Maui beach at sunrise, HawaiiGetty Images/iStockphoto
Although our limp travel dollar means you might have to reduce your beachside mai tai intake, there are ways to shave a few bucks from your vacation in Hawaii – by thinking creatively and avoiding some pricey pitfalls.
"Getting here, staying here and eating here are often expensive, but what you do while you're here determines whether or not you'll blow your budget," says Andrew Doughty, author of the top-selling Hawaii Revealed guidebook and app series.
Strictly focusing on the Aloha State's main lures can prevent your in-situ budget from shattering faster than a fallen coconut, he adds. "Beautiful vistas, beach walks, swimming under waterfalls or just spending quality time with someone you love are what it's all about here – and they're all free."
For accommodation, I'd suggest cross-referencing resort websites – late-February and March (excluding spring break) can deliver shoulder-season deals – with alternatives you might not usually consider. Hawaii is studded with Airbnb options and budget-hugging campsites (see state park options at camping.ehawaii.gov), while many visitors swear by the thriving vacation condo rental sector – see listings at VRBO.com.
Save a packet by condo-sharing with friends or relatives and you'll also reduce meal costs. "Cooking your own food can save a lot here. Although our grocery prices will shock you, it's still cheaper than restaurants," says Doughty, adding that stocking up at Costco upon arrival is common.
Roadside stands, farmers' markets and food trucks are also worth pulling over for if you've hired a car. But while gas is pricey, rentals can be reasonable – try the popular Discount Hawaii Car Rental.
Having your own wheels for the entire vacation isn't vital, though. Well-priced transit is common (of all the islands, Oahu's system is arguably the best) and is also a good substitute for expensive taxis. Alternatively, get out for a few hours on a guided tour. Popular low-cost options include Ike's Hanauma Bay Tours (ikeshanaumabaytours.com), which picks up from Waikiki-area hotels, while there's also the pricier but great fun five-hour Hole in the Wall Tour provided by Oahu's Hawaii Food Tours.
Which island is the least expensive for visitors? "That's hard to answer," according to Doughty. "Oahu has cheaper gas but room prices are pretty high. Kauai and Big Island [Hawaii Island] have some very cheap – by Hawaii standards – rooms but they're mostly off the beaten path. And while Maui tends to be the most expensive, it's also very cool."
If you really want to see Maui, though, local blogger Liza Pierce (amauiblog.com) has some insights. "Coming off-season – August is certainly better than December – is the easiest way to save on airfares and accommodation," she says, adding potential visitors should spend plenty of time shopping around for condo deals. I'd also suggest considering the good-value Peace of Maui B&B (peaceofmaui.com).
As for activities, there's no need to drop your dough on high-priced attractions. "Pack a picnic for a scenic drive to Hana if you don't mind the windy roads. Alternatively, drive up to Haleakala National Park for an awesome sunrise and a mountain crater hike." Park vehicle passes cost $15 (U.S.) and are valid for three days.
But Maui's palm-fringed sands are the main enticement if you're escaping fleece-clad Canadian winters. "You should visit lots of beaches – and not just because they're free," Pierce says. "Different beaches suit different personalities. Some are good for relaxing, others for surfing and others for snorkelling. Make a day of it, they often have showers, places to barbecue and playgrounds for kids."
Start your budget-stretching homework long before arrival – download Groupon deals or plot freebie attractions such as the Hawaii State Art Museum and gratis local activities (see waikikibeachwalk.com/play for Waikiki Beach ideas) – but it's best not to overly fixate on costs.
"The bottom line is that every visitor should be taking advantage of what really makes Hawaii special – its land and its people. You'll likely find these to be the best memories of your time here," Doughty says.
OUR READERS WRITE
Get a place with a kitchen and buy whole tuna on the dock. We got two for $40 and it fed seven of us for three days. @reupbbq
I was going to say "make your own meals if you can" but that was expensive too. A pack of bell peppers cost us $8 in Maui. @jennlmtaylor
Booking an apartment with a kitchen is a big help for families. Food costs can be pretty high there. @travelling_mom
We went in September and saved a bundle. Finding a rental and a local farmers' market stretches your dollar and September is gorgeous there. Plus, that's when the Maui Marathon is. @JenPinarski
Share a condo with friends, try food trucks for a few meals and sleep outside the box by camping for a night or two. @mekopp
In Honolulu, snack on onigiri [rice balls] – Musubi Cafe's are cheap and delicious. @sylvia_tan
I golfed at a public course on the Big Island – very lush and affordable. @fraueibl
Only book the rental car for the days you actually need one. @TheMarcSmith
Skip ritzy restaurants and eat at farmers' markets. Great, fresh, local food sold by locals. @janogram
We took the bus all over Oahu – it was easy and inexpensive. We also walked a lot and got to see things many tourists miss. @yycteawagon
One of my favourite Hawaiian trips was camping on the Big Island. Eating mangos while standing in the warm ocean, sleeping on shore and camping by the volcano. It was very Blue Lagoon-ish. @ColleenFriesen
While driving, stop at fruit stands. It's fun to talk to locals and the food is cheap. Also, they know secret beaches and such. @CharlesMcCool
Check for free tours provided by historic hotels on Waikiki Beach. The one I went on was informative and the tour guide offered great dining ideas off-the-beaten-path. @Jeneverre
Rent a condo and shop the farmers' markets for fresh food. Avoid touristy restaurants and find out where the locals eat dinner Peggy Coonley/Serendipity Traveler
Use the Happy Hour Pal app to find appies substantial enough for dinner. Combine with big breakfast in your condo for cheap eats @sylvia_fedyk
Rise with the sun – bran flakes and POG [juice drink] for breakfast – then get out the door. Have a light beach/street vender lunch then catch the early seating "special" at cafes that still offer it. End with drinks and sunset. Repeat @RichardatWRG
ABC stores are on every corner – they're great for grabbing snacks, liquor and sunscreen. And, skip lunch before your luau. Also, rent a paddleboard for a day for your family, rather than four boards hourly. Beginners will need help and also someone to take photos. Finally, get up to see the sunrise on your first day before your body adjusts to the time change – it's so worth it. @cdntripseeker
Make your own hula skirt from umm hula hoops and grass clippings. @jools_octavius
Send your travel questions to concierge@globeandmail.com
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