The package idea is a good place to start. Renting a car for a day or so for convenience is also a good idea, in order to drive out to the North Shore or do a circle island drive. You will be able to pick up/drop off right in Waikiki.

Otherwise, The Bus can take you anywhere you want to go - even the North Shore or around the island, if you are so inclined, but it's not as convenient as your own car. Personally, I would rent the car for just a couple days and bus it the rest of the time.

Restaurants of all price ranges abound - doing plate lunches for lunch are relatively inexpensive. $5 - $8 each, typically, with more than enough food for a teenage boy. You and your 7 year old can easily split one.

As stated before, there are all sorts of activities in all price ranges. Going to the beach, window shopping at Ala Moana or Waikiki, going to the flea market at the stadium are all next to nothing. Snorkeling at Hanauma or the north shore is inexpensive (other than car rental).

An Entertainment book has lots of coupons - but you'll have to decide if the cost of the book is outweighed by the savings. I know there are usually coupons for kayak rentals, admission to the zoo, aquarium, mini-golf, waterpark, parasailing, etc.

If Suze says the food is not expensive I may take part in the food fight

And you are soooooooo right UUUUGGGGHHHH I do need a vacation! Just one more month...

Thank you all for your great tips! I will get a car for a day or two so I can see more of the island and the Polynesian cultural museum. And I believe we'll make sandwiches for lunch and wing the rest. Any more great ideas? Keep them coming. And try to focus on my question and quit bickering ..... (did that sound condescending?)

I'm a single mom and took my 2 kids to Hawaii 5 years ago when they were 10 and 12. We had a great time, the first thing I crossed off our list was the Polynesian Cultural Center. It's not a museum; it's a show and a fundraiser for the local branch of Brigham Young U. If you want history, go to the Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace.

My 10 yo son had a great time at the flea market that's held at the Stadium! Hike up Diamond Head, but get an early start and bring water.

I think I remember that its a center, but couldn't remember when I was writing my post. Thanks a lot. I hope I find everything okay....did you have another adult go with you or was it just you and your kids?

You're smart to think of a budget right off the bat. Because Hawaii can be expensive, but you can find bargains if you look, also. Maybe come up with a total budget you are comfortable with, then break it down into lodging, transportation, food, etc., and see how much you can afford to divvy up between the kids for fun entertainment. My kids respond well when given a budget to work within and they can pace themselves and/or bring their own money in addition.

FainaAgain, I'm not sure if you are agreeing or disagreeing that there is reasonable priced food to be found in Honolulu?!?

One thing your kids likely will enjoy, and is not too expensive for Honolulu, is surfing lessons. Look for the beach boys at Waikiki beach--they're great teachers and are good with kids and middle aged ladies (like me) alike. Also, an early morning hike up Diamond Head is, I think, a dollar or two per person and a great view at the top.

Suze, I replied to Budman's remark: "I feel a food fight a brewing." Don't know anything about prices on any of Hawaiian islands.

kobrien,

I'm sure you will have a great time with your family. If you search using my name, you will find a trip report I did October 2003 of my visit to Oahu. It was my first visit. I used information I noted from this board as well as basic research to plan my trip. It was an awesome experience.

Do some web searches and you will find coupons for all kinds of stuff. We had several buy one get one, or $$ off items, as well as free items. We did rent a full size car with unlimited mileage for less than $150.00.

It's all in the time and effort you put in advance of your trip. My next visit is to Maui this April and I am so looking forward to it. Summer is likely more expensive, so be prepared to pay premium for everything. However, you can still find deals. Just research.

Have a great time and know that you can get a lot of information and help from the fodorites here.

What is the exchange rate for Hawaiian money vs. the Dollar?

We're lucky. Today it's 1 = 1.

I second the suggestion about going to the Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace. Also, if you belong to any local cultural organizations, check to see if they have reciprocal agreements with any cultural attractions in Hawaii. We were eligible for free admissions at several places due to this.

Just one quick caveat - and I'm not a hundred percent sure this is anything to worry about, but a lot of car rental companies won't let you rent without a credit card.

If you are tryijg to budget, what about a condo instead of a hotel rooms?

Hey Budman!!
I'm sorry, I got it wrong. I meant CONFEDERATE dollars. I have a sack of them lying around.

Meesthare, excellent point about rental car agencies requiring credit cards. I wonder if you could get around that if it was part of a pre-paid package?

Can a bank debit card be used for a car reservation instead of a credit card? It can be for flights and hotels advance reservations.

I don't think rental car companies will allow you to use a debit card, whether it be VISA or M/C to rent a car.

You can use a debit card for flights, because they take your money right out of your checking account as soon as you make the reservation. No problem there.

As for hotels, if you use your debit card to make the first night's deposit, that's OK. The rule of thumb (Budman's rule) is never to use a debit card after you check in. Most hotels put a hold on funds after you check in for incidental purchases you make, such as telephone charges and room service. This "hold" on your credit card is not a charge if you square up your bill at check-out.

If you use your debit card, this "hold" will be actual funds deducted from your checking account, and put back later once you square up your bill. I don't think one would want this -- I certainly wouldn't. It would take longer to put the money back than it took to take it out.

I would recommend getting a credit card -- whether you use it or not won't be a problem if you pay cash for the rental when you return it. Could even use your debit card at that point.

For rental cars, I believe they put a "hold" on funds in case you have incurred any damages to the vehicle -- they can deduct their money from the credit card to pay for the deductable.

I hope this makes some sense.

Regarding ATM useage, I think we all need to consider FEES: My Bank (B of A) does not have partners in Hawaii. My cash withdrawal limit is $500, but on the Islands most machines imposed a $100 limit. When you factored in the Hawaiian Bank's fees + B of A's and annualized, it equated to 76% (!). I stumbled onto this site in search of ideas for my next visit in Feb. (The Hawaiian Banks seem to take the approach "we don't want you opening an account, using it for ATM's & closing after your trip.") Tips on Nationwide Banks with partners in Hawaii would be appreciated.