Anyone have any ideas on how to do Hawaii on a strict budget?

[momsgoofy]

Also, as someone who's been there (Hawaii), don't feel you have to "do" all the expensive, tourist stuff. Some of its so expensive you think you'll never be able to afford it, especially with kids. Really, you don't need a helicopter ride ( it could easily come to $600+ for a family of four!), you don't need to stay in the most posh hotels, you don't need to go horseback riding at $100 per hour, etc. Some of our best times were just going to the beach, relaxing, taking driving tours (we rented a van), pack a picnic lunch in a cooler, stop by the roadside to eat, buy fresh fruits at a roadside market, well, you get the idea. It can be as expensive or cheap as you make it.

A tip to save you a little money--you could look into the Golden Eagle Passport for national parks (not sure how to find them, just go to national parks.org). For a flat fee you get unlimited access to National parks for a year. The volcanos are a national park, also Halealeka (sp?) on Maui is a national park. They charge an entry fee, not sure what it is now, but figure your break even point. We figured we saved about $50 with it. Not a whopping sum, but it could buy a souvenier or something...............

vhoffman and icekdz...you're both talking about our dream vacation to Hawaii...doing as little as possible and doing as much relaxing as possible. If we'd end up on Oahu I know that we'd like to go to the Arizona Memorial and that is about as extensive sight seeing so far...doubt there'd be much more. I'd like to get to the big island because I've got an email pal who lives there and would love to meet her and the family...there are so many things we have in common that started with a love for Disney...even have the same size family...with DSs the same age...so that would be really nice to get to meet them...and bless her heart, she has volunteered to be a personal tour guide for a few days...depending on her schedule and such. I know we could focus on 1 or the other of the 2 islands, but hate to be so close to one and not do the other...if that makes sense.

But for us, the goal of a Hawaii vacation is to do as little as possible...just relax. So, the extra stuff isn't going to be a huge cost...it's that blasted airfare...

 

[momsgoofy]

And on the subject of airfare....I've another question and since we're talking about saving money to get to Hawaii...

Since I know that I will not find a direct, NS flight from the midwest to Hawaii...should I start looking at booking airfare in 2 legs separately? Like...a flight from St. Louis to LA then a separate flight LA to HNL?

If yes...that brings up the question of luggage...IF I book the say...STL to LA and LA to HNL on the same airline...can I get my luggage checked thru all the way to HNL? Or will we have to re-check them at LA?

I know that if I would book with 2 different airlines I'd end up having to re-check the bags before making the airline switch....anyone have any info on the pros and cons of booking a flight as one....midwest to HNL or breaking it up? Gracious, I hope ya'll undertand what I'm trying to say...it's the last day of Christmas break before I have to return to work so I'm trying not to tax my brain too much...lol

Thanks again everyone! Ya'll are wonderful!!!

 

[vhoffman]

Ok, about the bags and transferring flights. We ran into a similar problem with our last trip there. We flew Continental to Honolulu, then Aloha to Maui. However, we had to claim the bags at HNL, go through all the security stuff, shlep the bags from baggage claim to the Aloha check in desk. I asked when we checked in at Houston if we could have the bags sent to our final destination without us doing the transferring. Used to be you could do so, but now with security and such its a bit more complicated.

Essentially, the airline you start with can only send your bags as far as their itinerary says your going. So if Continental shows your final destination is HNL, that's where your bags go. If you want your bags sent to the final destination, its called "inter line the bags". Remember that term. Seems they didn't know what I was talking about until I learned that term. Well, at Houston, if I had some sort of proof that Maui was my final destination they (Continental) could use that to inter line the bags. However, all I had was an itinerary from Aloha, not the e ticket itself. (all I needed to get on the Aloha flight was the confirmation number, which was on the itinerary--well, I just forgot to print off the actual e ticket). without proof, there was no way Continential would interline the bags for me.

So, just remember to bring proof of every leg of your journey with you when you first check in. Remember they want the actual e ticket. It helps if the entire itinerary is printed out on your original ticket--say you make your first leg on Continental, if they make the arrangements for the continuing flights they should be all on your Continental ticket. That applies if the continuing legs are on Continental or another airline they have a code-share with. Sounding complicated? Just remember to have actual documentation of each flight at your point of origin and they should be able to send your bags to their final destination.

I recently read about someone who booked a vacation using a travel agent. There were several flights, all on different airlines. Well, the ta screwed up and didn't make sure all connecting flights were on code-share airlines. These people missed one flight because the connecting flight was delayed. They thought the airline would make arrangements to get them to their final destination. Wrong! Because the subsequent flights were not code share partners, the originating airline was only responsible for their segment, nothing else. They were just sol. Ended up paying a bundle more just to get home. You would think a ta would know that, that's what he's paid to do!. Perhaps he did, but just went for the flight combination that netted him the biggest commission, to hell with the travelers! (that's why I never use a ta). What's my point? Don't think going through a ta or package deal will streamline things, it could make a big mess and you're stuck with it.

When I made my reservations last year with CA airlines I told them I was going on to Maui via Aloha. They said there was no problem with transferring the bags. No one told me about the code share bit, bringing proof, etc. Apparently the guy I spoke with on the phone either didn't know what he was talking about, didn't want to take the time to find out, and/or didn't want to take the time to be bothered explaining it to me. Those people are rated on how fast they process phone calls, why should they be bothered getting you the right information if they're going to be gigged for the extra time? You can hardly blame them!


So, I hope I haven't babbled so much I've confused you. Just make sure to bring proof of each flight segment, especially if its on another airline, with you to the originating airport. Make sure you say the magic words "inter line the bags". Seems they just don't get it when you tell them you're changing airlines mid-trip and want your bags sent to their final destination. Too many words?

 

[HappyLawyer]

i used skyauction they had a 8 day tour were you island hop hotel and air about 1000.00 per person, it was nice

 

[icekdz]

Regarding checking bags to final the destination.... When we were returning home from Maui we flew on Hawaiian Airlines to Honolulu and then America West to PHX and then on to Chicago. We left Maui early in the morning (like 8 am) so we could tour the Arizona Memorial and Diamond Head on Oahu. Our flight out of HNL did not leave until 10:30 pm that night but we were able to check our bags to Chicago that morning at the Hawaiian Airlines check in. It was a weird feeling because with travel and time change we didn't see our bags until 3:30pm the next day in Chicago!! It was awesome though because we didn't have to worry about anyone breaking into the car to get our luggage. I had read alot on another travel website that said never leave anything in your rental car while at the Arizona Memorial. We did not book our America West and Hawaiian flights together. In fact, we booked the Island hopping flights on Hawaiian when we first arrived at the HNL airport. They are code share partners so that is why we were able to check our luggage back on the return. Hope I wrote that so that it makes sense!

When on Oahu be sure to check out the lagoons at Ko Olina. They are awesome.

Have fun planning your trip.

 

[Ragnrok23]

Bump

Also try www.cheapticket.com

 

[harleyquinn]

This thread is great!

Keep the info coming!

 

[iwannbindisnee]

Anyone been to Kauai (or from there) that would recommend a specific tour-we'd like to take a boat tour around the island-see whales, seals (you know-probably a touristything to do!) & also a luau? Or perhaps a tour you would recommend! Thanks everyone! Deb

 

[OurDogCisco]

We did the snorkel/Napali Coast thing with Captain's Andys. We had a great time. Here's another cool site:

http://www.101thingstodo.com/hawaii/kauai/activities/snorkelthenapalicoast/index.php

The only luau we've been to is the Smith Tropical Garden one. It was nice. WE also did the Fern Grotto tour right before the luau. They are located right next door to each other. While on the boat to the Fern Grotto we passed a bunch of kayaking people. That looked like a lot of fun. I love Kauai. I feel so relaxed when I go there. NOt like WDW. LOL...

 

[vhoffman]

Here's a couple of sites you might find helpful--


www.Hawaii4less.com

www.all-inclusive-Hawaii.com

 

[iwannbindisnee]

OurDogCisco & Vhoffman--thanks very much for the info I am looking up your ideas right now!! Disney in Feb & Hawaii in April-not a bad start to 2006 Deb

 

[caribear]

My dh and I went to Kauai for our honeymoon in 2001. It was the most wonderful vacation!! We stayed at the Kauai Marriott and can't wait to be able to go back! We spent a ridiculous amount of money.....hotel and airfare were a gift, so we only had to pay for our car rental, food and "fun." We enjoyed every minute of it though. We went horsepack riding through Princeville Stables and went to a secluded waterfall.....took a helicopter tour....went on a 6-hour snorkeling tour of the NaPali coast (I think this was with Captain Andy's)....kayaked down to the Fern Grotto and another hidden waterfall (gotta be fit for this one!).....drove up Waimea Canyon(absolutely incredible views)....went to the Smith Tropical Paradise Luau......I could go on! We ate at Dukes Canoe Club many nights....they have a great salad bar that comes with their meals and the best Mahi-Mahi dish!

My 2 favorite Kauai books are:

The Ulitmate Kauai Guidebook by Doughty and Friedman
and
Kauai Underground by Lenore W. Horowitz

I can only dream of the day when we will be able to go back! We would love to stay at the Hyatt in Princeville next time we visit. They have a wonderful pool with a slide and you can even kayak in part of the pool/lagoon area. The Kauai Marriott does not have a slide, but they do have the largest pool on Kauai. Also their beach in more of an alcove, so the water is not too rough.

 

[Nolcrest]

This topic just put a smile on my face because I have a brother who lives in Hawaii and is always asking us to spend time with his family at his home. The thing is -----we don't fly! Go figure. On a side note my father is there right now visiting for 3 weeks. He got free airfare using miles thru his credit card and of course the lodging is free. I hope it all works out for you.

 

[vhoffman]

Our Hawaii trip is June 2-18, 16 days! I can't wait, starting to get ready now, buying stuff. Hawaii really is different from a Disney trip--less walking, less being "on the clock", it can be what you make it. Now if we could only find a way to retire there

I know--put every expense for the next ten years on Hilton Honors AMEX, accrue a ton of Hilton Honors points, and live the rest of our days at the Hilton Hawaiian Village! There could be worse fates! However, won't work, you can only use HH points for 6 consecutive nights. Well, maybe we could keep checking out and back in?

 

[vhoffman]

Oh, here's another little tip I just thought of--every bit helps!

They have the Safeway chain in Hawaii, and they use their club card for discounts. If you have a club card at Safeway, Randalls, or Tom Thumb, take it with you, you can get some discounts at the stores there. If not, you can just apply for one there--don't need to be a local resident. We took the extra few minutes to fill out the club card application at the Safeway in Maui, it saved us over $40 on one visit!

Here's another of my "helpful hints" don't overload yourself with sunscreen. Just take one or two bottles to get started, really they sell it everywhere for reasonable prices. Don't "carry coals to Newcastle"!

 

[4girlsmom]

We shopped at the Safeway in Maui, too. We stayed at the Embassy Suites last Oct. & fully stocked our kitchenette with lunch stuff. Besides playing at the beach & pool, our favorite family activity was the Royal Lahaina Luau.

 

[iwannbindisnee]

Caribear--where you able to book tours & such once you got there, or would you recommend boking on line before you get there? I had heard there are some good books once you get there that you can get coupons from.
Tahnks everyone for the ideas on Kuaui! I have to book the flight from HNL to LIH & it appears there are basically 2 airlines-ALoha & Hawaiin AIrlines. I am doing that this week, since I doublt the rates will be very cheap the later I wait. Any pros or cons for either airline?
Thanks again all !! Debbie

 

[vhoffman]

If you use Aloha airlines, join their frequent flyer club, forget what its called . They have specials and discounts for their members that you can only access with a club number.

However, I'd be leary of using Aloha. They've been having financial trouble and I think I read somewhere they're filing for bankruptcy. Also, having flown both Aloha and Hawaiian, if I had a choice I'd go for Hawaiian. Check their website for deals, too. The inter island flights are just 20-30 minutes so you can put up with a lot for that amount of time, however, the employees seem to have an attitude, I found the planes dirty and uncomfortable, and their flights are usually not on time. For about the same price, I'd go Hawaiian.

 

[caribear]

iwannabindisney: I would recommend booking your tours ahead of time. I think the horseback riding only took 8 people, so that fills up fast. We did wait to rent the Kayak and found a coupon in one of the books on the island. We also waited to book the Luau. You can find some coupons online for the major tours (helicopter and snorkeling tour) plus discounts if you book online.

 

[iwannbindisnee]

Vhoffman & Caribear--thanks for the info & opinions. I think I will use Hawaiin airlines & I will reserve the 2 things we want to do the most before we go. My daughter has seen the Zip line tours, so I'll be looking up info on that on line & definitely the snorkel/boat tour around Napali coast. THanks again! Deb