by Skyler Sage

Created on: September 27, 2007   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

The magic of Hawaii as a vacation destination is that the best entertainment is indeed FREE. This unique quality of the islands makes traveling here on a budget natural, easy and fun.

Tip #1: BOOKING YOUR TRIP STRATEGIES AND HINTS

For airline travel, Hawaiian Airlines website is far and away the best way to go. They show you multiple options and rates on one page. You can book at these rates far in advance. Then, you can book your accommodations around your great fares.

Choose a condo over a hotel. They are loaded with all you need a kitchen with dish ware, cooking ware, etc., washer/dryer, TV/DVD player, stereo and often high speed Internet access. They provide beach towels and often beach gear like boogie boards, beach chairs, etc. ALL of this is included in the rental fee.

I recently learned that you can rent autos through lesser-known agencies that are not located at the airport. They will pick you up at the airport and shuttle you back free of charge. Their rates put the major rental agencies to shame.

Tip #2: GRAB ONLY ONE OF THE MANY PIECES OF "TOURIST INFORMATION" THAT YOU ARE OFFERED UPON YOUR ARRIVAL: A GOOD ROAD MAP

Other than that, the rest is full of every type of "tourist trap" imaginable. And they are indeed traps. Most of these activities are overrated, overpriced, and only remotely pleasurable.

Tip #3: TALK TO LOCALS

We who know our islands well can give you sage advice about which beaches, which restaurants, which "must sees" and "must do's" are of true value. We who live here know from experience where to get away from "tourists," the best places to eat those that offer the best food at the best prices. We are often happy to share this with those that are coming here to find an alternative to the typical tourist experience.

Tip #4: ALL FOR FREE

Rise early and see the sunrise. Stay up late and bask in the moon. Never miss a sunset. Structuring your time around these natural wonders will assure you a trip you'll never forget and they are all free for the taking. Watch for rainbows, rare birds and flowers, roads less traveled. Take risks. It's all here awaiting your discovery it's simply a matter of tuning into the fact that you are indeed in paradise...

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