The downtown Waikiki area on Oahu has undergone a wonderful refurbishment process over the past several years.  Many hotels have been refurbished, sidewalks rebuilt, new parks built and public transportation has been upgraded.  Now with the current economic downturn, you can take advantage of the many deals available there and travel on the cheap.  Here are a few tips:

Hotels:

It pays to search for deals.  Many hotels are offering substantial discounts these days.  One place to check is the Park Shore Waikiki.  The Park Shore has always offered affordable lodging with unrivaled location.  It is located across the street from Waikiki Beach and Kapiolani Park.  Most rooms offer spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head.  Right now (3/15 – 12/21), we can offer a five night package complete with fresh flower lei greeting, airport transfers (shuttle service from the airport to your hotel), 5 nights accommodations, orientation breakfast and all applicable taxes for only $ 260 ppdo.  Ppdo stands for per person based on double occupancy.

Condos:

Many condos in the Waikiki area are offered for rent by private owners.  I’m seeing prices as low as $ 85 per night for a condo 1 block away from the beach.  You may not get an unobstructed view but you will have a full kitchen to cook meals in which saves a ton of money.

Farmers Market:

If you have the ability to cook in your accommodations, be sure to check out the Saturday Morning Farmer’s Market.  It is open from 7:30 am to 11:30 am at Kapi’olani Community College on Diamond Head Road.  You can find bargains here while shopping with the locals.  Fresh tropical flowers, North Shore avocados, and even Big Island abalone are usually found here at great prices.  You want to show up early for the best selection and bargains.

Public Transportation:

On most Hawaiian islands, public transportation is not great.  In Waikiki, it’s well set up to get you around town and even take you on excursions to such places as Pearl Harbor, the Farmer’s Market, Hanauma Bay, and Diamond Head.  The cost is just $ 2 each way.

Rental Cars:

In Waikiki, most places charge between $ 20 and $ 25 per night for parking.  There are rental agencies such as Budget and Thrifty located downtown.  Thrifty offers complimentary shuttle pick up service.  You can rent a Jeep Wrangler for the day through Thrifty for $ 48 base rate right now to go on an excursion to the north shore and then return it before bedtime.

Activities:

You can do a lot of fun activities on Oahu for next to nothing. 

If you are in decent shape, consider hiking Diamond Head.  Located at the eastern edge of Waikiki, Diamond Head is the highest edge of a 300,000 year old volcano.  The trail rises 560 feet in less than a mile so again, only if you are fit enough.  Lots of travelers like to head up early (the park opens at 6 am) to take in the sunrise.

There are lots of wonderful shows put on by the major hotels but you might want to consider the free hula demonstration which takes place at the center of Waikiki Beach.  The hula show goes on every night (except for Mondays) beginning at 6:30 pm under the banyon tree across the street from the Hyatt Regency at the corner of Kalakaua and Uluniu avenues.  Bring a straw mat to sit on and enjoy an amazing show.

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