Hawaii is one of the most desired states to visit, but not without a pretty penny! Fortunately, we’ve got you covered! Keep reading for the full breakdown of how to enjoy the tropical paradise of Hawaii on a budget.
This article is a guest blog written by one of my favorite travel couples, Roddy and Danika! Check them out on Instagram @roddy.and.danika, on their website, and more information about them at the end of the article!
Contents:
- Find Affordable Snorkeling Areas
- Research Free Activities
- Create a DIY Lei
- Use Airline Rewards to Save Money on Flights
- Choose Accommodation with Kitchen Access
- Minimize Takeout Expenses
- Finding the Best Car Rental Deals
- Key Takeaways
- More About Roddy and Danika!
- Important Links
Find Affordable Snorkeling Areas
A great way to travel Hawaii on a budget is to avoid steep fees for popular activities. For example, instead of going snorkeling from a boat, you can opt for snorkeling areas at sheltered beaches or bays. Quick Google searches unveil these hidden gems, and locals offer invaluable insights too.
Due to time constraints, our snorkeling was limited to Kahekili Beach Park, but what an adventure! A few steps into the water revealed an abundance of vibrant sea life, making it an unforgettable experience. If given more time on the island, we would have explored the other two snorkeling spots that we had our sights set on: Kapalua Bay Beach and Honolua Bay. Wherever you end up, keep watch for turtles—our encounters were countless. If you keep an eye out, you’ll likely spot some too!
Research Free Activities While Travelling Hawaii on a Budget
Research pays off, especially when seeking authentic experiences that won’t break the bank. Look for local websites to uncover complimentary hula dance performances open to the public. Our exploration of Maui’s official website yielded a serendipitous find—an island festival aligning perfectly with our visit. This offered an immersive dive into the local culture for free. As our travels came to an end, we were saddened to have met a family at the airport who were questioning whether it was worth paying over $1000 (USD) for a luau experience. This was gut-wrenching knowing that cultural experiences don’t have to cost a fortune!
Create a DIY Lei While Travelling Hawaii on a Budget
Crafting a lei not only aligns with the rich cultural significance of this cherished Hawaiian tradition but also offers a practical means of saving money. While leis typically hold immense value in Hawaiian culture as symbols of connection and aloha, purchasing a pre-made lei can often come at a considerable cost. By embracing the DIY approach, using fallen flowers freely available along the streets, you’re not only partaking in a cultural experience but also opting for a cost-effective alternative. All it takes is a simple needle, thread, and a bit of your time to transform this creative endeavor into a budget-friendly and meaningful activity. One that is ideally spent during a leisurely afternoon at the beach.
Use Airline Rewards to Save Money on Flights
Our return tickets from Maui were a jaw-dropping $8.00 each. How? We used Aeroplan points, Air Canada’s loyalty program. This was an absolute win for us! Elevating your points game with your preferred airline can be a game-changer in stretching your travel budget. Here are three savvy tips to rack up your points collection:
- Hunt for credit cards aligned with your preferred airline. Try prioritizing cards with large sign-up bonuses.
- Capitalize on your everyday spending, from routine purchases to significant expenses like home renovations. You can do this by swiping your airline-affiliated credit card to rack up more points!
- Whenever you book flights with your favoured airline, make sure to pay with your affiliated credit card. For example, leveraging an American Express Aeroplan credit card for Air Canada flights, which you earn you triple the points.
Embracing these simple tactics turns your daily expenditures into invaluable currency for your next getaway!
Check out some other great ways to find plane tickets in Maddie’s article, “How to Find Cheap Plane Tickets in 2023!”
Choose Accommodation with Kitchen Access
When planning your Hawaiian getaway, where you stay can significantly impact your experience. Our choice? An Airbnb steps away from the ocean, allowing us the luxury of relaxed downtime amidst stunning views. Opting for an Airbnb not only provided proximity to the beach but also granted us access to a kitchen, a crucial money-saving asset. Packing lunches for our day trips became a breeze, trimming our expenses while maximizing convenience. Remember, aligning your lodging with your travel style can make all the difference!
Minimize Takeout Expenses While Travelling Hawaii on a Budget
Trimming dining expenses by grabbing groceries was a game-changer during our Hawaiian adventure. However, we still indulged in a couple of meals out here and there.
Our biggest realization was that Costco memberships are valid worldwide! What’s even more exciting than the savings is that each Costco carries items unique to the destination. Strolling down the aisles, we stumbled upon more than just groceries. Besides the usual essentials, we found unique Hawaiian snacks like fish jerky and Honolulu cookies. This added a deliciously local touch to our budget-friendly shopping spree. Our highlight was the reasonably priced snorkeling gear and an array of Hawaiian shirts, making it a one-stop shop for both essentials and souvenirs.
If you aren’t familiar, Costco is a large, warehouse style store where everything is much cheaper! Before visiting, keep in mind that you will need a Costco membership and are not able to visit without one. Cheap groceries and unique food choices make this the perfect stop for frugal travellers.
Don’t forget, no matter your budget, you should make a point to get some shave ice with all the fixings. We’re talking macadamia nut ice cream on the bottom and a snow cap on top, you’ll thank us later!
Finding the Best Rental Car Deals
For our Maui adventure, securing a rental car was a priority, offering us the freedom to explore at our pace without splurging on costly tours. To make sure we made the most of our trip to Hawaii on a budget, we used Kayak to snag fantastic deals. We ended up getting a great rental car deal with Avis! However, for Maui’s Road to Hana, always check rental company policies beforehand to ensure road compliance.
By using these simple tips for your Hawaiian adventure, you’ll be able to experience the beauty of this paradise without blowing your budget!
Key Takeaways About Traveling Hawaii on a Budget
- Opt for more budget-friendly adventures by exploring snorkeling spots that are accessible without a boat.
- Look for free cultural events over pricey alternatives.
- Craft your own lei using fallen flowers, an intimate way to connect with Hawaiian culture.
- Make the most of your everyday expenses by earning airline points for future getaways with airline rewards.
- Airbnb or similar stays with kitchen access are huge cost savers.
- Cut dining costs by shopping smart at Costco and minimizing takeout expenses.
- Seek budget-friendly car rentals via platforms like Kayak.
More About Roddy and Danika!
Hello, we are Roddy and Danika! Roddy is a mobile app developer and is always working on
something new and innovative and Danika is a ceramic artist aspiring to push herself creatively
in everything she does. Together, we travel the world bringing home inspiration from far and
wide, but today we’re sharing some practical tips to help you soak up Hawaii’s beauty without
breaking the bank. From smart lodging choices to free cultural experiences, we’ve got your back.