Looking for advice on Hawaiian vacation....

[Slk]

My family would like to go to Hawaii this summer. We live in WI. I'm looking for advice on any $$saving deals you may be aware of. Thanks!

[ljthumper20]

Summer is the high season for Hawaii, so lodging and airfare are normally a bit higher.
Bundled deals with airfare and hotel are sometimes cheaper than you can find on your own, so look at those. If you have a large family and need more than one room a night, you may want to look at VRBO.com for a vacation rental instead of multiple hotel rooms. Sometimes renting a condo or a home is cheaper and gives you the abiltiy to cook a few meals yourself saving you on dining expenses. I love staying in condos when we go to Hawaii. They offer more room and usually come with the same service as hotels....maid service, pools & hot tubs, grilling, wi-fi, etc.

If you're a AAA member check with them on sales or specials and maps of the island.
Once you decide on which island or islands to visit, be sure to pick up a book or two dedicated to that island. The blue "Revealed" books by Doughty are good references.

Book you car rental through Hotwire or Priceline which will generally save you some cash. Don't book this portion too far out. Rates normally drop the closer you get to your departure date. We normally book our car about 4 weeks out and pay less than $25 per day.

Also check out TripAdvisor.com for information. The forums there have lots of helpful people.

Hope that helps!!
Mahalo!

[judymd]

buy your gas at Costco.

chocolate macadamia gift packs were very reasonable at Costco.

[Mama Stu]

The best advice I can give you, is to take me with you

[amylynne01]

The best advice I can give you, is to take me with you

And MEEEE!! lol

Which island(s) are going to?

[judymd]

do an NCL cruise?

You get to see several islands, only unpack once and the food and hotel is included?

[Slk]

And MEEEE!! lol

Which island(s) are going to?

Honestly, I don't know yet. My husband wants to plan the whole thing and surprise us. The only thing I know for sure is that we will be there the week our daughter turns 16.

[lmcconne]

We did the NCL cruise and quite had a good and memorable time.

[atcwag]

I went to Honolulu about 5 years ago - it was like being in a big city with nice weather and a beach. If you want a more "Hawaii" experience, I suggest going to Maui or another less developed area :0)

[ljthumper20]

Honolulu is Dallas with a beach! Really! Not my idea of a beach vacation....it was too noisy. However it does have some good points, you can walk around and not need a car the whole time. They have public transit there. If you get a car, get out of Honolulu and away from the city.....you'll get a better island experience. As a first time visit I would say Maui or Kauai would be more of what you think of when you think Hawaii.