In 1997 we went to Oahu and Hawaii for 10 days with another couple. We used Frequest Flyer miles for airfare for the 4 of us($70) and the other couple had a time share for a week in Kailea, Hawaii(free)we stayed 2 nights in Oahu, the first one on the way and the 2nd one on the way back, 2 hotel rooms @ $110 each ($440) car rental for 1 week ($400.including miles and gas) We ate breakfast in most of the mornings and lunch half of the time, we ate dinners out except twice and we had 2 for 1 tickets for most of what we did. For example, Blue Hawaii Helicopter rides over the volcanoe $149, Booze cruise $49, Snorkeling at Cooks monument $150, Spa $150, entrance fees into various museums, etc. $100. We thought we were going pretty cheap. All in all, the 2 of us ended up spending $4,000. I can't imagine what it would cost today! We had a marvelous time and would love to go back!!

Needsun if you can't find a condo to fit your budget plenty of the budget hotels have at least a kitchenette. The Royal Grove is one rooms have a small 4-burner stove with oven m/w and fridge, and it's only two blocks from the beach.

The Royal Grove is extremely popular. I tried to stay there for my trip next month. The very friendly lady who answered the phone just laughed & said "Honey we are booked solid - Dec, Jan, Feb..."

I've got a 2-bedroom instead at The Hawaiian King.

I also like The Hawaiiana Hotel (but I'm pretty sure I already mentioned them for Needsun). As above, all of these have at least little kitchenettes if not full kitchens.

Looks like that I am all set. Airfare $575. I 've managed to get a room in the Royal Grove (thank you Suze!), the last one availabe according to the hotel receptionist, with an unbelievable weekly rate of $400. it has two beds, one double and 1 single, and a kitchenette. And I 've booked a car for 2 days weekend for $33 including taxes with Enterprise. Though the hotel clerk told me that I won't need a car, everything whithin walking distance or public bus line is nearby, but I want to get to pearl harbor and hanauma bay beach early to beat the crowds on those two days. One more thing that I need to do is to order that Booklet (Hawaii Revealed?)with a bunch of coupons and I will get my "Hawaii on a Budget".

No coupons in 'Oahu Revealed'. But there is lots of info that will save you lots of $$.

www.entertainment.com has a good book with coupons.

They have already started discounting the book.

Thank you, Dusty. I'll check it out. Your posts on Hawaii have been a great help. The links that you provided are wonderful. Thanks once again.

That's great! But don't thank me yet since I've never stayed there myself -lol! Do let me know how things turn out at the Royal Grove for you.

I'll be staying one week next month at the Hawaiian King (same neighborhood, similar style I think) in one of the condos there owned by Pat Winston.

Suze,
I will definitely let you know how things turn out. I am not worried about Royal Grove. According to the reviews that i read on tripadvisor and some other travel sites, the place is great. Noone ever said the place is a dump or someting like that. Most review said that it's a very friendly, family owned hotel with Aloha sprit. And the fact that they are all booked speaks for itself.
Will be looking forward to your trip report here on Fodors!

Hmmm... there'll be no trip report from me -lol! Because I don't do anything on vacation, or at least not that would be of interest to anyone else... but I'm happy to tell how our apartment works out and post how our expenses came together.

Royal Grove is the best. We stayed there last year, and the reviews on tripadvisor are right on. Also, we did NOT find Waikiki to be that expensive to eat, because you have so many choices -- great little sushi places, noodle shops, etc. We spent FAR more $$ in places like South Beach, where there is less variety. You'll be really happy with Royal Grove!

My hotel update-

Hawaiian King turned out to be perfect for us. Some units are managed privately and some run by the hotel. Location was good off Kuhio towards the canal. Very nice pool area. BBQ grill, laundry room, and elevator.

Walked by the Royal Grove every day on our way to the beach. I would definitely inquire about a room not facing the streets, if possible, because it is right on the corner of two busy ones.

Stopped into the Hawaiiana Hotel and it looks just fine, having survived the Beach Walk "remodel". Same with Arancino italian restaurant across the street and the Breakers next door.

My budget for one week in Waikiki last month was $1600 total. This included my airfare, 1/2 rent on a 2 bedroom condo, transportation to and from the airport, and all meals and spending money.

That's a way to go, Suze!I can tell the difference between $7,000 and $1,600.
Thank you, folks for your great ideas and suggestions.
YOu are AWESOME!

i can't tell you how many times my friend & i looked at each other and said "things are so cheap here" and that we didn't understand so many people making such a big deal about the supposed expensiveness. granted our travel style is modest, but we sure didn't feel like we missed out on anything.

bringing this up for Fireflyparents
suze