Hawaii is paradise. Just ask anyone who’s been there. Even the locals call it that. America’s 50th state has a reputation for being expensive, and many things are, especially gasoline and food products that have to be shipped from far away. But a visit to Paradise doesn’t have to break the bank. With careful planning and a sense of adventure, you can definitely make it an affordable family vacation.
- Going to OahuJustin Ornellas
And while gorgeous beaches and natural beauty abound on all seven of the Hawaiian islands, the most diverse and interesting is Oahu, which features everything from big city amenities to secluded waterfalls, wild surf to gentle coves, important historical sites like Pearl Harbor and the royal palace, mountains, plantations, and even Hawaii’s only Interstate highway.
On the south shore of the island of Oahu sits Honolulu, Hawaii’s only big city. It is the state capitol and the state’s center of commerce, and it is the historical center as well, including Waikiki, the vacation spot of kings and arguably the world’s most famous beach.
Free is Good!
Let’s start with free stuff. What’s free?
- The weather of course. It’s a rare day on Oahu when it isn’t sunny and around 80 degrees with a slight breeze.
- The beaches. By law, every beach in Hawaii is free and open to the public.
- Entertainment – There are lots of free shows and concerts! For example – every Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday, you can catch the Waikiki Hula Show, with authentic Hawaiian dance and music. It runs from 6:30-7:30 PM at the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound near Uluniu and Kalakaua Ave. in Waikiki. Or catch the free fireworks show every friday night at 7:45 at Hilton Hawaiian Village
Don’t miss!
But to really take advantage of your Oahu visit, your must-do list should include:
- Pearl Harbor, including the Arizona Memorial, the Missouri and the USS Bowfin
- The crater at Diamond Head
- A sailboat or catamaran cruise
- Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
- Seeing the island from the water on a catamaran cruise
- The Bishop Museum
- Iolani Palace
- Horseback riding, movie location tours and water activities at Kualoa Ranch
- The Polynesian Cultural Center
- A luau
Don’t be tempted to write any of these off as “tourist traps.” Each will enrich your experience and and create memories that you will keep forever. All have an admission charge, so this is where planning and organization come into play.
Get a pass!
Probably the best way to save money while visiting Oahu’s paid attractions is to purchase a sightseeing card like the Go Oahu Card.
Cards start at about $60 for a one-day pass to around $275 for a 7 day pass that can be used over a 14-day span. They could save you over 50% off regular admission charges and potentially hundreds of dollars.
Adult prices for a luau alone run $75-$100, so if you purchase a card that includes one you have definitely scored.
A final kama’ina (“locals”) tip:
[box type=”tick”]Oahu has an excellent public transportation system, called simply “The Bus.” Fares range from $1.25 for kids 6-17, and $2.50 for adults. A 4-day pass can be had for $25 and purchased at any of Waikiki’s ubiquitous ABC Stores. Routes 23 is particularly scenic, running from Waikiki east along the coast[/box] .Aloha!
