Lu’au for less
Mercedes Maguire discovers budget-wise ways to see Waikiki
Sipping Mai Tais by the pool, relaxing on the beach and soaking up the culture – it’s a package that attracts Aussies to Waikiki Beach on Hawaii’s most visited island, Oahu. But Waikiki can be expensive, unless you know how to enjoy the beach and the surrounding capital Honolulu like a local.
“It’s possible to find good value in lodgings, amazing food experiences on a budget, and activities that won’t break the bank,” says Hawaii-based Aussie Ashlee Galea of travel companion site TheHawaiiAdmirer.com.
Be aware of hotel tax
The price advertised for accommodation is often not the final price. Ashlee says three taxes are applied to stays: a general excise tax (GET) of 4.712 per cent, Hawaii transient accommodations tax (TAT) of 10.25 per cent and Oahu transient accommodations tax (OTAT) of three per cent. “That’s about 18 per cent tax that the State of Hawaii adds to the cost of Oahu accommodation,” she says. Additionally a resort fee of up to US$50 a room per night is added.
“A few hotels, including Ala Moana Honolulu by Mantra, Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Waikiki, Courtyard by Marriott Waikiki Beach and Halepuna Waikiki, do not charge resort fees,” Ashlee says.
Take cash
While we mostly operate in a cashless society, you’ll need cash in Waikiki. Taxi drivers, for instance, prefer cash over cards. Ashlee says small notes are handy for tipping porters, (US$1-US$2 per bag), housekeeping staff (US$1-$2 a day), bar staff (US$1-US$2 per drink) and guides/drivers (US$5-US$10).
Follow locals for food
If you want to taste authentic Hawaiian food, head to the markets. The Kaka’ako urban community hosts night markets every Saturday from 6pm-10pm. Other markets worth a visit are the Waikiki Beach Walk Open Market (Mon, 4pm-8pm), Waikiki Specialty Farmers Market (Sat, 8am-2pm) and Mahiku Farmers Market at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort (Mon & Wed, 4pm-8pm) and International Market Place (Thu, 4pm-8pm).
Look up ResortPass
You don’t have to be staying at one of the top resorts to use their facilities. Ashlee says the ResortPass hotel day pass program allows you to have a “daycation” at Waikiki’s most luxurious hotels and resorts. “This means you can access the pools, daybeds, cabanas, spas, and other amenities at high-end properties without paying big dollars to stay there overnight.”
Happy hula
Attending a lu’au in Hawaii is a must, but the experience can cost well over $100 a person, unless you know where to look. Ashlee says there are a number of free cultural shows that don’t charge an entry fee. For example, the Waikiki Hula Show at Kuhio Beach Hula Mound (Sat, 6.30-7.30pm), O Na Lani Sunset Stories at International Market Place (Mon, Wed and Fri, 7pm from Mar-Aug and 6.30pm from Sep-Feb) and Ku Ha‘aheo at Waikiki Beach Walk (Tue, 4.30pm-6pm). There are also four live performances at the Royal Grove at the Royal Hawaiian Center (Tue, Wed, Fri and Sat 5.30pm-6.30pm).