Low-cost Hawaii: how to save in paradise

Pink sunsets over turquoise waters, geological wonders and a vibrant mix of cultural and historical ties with the rest of the world: Hawaii reigns supreme among tropical destinations. But paradise comes at a price.

Hanauma Bay is perfect for snorkelling, Hawaii. ©Leigh Anne Meeks/Shutterstock

As one of the most isolated archipelagos in the world, getting to Hawaii can be extremely expensive, not to mention the cost of food (about 90% of the goods have to be imported), services and overnight stays. But there are numerous ways to be able to say aloha without going into the red.

Local markets are the best place to find great products at a good price. ©Greg Elms/Lonely Planet

What to eat

Skip breakfast at the hotel

Industrial eggs and mushy wafers may fill you up but they won't give you much satisfaction. Avoid this travel mistake and go for the Hawaiian breakfast of Portuguese sausages (often smoked pork with banana leaves) and eggs or Hawaiian French toast - all of which can be found everywhere and at low prices in places all over the island.

Make a shopping list

OK, maybe you are also on holiday in Hawaii to avoid chores like grocery shopping, but making a list of what you need could save you a lot of money on food. Buy snacks for the first part of the day and for lunch fill your trolley with fresh lomi-lomi (a tomato and salmon salad) and poi (mashed taro) for a picnic on the beach.

Eat like the locals

Island-grown guava, freshly caught seafood and zero-mile coffee: Hawaii's best gastronomic rewards can be found in small shops and farmers' markets. You can find cheap 'ono gr inds (delicacies) if you know where to look. Browse the fresh produce at markets like the KCC Saturday market, the largest in Honolulu and a great place to find souvenirs for those who couldn't make it with you. The same goes for fish markets like the Koloa Fish Market in Kaua'i, where you can find fresh poke (marinated fish) and a traditional meat dish, accompanied by two side dishes.

Hawai'i's natural wonders are a sight for all, Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden in Kaneohe. ©Shane Myers Photography/Shutt

Transport

Limit car rental

Although renting a car long-term can give you discounts, try to limit your rental to a couple of days to keep costs under $100. It would be a waste to pay for a car while you are actually lying by the pool sipping a cocktail. Instead, organise a couple of excursions and return the car when you no longer need it. Many resorts offer shuttle services to the most important places, while others offer discounts to those who rent a car on the premises (sometimes free of charge).

Don't travel in high season

One of the nice things about Hwaii is that it is a perfect destination all year round, but in the low season you will find special offers. Prices are highest from December to April, when mainland Americans seek an escape to the warm weather. May and September are the right months for climate and milder prices, but you will find the best discounts from October to November.

One island at a time

Domestic flights may seem cheap (you can find deals around $140 round trip), but resist the instinct to hop from island to island and explore one island at a time. While you may seem to save money on the ticket, you will waste a lot of time travelling to the airport, security checks, and of course time in the air: going from island to island can actually steal a lot of your precious holiday time.

Moreover, each island has its own special character: Big Island has active volcanoes, O'ahu is cosmopolitan with the capital Honolulu, Maui and Kaua'i offer adventurous landscapes, so relax and give yourself time to get to know the 'aina (land).

If you just can't stay put on an island and you're on Maui, use a multi-day ticket to Lana'i or Moloka'i. Ferries to Moloka'i cost $70 each way and a trip to Lana'i costs only $30.

Traditional fire performances, Hawaii. ©Deborah Kolb/Shutterstock

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What to do

Explore nature

If the finer things in life are free, then Hawaii is truly paradise. It costs nothing to stretch out on one of the world's most beautiful beaches or venture out on one of the many treks around the islands. Save exploring all shades of green with a hike in Koke'e State Park on Kaua'i or snorkelling in O'ahu's Hanauma Bay. Didn't bring your own equipment? No problem: you'll find rental shops on all four main islands for as little as $6 a day.

Read the visitor magazines

While you're waiting for your luggage, look around for the brochures and magazines that populate every airport in the world. You are likely to find discount coupons and ideas for savings. On the main islands you will find This Week, with useful information and directions on where to find discounts, while Aloha Visitor Guides has four editions dedicated to the main islands and discount coupons. Most magazines can also be found in a digital version.

Choose free entertainment

Forget the expensive Iuau and opt for free events like the Kuhio Beach Torch Lighting & Hula Show, held in Wakiki every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday night. Or try your hand at free ukulele, lei and hula (garland and flower skirts) lessons at Whalers Village on Maui. Check a local newspaper for current events on the various islands.

Camping in a nature park is inexpensive and will give you access to beautiful scenery, Hawaii. ©Mavrick/Shutterstock

Where to sleep

Choose what you need

The ocean view sounds so good, but how much time are you planning to spend in your hotel room? Conversely, if you like to cook, a flat with a kitchenette might be more useful. If you are looking for bargain prices, bed and breakfasts may be for you, with offers ranging from spartan rooms to luxury homes. The more adventurous can also choose from the many campsites dotted around the parks.