Peach-colored sunsets, palm trees swaying in the breeze, exhilarating ocean swims and the sweet, sensual charm of hula dancing. There are so many things to love about Hawaii, but it's generally an expensive destination.
Add to that a weak exchange rate against the US dollar (one Australian dollar was worth 65 US cents at the time of writing) and it can become a wallet-busting paradise. The good news is that it's not mandatory. I've been there over 20 times and picked up a few budgeting tips along the way.
There are so many things to love about Hawaii, but it's generally an expensive destination.Credit: iStock
Flights from Australia are relatively cheap, if you avoid peak season and school holidays. Keep an eye out for sale prices. Jetstar (jetstar.com), for example, regularly offers round-trip flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Honolulu for less than $600. Hawaiian Airlines (hawaiianairlines.com.au) sale fares to Honolulu (round trip) often cost around $1,000 and include two checked bags weighing up to 32 kilograms each, plus wine, beer and island-inspired meals. That first sip of a Mai Tai on ice always puts me straight into vacation mode.
Once you land in Honolulu, there are several transportation options from the airport to Waikiki or the North Shore. As in many parts of the world, taxis are the most expensive. Shared shuttle rides to Waikiki hotels cost less than $20 per person, and Ubers don't cost much more, as long as prices aren't in effect.
Where to eat and drink? Follow the locals and avoid tourist traps.Credit: Greg Straight
Hawaii vacationers' biggest expense is lodging. Waikiki's resorts are some of the most beautiful in the world, but prices tend to exceed $1,000 a night. For the rest of us, more affordable options can be found just blocks from Waikiki's golden sands. Check prices for Romer Waikiki at Ambassador (romerhotels.com), Hotel Aqua Aloha Surf Waikiki (aquaaston.com) and the Stay Hotel Waikiki (stayhotelwaikiki.com), where you'll find rooms for less than $305 per night, plus taxes and resort fees.
Speaking of resort fees, many Australians balk at the mandatory daily fees (usually between $40 and $75) that cover amenities such as Wi-Fi, water toys, in-room coffee and pool towels – cheap things we would normally expect a resort to provide. part of the room price.
You probably won't have much luck talking to the front desk staff about waiving the fees, but there is a way to avoid them: join a hotel rewards program and book your stay with points. Programs like Hilton Honors and World of Hyatt offer members the benefit of waiving resort fees on reward stays.
Waikiki resorts are beautiful, but expensive.Credit: jhorrocks