The island of Hawaii is the youngest island in the Hawaiian chain. It is still growing and is the best place to see live volcano activity. It is also home to some of the best waters for snorkeling in the state. Unfortunately, a trip to this beautiful island can be very expensive. Eating at restaurants, hotel accommodations and daily tours and activities can quickly add up. Luckily there are many very simple ways that you can save money so that you can enjoy Hawaii, even if you're on a budget.
Instructions
1. Book your travel during Hawaii's off season. Avoid the peak travel times of Christmas and summertime. Consider traveling between September and December or in the springtime.
2. Choose unconventional accommodations. Consider a hostel such as Pineapple Park, which is located close to Kealakekua Bay. Save money by staying at a vacation rental. Vacation Rentals by Owner (vrbo.com) has a number of listings for the Big Island. For even bigger savings, visit a home exchange site where you can swap homes with someone in Hawaii at no cost to you.
3. Avoid eating out. Food is expensive in Hawaii since almost everything has to be shipped in. Get a Maka'i membership card at the nearest Foodland grocery store, which is free to join and entitles you to significant discounts on groceries. If you have to eat out, consider getting a plate lunch, which is very Hawaiian. Plate lunches consist of meat such as kalua pig, a scoop of rice and a scoop of macaroni salad. It is both filling and very cheap.
4. Explore Hawaii's natural beauty for free or nearly free. Spend a day exploring Volcanoes National Park and see Kilauea volcano. Hike through lush tropical rainforests. Explore the many beaches on the Big Island. Bring along snorkeling gear for a visit to Kealakekua Bay.
5. Take advantage of discount offers. If you want to do a few organized tours, look for brochures such as Big Island Gold that offer discounts on activities such as helicopter rides and ocean tours. You'll find these fliers all over the airport when you arrive.
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