Most visitors are getting far from the best airfare rates and are likely spending during low tourism season around $500 and hundreds more the rest of the year or if flying from the East Coast. It’s easy to see why many of the travel experts estimate the average Hawaii vacation costs around $2,000.
However, when it comes to Hawaii ecotourism, the numbers change. You can vacation in Hawaii for less than half of this amount. Consider…
Shopping is generally a big part of the expense. Visitors spend on average $210 in 2009 per 8-day vacation, per person, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Sightseeing, ocean play and other Hawaii eco travel activities take a back seat to this favorite tourism activity, according to a report sent to me from Hawaiian Airline’s Hana Hou magazine. This doesn’t really add up to a low cost Hawaii budget vacation.
Not true for eco travelers who spend more time enjoying Hawaii’s beautiful outdoors and often free/low cost cultural activities, while shopping mostly at fairs, growers’ markets, swap meets and locally owned discount stores.
The dining portion of a vacation can take a big bite out of the family vacation budget too. Eco travelers cut costs in this area by preparing some of their own meals with foods bought at local supermarkets and growers markets. There are also very nice restaurants with great food and atmosphere but budget prices.
Hundreds can also be saved in accommodations and airfare when you shop for these wisely at discount sites and book your reservations online. Also keeping in mind, not all discount sites are equal. To save even more, consider a family camping vacation in Hawaii.
When eco travelers do spend more, it’s on local business and environmentally, wildlife friendly activities (like a marine biologist led wild dolphin tour or a Na Pali sunset catamaran cruise).But overall in Hawaii most of the eco friendly and cultural activities are super low cost or free; for example:
Cultural festivals Snorkeling Sunset beach walks and sails Garden strolls Waterfall hikes Snorkeling Surfing (all ages, all kinds of surfing, rentals, lessons) Whale and dolphin tours led by environmental conscious marine biologists Kayaking Historical and cultural attractions Marine life aquariums Volcano (lava viewing hike, Volcano National Park, science museums) Beach activities (and lounging:-) Much more.
Most of these Hawaii ecotourism type activities are family friendly, appealing to young children as well as teens, parents and grandparents. All but the active volcano are found on all of the main islands: Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii (Big Island). So you see, fun and affordable family vacations in Hawaii really are possible.
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