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