Many tourists want to travel to Hawaii, but one concern holds them back: their finances. A state-commissioned survey revealed that many visitors had an excellent trip in Hawaii, with the first-timers being more satisfied than the repeat visitors. While many people enjoyed their stay, a lot of visitors stated that it was unlikely for them to come back to the state because of how expensive vacations are nowadays.
These high expenses can be discouraging, especially if you’re planning to travel to the state on your own. However, you can save costs and enjoy Hawaii by planning a budget-friendly road trip through these tips:
Get a rental car ahead of time
Your budget road trip can be very expensive, especially if you wait until the last minute to book your rental car. Large vans cost as much as $500 a day and convertibles are rented out for more than $1,000 daily in Honolulu, the state’s capital. Meanwhile, the cheapest available rental car in Maui is already around $700 per day because it happens to be a popular tourist destination. While solo travelers can save costs by renting budget or mid-sized vehicles, you can further avoid these high fees and secure your preferred vehicle by renting a car as soon as possible.
Plan a budget-friendly itinerary
You’ll find it easier to stick to your budget when you’re visiting spots that are well-known for affordability. Our list of 10 best US beach towns ranks places based on their affordability, nightlife establishments, restaurants, and more. One of the beach towns that made it to this list is Lahaina in Maui, which has stunning free beaches like the Kaanapali Beach and beautiful sites like the Kapalua Coastal Trail. Another beach town cited in the list is Kailua in Oahu where you can visit the Kailua Beach Park for free and enjoy budget-friendly food at the Kailua Farmers Market.
Use free parking areas near tourist spots
Once you’ve mapped out your itinerary, you have to look for areas where you can park your car for free. A guide to free or cheap Waikiki parking lots recommends that you park your car for free in the Waikiki Shell lot along Monsarrat Avenue if you want to visit the Honolulu Zoo and chill on the nearby Kūhiō Beach afterwards. You can also park for free along the Ala Wai Canal during weekday afternoons and weekends, so that you can take your time shopping at the Ala Moana Shopping Centre or surfing on the Ala Moana Beach.
Book your trip during the low season
You can score more deals and discounts for your solo road trip by going to Hawaii during the low season. An article on the best time to visit Hawaii points out that the state is more crowded during mid-December to late February, as well as from late June to early September. Meanwhile, you should consider visiting from April to May, or September to November when the accommodation fees and other services are much cheaper. It’s also more fun to do a road trip during these months because there are fewer crowds and traffic jams in the state.
You don’t need to break the bank to enjoy the best of Hawaii. By planning your own road trip, you’ll find it easier to manage your finances as you explore the state.