10 Ways to Save Money on Your Trip to Hawaii

A trip to Hawaii can be an expensive proposition. So, many people look for ways to save money on a trip to Hawaii. Island hospitality is sublime, and the hotels and attractions are set up to help you spend as much money as you want.  Inherently, there is nothing wrong with getting a little pampering.  So, we would like to share some ways to save money on your trip to Hawaii, so that you can come back more often!  If you are like many, just being in the islands is all the pampering needed.

1. Package Deals: Consider A Travel Package. Many times, this can save you a lot of money, versus trying to put together all the aspects of your trip. There is a certain mentality that goes into the development of these packages: they are designed to get you to the islands, so you will spend local money. One word of advice in these travel deals:  beware of “resorts.” Stay in a “hotel.” We are back to the “pamper versus price” discussion here. Package deals with a hotel involved will be a better deal.
2. Timing: Look at flexible dates to fly. A Saturday stay over can lower the cost of air fare by as much as two-thirds. Another huge money saver is to consider a fly out and return in the middle of the week.  Just a day or two of adjustment to the overall departure and return date can help a lot on the cost of airfare.
3. Planning: Plan well ahead and get it booked.  The best deals are almost always offered well in advance, months to be exact.  The travel industry has watched the demographics of travel to the islands for years. Despite the overall economic climate, the amount of people making “last minute’ plans to go to Hawaii doesn’t change much.  Deals are offered to keep planes and hotels full of visitors.
4. Ask for and use local money saving coupons. Savvy hotels have started making coupons available.  Smart local business owners have teamed up with local hotels to offer these savings plans.  Make use of them. If your hotel has a concierge service, ask them for coupons.
5. Get snacks and drinks at a grocery store.  A cool bottle of water can cost you up to $5 on a hike up Haleakala on Maui.  It is like getting drinks and snacks at a sporting event.  BYOB and you can save quite a bit of greenbacks. If in doubt, ask a local about the location of a grocery store, or discount chain like Wal-Mart or Target.
6. Don’t be too quick to buy souvenirs. The best deals are found at Wal-Mart, interestingly enough.  Local vendors are adding on “fluff” for items they are often buying at a store like Wal-Mart.  Stay away from buying at the airports also. A lei at the airport can set you back a pretty penny. Go to a discount flower shop. Finally, local vendors are used to being “haggled.”  Many vendors carry the same items.  Use this knowledge  to help you get a better deal.  The experience of shopping a market has its own rewards.
7. Limit the number of times you “island hop” on flights.  Organize your trip so you use the least amount of “inter-island flights.”  The locals get a better price on their flights, so they are used a lot. A visitor will not fend so well, unless you just happen to own a local Hawaiian Driver’s License.
8. Pack as lightly as possible.  Airlines are adding on a lot of surcharges these days. One of the big ones is the weight of your luggage.  It will not be hard at all to get hit with $50-$100 dollar surcharges per bag.  To the extent possible, packing lightly will save you some room for souvenirs.  In some cases, you may want to consider the cost of having your prize shipped to the States. It can be cheaper than the baggage cost. Check with your local air service provider about the costs of overweight baggage, so you are not surprised.  
9. Food: Eat your big meal at lunch. This has been the “Disney” method for years. Prices will be up to 40 percent less at the noon hour. With many visitors coming from the mainland, the noon hour will be a good time to eat anyway. It is in sync with time zone changes to the body.  Look for “food stands” and “plate lunches.” The typical Hawaiian meal will have two scoops of rice, some macaroni or potato salad, and an entrée. You will see this combo all over the islands.  Another fun treat is to eat at a lunch wagon.  You will see these wagons out from around 11a.m. until 1p.m.  The Hawaiian government has also cracked down on these types of stands in recent days, to make sure they are staying compliant with local health codes for the preparation of food. This type of fare is very local, so enjoy.
10. Travel: Ask about rates on rental cars. There can often be big differences. Insurance is also important.  Pay the extra if your individual policy does not protect you in a rental car. Often, these companies will ping your credit or debit card quickly, which could leave you with a mess.  Use a small car, when possible. The gas mileage helps.  Also, gas up in the major cities. In the islands, gas is sold by the liter. You can see as much as a 10 cent per liter difference in the price of gasoline in small Hawaiian villages. Already having all your gas will help you save on the cost of gasoline in a rental car.  Finally, ask about the need to have the car “full of gas’ when dropped off.

With a little insight and some planning, you can find lots of ways to save money on your trip to Hawaii.  You will not have to sacrifice fun to do so. You will just have the chance to keep a little more cash in your wallet.