Hawaii can be a daunting proposition for a vacation, but once you arrive at this tropical paradise, there are countless activities that are free or free, as well as budget-friendly options. Visit eCouponsHawaii.com before you go on vacation – there seem to be some valuable savings. Starwood hotels also offers a fantastic hotel in Hawaii from time to time for its guests. Sign up is quick and free. The Hawaii Entertainment Book ($9.98 for the 2008 edition) also has tons of discounts on everything from top-notch luaus to fine dining and entertainment . AAA members should always inquire about special rates and benefits.
Here’s an island-by-island guide to getting cheap in Hawaii without breaking the bank.
The largest Hawaiian Island and Hawaii’s most active, the Big Island invites visitors with its more than 80 beaches, scenic drives, lively shopping bazaars, and water world class operations. To make the most of your time, many tourists will split their time between the Hilon side of the island and the Kona side of the island – driving times must be considered due to the geographical spread.
• If you like to hike, $10 per car will buy you access to visit Hawaii VolcanoesNational Park (from Hilo’s side). Don’t miss Crater Rim Drive, Chain Rd. Craters, and, if time permits, hike Kilauea Iki, which shows the rain and the crater floor of the volcano.
http://www.nps.gov/havo/
• Take in the tropical waters and snorkel in Honaunau Bay (adjacent to Pu’uhonau o Honaunau Park). Save money by bringing your own snorkel gear or buying a strong one from Wal-Mart in Kailua-Kona reasonably priced equipment.
• Visit the beautiful black sand beaches of Punaluu and Kehena. Punaluu Beach is located off Highway 11 on the south coast between Kona and Hilo. Kehena Beach can be found off road 137 near Puna on the east coast.
• Mauna Lani workshops offer free shows every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings at 7:00 & 8:00 p.m. http://www.shopsatmaunalani.com/
• The Waikoloa Queen Market has several free or low-cost Hawaiian art making classes and free traditional Hawaiian entertainment.
http://www.waikoloabeachresort.com/marketplace.php
Agreement;
Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort
78-6740 Alii Dr., Kailua, Kona
(808) 322-3441, outrigger.com.
Rates start at $149
Kauai
Probably the most scenic of the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai is very beautiful with the steep green cliffs of Napali Beach, unspoiled beaches and Waimea Canyon. Its relaxed vibe embraces Hawaii’s “loose” lifestyle.
• There are few things more romantic in life than packing a bottle of wine, some slowly and watching the sunset from Princeville with “Bali Hai” peaking in the background. Another favorite spot is Poipu Beach.
• Pack your hiking boots and explore the Canyon Trail at Kokee State Park. The trail takes you into Waimea Canyon, where you are rewarded with a 360 degree view of the canyon.
• Kauai is known for its waterfalls, and Wailua Falls is among the best. Find it on the east side of the island near Lihue.
• The Kilauea Point Deer Trail offers a taste of history, some nature and the stunning Pacific Ocean for just a few bucks. Plus, it’s one of the best places to see migrating whales from Alaska humpback-whales.
http://www.fws.gov/pacificislands/wnwr/kkilaueanwr.html
Agreement;
The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
3838 Wyllie Rd., Princeville, Kauai.
(808) 827-8700, http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=5648
Rales start at $299
Oahu
Those looking for an action-packed island experience flock to Oahu. Since it has the largest airport in Hawaii, it is the perfect starting point for exploring these Pacific gems
• Take a few surfing tips at Waikiki Beach. The Outrigger Hotel Waikiki offers 20-minute surfing lessons. Lessons cost $30 per person.
• A bit touristy, but the nightly hula dance in The Halekulani Hotel’s outdoor performance space is free. Excellent views on Diamond Head with a home made mai tai in hand.
• Learn about the history of Waikiki with a free walking tour. Offered by the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association, the Queen’s Bina Tour takes you around Kapi’olani Queen’s Park and Beach, while The Kalia Tour traces the origins of Waikiki, and the home of Olympian swimming and surfing leader Kahanamoku.
http://www.waikikihistorictrail.com/
• Explore Honolulu’s Chinatown. Among the mush of warehouses is Maunakea Street, where old women string wreaths of various lei in the doorways.
http://www.chinatownhi.com/
Accommodations until:
JW Marriott Ihilana Resort at Ko’Olina
92-1001 Olani St., Ko Olina, Oahu
(808) 679-0079, http://www.ihilani.com
Rates start at $320.
Molokai
Active travelers and extreme sports enthusiasts love Molokai’s rugged terrain. Beating rural beauty, showers and deserted beaches are a draw – don’t expect much luxury or modern amenities. Molokai is often called the “Most Hawaiian Island” because it has the largest percentage of Hawaiian residents in the state.
• Mountain biking is the best way to explore the forests, pastures and mountain beaches of the island. Bike trails cover 120 miles of land, many of which are suitable for beginners. Rent a bike a
Molokai Adventures is about $30 a day. http://www.molokaifishanddive.com/
• Learn all about Hawaii on Friday evening. Island Elders at the Molokai Hotel’s Oceanside Restaurant to perform a free session of traditional songs and a free ukulele.
http://www.hotelmolokai.com/
• enhance your cultural knowledge by visiting an ancient Hawaiian heiau (temple).
• In December – April they find a quiet place on the beach and watch whales on the humps.
Accommodations:
Hail the Evil Host
23 Kalama Road, Kalae, Molokai
(808) 567-9136, http://halemalu-molokai.com/
Rates for Mirror Cottage start at $80 per night.
Lanai
Just eight miles from Maui, the pristine and unspoiled Lanai is a pure oasis of tranquility. A bit trickier to reach this island are there are no direct flights from the mainland, but once there the tropical surroundings are the ideal backdrop for endless water activities in Hulopoe Bay.
• From November through mid-May, a 45-minute cruise from Maui’s Lahaina to Lanai’s Manele Harbor offers the cheapest whale watching “excursion” there. The ride costs $25 per person.
• Try your hand at playing clays at Lanai Pine Clays Playground, one of the country’s best facilities, which also features a 12-station archery range and a 6-station Air Rifle Gallery.
http://www.claytargetsonline.com/club.php/450
• Treasure hunts or examine historic petroglyphs at Shipwreck Beach.
• Explore the Garden of the Gods, a rock formation surrounding the lunar landscape.
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Best budget accommodations:
Hotel Lanai
828 Lanai Ave., Lanai City, Lanai
(808) 565-7211, http://www.hotellanai.com/
Rates start at $590.
Maui
Known for its luxury retreat, the second largest island in the Hawaiian chain is a popular destination for celebrities as well as discerning travelers.
• Every Friday night at the Maui Prince Hotel, Makena brings in a local astronomer and sets up a spectacular “night astronomy” telescope high on the beach front. Astronomy night costs $20.
http://www.princeresortshawaii.com/
• One of Maui’s tourist attractions, the Road to Hana is famous for its twists and turns (600 curves in 52 miles and 54 uni-lane bridges) and panoramic views is the best on the island of Photo-Opis.
• Kaihalulu, or commonly known as the Red Sand Beach, this very remote, colorful is an attractive liquid nude beach Sunbathers and snorkelers. To find the trails, look for the trailhead next to the Community Center on Ua Kea Rd. in Hana, in front of the Hotel Hana Maui Plantation Cottages.
• Every Saturday morning, shopaholics can sample local culture and shop for souvenirs at The Maui Swap Meet for a fraction of the shop price Turn around. Locals hawk genuine island merchandise such as God’s shirts, fresh fruits, breads and tropical flowers. It is located on Pu’unene South Avenue, next to the Kahului Post Office.
http://www.mauimarkets.com/search/markets/info/index.php?mid=101
Best budget accommodations:
Maui Sheraton
2605 Kaanapali Parkway, Lahaina, Maui
(808) 661-0031, http://www.sheraton-maui.com/
Rates start at $199.
