[Nom]

What’s wrong with central America. Get less robbed

[Scar]

Do all the free hikes, beaches, snorkeling. Stock up on food from Costco when you arrive or pack un perishables to eat for breakfast lunch and splurge on dinners if you want.

[Frances]

I was just at the Big Island for the 2nd time. Went with 2 other friends and split the cost on lodging and car rental except food and excursions.

Had an amazing VRBO with our own large bedrooms, WIC, ocean views, and bathrooms each for $1k each over 1 week.

Had an enormous beautifully laid out kitchen w/ granite countertop that already had a bunch of stuff, condiments, drinks, breakfast items, snacks available but we took full advantage of eating poke and island food all day everyday.

Came with large washer/dryer and they had tons of beach equipment (and lots of sunscreen and bug repellant) from previous travelers leaving it there.

So, there were a lot of things we could have not spent money on just by virtue of having a fully stocked house.

Even water and soft drinks! Car rental was only $100 per person for the week and added on another driver (non-spouse) for free through Costco’s car rental program (picked Alamo).

And of course I used points for a RT from NY on unpopular days to travel (Tuesday w/ a redeye coming back).

[Holli]

I rent a U-Haul van. $20 a day. Hit Walmart, buy an air mattress and cooler….enjoy

[Daniel]

Hikes and parks. There are PLENTY of free things to see when there…. But I wouldn’t shy away from splurging a bit.

This could be your last time in HI ever.

[Tyson]

Buy McDonald’s and do the survey for a free burger or coffee whatever it is now. Sleep in the rental car.

Get your drinking water from Walmart water fountain.

I’ll never go back to Hawaii, you can get better for less

[Paul]

Went twice in the last year at least once to all four main islands. Lodging is tough to get reasonably.

Agree with the Costco comments.

We also use Southwest companion pass to get one person there for just taxes and fees.

[Christina]

What did you spend your money on?
Hawaii is my splurge trip and we go all out, well almost all out.

We save a lot on food by cooking our meals and not going to tourist traps.

We also don’t drink alcohol. Lots of free things to do so no excursions for us.

Love poke bowls from Foodland for $11. 7-11 has great choices for cheap. Grocery shop from Costco and get free stuff from one of the pass it on groups.

[Cecily]

I think you just need to reframe the spending. Travel costs money. If the experience is worth it, budget for it and feel no guilt.

[Marin]

Hawaii was expensive! Even with points, free flights etc. Don’t think we’ll be back for awhile. I actually liked Costa Rica a lot more

[George]

Most supermarkets have pokes, so many varieties and half the price compared with the Continental US

[Wendi]

I paid everything cash given the deals I got
Hotel for 6 days – $1.2k with $300 cash back
Car $600
Food $1000
Shopping $2000
Not bad for a 6-day trip

[Author]

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