Is Hawaii on a budget possible?
Almost an entire year has passed since we visited Hawaii and there it hasnt been a single day that I don’t think about coming bback. The Hawaiian state of mind in forever connect with me and in this post I will tell you how to get into that too.
In February of last year, we visited Oahu Island and stayed in Waikiki, which is known as being the most touristic area, with a lot of front ocean hotels, fancy restaurants and high end stores. It feels like Bervely Hills of the Pacific. My friend who lived in Hawaii said that it more like the Jersey shore, which I never been, so I cant compare, so I stayed positive.
The Sun, the clear blue ocean, and the island vibe all complimenting each other.
After a long flight from Denver, we arrived at the island about 7pm. There are direct flights from Denver airport with Delta and United Airlines, we flew with Delta and had a connection in LA for about 1 hour. As we dropped our bags at the hotel, we start looking around food places. It was a monday night and the city was bubbling.
We found the International Market place is an open air mallwith restaurants, souvenir stores, supermarkets and other retail shops. There are plenty of options for entertainment to choose from the humongous 3 floor building. We choose some restaurant on the 3dr floor to shake some chicken, as we heard that the portions were good, and the food could get expensive. It was for sure a good portion to share.
If you are in that area you should visit it. The restaurant is called Moani and Waikiki island Bar and Bistro. We order the Pulehu Chicken, that came with corn bread and miso guava barbecue sauce. It cost 28 dollars, plus a beer, coke and tips came out to about 60 dollars. Not bad for a meal where 2 people could eat well. Another favorite place, which is across the Moani restaurant is a very popular bakery/restaurant called Liliha bakery.
Liliha bakery has several locations across the island, and their donuts are a must try. But be very careful, I had no idea what Haupia was, and end up with a 4 dollar unsweet coconut doughnuts, I ate because I’m not a quitter, but I also learn my lesson.
Driving around the island, watching the ocean waves, with the mountains in the backdrop as the most gorgeous scenery I’ve ever seen in my life. Here are some of the places we visited.
Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden
The entrance at the botanical garden was free, and you have so much open spaces to explore. It gave me Jurassic Park feelings, its great for some aesthetic photos, some family afternoon picnic and just some great time after all. If you are traveling with kids, its a fun place to visit.
Waimea Falls
Another great place to visit on a saturday morning, which is also a botanical garden. The entrance fee is 20 dollars per person, which is directed to the preservation of the park. There is a shuttle that takes you directly to the waterfall for 10 extra dollars or you can just enjoy the park and walk your way through.
You will find plenty of preserved local plants, historical hawaiian sites, from the originary people in the 1700’s, with their tends, with informative plaques about their origins and how their tribbes used to live in that area. At the end of the trail you are rewarded with a beautiful waterfall to swim.
The waterfall is as cold as expected, and you can get a safety vest to swim, I im almost sure its free, you only have to tip the life guards.
Waimea fall is located on the northside of the island. Which I definitely recommend renting a car for the days you are spending there. You can also plan an entire day on that side of the island. I loved because It gave me a 70’s surfer island paradise vibe, or at least what I imagined it would be.
Ko’Olina Lagoon
Ko’olina lagoon beach park is one of the 4 artificial lagoons created for the public. I believe 3 of those are part of the resorts like Aulani, Marriot, and Ko’olina resort. All the lagoons are accessible to the public, but we only visited the beach park. Paking is a bit difficult, the earlier you go, the easier it is to get in. It took us about 25/30 minutes in the line to park and once again we were rewarded with the most beautiful man mande lagoon.
Definitely recommend to take some chips and refreshments and spent the day there.
Diamond Head Monument
The entrance fee of the park is 5 dollars and to get to the park itself, get a ride. We tried to walk for a while and almost lost our reservation time lot. You can just buy your tickets there, or you can reserve them by time lot online, which is always preferred. Get ready for a long way up, the hike to the top is level medium, remember to bring water and take your time. Once again, you will be rewarded with the most incredible views and feel like you are on the top of the world, you can almost see the earth curvature. And get ready because you have to go all the way down. By foot again.
Things I would do differently and plan better:
> Some tours like Pearl Harbor
> The circle day Island tour
> Jurassic Park Tour
> Watch a luau
Here is the roundup :
Favorite Restaurants to Eat:
- Moani Waikiki Bar Island bar and Bistro
- Kalo Hawaiin foods (Best breakfast bby far!)
- Kai Coffee
- Maui Brewery & Pizza
- Crizpy Grinds Acai Bowl – Brazilian Food Truck on the Hailewa ( I had to)
→> Be careful with the pineapple
The Hawaiian pineapple is really fresh and it contains a lot of fiber. Josh had it on the second day and it almost ruined and entire day of planned activities I had for us. Chasing Target stores for bathroom stops was not what I planned on my itinerary
—->> Parking on the island can be very tricky.
If you are going with your family or a group of friends I recommend get some suggest tours above, because it makes it easier to enjoy your time. If you are renting a car, check with the car rental to drop back the car at the end of each day, at no fee. We did that instead of paying an outrageous fees of at least 50 dolares a night on the top of the car rental fees.
—->> Accommodation
We stayed in two different hotels, The Hyatt Regency Waikiki, because as an employee I get complimentary nights, and the LA Croix hotel,a category 3 hotel, which was located about 10 minutes from the Waikiki shore. Very affordable, beautiful and clean hotel and I would definitely recommend to stay in
The most affordable accommodations will be located a little bit farther from the Waikiki Shore. So its up to you andd your budget.
—->>> Reccomended Outfits to bring
We traveled to Hawaii in February, there is not a winter season per se, the temperature is 80F year round, but there was a lot of strong winds and some light rain at night. I would definitely recommend a light jacket, or a hoodie and a pair of leggings. We fly with our carry-on only, we stayed for 6 days and in the middle of the week we had to do laundry and that was a chunk of money. Each load to wash and dray at the hotel washing machines cost 6 dollars each. Expensive but I’m still saving on the checked-in bag and all that hassle.
I took a sandal and a pair of sneakers.Josh took some shirts, shorts and a pants for the trip back home.
Our next trip to Hawaii is on the plans for 2025, on our 10 year marriage anniversary. I hope this time we can go to visit Maui.
Let me know if you have any questions about travel to Hawaii on a budget I might be able to help!
Stay Good and Safe travels
Jo
TRVLS & COMIDA 
Leave a comment