Hawaii - planning a first visit and on a budget?
 

We plan to visit Hawaii for the first time in early June for 2 weeks. Ideally we will stay in 2 or 3 different places and are looking for wonderful scenery and safe swimming - definitely not cities or shopping. I would welcome your suggestions for planning a memorable visit visit on a relatively modest budget.

Sue, when you write "Hawaii" do you mean the Island of Hawaii"? or Hawaii the State? Since there are several of Hawaii's islands that receive many visitors..Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Hawaii (AKA, The Big Island), it would help if you were more specific.<BR>Please, though, use the TEXT SEARCH feature to read all the wonderful advice recently posted in response to previous questioners.

I'm planning a trip to Hawaii too only next year. First time visit. I would be looking for budget-moderate lodgings.<BR>Any suggestions?

For a memorable visit on a budget, check the state parks on whatever island you're visiting. They have the most reasonable rates but fill up very early. They are not deluxe hotel but really give you a feel of the old Hawaii (without the tourism). Volcano National park on the Big Island has a comfortable hotel that I would recommend. Again - book early!

go online you can find condos for as low as $400 a week, bid on your air ticket, cook at home, hike, swim. Less is more you want to do one island in that time IMHO others will disagree but I think time is spent better here if absorb the beauty rather than trying to top it at the next dramatic landscape.

kokee lodge (roughing it) for $35 dollars a night. I think one cabin houses 6 people never been can't comment on quality you can find photos online.Kokee parke Northwest shore of Kauai, spectacular hiking nearby.

Sue-Check out the Ohana Hotels. They are reasonable and clean. Their website is: ohanahotels.com. <BR><BR>As to locations, I suggest the Big Island and Kaui if you are not into big cities or shopping.

If you are on a budget, look into B&Bs - most will not be on a beach but some are quite close to beaches. I also agree with the poster who suggested the Big Island and/or Kaui. Big Island has Volcano National Park. Kaui has some wonderful beaches (Anini and Lydegate are quite safe) and spectacular scenery. 2 things: 1. get a really good guidebook - for Kaui "Ultimate Kaui Guidebook" for the Big Island "Hawaii, The Big Island Revealed" Both are by Wizard publications - I went thru many guide books before I selected these - they really are the best.<BR>2. RENT a car - it really is the only way to see these islands properly<BR>Another budget suggestion - if you are traveling to more than one island look into inter-island flight coupons - they saved us a bundle.

Many thanks for your responses. I meant the State! We plan to fly with Air Canada using airmiles, which makes the trip possible.

Sue,<BR>To narrow things down: Are you in to snorkeling?, hiking?, scenic drives?, biking?, kayaks?, other? Traveling with kids?, What would you consider a acceptable per night lodging rate?

Bill: We are empty nesters who enjoy snorkeling and hiking and would want to take advantage of the scenery. A room for $100 a night would be great.

Hi Sue, I am assuming you are Canadian and with our dollar so low against the American it makes for an expensive vacation going to the US. There are some ways you can save. Have you thought about renting a condo? This can save you quite a bit especially on meals as you can cook many of your own. When we lived in Vancouver we used to rent privately from owners as you save a bundle rather than going through an agent. There are always lots of ads in the Vancouver Sun. I now have a Safeway card and that can save you quite a bit on groceries. We live in Toronto and don't have a Safeway here but were just in Phoenix and I got one down there and it saved us quite alot. Hawaii is expensive but many of the activities you do are free such as snorkeling, sightseeing. I got the books everyone recommended here on Maui, Kauai, and BI and there is all kinds of info on things to do that don't cost you anything. I also find this site great for helping to plan our trip. We are going in April and can't wait. It is my favourite place in the world. You will love Hawaii. Also keep checking with the car rental places as their prices change constantly. Have a great time

kapaa has a selection of budget hotels that I have found as low as $45 a night in mid 90's. I think those were rates for residents as I was at the time. Summer 00 I was finding hotels for $75, Cococnut Coast Resort tourist rate. These places will be clean but nothing special, kind of like Holiday Inns from the 70's that were not knocked down, not as bad as I am making it sound. WHO CARES YOU IN A PLACE OF PLENTY SPECIAL!!! I think a modern day Holiday Inn Sunspree runs $119. <BR><BR>I would go condo and then actually stay on North Shore. Those years I stayed in Kapaa were special but now that I condo it on North Shore I feel as though I am really visiting Kauai. Hanalei North Shore Properties, Napali Coast rentals, Vacationspot.com, vacationhosts.com are just a few agencies that will help you along.

What a co-incidence Sue - we also travelled to Hawaii on Air Canada air miles (and a limited budget).<BR>It still wont be cheap - differences between our dollar and the US dollar are murder.<BR>Do see more than one island - its a splurge but worth it. Go to a reputable travel agent and arrange inter island flight coupons and car rental - believe me its A LOT CHEAPER to pay as much of that in advance in Canadian dollars. We stayed at B&Bs on The Big Island and Maui. On Kaui, I got a very good deal on the internet and we stayed at the Aston Maui Islander. Our accomodation rates ranged from $73 US (on Kaui) to $85 US on Maui.<BR>To save on food we mostly ate at local fast food type places and picked stuff up at bakeries etc, with the occasional treat at a restaurant. Some Hawaiian chains with reasonably priced edible food are Maui Tacos,Bubba Burgers. Of the islands we went to I liked the Big Island and Kaui the most. My husband liked Maui and Kaui the most. We were only on Oahu for our first night (cause the plane gets in so late). Have a wonderful trip.

Check with Pleaseant Hawaiian Holidays for hotel and car. They usually have the best rates. Their website is: www.2hawaii.com

ARRGH - just realized I made a mistake in previous post - meant to say Aston Islander On the Beach (Kaui) NOT Aston Maui Islander(which is on Maui)

Sue - Brigham Young University has a Hawaiian Campus and rents their dorms during the summer months for next to nothing... there are some strict rules regarding smoking, drinking and conduct on-campus, but I know several travelers and students who have chosen this option... check with the College for rates and info.... good luck.

JMM,<BR>We always have stayed at The Islander in Kauai. Good little 1.5* hotel that suits our needs. Good location, friendly people, good rates (especially since since we are 10x "returnees").It's Aston managed so anybody can look for specials on their site.<BR><BR>The CocoMarketplace has some cheap eats.(One Eggbert's Omlette keeps even me full until dinner!)<BR>Other cheap eats, Wailua Family Rest., Aussie Tims BBQ, Korean BBQ, Lizard Longue, even McDonalds etc.<BR>Safeway & Foodland also within walking distance.<BR><BR>Plus, we've met a lot of interesting people from all around the world at the Sand Bar that we stay in touch with throughout the year.<BR><BR>One of the best but cheapest meals we have on Kauai is at Hamura's Saimin Stand.<BR>Mahalo,<BR>Kal<BR>

Take a read of the Hawaii notes at www.senior-infosite.com<BR><BR>You might get a few ideas from them.<BR><BR>Have fun,<BR><BR>Roy

Hello, I have a family of 5 (2 adults and 3 kids (10,8,4). I'm planning our first trip to Hawaii. We originally looked at Maui. Then when I called a travel agent, they mentioned that Oahu would be better for a first time visit. I'm kinda doubting that now with all the commercialization issues that I'm reading. We all love the beach.. Hanauna or Sunset beach sounds so inviting... I want this experience to be memorable/enjoyable for all of us.. <BR><BR>Should we reconsider checking out another island? Any suggestions please?