How to vacation in Hawaii without blowing your budget

Hawaii has long been considered a dream holiday destination, and for good reason. It boasts a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, unique culture, delicious local cuisine, and stunning natural scenery. From endless stretches of soft golden sand lined by crystal ocean to lush rainforests and towering mountain peaks, the Aloha State truly has it all. Which is exactly why many people think that a vacation to Hawaii is so expensive it can be nothing more than a dream.

You’ll be pleased to hear that this is nothing but a misconception! Although a trip to the Hawaiian islands can be very costly, it by no means has to be. Want to find out more? Here are a few top tips for vacationing here affordably.

·       Dine at food trucks

Many travelers find that a lot of their vacation budget goes on wining and dining, however in Hawaii it’s relatively easy to eat on a budget. One of the best pieces of advice is to avoid restaurants which are specifically aimed at tourists, because they often inflate their prices to match the market. Instead, look for one that caters to local people – you’ll often find that they’re not only cheaper, but the food is better too! Food trucks are a great option, because they offer delicious and authentic Hawaiian cuisine at just a fraction of the cost.

·       Pick your travel dates wisely

As with the majority of vacation destinations, the precise time of year that you travel to Hawaii can impact how much your holiday costs. Of course not everyone has the luxury of being able to choose when they go abroad, for instance if you have kids in school. If you can though, traveling during the off-season can save you a lot on the cost of both flights and accommodation – even at luxurious Kona resorts.

The most expensive times to visit tend to be the Christmas/New Year period, Easter, and the summer, so try to travel outside of those periods if you can. The great thing about this tip is that it genuinely doesn’t feel like a compromise, because Hawaii’s weather is beautiful all year round! That means you can still hit the beach and do all the fun activities you were hoping to no matter when you visit.

·       Make the most of cheap and free activities

One of Hawaii’s advantages is that many of the activities on offer are actually cheap or free. For instance, you could spend the entire day lounging on a postcard-perfect beach and paddling in the azure ocean without having to spend any money. Similarly, the islands are full of hiking routes that take you past breathtakingly gorgeous natural scenery for free. When it comes to activities you do have to pay for, always search for a discount code or special offer before making a purchase!

·       Grab a last-minute deal

Eager to get away as soon as possible? One final tip is to seek out last-minute deals to save money. If you are able to be flexible with when you travel, this can be a great way to get a bargain. As well as flights and accommodation, you might also be able to find offers on activities or tours once you arrive.