How to Plan a Trip to Hawaii on a Shoestring Budget 

Visiting Hawaii is not just for the rich and famous. Keep reading for how to plan a trip to Hawaii on a shoestring budget.

Everyone should get a chance to visit paradise.

A chance to be immersed in the culture of the Aloha spirit. To enjoy the breathtaking beauty of island life. To relax on the beach soaking in the perfect year-round temperatures.

It isn’t a surprise that Hawaii is known as a paradise. Landing in the number 2 spot for vacation destinations, and on everyone’s bucket list. Even pictures give light to the serenity found on its land. 

You may think that paradise doesn’t come cheap, but there are some little-known ways to plan a trip to Hawaii on a tight budget. 

How to Plan a Trip To Hawaii on a Budget 

Creating a memorable vacation to Hawaii doesn’t mean you need to pay top dollar. Thanks to technology, there are many more travel options, which means lower costs. 

Save on Airfare 

Southwest fans everywhere rejoiced last year when they announced flights to Hawaii. Southwest has been a long-standing economical choice for travel. In fact, they have helped to reduce airfare costs by 15%. Introducing another airline to travel to Hawaii means competitive pricing too!

Not convinced that Southwest is the best option for your vacation? Try searching and comparing different airlines with Kayak.com.

Book Your Flight in Advance 

By booking your flight in advance there is a good chance that you may save money. You should consider checking fairs 3 to 6 months in advance. Analysts at CheapAir.com have found that the best time to purchase tickets for a flight is between 21-174 days in advance.

Looking in advance will allow you to monitor ticket prices, as its normal for them to fluctuate. This will give you an opportunity to snag your tickets at a cheaper price. 

Be Flexible on Your Schedule 

By choosing to book your flight on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, you will secure a lower rate with some airlines. Friday through Monday is considered prime time for travel, so rates tend to be more expensive. 

Visit Fly.com to check out a monthly calendar, showing which day is cheapest to fly on. 

Land on a Smaller Island 

While getting a flight directly to Honolulu may seem like the best option, flying into Kona or Hilo could save you some money. Each island has its own unique things to offer. Don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path. 

If you find yourself traveling internationally, and miss your loved ones back home in Finland, send them flowers letting them know your thinking of them. Find out more here!

Enjoy the Local Cuisine for Cheap

Contrary to popular belief you can eat cheap in Hawaii. 

There are a few ways that you can get great meals without spending a fortune. Some restaurants offer early bird specials, so if you are seated prior to 6 p.m., your meal will be discounted.

By choosing to go out for lunch, rather than for dinner, prices are typically lower. If you eat a large lunch, consider splitting happy hour appetizers for dinner.

Save some money by avoiding restaurants in tourist-heavy areas. Opt for eating local. Ask around (in shops or at your hotel) for recommendations of local places to eat.

Eat the Street

A great place to check out is Eat the Street, which is a food truck gathering. It takes place on Honolulu and is held on the last Friday of every month.

You’ll be able to choose from 40 food trucks between 5 to 10 p.m. The price ranges from about $5 to $10. They do have ATM’s and portable restrooms on site. 

Visit a Farmers Market

If the place you are staying at has a kitchen, and you are looking for an easy way to fill up on fresh produce, check out a farmers market. This is a budget-friendly way to try local food. 

Visiting the farmers market will also allow you to experience local culture in a way you wouldn’t at a restaurant. 

You may even find local flowers for sale to enjoy in your hotel room. If you are traveling abroad from Finland, and want a way to tell your loved ones you miss them, send them flowers. Find out more here!

Find Free Activities to Enjoy

Many people visit Hawaii for the beaches. You can enjoy the beach at no cost. Depending on which beach you decide to visit, snorkel equipment may be available to rent for a small fee. Some beaches to check out are:

• Punalu’u Beach (black sand) or Hapuna Beach (white sand) on the Big Island 
• Makena Beach on Maui
• Anini Beach Park or Hanalei Bay Beach Park on Kauai
• Waikiki Beach on Oahu

Stay Active – Go on a Hike

If you are staying in Kauai you can walk or bike the Koloa Heritage Trail. This beautiful trail has 14 different stops. Each stop highlights the area’s archaeology, beauty, culture, and natural history.

If hiking is your thing, Hawaii is known for it’s hiking trails. You will have to pay a small fee to enter the national park. That is typically about $10/person or $20/vehicle. Some hiking trails to check out are:

• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island 
• Kalalau Trail in Kauai
• Haleakala National Park on Maui
• Diamond Head on Oahu in Honolulu (avoid heat and crowds by going early) 

Learn About the Culture 

Learning about another culture is certainly eye-opening, and can be a lot of fun. 

On Oahu in Waikiki you can visit the Royal Hawaiian Centre. They offer free cultural programming for locals and visitors. The introductory classes include things like ukulele, hula dancing, Hawaiian quilting, lei making, Hawaiian massage, and more.

Immerse your self in the hula arts at the Volcano Art Center. These events are free and are typically held on the second or third Saturday of each month. Or you could choose to attend the Merrie Monarch Festival. General admission tickets are as low as $5/each. Both of these events are on the Big Island. 

Book Your Vacation to Paradise Today!

Get started today and plan a trip to Hawaii. The more time you give yourself, the more apt you are to find better deals. You will also have more time to save the funds you need. 

For more travel tips, visit our blog!