A vacation to Hawaii sounds like a trip to paradise. But, figuring out a trip to Hawaii cost can make you realize that a visit to paradise doesn’t come cheap.
The state of Hawaii is divided up to seven islands and each one has its own charm. So for those new to traveling to Hawaii, figuring out where to go in Hawaii usually is the first priority. Sometimes, that can mean the best island to visit in Hawaii because transportation from one island to another can often mean a costly short plane ride or a boat trip.
If you are interested in taking in Hawaii on a budget, here are a few tips to follow.
1) Know when to take the trip
Usually the winter months are when the most take a trip to Hawaii in an effort to avoid the cold and the snow. There are times in the latter half of January and February where things may slow down. However, prices generally remain high through April.
The good news is the weather makes Hawaii almost a year-round potential destination. May through September have more affordable pricing, but the months of October and November have the best discounts.
It should be noted that humpback whale watching is at its best in February while the Aloha Festivals are in September.
2) Stick with one island at a time
When planning a trip to Hawaii, be aware of how costly it is to go island-hopping. Rather, it is better to stay on one island to keep down travel costs. Even if the price isn’t too bad, it is still a time-consuming exercise you can do without when you are trying to squeeze in as much relaxation or sight-seeing time as possible on your trip.
The six main vacation islands (the Big Island, Oahu, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Kauai) all have their own unique charms as it is. It is far easier to save trips to other islands for later Hawaii visits. Oahu is popular because the city of Honolulu is located there. The Big Island is larger than the other islands combined and is ideal for hikers as well as its volcanic national park. Maui is known for its great beaches. Molokai has the most native culture. Those who like nature would prefer Kauai while Lanai may be preferred for those looking to relax and get away from civilization.
3) Cities are preferable for newcomers
Normally in the continental U.S., the cities are expensive and rural regions are cheaper. However, because of the state being one-bit tourism spot, cities may actually be ideal for first-time visitors to Hawaii.
On the island of Oahu, where Honolulu is located, there is public transportation that can get to most stops in lieu of a rental car. Honolulu, being the capital of the state, is ideal for finding out more information about potential hidden tourist spots. Also, being new to Hawaii, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to start out with an Oahu luxury rental in regards to finding a spot to stay at during the trip.
4) Enjoy the beaches
Hawaii is renowned for its various beaches whether it is by Honolulu or elsewhere. Instead of going to various of tourist places that suck up the money, take time to relax on the beach and enjoy the weather without having to seriously dip into your wallet.
Finding the best beaches in Hawaii Big Island or even on Maui where just about any beach will do would be a wise and effective way to spend your vacation.
5) Finding place to stay
You could stay at a hotel, perhaps a hostel or looking into Hawaii luxury vacation rentals if you’re travelling with family would be a cheaper option. You can enjoy all-inclusive Hawaii vacations from wherever on the island, be it a five-star resort or a simple apartment for rent.
While it may be tougher to find guided tours from hotels. If you buy a package tour, make sure you understand general regulations in the package. Make sure the rented apartment is close to beaches and various modes of transportation. This way, you can only reserve rental cars for days when you are actually traveling around instead of relaxing on a sandy shore nearby.