Hawaii on a budget - affordable activities on the island of Oahu

This is the 2nd article on how to visit Hawaii on a budget. Although we are going to look at the island of Oahu today, the one quality that every island has in abundance is its scenery and the easy accessibility to the scenery via a rental car. Self exploration by automobile is one of the most exciting and least expensive ways to enjoy the islands.

BTW Oahu is the busiest of all the islands in Hawaii. It is also where you will find famous Waikiki Beach as well as Pearl Harbor. I suggest renting a car and driving North, get outta town and funny thing happens, you’ll end up on country roads, traveling thru small towns and laid back communities.

Almost every activity below is either free or costs less than $10.00 per person. Even better, these are only a small sampling of the free or low costs activities available.

Oahu
Oahu is a favorite of those in the know looking for a combination of the terrific water and beach life Hawaii offers as well as the cosmopolitan landscape of Honolulu. Many flights from the continental United States land in Oahu, so it is often the first island visitors see.

• Rent a car and drive Oahu. This island takes a back seat to none of its sister islands. Oahu is absolutely gorgeous and easy to explore on your own. There are many waysides to visit, small villages to drive through and easily walked trails and hikes, not to mention the beaches!

• The Royal Hawaiian Band performs at Iolani Palace on Fridays 12:00-1:00 p.m. and at Kapiolani Park on Sundays from 2:00-3:00 p.m. The Iolani Palace is the only royal palace in the United States and served as Hawaii’s capitol until 1969. Admission to the grounds is free.

• Visit the USS Arizona Memorial. Sunken by the Japanese during the bombing of Pearls Harbor, over 1,000 navy soldiers perished aboard. Free tours offered daily on a first come basis.

• Walk to the top of Diamond Head crater. A moderate walk, it is well worth the effort. The park is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and offers amazing views of Waikiki. The hike up is only slightly more than .7 miles and will take about an hour for slow walkers.

• The North Shore - here is some of the most famous surf and the biggest waves in the world. Dotted with quaint villages, a drive along the north shore is great entertainment for little more than the cost of a gallon of gas and lunch!

• Visit the International Marketplace, and take in the crafts and wares of the island’s local merchants.

• Visit the Father Damien Museum and learn about the amazing history of Kalaupapa, Molokai where the Catholic priest worked with those suffering from leprosy.

• Visit the Waikiki Aquarium and learn about the amazing marine life inhabiting the waters surrounding Hawaii.

• Near the Polynesian Cultural Centre, wade over to Goat Island to explore the tidal pools in the surrounding area. Wear suitable shoes to protect from the sharp coral. If you have children, don’t miss this opportunity!

• There is a free nightly hula dance and the Halekulani Hotel as well as other hotels along Waikiki Beach.

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American Safari Yacht Cruises - The Ultimate Authentic Hawaiian Experience

American Safari Cruises becomes the first cruise line to offer unstructured inter-island yacht cruising in Hawaii Instead, it may be a passage rich with wildlife, a secluded sandy beach or a quiet cove where guests explore their surroundings on the shore or in the water.

The company’s signature cruising style is built on flexibility, which allows the yachts to follow whales and dolphins or dodge unpleasant weather. “We’ve built our reputation on spontaneity,” says Dan Blanchard, President and CEO, who has explored the islands extensively by private boat. “Our style makes it possible to explore Hawaii without having to be at a specific port at a specific time. We can gunkhole, stop in out-of-the-way bays and coves, and be ready for whatever experiences may come along.”

In Hawaii, guests will see and experience the islands from a different perspective than at a high-end resort. “Hawaii will never be closer,” says Tim Jacox, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “This will be a new way to see the islands, places you can only explore by boat. We’ll meet the locals and learn from them. Our goal is to establish new traditions in cruising while respecting the age-old traditions of Hawaii.”

On the eight-day, seven-night Hawaii cruises; the Safari Explorer will sail one-way between Kailua-Kona on the Big Island and Kahului on Maui. Along the way, guests will learn the legend and lore of the islands from resident historians and experts. Cruising will focus on the leeward side of the Maui island group, which also includes the islands of Kahoolawe and Lanai. The half-sunken crater of Molokini offers unparalleled snorkeling and certified divers may also explore the reef; the yacht is fully equipped for scuba diving activities. The company also will customize add-on extensions to Kauai and other Hawaiian islands, pre- or post-cruise.

Among the included shore excursions are a helicopter tour over Volcanoes National Park, a mule ride into Kalaupapa National Historic Park on Molokai, a drive to Haleakala National Park on Maui and night cruising along the Big Island to see Kilauea’s lava flow into the sea. An inclusive Hawaiian Islands 7 night/8 day itinerary price begins at $3,995 per person double occupancy.

Travel Gal’s Opinion:

I am so looking forward to experiencing this cruise as I believe this is the real way to see the Islands of Aloha! I highly recommend this unique Hawaii cruise experience. I am going to enjoy the intimate on ship experience, meaning no over crowding or long lines that many experience on mega ships. The accommodations on board look wonderful and comfortable and not your typical cramped quarters. In fact, it could compete with many 5star resort rooms for its luxury feel.

My favorite will be that we are able to see things, do things and play close up and first hand. There is no schedule per se, and love the fact there are only 36 guests on board the American Safari Cruise!

If you too would like to cruise Hawaii in a unique and memorable way
Call Me at 1-800-644-6659
Your See the South Pacific Specialist at Luxury Hideaways

NOTE: As owner of Luxury Hideaways a travel company that specializes in luxury travel, I strive to help my clients plan vacations that create memories of a life time. Know that when I recommend a cruise, resort or adventure that I am picky when it comes to travel and what I recommend. I have either experienced it myself or have had multiple clients, or other trusted agents that will attest to the “luxury experience”

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