Affordable family vacations in Hawaii are possible with a little research and planning.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not hard to keep an entire family entertained in Hawaii without breaking the bank. The island paradise boasts a number of ways to save while vacationing with multiple generations. From lodging to food, entertainment to souvenirs, the following tips will help make your dream of taking an affordable family vacation in Hawaii, a reality:
The "Aloha State" is home to a bevy of beautiful resorts. However, these sprawling properties, which boast everything, from dolphin swimming adventures to ocean-front multi-room suites with private butlers, don't come cheap. If you are toting the entire family to Hawaii, then consider staying at a budget hotel or condo with an attached kitchenette. Having a small refrigerator, microwave, and cooktop at your disposable will help save big bucks by allowing you to prepare meals in your room. What's more, most families visiting Hawaii rarely spend much time in their hotel rooms when there's so much to see and do around the island.
Eating out can really add up when you are vacationing in Hawaii. If you have a large family, skip the traditional sit-down restaurants and opt to dine at the state's popular "lunch wagons." These food trucks pepper the streets and beaches of Hawaii with affordable, yet delectable, menu items. You will be shocked by how large the serving portions are. A typical combo plate sells for five dollars and includes a number of island favorites, including Hawaiian Kalua Pork and Korean Short Ribs on a bed of fresh island cabbage, plus two scoops of rice, and a scoop of macaroni/potato salad. The massive meal will leave you and your wallet full.
Forget about shopping at local souvenir shops for trinkets to bring home from your family vacation to Hawaii. Some of the best deals on souvenirs can be found at area farmers' markets. In addition to selling fresh pineapple, papayas and other local fruit, which vendors will box up for you to ship home, the markets are filled with handcrafted Hawaiian mementos that appeal to everyone in the family, from authentic hula skirts to shell necklaces and hand carved toys made from local woods. Also, forget about purchasing a flower lei from the airport to take back home. Rather, by buying one at a local farmers' market you are guaranteed fresh flowers at drastically reduced prices.
Hawaii boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the world, and most of them don't cost a dime to visit. Families can spend the entire day at Hawaii's beaches for free while soaking up the sun, enjoying powder-soft sand, island breezes and miles of unspoiled views of the Pacific Ocean. In addition to the gorgeous beaches, the state also offers a number of other attractions free of charge, including the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo located on the Big Island of Hawaii. The 12-acre zoo is home to more than 80 animal species, including the endangered Nene bird and white Bengal Tiger.
For clans with active-duty or retired military members, scoring affordable family vacations in Hawaii is a breeze. The 50th state has one of the most generous military discount programs in the world, which makes visiting the tropical paradise down right cheap for veterans. From hotels to rental cars, popular tourist attractions to restaurants, the savings for military personnel are huge. For example, Hawaii's Hale Koa Hotel, located near famed Waikiki Beach, operates for the exclusive use of retired and current members of the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves, and National Guard. Rooms there cost 50 percent less than ones at comparable properties throughout the state. Adding to the savings is the fact that guests at the Hale Koa are exempt from paying Hawaii sales tax on rooms.
In Hawaii "ohana" means family, and that's exactly how you are treated when you visit the Pacific paradise. Hawaii's Aloha spirit is palpable in its warm and friendly people and litany of family-friendly vacation options.
If you are looking to escape to a safe vacation destination with an exotic feel, then check out the following reputable websites, which offer discount vacation packages to Hawaii for frugal families:
Another way to save is to make friends with a local travel agent who can contact you when special deals to Hawaii become available.
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