Very rarely do you look at a budget traveler's or backpacker's itinerary and see a tropical Pacific island listed.
Why? It probably has to do with the cost of getting to the island and staying there. If the word "paradise" shows up, the dollar signs probably will too. But that doesn't mean a budget traveler cannot afford the experience.
Even famous (and pricey) destinations like Hawaii can be done on a budget if you do your homework and plan.
I've been preparing for a week-long trip to Oahu and have a solid plan on how to stick to my budget while still experiencing as much of Hawaii as possible.
Here's what I've learned about planning a budget-friendly trip to Hawaii, specifically Oahu.
Get a Deal on Airfare
If you're like me and heading to Hawaii from the East Coast, airfare will take up a big chunk of your budget. Even flying from the West Coast isn't cheap. The key is to watch flights across airlines and booking sites early.
Using a site like Skyscanner with a "check whole month" feature helps because it shows the cheapest day to travel.
I watched Skyscanner for weeks before booking and eventually bought a round-trip ticket from Pittsburgh to Honolulu for $650, including tax and flight insurance. The trade-off was extra layovers, but I was willing to make that compromise.
Use the Skyscanner search box to find the best flight deal; you might be surprised at what you see! Also, download the Skyscanner app.
Related: How To Find Cheap Flights
Have a Home Base
While island-hopping in Hawaii probably sounds appealing, it makes much more sense financially to pick one island and stick to it.
Airfares between islands aren't cheap-for example, going from Oahu to Kona on the Big Island can set you back $150.
Exploring only one island lets you spend more time there and travel more slowly. If you choose this one-island-only route, I suggest Oahu, home to Honolulu, the state capital.
Yes, Honolulu is probably Hawaii's most touristy city. But it is also the largest city in the state, so you'll have the most options to save money.
Related: Island Hop the South Pacific on a Budget
Don't Rent a Car
Oahu, and Honolulu especially, has what I'm told is a pretty reliable transportation system called The Bus. You can go anywhere by bus for $2.50 one-way.
Or, if you're planning to stick around for a few days, purchase a 4-day pass for $25, which gets you unlimited rides on any regular and express buses.
This is the way to go, I think. It will save you money on rental car fees and gas (which is expensive in Hawaii), and you'll even help the environment.
Editor's note: This advice is for a short visit. If you're moving to Oahu for an extended stay, compare the cost of shipping your own vehicle with buying one locally. Car Shipping Hawaii is one option to include in that comparison.
Stay in Hostels
Yes, Oahu DOES have hostels! Many Honolulu hostels are around Waikiki Beach, which means they are close to restaurants, nightlife, transportation, and inviting Pacific waters.
If you're willing to sacrifice room service and book a dorm bed, you can get the same views in a hostel for a fraction of what you'd pay at Waikiki hotels.
Where To Stay in Honolulu - Waikiki
Polynesian Hostel Beach Club - Beds start at $26 in the 6-person dorms; semi-private and private rooms are also available, with a studio costing $75. Perks include free Wi-Fi; complimentary snorkels, masks, and beach gear; and surfboard and bike rentals for an extra charge.
Waikiki Beachside Hostel - standard dorm rates average $34 per bed. Semi-private rooms are also available. Perks include free Wi-Fi, surfboard and moped rental (extra charge), and discounted tours.
Hostelling International Honolulu - Beds start at $25 per night for members ($28 for non-members); private rooms are available for $58 for members ($64 for non-members). Perks include proximity to the beach and free boogie boards and sports equipment.
Staying in a hostel will save you a lot of money (even private rooms cost less than half what you'd pay at a hotel), and you'll also have the chance to meet travelers from around the world.
Get Some Sun
Sitting on the beach, soaking up some sun, and people-watching won't cost anything. Many hostels even provide free beach equipment like beach mats, boogie boards, and snorkeling gear.
On the weekend, catch sunset on the beach at Waikiki, where a free movie is shown on a giant 30-foot screen and local bands perform before the sun goes down.
And, if the crowds at Waikiki aren't to your liking, hop a bus and head off to any of Oahu's other beautiful beaches.
Head to Hanauma Bay for some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii, or check out Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay, and Banzai Pipeline on Oahu's North Shore for some of the best surfing in the world.
If you're on Oahu in late fall/early winter, you could spend days watching surfers tackle 30-foot swells on the North Shore.
Related: The Beauty of Oahu
Free and Cheap Things to Do
You can pay $80 to attend a kitschy luau or take a bus tour around the island.
But you can do plenty of other things across Oahu for free or for little cost. Here are a few ideas to get started. For more family-friendly options, see this list of things to do in Oahu with kids.
First Friday in Honolulu
On the first Friday of every month, crowds gather in Chinatown for free art exhibits, entertainment, and restaurant specials.
Free Lessons
If you want to see hula or learn some moves, check out the Royal Hawaiian shopping center in downtown Honolulu. They offer free hula lessons, lei-making classes, and even weekday ukulele lessons. Every weeknight at 6 p.m., there's a free hula show.
Pearl Harbor
It's hard for me to imagine visiting Honolulu without making the trip to Pearl Harbor, where the Japanese attacked the U.S. on December 7, 1941.
It's easy to get to by bus, and there's a lot worth seeing. The USS Arizona Memorial and Museum are free, as are the Bowfin Park Outdoor Exhibits and Submarine Memorial.
Touring the USS Bowfin Submarine costs $10, and visiting the USS Missouri Battleship costs $20. You can tack on a visit to the Pacific Aviation Museum for another $20.
Don't bother paying for a guided tour, however. You can go on your own or rent audio tours for a few dollars.
Hiking Diamond Head
If you're the outdoors type, hiking up this extinct volcanic crater should probably end up on your list. You can take a bus to Diamond Head and pay $1 for the hike.
It's a moderately strenuous hike, but you'll be rewarded at the top with panoramic views of Honolulu.
Related: Popular Hikes on Oahu
The Dole Plantation
Ever wondered what a pineapple plantation looks like? Well, you can visit one in Wahiawa. Admission to the grounds is free, but the Pineapple Garden Maze is a main attraction. Try your luck in it for $6.
Iolani Palace
Built in 1882, this palace in downtown Honolulu was once the official residence of Hawaii's monarchy. Take a self-led audio tour for $12.
Whale Watching
During the winter months, whales are aplenty in Hawaii's waters. And while some operations charge $100+ for a sightseeing/whale watching tour, you can go for as low as $30 on the Star of Honolulu, a 4-story cruise ship, if you book an early-morning excursion.
Of course, there are many other ways to save money in Hawaii. Eating at local restaurants, cooking meals, ignoring kitschy souvenirs, or finding a friend to stay with can also help you keep expenses down.
But the moral of the story is that anyone can afford Hawaii if they plan for it-even budget travelers.
