Experience Honolulu for Less

Experience Honolulu for Less

Honolulu, Hawaii is a dream beach vacation destination, but as with most islands, it’s an expensive place to visit. You won’t find cheap hotels in Honolulu near Waikiki Beach, but, if you are willing to stay a short distance from the waves, you’ll get great discount hotel rates.
How Far From the Beach?

The cheapest hotels will be a mile or more from the beach. They often have microwaves and refrigerators in-room, so guests can reduce the number of times they eat out. The main problem with these hotels is getting to the beach. Renting a car may be the only option, which will off-set the cost of getting a cheaper hotel. The other option is to find a hotel that is within walking distance of the beach but not right on the waves. The rooms will be cheaper than a beach-front hotel. Some hotels have private balconies, an on-site bar and restaurant as well as fully-equipped kitchens and free high-speed Internet access.

The Biggest Savings

Single travelers have the best choice for cheap accommodation in Honolulu. The YMCA and the YWCA offer sparsely decorated rooms and shared bathrooms. They also have a pool, gym and a community microwave. For about $43 per night, this is a great deal. There are also two hostels in Honolulu that are even cheaper. One is a two minute walk from the beach and the other is near Kuhio Beach Park and the Honolulu Zoo. The one near the beach has shared bathrooms and kitchen with four people in a dormitory room, free Wi-Fi and an on-site restaurant. The one near the zoo has private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi and breakfast and a communal kitchen.

Good Deals at Luxury Hotels

The luxury hotels in Honolulu have the cheapest rates in the fall. From September through November, the temperature drops to the 70s or 80s and even the airlines drop their fares. It’s the time of year when all the hotels offer discounted rates. The crowds have gone home and students have gone back to school. Some hotels offer free nights when a guest pays for one night to keep their rooms occupied. With the low-cost luxury rooms, amenities like breakfast, Internet access and parking may come with a fee.

It’s not easy to find a cheap hotel room in Honolulu, and it may take some research. There are also discounts that apply such as AAA, senior citizen or military discounts. Sometimes, last minute hotel searches are the best way to get a good deal.

What to Do Besides Go to the Beach?

The beaches are free and a person on a tight budget can stay there all day for nothing. Other activities include hiking on Diamond Head. You need to wear good shoes and bring plenty of water, but the views of the island and ocean you get at the top are well worth the effort. Visitors can enjoy live shows and other free entertainment at the International Market. On Fridays the Palace grounds hosts the Royal Hawaiian Band to give free concerts at lunch time in the palace gazebo, and there are fireworks every night that you can see from anywhere on Waikiki Beach.

Honolulu, Hawaii is famous for its relaxed and casual atmosphere. Even with a small vacation budget, you can enjoy all Honolulu has to offer.

This article was contributed by Fiona Moriarty of Hipmunk, the most comprehensive travel search website allowing you to find the best deals on anything from flights and hotels to train rides and Homeaway rentals.