Goin cheap in Hawaii
 

oK WE have stayed at the Princeville, the Grand Wal... the 4S, and Kapalua........we have seen and experienced the best of the best, the Lodge and Manele....now

well now we want to spend time hanging and lettin loose and not doing any of that kinda tourist thing, going for the no money, cheap condo, stay as long as we can...
Signed
Been there done that, don't need to again, just need good waves....the longer the better!!!
G

Cheap:Hawaii....does not compute....

Author: gyppielou
Date: 07/30/2003, 09:45 pm
Message: sorry, but the Embassy does not live up to expectations...it is pure mediocrity, as I have stayed at the Aston Kanappalli...next door

Aston Ka'anapali vs. Grand Wailea, Four Seasons. Hhmmm, something doesn't jive here.

>)

Plenty of cheap condos in Kehei and Kahana, but we personally like the Mana Kai(on the Kehei-Wailea border), it might be a little more(90-135)but definately more than worth it.

thanks ezron, will look it up.

uhnoying, I was replying to an earlier post titled luxury condo, your name fits.

Thanks to anyone who can offer suggestions I saw a place on the Coconut Coast for 79 a night and thought maybe...

My husband and I went the cheap route to Hawaii just looking for big waves and we stayed on the north shore of Oahu at Ke Iki Beach Bungalows. It was fabulous and within walking distance of the best surf spots in the world.

There's a regular motel place on Kauai (Kalaheo Inn) that's well under $100. Lots of condos under $100, especially if you're not insisting on ocean-front. Then there's private rentals etc. Look at www.vrbo.com and similar. Hawaii isn't cheap but you certainly don't have to spend anywhere near $300+/night to get a good place to stay.

$79 on the coconut coast is probably the aston islander on the beach. this is a hotel, very basic, but has two wings very close to the ocean. If you are not looking for a condo this would be a good choice. stay away from the coconut beach resort-very uncared for and dreary all around. these hotels are on kauai-are you only looking for maui? One condo right on the water is Wailea bayview. About $100 night for ocean front. Not luxury but comfortable. On Maui we enjoyed the Kanaapalli shores, quiet and peaceful.
Hope this helps,
tammy

Gyppielou - I'm with you!... I laugh when I read the posts about having Evian sprintzed on your face while lying by the pool. We did Hawaii cheap - and loved it. Good luck!

Julie-Colo, did you post any trip summary ? Always interested in reports, especially from those not staying in the high $$ places. We've happily stayed at Noelani (Kahana) twice in studio units, thought they were great value. Haven't yet tried a private rental tho' have looked at some upcountry Maui places, different world up there .. maybe next time !
Paul

Great idea..."Hawaii on the Cheap"

I agree with pspercy....enjoy trip reports from the "budget" travelers.

Suggestion: The Manago Hotel in Captain Cook...south of Kona...check the website
www.managohotel.com
Double $49

Nope... Haven't posted any reports. I've never posted a question and never posted a trip report. But I do answer questions if I know the answer - and I do search this forum for specific questions I have related to something I'm about to do. And I do like to laugh when I read questions like "which is better, the Grand Wailea or the Four Seasons" (in my mind, I always picture a "daahling" at the end of the question).

Evidently you're familiar with Wailea. My suggestion would be a stay at Grand Champions Villas in Wailea...very reasonably price...still in Wailea and all that Wailea has to off. The complex is about 12 years old...has two pool and jacuzzi areas...grills for grilling a steak, fish or burger. Check out www.mauihawaiicondo.com

thanks everyone, you've all been so helpful, this thread could take on a world of its own. We are definately heading to Hawaii, on the smallest budget we can do. I'm searching like crazy, thanks for all the leads! It's easy to find the top 5 places to stay, much harder to find the top five affordable finds!!!!!!!!!

just started looking again for this winter...thanks everyone!

We always do hawaii on the cheap and save our $$$ for the trips to Europe where things are really $$$$$$.

If we wanted to we COULD afford to stay at the fancy places..and we have but I would rather spend my $$ on other things.

On Oahu we have stayed at the Aston Circle, and the Marc Suites for cheap. Some of the Marc Suite properties have a mini kitchen with microwave.

On Maui we loved the Maui Coast Resort in Keihi. Cheap and REALLY nice for chillin'

Just came back last month from BI and Kauai. Lots of choices for reasonable accomodations. I would give the Hanaeli Resort a go if I were to go again...I saw it advertised for 119.00 CDN a night on Expedia. in US$ it would be cheaper for sure.

We never stay at Condos because I don't cook at the best of times let alone when I'm on a holiday...

Corgie.. if you mean Hanalei Bay Resort I wonder what you'd get for that price. went there in 2001 and room was very shabby, you'd do better in a Princeville area condo, even if you didn't cook you'd have a lot more room.

gyppielou, why wait for winter ? American Airlines has some great promotions right now in their aavacations packages, had email tonight. Looks like Waikiki tourism is really slow right now but also some great rates on outer islands.
Good hunting, Paul

The Canadian Dollar Way!!!!
Two adults / Hawaii / six weeks
February 2004
Air Canada FF points to HNL free!
Oahu 4 weeks
Waikiki condo $1650
Shuttle Bus $26
Bus Passes $60
InterIsland flights $396
Big Island (7 nights)
B&B Volcano and Kona $600
Car rental $173
Maui (5 nights)
Condo South Kihei $400
Car rental $160
HNL airport hotel $100 1 night (unfortunately the biggest waste of money!)
Total US$3615 for the basics!

Having a good time on the cheap - priceless!!

It cracks me up too when I read posts that ask 'Should I spend $550 a night 'here' or is the pool better 'there' for the extra hundred bucks a night?'
We are grateful that we can travel to many different places during the winter and doing it on a reasonable budget is part of the fun in our minds.
You don't have to spend a fortune to have a good time. I think it is do-able anywhere you want to go. Just research, this forum is the best place for ideas. I use it faithfully for all our trips and Fodorites have saved me a bundle.
Cheers,
Lin

I think that most people like to stay in the nicest place they can for the cheapest rate possible. No need to judge those who are willing, or able, to splurge. . . .

I like to think of myself as "Thrifty" and I generally do my very best to find a great hotel at a thrifty price.

When we check in to hotels I, very nicely, try to upgrade to a room w/a view. That generally works and that pleases me much, much more.

But my biggest complaint would be the posters who are always SEARCHING for the BEST place to stay. I've stayed at some of these hotels and have found them to be excellent but, THE BEST, it's all in an individual's mind. In my mind I always wonder if these people, generally young and/or on honeymoon, are spending a fortune to stay at the BEST. It helps to sometimes stay at a place a little more reasonable and see if it really takes away from your trip or "ruins" your trip with its thriftiness.

I know there are those who disagree with me, and please remember, I am not trashing anyone's post on Hawaii, Sedona, South Beach, etc. I am making a comment on a "Goin cheap in Hawaii" post.

Have a great weekend everyone!!

The buses are still on strike. You can save on cheap eats though.

Hi Gyppielou,

I agree with Olivia.... Ke Iki Beach Bungalows on the North Shore of Oahu is a great inexpensive place to stay.

They're on the beach, and even if you rent a garden unit (they're fully equipped w/ full kitchens) you'll still be able to hear the crashing surf.

We're headed back in March. It's a great, clean family run place.

I would consider renting a local house or caondo. Last year, I had the opportunity to rent a very nice house in the Kaneohe Bay area of Oahu for $100/night including the use of their Ford Explorer, it's own private pool, walk to amazing beaches etc... The lady was very nice, her husband and herself being Aloha airlines pilots. I found out about this through a home exchange program. I think this is the way to go if you really want to experience true island life.

Dear Travellin;
A fellow Canadian would like more details. My wife and I are planning a similar trip at around the same time.
Eric from Waverley, NS

I spent two fabulous weeks in Waikiki this summer and did it very cheap since I'm usually on the verge of "broke." But it was the best trip I've ever been on. I found - completely by accident - the best hotel, and it was definately cheap, but only in $$. The Hawaiiana Hotel is an older property - dating back to the 50's - which is nestled on Beachwalk, right in the heart of Waikiki. It cost me $400 per week and included a kitchenette. The grounds are beautiful and well maintained, with gardens, trees, grassy areas and two pools. They serve complimentary tropical juice and Kona coffee every morning by the pool. They give you a delicious pineapple sliced and ready to eat after you check in. The rooms are clean and sufficient, but not glamourous or luxurious. I loved it there! The staff was wonderful and it was so convenient to everything. The beach was 1 blcok away, Kalakaua was 1/2 block away, The Bus (which wasn't on strike then) ran right outside the back gate. There were many other hotels, restaurants & shops within easy walking distance.

Since I was traveling cheap I made sure to stock up on the "Things To Do" magazines that were everywhere. I pulled out every imaginable coupon and had a great time redeeming them - at Subway, The Shore Bird breakfast buffet in the Outrigger Reef, Baskin Robbins, Ghirardelli Ice Cream, etc. Even though I was on a very tight budget, I didn't want for anything.

The kitchenette saved me a bunch of $$. I took the bus to the grocery store and then made most of my meals in my room. I had a blast in Chinatown - their prices for produce, baked goods and fresh fish were right within my budget.

Hawaii cheap can be done and as far as I'm concerned is more fun and gave me a great deal of satisfaction.

Good luck and have a great trip!

Hi Eric from NS,
We rented the condo in Waikiki directly from the owner on VRBO.com
I booked the flights directly through Aloha Air (CAA members get 10% discount if you book through the 800 number)
The condo in Maui was also through VRBO
Th B&B's on BI I found on the web. (these were the most expensive accommos - but still under $100 per night)
The rental cars were through Thrifty.
We plan to use The Bus on Oahu (strike should be over by February!)

We are looking forward to our trip. We have visited Australia twice and Asia on the same kind of budget. Thoughts of winter can make you very inventive!

Cheers,
Lin

Somewhere they said they are prepared to strike for 8 months. I think it may backfire because many of us don't miss the noise, pollution or hassle of them on the roads. I would book a back-up plan just in case.

Hi Island Mom,
That would be wild, an eight month bus strike! If so I guess we'll be doing a lot of walking around Waikiki!! We don't really want to rent a car for a week at a time. Would it be possible to rent for a day here and there without booking. Probably with the transit strike rental cars would be at a premium and we may not get one.
Cheers,
Lin

Lin - Unless you know you'll need the rental car everyday of your trip, don't rent one for the entire trip. Instead, rent one as you need one. Parking in Waikiki is expensive and scarce and it's a shame to pay for a rental car and parking while the rental car sits idle when you don't need it.

Also, there are places that rent mopeds, bicycles and motorcycles if you're intersted in that.

There are trolleys running that are not affected by the strike. Some attractions (like Hilo Hatties) have free (or inexpensive) shuttles that pick you up & take you back. There are any number of tour and/or shuttle companies available to take you virtually anywhere you may want to go. But you can't beat walking - you see so much more and can enjoy the weather, scenery and people, not to mention the great exercise.

Lin,
Renting a car for a day is a good option in Waikiki. I've never had a problem getting a car but I've never been there during a bus strike either. Reserve a day or two ahead if you're concerned. There are also lots of shuttle companies that can take you to nearby sights like Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Aloha Stadium swap meet, Arizona Memorial, etc. for not too much money. Look in the back of the free tourist books. We do a lot of walking when we're there and skip the gym :)

You should take the Chinatown tour offered by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and ask the guide about cheap eats. Tuesdays, 9:30 am, 533-3181.

topping for caribro

I know this is an older thread, but I am now in the "cheaper - longer" mode for an upcoming trip to Kauai and here are some of the places that I am considering that I thought worth sharing:
North Shore: Hale Aloha Garden Bungalow - $585.00 a week. Tiki Hut - $825.00 a week
South Shore: Waikomo Stream Villas - $95.00 a night. Kauai Cove Cottages $95.00 a night. Some garden view Kiahuna units by owner for $120.00 - 150.00 a night.
Little Grass Shack - $875.00 a week.
Sometimes just being there is luxurious enough!

iamg
Take a look at Suite Paradise's online prices, look very competitive. I'm now booked thru' them for next time. Roll on 212 dys ;)

ttt

Travel to Hawaii on the cheap ((?)) article
http://tinyurl.com/d2b8tb

this thread almost 5 years old???????????

Reply to <blue>suze<black>, about((o)), opportunity knocks:
http://tinyurl.com/d2b8tb