Hawaii is not usually associated with cheap travel, but you can save with some smart planning.
Getting to Hawaii from the mainland or other areas of the world is likely to cost a significant amount of money, but once you arrive on the islands, you can find a place to lay your head down without emptying your wallet. There are some ways to save money if you take the time to look around and find accommodations that charge much less than the highly touted resort destinations.
Hilo Hawaiian
When people visit the Big Island of Hawaii, they are more likely to find a hotel on the western, or Kona side of the island. Kailua Kona and the Kohala Coast offer luxurious hotel accommodations and big price tags to go with them.
But a couple of hours away on the northeastern side of the island is Hilo, the largest city on the island. The old downtown features a tsunami museum, a theater, a fantastic farmer's market and oceanfront restaurants and shops that can keep a visitor busy for at least a day.
Perched beside the ocean on Banyan Drive is the city's largest hotel that offers nice rooms and lots of amenities without the high price. For as little as $99 per night, you can stay right by the sea and be much closer to the island's biggest attraction, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, than you would be on the Kona side.
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
71 Banyan Dr.
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
808-935-9361
castleresorts.com
Camp Haleakala
Plan your next camping trip near the summit of Haleakala. At Camp Haleakala, you sleep for free in the most scenic area you have ever stayed in. This volcano is the highest point on the island of Maui. The views from the mountain include a city-sized crater or a sunny coastline through the clouds. Contact the offices of the Haleakala National Park to get a free permit for camping.
Haleakala National Park
Kula, Hawaii 96790
808-572-4400
nps.gov
Aqua Palms
Located just a short walk from Hawaii's most famous beach, the AAA Three-diamond Aqua Palms and Spa is right in the middle of this bustling part of Oahu.
The hotel has 267 tropical-themed rooms with private lanai and views of Waikiki Beach and Diamondhead or the bright cityscape of Honolulu against the backdrop of a rugged island mountain range. A weekday visitor to the Aqua Palms can stay in the hotel for as little as $79 per night. The Aqua Palms also has a rooftop swimming pool and a full-service spa on-site.
Aqua Palms and Spa
1850 Ala Moana Blvd.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
866-971-2782
aquapalms.com
Tags: Aqua Palms, National Park, Camp Haleakala, Haleakala National, Haleakala National Park, Hilo Hawaiian