Hawaii Finance Blog

Vacations in general may be expensive, but a Hawaii vacation can become very expensive, especially for a big family. The Hawaiian Islands are a popular destination for people around the world. The beauty of the islands can only be compared to being close to paradise. However, paradise comes at a price, and the more tips for saving money on a Hawaii vacation the better. By making a few adjustments and incorporating some money saving tips, a family can make the best of their Hawaii vacation.

One of the most unnoticed expenses is meals. Sometimes there are vacation packages, which include breakfast, but if breakfast is on you, the best deal is to avoid the pricey hotel breakfasts and meals. Eating at the hotel coffee shop instead of the restaurant is an alternative, so is eating outside the hotel, especially where locals eat. Another solution is to buy some breakfast items at a convenience store. A couple can easily save more than $300 in hotel breakfast cost only.

Scavenge for coupons that you can use in Hawaii. Look at the airport, vacation magazines, local magazines and newspapers, online, and the entertainment book. This can save you some money that adds up.

Car rental can become expensive, especially gas since you will be cruising around a lot. Opt for economic gas saver models instead of fancy cars. Booking ahead will save money. Avoid valet parking when possible, park your own car, and save money.

Do plenty research before you go. There might be activities that you will want to try that are offered by different companies. Compare prices and services for the best deal. If you are planning to scuba dive, compare the different businesses in the area and take advantage of the best deals.

When booking vacation packages compare many deals as well. Compare separate options to packages to realize your true savings. Use frequent flyer miles if you have them.

One thing that families do not realize is that they do not have to stay at a hotel. Apartment rentals, condo rentals, vacation home rentals may save money. Doing some of the quick meal preparation there, will save money as well.

Learn and get to know Hawaii free activities, which locals enjoy. Those could be hiking, visiting the parks, a zoo, and others. Many times the entrance to places might be a donation to help care for the place and will cost a couple of dollars. Think like a local and save money on entertainment.

A successful and economical vacation relies on research and planning ahead of time. Giving yourself time to learn about choices and deals is key to saving money on a Hawaii vacation rentals.

The West Maui real estate market showed a considerable amount of weakness in the months of July and August, with foreclosures continuing to spike amongst West Maui homes for sale and commercial real estate continually shifting hands. An August 29, 2010 report from the Maui News noted that “The foreclosure picture for Maui is “not pretty at all” with nearly a thousand single-family homes and condominiums currently pending foreclosure – nearly double the number from a year ago – said the executive director of a non-profit housing organization Thursday. Another survey showed Kihei leading the state in new foreclosures last month, with 110. This gloomy financial scene, including short sales and a willingness by some financial institutions to dispose of properties at a loss, continues to drive down housing prices. Still, with little new home construction, these listings are supplying the inventory that has brought a kind of normalcy to the real estate market, according to those involved in Maui housing and foreclosures. The lower prices are great for buyers but not for others with adjustable rate or exotic mortgages tied to rising home values. Many have lost their homes because of lost jobs or reduced hours; others are seeking advice on loan modifications and short sales. The foreclosure situation has not yet turned a corner on Maui, said John Andersen, executive director of Na Hale O Maui, a nonprofit organization that converts foreclosed properties into affordable housing. There are currently 946 pending foreclosures of residential properties; there were 482 last August.”

One of the largest examples of Maui commercial property faced another turbulent change recently, as yet another company bought out the Maui Prince Hotel. According to an August 31, 2010 article from the Wall Street Journal, “A rollercoaster year for the former Maui Prince Hotel in Hawaii continued this week when one of the property’s mortgage holders took ownership with the intent of operating and further developing it. AREA Property Partners, the former Apollo Real Estate Advisors, announced this week that it converted its $30 million portion of the hotel’s $192 million mortgage into equity.”