By Caroline Tung Richmond
With its sandy
beaches, warm waters and lush rain forests, it's no surprise why millions of tourists flock to Hawaii every year. Yet, vacation costs on these beautiful islands can get expensive due to the price of transportation, food and lodging. Fortunately, you don't have to break you bank account if you are planning a vacation to Hawaii. As long as you are willing to do your research and plan ahead, you can have a fun---and affordable---trip to Hawaii.
Book Early
Since Hawaii is such a popular tourist destination, many flights, hotel rooms and tourist attractions will fill up quickly. To get the best deals, try to pay for your trip as soon as possible. Most airlines offer deep discounts for customers who book at least 14 to 21 days before their departure date. The same thing goes with hotels---often budget rooms are only available if you book them well in advance.
Visit in the Off-Season
By visiting Hawaii in its off-season, you can save a lot of money, and enjoy the islands at their best weather conditions. According to Frommer's travel guide, the best hotel and airfare rates are available from mid-May to mid-June and then from September to mid-December. If you are unable to plan your vacation during these times, just make sure to avoid holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Prices typically skyrocket for these events.
Consider a Package Deal
Package deals are one of the best ways to save money on your Hawaiian vacation. Depending on the deal, these packages include a combination of airfare, hotel accommodations, rental car, meals and tourist attractions. To research package deals, contact businesses like Liberty Travel and Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays to see what they have available. Several airlines, like United and Delta, also offer package deals (see Resources).
Save Money on Transportation
When you are ready to book your rental car, make sure to rent the smallest car that will suit your needs. This way, you will save money on the rental itself and on gas money too, according to GoVisitHawaii.com. Once you get to Hawaii, try to use self-parking whenever possible. Although valet parking is convenient, the price for this service and tips can add up.
Prepare Your Own Meals
Meal prices in Hawaii can get costly, especially if you are traveling with your family. To save money on food, you can head to a grocery store and prepare your own meals. For breakfast, a box of cereal and a gallon of milk can last nearly a week for a small family. For lunch, you can make sandwiches for a picnic on the beach. Before you buy the food, check to see if your hotel room has a mini-refrigerator to store your perishables.
Purchase Coupons
Look into buying the Hawaii Entertainment Book or the Hawaii Gold Card for a variety of discounts. Both the book and the card offer coupons on restaurants, entertainment and tourist attractions. The Hawaii Entertainment Book costs $35 and is available online at Entertainment.com. The Hawaii Gold Card costs $30 and you can order one via phone at (800) 398-9698.
Resources
About the Author:
A native of Washington, D.C., Caroline Tung Richmond has worked as a freelance writer since 2007. Her articles have appeared in both print and online publications such as the "Baltimore Sun," "Highlights" and Travels.com. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brigham Young University.
