Hawaii
If you've always dreamed of visiting the Hawaiian Islands, today's no-frills airfares can help turn your dreams into reality. Those on tight budgets should choose an island that has inexpensive flights from the mainland and spend a week there. This allows you to get the weekly rate on rental cars and often saves you in cleaning fees for your lodging. Of course, if you have 2 weeks to spend in Hawaii, inexpensive ($39) interisland flights make island hopping affordable.
The most visited islands are Oahu, Maui, Hawaii (aka "The Big Island") and Kauai, and the one that's right for you will depend on the experience you're seeking. Read on to learn more about the "main four".
Above: The world famous Waikiki Beach on Oahu. (Image by Cleo Maranski from Pixabay.)
Oahu- Known as "The Gathering Place", Oahu is the most visited (and commercialized) of the Hawaiian Islands. Oahu caters to a variety of budgets, offering WWII history sites, hiking trails, water sports, shopping, cultural events, boat tours, parasailing, surf lessons and anything else you could think of. The cost of these activities can really add up, so if you plan to do a lot of activities you may benefit from buying an all-inclusive pass like the Go City.
Know before you go: More than 800,000 people live near or in the Honolulu Census Designated area, so expect traffic and plan accordingly.
Above: A resort at Kaanapali, Maui, HI. (Image by rhoades8043 from Pixabay)
Maui- Nicknamed "The Valley Isle", Maui is known for its great beaches, lush valleys, water sports, snorkeling excursions to Molokini, scenic Hana Highway, whale watching (Jan-Mar), Mt Haleakala and million-dollar condos. This last distinguishing feature is why Maui is currently not a cheaptravelguide destination.
Know before you go: Expect to pay $2500 to rent a one-bedroom condo for a week and $900 pp rt to fly non-stop to Maui from the West Coast.
Above: Kilauea crater on The Big Island (Image by Art Bromage from Pixabay.)
Hawaii- "The Big Island" is often confused with Oahu, and although Oahu is the busiest, Hawaii is the largest by land mass. The Big Island, is where the state capitol of Hilo is located. It's also where you are most likely to view an active volcano. Between January 1983 and April 2018, Kilauea erupted almost continuously, causing millions of dollars of property damage. After a pause, it began erupting again from September 2021 to December 2022. It's last eruption is noted to be January 5th 2023.
Know before you go:
There are two distinct sides to Hawaii; the Kailua-Kona or dry/sunny side and the Hilo or wet/cloudy side of the island.
Since Hawaii is the youngest of the Hawaiian Island chain, it has few sandy beaches. Hapuna beach and Magic Sands Beach on the Kona (dry) side of the island are notable exceptions.
Ruth's Big Island recommendations.
Above: Hanalei Bay Overlook, Kauai, HI.
Kauai- "The Garden Island" has long been a favorite of mine for its family-friendly atmosphere, natural beauty and lack of commercialism. Though lodging prices have quadrupled and Kauai has introduced costs and restrictions to better preserve natural resources, it is still a beautiful place to visit. Combining an Airbnb rental with sale fares from the West Coast can bring this premier destination within reach.
Know before you go: There is only one road around the island; it is shaped like a giant "C" and not built for speed. So if you are staying in Princeville-- essentially one end of the road-- allow an entire day to see Kokee State Park.
Ruth's Kauai Recommendations