Back from the most beautiful place I have ever seen. The trip was very relaxing and educational.Flight: Hawaiian Airlines was very comfortable with excellent service. They even feed you and offer yummy drinks. The flight was 6 hour over and 5 hours back. The time on the plane flow by because of all the entertainment. I would recommend this airline. Next time I will fly first class.
Packing tips: Learn how to pack a carry-on suite case to avoid the check bag fee. My trick is to roll your clothes. So if I plan to wear shorts and t-shirt I would roll them together with my underwear. Rolling allows for more room in my suit case, cut down on wriggles and keep my clothes together. I was there for 4 nights so I took 4 changes of clothes plus the clothes I flow over in. I took one pair of sneakers and two pairs of flip flops. I did take my own towels (thin) because I do not like using other folks towels. I did not pack shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste because the hotel offered it. I only packed hair gel, toothbrush and face cleaner. My sister was very impressed with my way of packing.
Transportation: We did not rent a car because we wanted to leave the driving to someone else. We took a shuttle from and back to the airport. It took about 20 minutes to arrive and cost about $25 per person. A little expensive but it was prepaid.
Hotel: I did splurge on the hotel and it was worth every penny. The hotel was beautiful with wonderful customer service staff. It was about 5 steps from the beach (Waikiki). The room was very comfortable with a wonderful view of the city. We enjoyed relaxing in the room. My hotel wish list was granted: room away from the elevator, ice and soda machines and higher floor. Thank you Lalani for making it happen. The hotel was in the heart of Waikiki but tucked away from the major crowds.
Budget: My budget was $60 per day (cash) and I stuck with it. It helped to book all city tours before you arrive and that is what I did. I only bought one t-shirt for my aunt that cost $5 bucks. When I go on vacation I only eat 2 meals a day. Not because I'm cheap but because my day is filled with activities. We ate one breakfast buffet and the other days we ate at Starbucks for breakfast. They have three awesome breakfast sandwiches for under $4 bucks. Late lunch was Hawaiian food or hamburgers. The food was very good. Expect to send about $15 for lunch and $20 for dinner. I bought water, fruit, milk and chocolate from the local "ABC" store. The prices are not bad maybe because I live in California and food is already expensive. I came home with $27 so I was happy about that. I did not use my credit card one time. When I go on vacation I only use cash. I don't use credit cards because it helps me to stick with my budget and it cuts down on credit card theft.
Tours: I booked and paid for these tours one month before I arrived. We went on the Pearl Harbor and Luau tour by way of a local tour company. We also took the city bus to the downtown area. I like riding the bus because you get to meet many locals. Thank you to my friend for picking us up and taking us on a tour of the island. North shore was awesome. Hawaii is breathtaking.
Local people: Very friendly and willing to help and provide history of the state. We enjoyed spending time with them on the bus and at local eateries.
Selfish Traveler closing tips: Plan ahead, prepay for all tours, spend cash only and set a daily budget, pack light, roll your clothes, don't take items that the hotels offer, leave time to just relax and make plans to return.
