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Planning a trip to Hawaii and overwhelmed with the prices? Are you worried about not being able to enjoy your time there without worried about the cost? Are there affordable activities to do to be able to save money?
These are all reasonable questions when it comes to planning a trip to these beautiful tropical islands.
Over time, Hawaii has acquired many different types of stigmas: tropical, beautiful, touristy, and especially expensive. The cost of living there is very high compared to even California, in my opinion.
Since an island naturally has limited resources, the prices will expectedly be higher and potentially making it difficult to find affordable lodgings, or affordable in general.
So how do I go to Hawaii multiple times a year and do many activities or go to many places?
Well, to begin, I understand flights & boarding carry the most expensive financial burden so I try to reduce that cost as much as possible. But likewise, those areas also obtain the biggest portion of my travel budget. If I can’t find cheaper housing, then I cut budget in other areas, like food or entertainment.
Eating on the island is one of my favorite things and expectedly expensive because most of what I eat is fresh. But even in California where I live, it’s so expensive to eat out every time.
So, I make it a point to visit a grocery store at the beginning of the trip, grab a pack of water, and non-perishable items that are both healthy and easy to eat. I purchase fruit like bananas, papaya, pineapple, and watermelon for breakfast with some musubi, and then only budget for dinner out somewhere yummy.
In addition to that, I take time in finding and doing the free activities available on the islands. Albeit, I enjoy the simple things—I can do three beach days in a row and be happy. But I know that other people can’t. However, if you’re really trying to be money-conscious, it may be a good opportunity to evaluate your expenditures and maybe explore other financially friendly options.
Beach Days & Snorkeling (if you already have the gear)
If you already have snorkel gear, than snorkeling will be free for you and your family. However, if you do not the have the gear, renting gear is still an option that may be something convenient for you. Snorkel rentals can be around $20 for the day, but cost vary between company and their separate views.
The beaches of Hawaii cannot compareto the beaches on the west coast (I said what I said). So why not maximize the opportunity and explore them?
Even if you do not snorkel, beach days on the island never disappoint unless that is just not your thing. But with the weather, the warm crystal-clear waters, and the clean beaches, you find a beautiful affordable alternative for your day.
Below are some of my favorite places to visit with beautiful beaches, aside from the popular Waikiki Beach:
- Sharks cove (Pupukea Beach)
- Lanikai Beach
- Ala Moana Beach
- Kaneohe Bay
- Haleiwa/Pipline
Hiking Trails
Hiking is another way to really enjoy the what the Island has to offer without spending any additional money.
Always make sure you prepare for hikes, however. With the increase levels of humidity and sun exposure, packing water, snacks, electrolytes, and sunscreen all should be required.
In addition, being inland may expose you to mosquitos or other bugs. So, pack bug spray! And as usual, be respectful of the land. Pick up your trash, do not trespass, and do not disturb neighbors, or vegetation by going off trail and being disruptive.
Below I added a short list that includes varying degrees of hiking trails. I recommend that you check them out on AllTrails and prepare yourself for whatever kind of hike it may be.
- Lanikai Pill Box
- Moana Falls
- Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail
- Lulumahu Falls
Halona Blow Hole
This blow hole resides close to the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail and requires some walking to get to. I have not actually seen the blow hole myself, but I saw the trail that leads to it and it’s mostly dirt and rather exposed. If you park in parking lot just be advise that it fills up pretty early, so get there with time.
Friday Night Fireworks, Waikiki
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort hosts fireworks for free every Friday at around 7:45pm. They are free for any public viewer and can be seen along Waikiki Beach.
I have been to Waikiki on four separate occasion, and have missed the fireworks every time. Womp Womp. This most recent time, we camped out on the beach, and because of the weather, we didn’t have a view of them at all. LOL.
They only last about 3 minutes, so the window is small.
Ala Moana Center
Centrally located just outside of Waikiki, this shopping center provides a great alternative to entertainment, food, or resources. Personally, I did a lot of window shopping, hid from the heat, and did some grocery shopping.
Foodland is located in the lower level, and there are many stores to shop from. There is also a food court and nearby is a Target, Walmart, and planet fitness in the surrounding area. Plus, Ala Moana Beach lies across the main road from the shopping center.
Side note: the bus transit system does arrive very close to here so it makes it very easy to get to if you want to save some money on transportation.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial Visitor Center – but fees for tours, and museums.
Pear Harbor is a National Memorial Center that people can visit freely. There is parking available but is limited. Bags of any kind are not allowed and must be checked in at the entrance (we left ours in the car).
Beautifully crafted, this visitor center holds much reverence to our fallen soldiers. It is a beautiful memorial for those who lives were sacrificed in during World War II.
There are many tours that you can partake in to see the USS Arizona Memorial, certain battleships, or visit the museum. There are also guided tours that include Pearl Harbor that also take you to other places on the island, and/or offer pick up near year.
Please just note that these separate tours aside from general admission Ito the Pearl Harbor visitor center, do have additional fees. You can read about here https://pearlharbor.org/all-tours/
In Conclusion…
Traveling to Hawaii may always be an expensive venture, but if you’re not a particularly picky person and remain open to new experiences, a vacation here does not need to break the bank. If you want more tips on how to save money here on the island, look out for a new post about how I personally save money and still have a great experience.
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And as always, your presence here is so appreciated!❤️
