Hawaii is, for many, a dream destination. You have the beauty, the culture, and the activities, all wrapped in the fact that it’s relatively easy to get to (for an archipelago that’s in the middle of the largest ocean in the world) and has a massive range of accommodations for all different styles of travel. However, if there is one criticism that you might be able to level at the island state, it’s that affordability isn’t exactly high up on the list of advantageous nouns you might use when describing the place.
So what’s a cost-conscious traveler meant to do if they’ve always wanted to visit but don’t have the kind of money to splash around that the state appears to have been set up for? In this post, we’re looking at a few tips and tricks that anyone can use to help lower the cost of this trip of a lifetime while still allowing you to enjoy everything that you have come to expect from such a wonderful place.
Hire A Vehicle To Travel At Your Own Pace
When it comes to exploring these vast islands, the most common form of transportation is paying for a tour guide and bus as part of a guided tour or hiring a taxi or something similar to shuttle you around the place. These are perfectly legitimate ways of seeing the place, but they all cost money and, in the case of a guided tour, can cost some serious diners, which could wipe out a significant part of your budget if you’re not careful. Instead, why not release your inner explorer and consider hiring a vehicle to explore the various designations by yourself?
The most affordable option will be scooter rental, which tends only to involve the daily rate plus fuel. You can visit Scooter Rental Waikiki for an idea of how the process works, but the idea is that you plan ahead regarding the places you want to see, then book your scooter based on whatever time allocation scheme they use, and away you go. For longer-term travels that involve forging through the forest and up the sides of volcanoes, you may want to consider hiring an off-road motorcycle or even a jeep of some sort. These not only offer more comfort but are designed to handle the rigors of the mountainous terrain far better than anything else.
However you choose to travel, it is up to you, but renting a vehicle is almost always the way to go if you want a bit of freedom and are on a smaller budget.
Look For Budget Hotels, Hostels, Or Vacation Rentals For Affordable Stays
This next tip might seem a bit obvious, but it needs to be mentioned as it’s such a crucial aspect of budget traveling. The best part is that even though most people consider Hawaii to be a high-class destination (which it certainly is), that doesn’t mean it precludes any form of budget accommodation that is perfectly serviceable and offers most of the amenities that larger resorts might offer.
OK, so you may have to eschew included breakfast, and the rooms will undoubtedly be smaller and of lesser quality, but if all you need is a place to store your luggage and to put your head down at night, most are absolutely more than adequate and will leave you with plenty of cash left over to spend on all of the exciting things to see and do.
Savor Delicious, Affordable Meals From Local Restaurants Instead Of Tourist Ones
Local food is usually the best way to support a country, and Hawaii is no different. Far too many travelers will hop onto something like TripAdvisor et al. and search for the highest-rated restaurants in their vicinity. While the top-rated establishments are obviously great, they also need to have a price tag to match. Instead, try to look for any local restaurants that the locals use when eating out, and you’ll not just save money but may end up seeing the real Hawaii rather than a tame, tourist-oriented version of the place.
Attend Local Festivals, Art Shows, Or Community Events For Free Entertainment And Cultural Experiences
A quick internet check should bring up many options related to the various festivals and shows that are constantly occurring on the islands. Many will be paid for, but plenty should be free to visit and offer you a glance at whatever it is they’re trying to promote. Whether it be an art exhibition of local artists who have crafted notable works of Polynesian art or a show to promote a particular local brand, you will find they can be a great place to hang out for a day and soak up the atmosphere.
Travel During The Off-Peak Season To Enjoy Lower Prices And Fewer Crowds
This isn’t only a trick you can use for Hawaii and almost all decisions with seasonal peaks and troughs. Regarding Hawaii, these usually occur during the late winter, spring, and fall, and booking during these dates should help you save money on flights and accommodation. The best part is that you will also experience far fewer crowds, which can be a great way to enjoy the decision sans the usual hustle and bustle that can ruin the experience.
Bring Snacks And Drinks To Save Money During Day Trips And Excursions
If you have booked a day trip or other excursion, chances are that the guides will lead you to their preferred shops and stores where you can grab a snack and a drink (unless included in the price). As is the way with these things, they typically receive a small commission for bringing their customer there, and the shops are never the cheapest. To avoid this trick, make sure you pack your own snacks so that you have bought them from a cheaper shop. It’s all the same stuff but for a fraction of the price.
If you are smart, you can travel to places like Hawaii, enjoy all it has to offer, and still come home with some money in your pocket. These tips are a great headstart and should give you plenty of ideas of your own.
