Visit Oahu On A Budget!

*Statue Of Duke Kahanamoku At Waikiki Beach*

Oahu is a tropical oasis that will keep calling you back. With stunning beaches, lush foliage, mountainous views, and mesmerizing sunsets, the scenic landscape is breathtaking!

Best known for its historic Pearl Harbor, North Shore Surfing Mecca, and the world-famous Waikiki Beach, Oahu welcomes millions of visitors from all over the world each year to bask in its beauty, the perfect weather, and all of the accommodations it has to offer.

That being said, Oahu is one of the most expensive islands to visit in the world. A trip to Oahu can be a significant expense when factoring in the cost of airfare, hotel, food, transportation, and daily activities. Especially if you are on a tight budget. Believe me, we are all feeling it! However, don’t let that discourage you from planning that dream vacation! We will share some friendly tips to help you plan that unforgettable trip to Oahu that won’t break your wallet!

When To Go To Oahu

The best time to visit Oahu, based on the most ideal weather, lowest rates, and fewer crowd, is from April to May, and September to October. These months are considered the off-season or ‘Shoulder Month’.

The busy season for tourism usually peaks in the early summer months when there is less rain from June to August, and then again when the big waves pick up on the north shore of the island between December and April. Check out our blog “Cheap Flights: How to find them!” for tips on how to find the cheapest flights possible!

Where To Stay On Oahu

It is best to stay where there are plenty of hotels, local attractions, and accommodations. If it is your first time on Oahu and you’re not renting a car, we suggest staying in Waikiki Beach.

Waikiki is known for its world-class dining, luxury shopping, water activities, and beachfront resorts, particularly along the main strip of Kalakaua Avenue.
Prices vary depending on which area on the strip but you can find many offer discounted rates during the off-seasons.

We like to use travel sites like Expedia or Agoda to book our stays. These sites sometimes offer some of the best deals on packages and last-minute bookings, especially if you’re a rewards member.

Short-term rentals like Airbnb and Vrbo are great options as well. Although some of the extra fees they add can be quite hefty, making the final cost more than leading hotels at times.

We really enjoyed our stay at Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger. It is a block from Waikiki Beach and it’s near everything you will need. The rates were very reasonable and the rooms were very stylish and clean with all of the amenities.

If you are looking for something more low-key with a view and don’t mind a little walk, then check out Waikiki Marina Resort At The Ilikai. Located off Ala Moana Blvd, this iconic hotel was Hawaii’s first luxury high-rise and is famous for being featured on the show “Hawaii Five-0”.

It is a bit of a walk to Waikiki Beach, about 0.8 mile, but you’re just a short walk to Duke Kahanamoku Beach and a couple of blocks from shops and restaurants on Kalakaua Avenue. It’s a great choice if you want something nice and affordable but away from some of the crowd on the main strip.

How To Get Around Oahu

Renting a car is not necessary if you are near all of the activities you plan on doing or if you’re staying in a popular area like Waikiki. There are plenty of Rideshares like Uber and Lift around town to take you wherever you want to go.

Public transportation is also a great choice if you’re opting out of a car. Honolulu’s bus system called TheBus is ranked one of the best in the world.

TheBus is convenient and offer extensive routes all over the island. Hours varies by line and tickets are $3.00 for a single or $7.00 for a daily pass.

If it is your first time to Oahu, we do suggest renting a car for at least a day or two to drive around the island. It takes about 4-6 hours, depending on route and how often you stop, but the scenic drive will definitely be worth it!