We're going to Hawaii June 2-18, 5 nights each on Kauai, Maui, and Oahu. On Kauai and Maui we're staying in condos with kitchens so we can reduce our eating costs considerably. However, our last 5 nights on Oahu are hotel room only, no kitchen. However, you can't beat the price--free! We're staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village using our Hilton Honors points. Actually, we're staying 4.5 nights. Our plane leaves at 10 pm, so we're choosing to stay late/check out early the 5th night (leave about 7 pm) to have the use of the hotel room until then.
I'm somewhat concerned about keeping food costs down, especially while on Oahu. HHV is very expensive to eat at. We've eaten at the Rainbow Lanai (get there before 5 pm, reduced prices, plus first pick of the buffet!), however, that would be an expensive dinner every night. We will have a rent car, any suggestions for good eateries nearby? Of course, I do plan to have some food items in the room, using the tricks I've learned from Disboards and my Disney trips, I've become rather good at feeding us in a hotel room! I believe we can get a small fridge, otherwise, just buy a cheap stryofoam ice box, breakfast things like cereal, bagels, cream cheese, fruit, juice, sandwich fixings, late -night snacks like breakfast bars, chips, etc. plus, of course, bottled water. We won't starve! Also, last trip to Hawaii, we rented a minivan and packed a cooler with bottled water and snacks to avoid paying through the nose every time we wanted a snack (you're not in the hotel every time you're hungry!).
Well, any advice about inexpensive eateries near Hilton Hawaiian Village? I understand there's restaurants like Dennys, IHop, etc., are they near HHV? I've had some people (who honestly don't know any better) shoot down my ideas to keep food costs down--"who wants to go to Hawaii to eat in a Dennys? who wants to sit in a hotel room and eat peanut butter sandwiches?" These remarks are from people who have no idea of how high food bills can run in touristy areas-- "Who wants to spend $300+ per day just to eat?" Got to cut costs somewhere. We usually have one nice meal a day out somewhere, for the ambience as well as the food. Its just that you don't want to run out to eat every time you put food in your mouth. That could double the price of your trip!
So, advice about eating cheaply in Waikiki, near Hilton Hawaiian Village? Thanks!
My flights, since they were booked around Christmas time have just about doubled in price now. These are for June flight, but I can't imagine nearly $2000. I thought my about $1000 tickets were bad.
Deb
