planning trip to Hawaii, Limited Budget
 

Retired and want to visit Hawaii, (bucket list) and would like some input on the best island. I'm planning on staying a maximum of a week and will be traveling from Atlanta, GA. From what I have read, Hawaii seems safe for a single person, lots to see and by staying on one island, will cut costs. Probably be traveling alone, single, in my early 60's, female. Any suggestions would be helpful. Read the article from NYTimes and other forums. I did a comparison from Sperlings which was helpful in gaining perspective on crime, cost etc from where I live now. (however dependable the info is and was a cost of living comparison.) Doesn't matter when I go but looking to save where I can- to afford the trip and time. Many Thanks,

My DH and I have visited the four major islands many times for over thirty years, always traveling in winter to have a break from our Midwestern winters.

These are long and expensive flights. If you can, stay more than a week, and possibly sample two islands -- or take the NCL cruise that visits Kauai, Maui and Big Island highlights, sailing every Saturday afternoon out of Honolulu.

Day One is something of a loss as your body adjusts to the time change, and a departure day isn't a full vacation day either. Getting to and from airports and doing the TSA thing is time consuming.

Many of the best flights (widebody aircraft and nonstops) are into Oahu or Maui. A condo is usually less expensive than a hotel, with no daily resort fees or parking costs, and you can eat 'in' sometimes. Hawaii is still pretty expensive. My grocery bill is about 25% higher on Maui.

We never felt unsafe, but you don't want to leave your street smarts at home and mistake 'a paradise' for THE Paradise.

If you are interested in the historic sights, stay Honolulu. Rent a car for one day or take a circle island tour to see the rural tropical beauty of Oahu. The only place you do not need a rental car is within Honolulu.

September (hot) is one of the less expensive times to visit. May is somewhat less than other months. The very least expensive time is early December (winter rains, mostly north). Only May has no weather drawbacks throughout the islands. Rates rise whenever mainland schools are on holiday.

Thank you very much! Very helpful.

I also have Hawaii on my bucket list. If I were traveling solo, I'd consider a hostel in Honolulu such as this.
http://www.waikikibeachsidehostel.com/
There are a couple other hostels in Honolulu that don't seem to get as good reviews.
Taking a cruise that visits several islands would also be good.
For the best airfare to and from Hawaii, look at Allegiant Airline. Allegiant also has deals on hotel rooms and car rentals.

U.S. Airways has $700 flights to Oahu, midweek, late January through the month of February. Holiday Surf Hotel gets decent reviews and booking.com has it at $95 per night in early February. So that's just an example of pricing that you might get if your dates fit in with the bargain offers. Airfare to the other islands looks like about $850, with the budget hotels about 10 to 20 dollars more per night than on Oahu. Kauai Inn is a good choice at $99 per night if you decide on that island.

This site has aerials, reviews and rack rates for most lodgings in the state: www.hawaiirevealed.com

The cruise can be relatively inexpensive if you book a plain jane cabine, don't run a big bar tab, and even rent a car for DIY touring at some ports.

Hawaii is not terribly different from any of the United States except for its' tropical beauty. Roads are good. The standard of living is high. There's good public health and safety. The history and local culture of Aloha is unique. Also, tourism is *the* business of the islands, and most residents are well aware of that.

Sue is right, try and visit in May (avoid Memorial Day weekend) or September and October after Labor Day. Kids will be back in school and rates will be down.
A condo as mentioned will save you money, plus you will have more room and often a washer/dryer.
You will need a car, try www.discounthawaiicarrental.com
They are a wholesaler and only rent from the majors. I had a nice Avis car from them my last trip to Kauai. Have fun.

you can get a condo for under $200.00 easy on Oahu which is a single girls place as far as I am concerned. I often go without my hubby just for a get away and meet my sister there. Try VRBO for some good rates at The waikiki banyon or Aston Waikiki Sunset which are about 2 blocks to beach. nice places, not overly fancy but have lanai's and view of ocean...have stayed at both for around $150 a night. Not private washer and dryer but one on each floor. Great to have kitchen so you don't have to eat out all the time. Food is expensive in hawaii as so much as to be brought in. However, I am always amazed at how expensive the papaya and bananas are - heck they grow there! You can eat out inexpensively at happy hour rates. Spring or fall are my favorite months and a little less expensive accommodation wise....Hope you find something....

HIGHLy recommend a tour of the Doris Duke Estate Shangri La. if you go to honolulu. Tix bought at the Honolulu Academy of Art. Purchase on line. Well worth the trip. A great experience and I just read they have now opened up her bedroom for viewing. The house and grounds are stunning with incredible art....

I travel to Hawaii solo often. I always stay right in Waikiki (in Honolulu on the island of Oahu). I believe it is the most economical island.

You do not need a rental car there. I know of several decent hotels that are in the $125-150/night range that are convenient, safe, and comfortable. There is a lot to see and do, both natural beauty (Waikiki beach, Diamondhead, botanical gardens, etc.) and cultural sights (Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, Shangri La estate, Pearl Harbor).