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Kauai on a Budget

March 2, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Life5 Comments

Tips for your budget friendly vacation to Kauai, Hawaii. 

I have never seen anywhere more breathtaking than the beautiful Hawaiian Island of Kauai.  With it’s gorgeous green mountains, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque beaches, it is my idea of a perfect vacation spot.  My husband and I were lucky enough to take a trip there together a few years ago.  I love to travel and see new places, but I always stay frugal.  I am excited to share with you how to visit Kauai on a budget!

 


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When I was planning our trip to Kauai I spent hours and hours researching everything there is to know about the “Garden Isle.”  I wanted to enjoy every inch of the island, but without having to spend a lot of money.

I read a lot of books about Kauai and the very very best one I found was The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook: Kauai Revealed.  This book was everything!  I consulted it about beaches, hotels, restaurants, etc.  EVERYTHING you could want to know about Kauai is in this wonderful perfect book.  My husband teases me that I have it memorized because of all the facts I kept spouting out of it (this may or may not be true…).  Seriously though, if you are going to Kauai read The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook: Kauai Revealed.

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Cheap Places to Stay on Kauai

Hawaii is home to hundreds of high quality rentals on Airbnb and VRBO.  Honestly, my husband really just wanted to go the traditional route and stay in a hotel, but I convinced him that an Airbnb would be the most cost effective and he wouldn’t even miss the hotel!  (and I was right, he loved it!)

We were able to find a beautiful condo to rent for $100 a night on Airbnb .  It was a studio condo, right on the beach, with a small kitchenette.  The kitchenette was a huge money saver because we were able to make a lot of our meals, instead of going out to eat.

Airbnb is seriously amazing for finding great deals on lodging while traveling.  It has a lot of options and was very easy to work with.  I will use them every single time I travel to Hawaii.

Our rental was on the East Shore of the island.  We chose this area so that we would have easy access to both the North and South sides.  It was only ten minutes from the airport and very quick and easy to find.  The East Shore rentals were also a lot cheaper than other areas, which is what we were looking for!

However, next time we go, I want to stay on the North Shore.  It was by far my favorite area on the island!

Cheap Rental Car On Kauai

Kauai is a small island (it only takes about 2 hours to drive from one end to the other), but a car is still necessary.

We reserved an economy sized vehicle on discounthawaiicarrental.com for ONLY $6 a day.  YES!  You read that right!  $6 a day!   I couldn’t believe it either!

Be sure to check this website regularly as the prices change often.  Once you find that cheap price snatch it up quick because it will not last long. 

Cheap Places To Eat On Kauai

Kauai is full of yummy roadside food stops.  You can buy coconuts, juice, burgers, and just about anything at your local shops.  In an effort to save money we chose to eat most of our foods in our condo.  All it took was a quick stop at Walmart to stock up with food.

We had fruit and toast for breakfasts, packed sandwiches for lunch and stopped for quick dinners while we were out exploring.

A few of our favorite cheap eateries were Tacos Al Pastor, Da Crack, Hanalei Taro & Juice Company, and Puka Dog.

And of course, we made sure to eat shaved ice every day while in Hawaii.  It is so good and is a MUST try!  Our favorite shaved ice was at Hee Fat General Store in Kapaa.  We always ordered one to share to save a little extra money, but we did splurge and ordered real fruit syrup.  This was worth the splurge!

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Cheap Activities in Kauai

There are so many fun FREE activities to do on Kauai.  Which is perfect for a budget friendly vacation!  We had a great week adventuring around the island and spent very little money on activities.

Snorkel Bobs

Kauai has great snorkeling, all over the island!  We rented snorkel gear for the week from Snorkel Bobs.  The gear only cost us about $15 for the entire week!

We loved having the the gear with us at all times, so we could pull it out whenever we came across a great snorkel area.  Our two favorite snorkeling beaches were Hideaways and Turtles.  Snorkeling is very best in the morning, so be sure to get their early!

Beaches

My very favorite part of this trip was the beaches!  So many beautiful beaches!  With golden coarse sand, blue turquoise water, and large green mountains backdrop, the beach was the perfect place to spend a day relaxing and playing in sun and sand.

The beaches and parking are all FREE, so take advantage of them!

Favorite North Shore Beaches

Our favorite beaches on the North Shore were Kee and Hideaways.  Kee is at the end of the very end of the North Shore road.  Parking is limited and fills up quickly, so I recommend getting there first thing.

Hideaways is a little bit harder to find, which makes it a perfect, quiet, and uncrowded beach.  To get there we used valet parking at the St.Regis Princeville (this is free, but it is a good idea to tip!).  There is a trail a short distance away to hike down to the beach.  The trail is steep and slippery, so wear good shoes.

 


Favorite South Shore Beach

Our favorite beach on the South Shore was Kiahuna Beach, also known as Sheraton Beach.  Kiahuna Beach is located directly in front of the Sheraton Kauai Resort.  Just park alongside the street near the Sheraton, and walk down to the beach.

Hiking

Kauai is known as the adventure island for good reason!  It is full of breathtaking hikes and places to explore.

Our first day we hiked along the Kalalau Trail.  This is an intense 11 mile long hike along the Napali Coast.  We decided to just hike the first two miles to Hanakapiai Beach.

The views along this trail were incredible.  We were right alongside the ocean for most of the hike and I could not get over the view!

The Kalalau trail starts out extremely rocky and steep, so be prepared.  If hiking isn’t your thing, I suggest hiking at least the first 1/2 mile for a fantastic view of Kee Beach.

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Secret Falls

Secret Falls is a majestic 100 foot waterfall deep in the rainforest.  The only way to get to Secret Falls is to kayak down the Wailua River and then hike about 30 minutes through the rainforest.  You could pay for a guided tour that will take you to Secret Falls, but we decided to go with a much cheaper option.

We rented a kayak from Kamokila Hawaiian Village in Kapaa.  It is right on the Wailua River and you can launch the kayak straight from the village.  The kayak was only $35 for a daily rental.

Kamokila Hawaiian Village was so helpful and even gave us a map showing exactly where we needed to go.  The self guided tour is so so easy!

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We kayaked about 15 minutes up the river, docked the kayaks and hiked to the waterfall.  This trail is very muddy, so bring water shoes!  We passed MANY people hiking barefoot because it was to muddy for sneakers.

When we arrived at Secret Falls a large tour group just happened to be leaving and we were able to have the entire place to ourselves!  It was one of the highlights of the trip.  It was so fun swimming under the waterfall.

Once we got back to our kayak we paddled up stream another 5 minutes to a cliff jumping spot and were able to jump off the cliff and swim in the river for a little while.

We loved this entire day and it was really so easy to rent and find where to go all by ourselves.  You will not regret it!

Sightseeing

There are so many great sight seeing stops around the island.  They are all free and definitely worth a stop!  Here are a few of our favorites.

East Shore

Wailua Falls:  These falls are very easy to get to, and a quick stop alongside the road.  They are absolutely breathtaking!  We got there early in the morning and it felt so magical being there by ourselves in the early morning.

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Opaekaa Falls:  I’ll be honest, I was a little underwhelmed by Opaekaa Falls.  But, I do know of many others who have enjoyed seeing them.  They are very easy access right off the road and only take a few minutes to view.

 

South Shore

Tree Tunnel:  While driving into Poipu on the South Shore you will pass through what’s known as the Tree Tunnel.  It is a beautiful section of road lined with Eucalyptus Trees.  It was so much fun to drive through, and a great photo op!

Spouting Horn:  Spouting Horn is located near Poipu Beach.  Spouting Horn is a fun place to see water spray up into the sky through a blowhole.  A blowhole is naturally formed when water crashes through a small hole in the lava rocks next to the beach.  It’s a fun sight to see as the water can reach up to 50 feet in the air.

Waimea Canyon:  The road to Waimea Canyon is a little long, but the views are spectacular!  It is called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific because it is so big and so read!  The reds of the canyon next to the green vegetation were breathtaking!

We didn’t spend a lot of time here, but I know there are a few great hikes in the area and can’t wait to go back to explore more.

Drive a little further up the road and view the Kalalau Valley Lookout.  It is another view of the beautiful Napali coast and was once home to an ancient Hawaiian village. The history buff in me enjoyed imagining what life was once like there.

 


 

North Shore

The North Shore is my very FAVORITE part of the island and the next time I go to Kauai I will be spending all of my time here!  It is so green and dense with vegetation.  This is the part of the Island that gives Kauai the nickname, the Garden Island.

Kilauea Lighthouse:  This picturesque lighthouse is located just a few minutes off the main  highway.  It is a beautiful sight, and only takes a few minutes to visit.  We decided not to go look at it close, and viewed it from the parking lot, but I know that there is a bird sanctuary and other fun things to see if you get out and walk around.

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Hanalei Pier:  Hanalei Beach wasn’t my favorite, but it was a very pretty area to view and I am glad we made the visit.  It is a popular place for boogie boarding and surfing and we were able to catch a few waves and a bunch of laughs for the afternoon.  I did love walking out on the pier and watching the locals jumping off into the ocean.

Hanalei Valley Lookout:  Right along the main road right, just past Princeville you will find the Hanalei Valley lookout.  It is a beautiful area of taro farms, nestled right up to the mountains.  The field look like a green patchwork quilt and is a great stopping spot for a few pictures.  When we were there we counted 8 waterfalls on the mountain right behind the fields.  It was a breathtaking sight!

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Souvenirs

If you are looking for a budget friendly place to buy souvenirs check out the ABC Stores.  We stopped at the one in Kapaa on our last day in Kauai.  I was happily surprised and impressed to see how much cheaper the souvenirs were here than at the other places we looked at during the week.  They have all your typical souvenirs; shirts, trinkets, food, etc.  I was able to find a few items to bring back to the kids, and a few things for me!

In Conclusion

If you do some research and planning you can visit Kauai on a budget!  We spent less than $2,000 for our entire trip.  I am dead serious!  $2,000!  Half of that was spent on airfare, the rest was for our hotel, food and activities.

I can’t wait to go back one day and do more exploring.  It truly was heaven on earth!

Related Articles:

The Best Budget Travel Tips

Our Budget Friendly Disneyland Vacation

20 Free Things To Do In New York City

Pin this article for future reference:

 

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What tips do you have visiting Kauai on a budget?

 

The Best Budget Travel Tips

May 11, 2020 By: Sweet Frugal Life2 Comments

Sharing my best tips to travel cheap!

Do you long to to see the world, but finances are always holding you back?  I get it, I have this inner struggle almost daily.  But guess what I have finally learned……you CAN travel while on a budget!  We have successfully traveled to Disneyland, Kauai,  New York City, and more, all without spending a fortune.  You can do it too, you can travel, make memories, and see new places….it just takes a bit more planning, and a little more effort.  Today I’m sharing 17 of my Favorite Budget Travel Tips!  I wanted to gather even extra advice, so I asked my amazing Instagram followers for their budget travel hacks as well.  My wonderful followers delivered with some great responses and budget travel tips.

20 Plus Budget Travel Hacks

I am a member of online affiliate programs.  I will be compensated for purchases made from links in this post.  All opinions are my own.

Budget Travel Planning

One of my favorite parts of traveling is planning the trip (I know, I’m a little weird!), it’s so fun to research and dream about our upcoming vacation.  If done correctly travel planning can save you a lot of money.

1.  Plan Ahead

One of the most important budget travel tips is to plan thoroughly.  Plan your trips well ahead of travel time.  This will give you the time needed to search out the best deals, learn the peak travel times, and begin your travel Sinking Fund.  I prefer planning at least a year in advance; but anywhere between 6-12 months is ideal.

2.  Research

Study, research, and learn everything you can about the place you want to go.  Read travel blogs, check out books from the library, and regularly look at travel websites to watch for deals on hotel and flights.  This gives you a good idea of how much the trip will cost, so when you see a good deal, you will know it’s a good deal.

3.  Be OK With Less

We have all seen the picture perfect vacations, with the expensive restaurants and luxuries.  It is fun to dream about these ideal vacations…but it’s more fun to be debt free!

Learn to be OK with a vacation that is maybe less than glamorous.  Ask yourself, “are you going on a vacation to relax and make memories, or to have the best pictures to show all of your friends????”  I bet it’s to make memories!

Most of us want a trip that is fun and relaxing, one where we can rejuvenate and make memories.  This can all be accomplished WITHOUT the fancy resorts.  Be mindful of your personal reality and financial situation.

This might mean your vacation will be a camping trip, or a stay cation.  For some it just might even be a stay at a resort island.  No matter the trip you can afford, love it, embrace it and make it the time of your life!

4.  Make a Budget and Stick to It

After some thorough research you should have a good idea of how much your trip will cost.  Use this information and your monthly income to make your trip budget.

Write this number down and commit to it.  You will find it extremely easy to spend a little extra here, and a little extra there, and before you know it you have gone FAR over budget.  Practice self control and don’t allow yourself any wiggle room.

  • Related:  How to Make a Zero Based Budget

5.  Travel Sinking Fund

Once your travel budget is in place, you need to make a Sinking Fund.  This will be a fund you save into over a long period of time.

Choose your target travel date, and divide your Sinking Fund by the number of months until travel.

For example:  if I had a budget of $1000 and wanted to travel in 6 months, I would divide $1000 by 12 and get $84.  I now know that I need to save $84 into my sinking fund each month to have enough money to cover the trip.

6.  Travel During Off-Peak Times

If possible plan your travel dates during off-peak travel times are for your specific destination (this will vary based upon where you are going).  Traveling off-peak will save you money on flights, hotels, and activities.  You’ll also be treated to less crowds!  (my fave!).

Off peak traveling does come at a small sacrifice.  To save money you might not have the best weather or specific circumstances, but it will save you money, focus on the positive!

More Travel Planning Tips From Instagram:

mommypa123:

“Besides having a vacation sinking fund, I buy stuff for vacation after season on clearance.”

melfinaw:

“RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH”

jane_tern:

“Trailer or RV travel instead of hotel.”

sellybelly:

“Travel off season!  Sometimes waiting just 1 week after “peak” times can save you hundreds.”

How to Travel When You are On a Budget

Savings On Traveling

Now that you have planned your trip, it’s time to start traveling.  Here are a few ways you can go on a vacation, without breaking the budget.

7.  Tuesday Travel

Tuesday is the secret budget travel date.  This is the day of the week when airfare is the cheapest.  Try to plan your travel dates around Tuesday for the best deal.

8.  Road Trip

Seriously consider driving to your destination instead of flying.  The costs are significantly less, and some of the best family memories can be made in a car!  Really!

9.  Incognito Browsing Window

When you are searching flights, change your browser to incognito.  Websites use cookies to monitor your browsing habits; if they see you are searching for a particular flight, they will raise the prices.  Fortunately, with an incognito browsing window you can look at flights without being seen by cookies (yay!).

10.  Only Pack Carry-On Luggage

Most airlines charge for all checked luggage.  Save that money and only bring a carry-on suitcase.

Honestly, this is so hard for me (I like to pack options….)!  I am that person who is always sitting on my suitcase, trying to pack my clothes down while zipping it up at the same time.; all while looking longingly at my pile of clothes that didn’t fit into the suitcase (cue sad violins).

But, even though I don’t like to pack less, it is WORTH IT!  And truly, I never miss that extra “stuff” once I’m on vacation.

11.  Check Multiple Airports

When booking flights check all airports in the area you are traveling to.  You can usually find much cheaper deals at a smaller, less popular airport in the area.  This might mean you have to travel a little further to get to your final destination, but the savings is worth it.

What’s Instagram Saying????

thingsilearntalongtheway:

“Flying isn’t the only way to get around.  I once took a 12 hour overnight bus to save $500.”

amandaraybould:

“Pack half of what you think you need to pack so you don’t ever have to check a bag!”

hayleebroadhead:

“Use the Gas Buddy app.”

kkrhea12:

“Gate check your bag for free instead of paying when you initially check in, $25 saved!”

 

How To Cut Costs On Travel Food

We all have to eat, and food costs money, especially when on vacation.  Try these frugal tips to save money on food while traveling.

10.  Pack Your Own Food

Save on food costs by packing as much of your own food as you can.  If you’re driving, pack a cooler full of cheap, quick to fix meals.

If you’re flying use Walmarts Free Grocery Pickup to order your groceries online, and then pick them up when you get to your vacation spot.  Always pack your own snacks and a lunch to eat at the airport.  Airport food is so expensive!

11.  Book a room with a kitchen

When booking a hotel room, find one that has a small kitchen.  This will help you prepare more food at the hotel and save on expensive eating out costs.  Or, even better stay at an Airbnb Rental.

I love to make easy, quick to fix meals while traveling.  We like oatmeal, sandwiches, frozen dinners, etc.

12.  Restaurant Gift Cards

Buy a few gift cards on Restaurant.com for restaurants in your travel destination.  These gift cards are sold at a discounted price giving you more food for less price!  (yay!)

You can also buy restaurant gift cards at Target.  If you use your Target Red Card you will get 5% off your purchase, including gift cards!

13.  Share Meals

When eating out order one large meal and request a few extra plates.  You can all share the one meal together.  Most waiters and restaurants are happy to oblige to this request!

What’s Instagram Saying?

flybytheseatofourpants:

“Bring your own food, eat out once a day.  Use credit card hotel points.”

garnishathome:

“Book an Airbnb with a kitchen so you can do some, or all, of the cooking yourself.”

theresa.runn:

“I make pizza the night before our travel day so we save money and time by not having to stop for lunch.”

 

Where to Stay

There are so many rental options available right now that vacationing does not have to include staying at a hotel.  Be willing to get creative when finding a place to stay.

14.  Rent a Home

Consider renting a home from Airbnb instead of staying at a hotel.  The prices are much lower than hotels, and we love having a little extra space for our family.

15.  Earn Cashback

Always book your hotel through the Rakuten website.  This is the easiest way to earn cashback.

Rakuten partners with many popular travel websites, such as Travelocity and Priceline, to give you cashback on your normal purchases.  Many hotels offers 10% cashback on hotel room bookings.  This is free money, don’t miss out!

It’s so easy too!  Simply log into Rakuten, click the website name you want to shop on, and book your room as usual.  You will receive your cashback check every few months in the mail.

********Bonus:  Sign up for Rakuten using this link and you will get an EXTRA $20 cashback after you spend $20 (which is so easy to do if you’re traveling!)**********

What’s Instagram Saying????

jane_tern:

“Trailer or RV travel instead of hotel.”

3girlsmom29:

“Don’t buy anything at the hotel.”

Anonymous:

“I find that boutique hotels have modern looking interiors at a fraction of the cost of staying at a big hotel chain.”

 

Entertainment

What’s a vacation without some entertainment?  Try a few of these frugal hacks when choosing your entertainment options.

16.  Free Activities

Every city you travel to will have free activities to do, you just have to search for them.  Take some time, do a little research and find the free activities every where you go.  Spend the day at a beach, explore a new park, go on a hike or explore a free museum.  You might just stumble upon a secret treasure.

  • Related:  20 Free Things to do in New York City

17.  Use City Pass

Explore a new city using a a City Pass, or something similar.   City Pass gives you huge discounts on the top city attractions, and is available in most large cities.

What’s Instagram Saying????

stewbrosmom:

“We always do Restaurant.com, Groupon, Living Social for discounts on food and activities.”

chantelle.hitchock:

“Camping is cheap. Also, travel near national parks – hiking is free!  Pack snacks for road trips.”

garnishathome:

“Google the best free sights/activities for the area you are visiting and plan ahead.”

 

In Conclusion

A good vacation is such a great way to unwind and relax!  You can enjoy this without going into debt or spending a fortune.  Just remember to do your research and plan smartly.  I hope you enjoyed these tips to travel cheap!

 

Related Articles:

  • Our Budget Friendly Disneyland Vacation
  • Kauai on a Budget

Pin This Article For Future Travel Tips:

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