast for August. But I am coming for the East coast and for the entire trip the best I am seeing is 725 if I make two separate purchases. I flew two years ago same time bidding and getting 484. I was Dreaming and I know it's dreaming to find this deal again. Something just keeps pulling me back to Kauai. I want to see other islands hell other states and countries but I feel pretty compelled to return to Kauai. I was looking for as you mentioned the times of year deals. Thanks for your response. Clever about insurance coverage. We were quoted similar prices but after insurance it came the prices mentioned above. Now I should mention that the driver in our party insisted on the most insurance

Suzie

What about those low southwest fares that are available. Get to the west coast on one of those and then fly out on a cheap west coast rate to Kauai. Since I'm not coming from the east I don't really know what you pay, sorry. Flying out of oakland was great and far cheaper than SFO but I must say that flying out of LAX did have some cheaper rates. Depends on what you want to do get the cheap rate. Creative travelling? Fly into to Burbank on SWA and get yourself to LAX for the flight out to Kauai. Now you'd really need a vacation wouldn't you!!!

xxx

You might try www.ata.com. (American Trans Air) Their flights to Hawaii always seem cheaper than the big airlines, no matter what time of year.

pc

I have coordinated our family get-togethers a number of times--also to Kauai. From the East Coast, we have found that at times buying a round trip to California and one to Kauai can be less expensive. You may also want to try a cheap flight to Las Vegas and connecting with Aloha Airlines out of Las Vegas to Hawaii. Also, check the airline car/air packages. At times, they can be cost savers. If you have Costco in your area, check their travel flyer for any deals. Also check on www.bestfares.com. They have a new booking feature that helps to give you an idea of prices. At times, you can catch a good special on their. I live on the West Coast and air fares to Hawaii and Kauai have been up -- usually at least $400 to Honolulu and more to Kauai. Check out United out of San Francisco. They have a non-stop to Kauai. Also check Hawaiian Air out of San Francisco. Good luck.

Linda

I researched airfares exhaustively this last summer for trip to Oahu from midwest and the best fare I found was from an internet agency - pretty sure it was called travel-hawaii.com. $700.00/person from Tulsa. They were a delight to deal with and I had no problems with my arrangements.....

Clara

Thanks everyone for chipping in to help me with this great problem. I think we should intermittantly conference here on airfare rate getting strategies LOL.

Really want to make it back with my family. It was such a gift to introduce kids to tropical life/fauna/aqua and you just know you are enriching them in a way they will always remember.

The nevada alternative is one I frequently overlook. I will tell you all that what worked for me last year was watching the fares a few times each week and let me tell you it was depressing but then continental has a one week sale down to $600. I also watch them after I buy my tickets to see if I can notice any patterns. Guess what there never are!!!! But fairs where up to 1000 for most of the year last year and the year before and they were not offering discount houses like cheap tickets better rates for clients.
Well thanks everyone and let's keep talking if anyone sees anything!

Minnywall

Hi Clara -

I just booked flights to Kauai for Feb. 2002 with United for $640 from the East Coast. Don't know if it's the best deal out there, but I had been frequently checking with cheaptickets.com and a travel agent. I found the best price by booking directly on United's website. Go figure.

Clara

Minnywell that is a grand find!!! What does your itinerary look like. I have always wanted that direct flight into Kauai but can never afford. That connection from Honolulu is ok but it feels like you are walking 2 miles (between gates)after a 10+ hour flight instead of just walking across the concourse to another gate. Oh you will see whales in February I think??? High waves north shore!!! Tell me legs of flight so I can watch this fare.

Minnywall

Hi Clara -

We leave RDU at 8:15 am, stop in Chicago on the way to Los Angeles & then fly directly into Kauai to arrive at 5:20 pm. United seems to have several options to get to LA from the East Coast, so check it out - you never know!

Clara

Thanks minnywell just that sounds like a dream flight I forgot their are direct flights from Chicago. Thanks!!! I arrived in Honolulu at 5pm last year putting me in LIH at about 7. Just remember the sun sets around 6:30 in Summer not like the eastcoast 8-9pm. Oh I am so envious of your trip already! Have you been before Hawaii has the most calming effect on people or did for my guest last year, perfect retreat from work. ALOHA!!!

Scott H

I travel to Hawaii often. The best fares bar none are with Apple vacations. They use American Trans Air (ATA). They have good service and package deals as well.

Chris

We are planning a wedding for my son in February and are also trying to find reasonable fares, the best i could do so far is thru Orbitz, we are renting a condo for about 200 a nite, although it helps to have at least one person over 50, alot of places give 25% off. Good Luck!

Chris

Sorry , forgot to mention , we are flying from the midwest and got a fare of 670