Hawaii is the vacation destination of a million dreams. Many of those dreams are dashed by the daunting cost of flight tickets, not to mention the hundred tourist traps lying in wait once paradise is reached. However, Honolulu doesn't have to be expensive. No vacation does. All it takes to live cheaply is living like a local.
Where to Stay
Ignore the fancy hotels in Waikiki, especially those that are further west. These luxury hotels sit next to Ala Moana, an enormous boutique shopping mall that makes a large swathe of its income off of high-rolling tourists. Instead, look toward the eastern side of Waikiki, and don't try to find a room on the beach. The beach is only a couple of blocks away from all the budget hotels in the area, and this shouldn't be a point of concern.
When to Go
Unfortunately, there's no real low point for Hawaii tourist season. As a tourist economy, Hawaii is eager to bring in tourists no matter the time of year. The usual wisdom still applies. The highest point of travel will always be during holidays and school breaks. Luckily, you can largely avoid the tourist throngs by going where tourists simply don't venture.
What to Do
The best part of a vacation in Honolulu is that once you're there, you don't have to spend money to keep yourself entertained. The only cost of the beach is the amount you spend on your sunscreen--don't forget that, now--and the occasional refreshing beverage.
Waikiki is a long beach with plenty of places for people to spread out and find their own space, but if you find yourself looking for somewhere less populated to dig your toes into the sand, other beaches are only a cheap bus ride away. Some hotels may offer free shuttle rides to other, more distant locations. It's no trouble to slip aboard one of these, even if you aren't staying at the hotel.
You might even take a bus ride out to the North Shore. Though it lies about ninety minute's drive from Honolulu, the legendary waves are a true inspiration, especially in winter.
Other cheap entertainment options include hikes, which are plentiful, and many of which are friendly to hikers of all levels of expertise. Diamond Head and Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail are especially forgiving.
What to Eat
This is where strategic spending really comes in handy. Try not to eat anything in Waikiki. The quality of the food isn't suspect, far from it. But the price is enough to make any local run screaming for cheaper alternatives. Try out Kaimuki's Waialae Avenue for a whole collection of local favorites, or drop by Manoa Marketplace. Be sure to take a jaunt through Chinatown, which is situated on the western end of downtown.
Local treats to try include saimin, a kind of local ramen, manapua, or steamed pork buns, and of course, the notorious spam musubi. You may become a diehard convert!
