Hawaii: Make up for pricey airfares with deals on land
If you’ve been considering a trip to Hawaii this summer, chances are that you’ve reconsidered it recently, given airline bankruptcies, more airline bankruptcies and AAA Vacation Costs survey results that make a 10-course day in Paris sound like a steal. But think outside the box a little and you’ll find ways to save cash on the ground. Here is a roundup of money-saving tips, big and small, from experts around the Web:
— Instead of a la carte purchases, go for a potentially money-saving package that includes airfare, hotel, car rental and sightseeing. [LAT]
— Unless it’s included free in your hotel deal, skip the on-site breakfast buffet, which can cost $25 or more per person. [Go Visit Hawaii]
— While you’re at it, forget taking lunch and dinner at the resort too. Instead, save money and get more local flavor in town. We’ve got 20 cheap eats for you in Maui for under $20. [LAT]
— On the road, plan ahead before your day trips and avoid getting lost. This means less money spent on gas and more time on the road looking at scenery instead of maps. [KHNL]
— Get a free trial on a Hawaii Entertainment Book to “try out” discounts for three attractions. Or if you’re planning on a site-heavy trip, bite the bullet and buy the book; you’re sure to save. [GoVisitHawaii]
— Pass on the resort spa and get your massages elsewhere. In Kainaliu, on the Big Island, you can book a massage by a student for $30. [Beat of Hawaii]
— If you’re going to be in Hawaii a while, stayed tuned in to local bargain-hunting blogs such as Hawaii Money Saving Mama for current deals on products, restaurants, etc.
Do you have any money-saving tips you’re willing to share? Please do so in the Comments section below, and we may include them in a future post.
— Susan Derby, Special to the Los Angeles Times
[Photo: Flyin' high on Lanikai Beach, Oahu; Eric / Your Scene, Los Angeles Times]
5 Comments on “Hawaii: Make up for pricey airfares with deals on land”
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May 27th, 2008 at 2:23 am
A great website to find discounts in Hawaii is http://www.ecouponshawaii.com/
Shopping tips- to find great prices on souvenirs go to a nearby Walmart or check out the Flea Market at the Aloha Stadium. Hilo Hattie is also a great one stop shop. Wonderful customer service there! If you can get to a Costco..that’s where you should by your Macadamia Nuts, local cookbooks, etc.
May 27th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Aloha Susan and mahalo for mentioning Go Visit Hawaii! I’m always trying to share practical tips for saving money.
I agree with you that thinking out of the box just a little will help you stretch your Hawaii vacation dollar. For example if you skip the resort breakfast buffet you can save anywhere from $15 to $25 per person per day. All you need to do is grab a coffee and pastry, or find the local cheap eats, or simply order off the a la carte menu. It’s easy!
May 27th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Aloha! Thanks, both of you, for stopping by and sharing more useful tips.
May 27th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
I see the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau is offering up to $200 off flights to Hawaii when travelers book through Expedia, Travelocity, United Vacations, and a number of other travel wholesalers. That’s great savings considering the trend of rising airfares across the country. Check out the following site for more information: http://www.gohawaii.com/summerfun
May 28th, 2008 at 7:36 am
Thanks for that, golfnutn8. Though the specials are listed on the convention bureau’s site, they are third-party promotions (from Expedia, Orbitz, etc.), and some of them are for $200 off vacation packages (rather than just flights). Still, every little bit counts in the effort to put together an affordable Hawaii trip!