How We Budgeted a Mid-Semester Trip to Hawai'i

 

How We Budgeted a Mid-Semester Trip to Hawai‘i

Planning a trip to Hawai‘i as students might sound like a wild dream, but we made it happen, and you can too! With careful budgeting, a willingness to embrace adventure, and a little creativity, we enjoyed a memorable mid-semester getaway. Here’s how we did it:

1. Setting a Daily Budget

Before we even packed our bags, we sat down and planned our daily expenses. We allocated a set amount for food, activities, and transportation. For food, we found that $25-$30 a day was enough to enjoy local eats without breaking the bank. For activities, we budgeted $20-$50, depending on the day, some days we splurged, and others were completely free.

2. Saying “Yes” to Spontaneous Opportunities

One of the highlights of our trip was a free snorkeling excursion with sea turtles. How did we snag this? By saying “yes” to a casual conversation with some sailors during a sunset boat ride. They invited us along for an early morning snorkel adventure, and it turned out to be one of the most magical experiences of our trip. Staying open to new opportunities (and making friends along the way) brought us more value than any pre-planned itinerary ever could.

3. Finding Free and Cheap Activities

Hawai‘i is full of incredible experiences that don’t cost a dime. Here are some of our favorite budget-friendly activities:

• Hiking: Trails like Diamond Head and Manoa Falls offered breathtaking views for just the cost of bus fare.

• Beaches: Relaxing on Waikīkī Beach or exploring quieter spots like Lanikai Beach gave us hours of fun for free.

• Exploring Local Culture: We strolled through local markets, watched street musicians, and soaked up the island vibe without spending a penny.

• Sunsets: Every evening, we made it a point to catch the sunset. It’s a priceless experience that never gets old.

4. Using Deals and Discounts

We scored discounts by keeping an eye on local apps and tourism websites. Many companies offered student rates or group discounts, which helped us stretch our budget further. Even small savings added up over the course of the trip. Groupon was our best friend before and during our trip, and was the way we managed to save on our sunset sail and swim splurge.

5. Staying in Affordable Accommodations

Rather than booking expensive resorts, we opted for a budget-friendly hostel near Waikīkī Beach. It gave us a comfortable place to crash after a day of adventure, and we met fellow travelers who shared tips and stories. Bonus: some hostels even offer free breakfast or coffee. Our hotel offered free towel and beach chair rentals daily, allowing us to save on both suitcase room and money on beach essentials!

Final Thoughts

Traveling to Hawai‘i as students didn’t just teach us how to budget, it taught us how to live in the moment and embrace the unexpected. By planning wisely and staying open to new experiences, we created memories that will last a lifetime. So if you’re thinking about booking that trip, here’s your sign to say “yes” and figure it out later. After all, you’ll never regret the adventures you take, only the ones you let pass you by.

With Love, Alena