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15 thoughts on “Secrets To Frugal Hawaii 2023. No Tent Needed”

  1. Over the years we have stayed in April, May, June, July, August, September, and November.

    Just returned from a Sep 9 – 25 vacation. Keep this in mind: the days of the longest sun end in early August and you’ll lose about 1.5 hours of daylight by October or so.

  2. Booking my trip thru Costco for first week of December. They had my old trip same dates 2019. I stayed at the kahala 4 nights ocean view lanai room with car and buffet included and no parking fee. Price was $2063.

    That’s same exacts stay and dates now is $4500

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  3. Thanks! Costco in Hawaii still has a $4.99 whole roasted Chix! Best value anywhere!
    Check for tapas and happy hour bites instead of big meals.

  4. I am planning our Hawaii trip, particularly spend most of the time in Kauai. Would it still be a frugal timeframe from Mid Aug to late Aug? I have an elementary school kid so during summer is the only time we can do 2 weeks vacation. Also what about staying with the locals’ Bed and Breakfast? We would love to mingle with the locals to truly embrace the trip <3. Thank you!

    1. Hi Missy.

      Yes, mid-August is definitely cheaper than the beginning of August but not as cheap as September and October. As for a BnB experience, that’s certainly possible. We have had good ones and not-so-good ones.

      Aloha.

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  5. So nice to see the ways we can still make Hawaii our favorite getaway. We’ve found happy hours available at new restaurants and between lunch and dinner times. Perfect for an off schedule day. Mahalo!

  6. Local rental car companies! In exchange for driving an older car you save hundreds of dollars over a week or two, you patronize a local small business, and you blend in.

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  7. I noticed you mentioned you didn’t check the fuel gauge until after you left the car lot. Here is a suggestion from Kathy, Manager at Discount Hawaii Car Rental: If you notice the gas gauge shortly after you leave the car lot, take a picture immediately of the gas level and odometer reading. The # of miles on the car when you left the lot is always recorded. If you can show an empty gas tank with only 3-5 or so miles traveled, you can appeal this gas charge. I do this for our customers whenever they have an issue such as this. Always successful getting their refill re-imbursed, when it is the car company’s fault and you can prove it.

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  8. I love travelling in shoulder seasons and have only been to Hawaii in Oct. We rarely travel in the summer. That is when we like to “staycation”.
    I have found Spring Break dates vary wildly within a state, even within a city, as well as, within districts. Is it possible to be more specific on what you would consider Spring Break? I would love to experience Hawaii during a different time like: between winter & spring or between spring & summer. Would early March, late April, and all of May still be frugal?
    Thanks so much!

  9. Farmer’s Markets. They are abundant. Check on line for places and times. And don’t pass up the small produce stands along the roads.. Their products are usually fresher and cheaper than grocery stores. Local butcher shops and fish markets also offer fresher, better, and cheaper (sometimes) products. Craft fairs are wonderful for picking up locally made products at prices cheaper than in stores. Again, find them on line. Hole-in-the-wall places like Da Crack in Koloa, Kauai and Little Fish Coffee in Poipu are great too. Places like these are all over the islands. You just need to do your research. Thanks Rob and Jeff for these tips. See you in February. Those drinks at Keoki’s are still on the schedule.

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  10. Why did you pay for an almost empty gas tank with a rental car? If you noticed it after leaving the lot, call customer service and inform them. Take a photo of the gas gauge and the mileage for proof (since the mileage is recorded upon departure from the lot, it’s impossible to use that much gas in a short distance). Usually the rental company will let you return the car at the same gas level you received it or give a gas credit for your inconvenience. If they balk, return the car to the rental office and take another car. Take a video with your phone of the outside and inside of the car including the gas gauge and mileage prior to leaving the lot. Repeat the process when returning the car. One has documented proof for future/late claims.

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