Hawaii Vacation Connection show

Hawaii Vacation Connection

Summary: Direct from Honolulu Hawaii, this podcast focuses on Hawaii Vacations and Travel to Hawaii. Each 15 minute podcast segment is packed with valuable information on pricing, trends and Hawaii vacation itineraries submitted by podcast listeners. Topics range from booking Hawaii All inclusive packages to sailing Hawaii cruises covering just about anything having to do with Hawaii Travel.

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 Getting the most out of your Hawaii Hotel | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 19:24

Direct from Honolulu Hawaii, this podcast focuses on Hawaii Vacations and Travel to Hawaii. Each 15 minute podcast segment is packed with valuable information on pricing, trends and Hawaii vacation itineraries submitted by podcast listeners. Topics range from booking Hawaii All inclusive packages to sailing Hawaii cruises covering just about anything having to do with Hawaii Travel

 Will You be Eating Fast Food on your Hawaii Vacation? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 20:10

Fast Food in Hawaii- Are You Planning to Indulge? I think at one time or another, fast food has played some sort of role for everyone. Whether it's what you were raised on as a kid, what you had to eat when you were on a budget, or what you currently still indulge with, fast food is undoubtedly a part of American culture. Which is why you will find fast food restaurants not only throughout the nation, but throughout the entire globe as well. Many travelers think that if they visit the Caribbean, Mexico, or even Hawaii, that they won't spot the familiar golden “M” arches against the red background, the purple bell, or freckle faced Wendy. Fast food is everywhere though, so it's up to you to choose whether or not you want to eat it while you're on vacation. We posed the question, “Do you plan on eating at fast food restaurants when you come to Hawaii? Be honest :) Customer just asked which ones we have” on our Facebook page and received over fifty comments from fans. Many folks said they looked forward to the local style fast food, such as lunch trucks, plate lunches, and uniquely local spots like Zippy's, Puka Dogs, and Rainbow Drive Inn. What I find interesting is that many people are open to eating the familiar fast food from places like Jack in the Box and McDonald's, but not from the Hawaiian style fast food places. If you're vacationing to Hawaii and you plan to eat fast food, you might as well experience the Hawaiian style stuff instead of the fast food you can get anywhere- do as the locals do and kaukau! The most popular fast food restaurant that was mentioned on the facebook conversation thread was Jack in the Box. I'm not surprised. I've noticed that people have some strange sort of allegiance to Jack in the Box, and many times it's for their extremely cheap tacos. The second most mentioned place was McDonald's, but what I found interesting is how the Hawaiian McDonald's serve items with local flavors. Like the taro and haupia pies. Now that's a great way to entice tourists to eat fast food! Make it Hawaiian! One fan made the comment, “If you eat fast food at home, likely you'll eat it anywhere … especially if you've got kids.” Very true statement. Just because you're traveling or on vacation, doesn't mean you'll stray from your normal habits. In fact, if you're accustomed to eating fast food at home, chances are you'll eat it more than normal when traveling because it's within your comfort zones and is what's recognizable. Often times people don't want to step outside of what's familiar when traveling because of certain worries or concerns, also for budgeting reasons too. And everyone knows that when you're traveling with kids, one meal for the whole family can end up being in the triple digits. I think the best way to approach the situation is to stay open to trying foods that are different and part of the culture you're currently in. If you were traveling to India, rotis would be a good fast food style meal. Gyros from Greece, pho from Vietnam, fried chicken from the south; there are different fast foods for different locations. And another thing, fast food doesn't have to mean McDonald's or Taco Bell. In Hawaii, it can be a delicious plate lunch from the local fish market, coconut shrimp from the Kahuku shrimp trucks, quick sushi rolls from the local grocery store, a healthy pita wrap from Pupukea Grill lunch truck, or a fresh bakery item from Leonard's. Remain open minded when traveling anywhere, because you're only cutting yourself short by not trying the variety of flavors from around the world. And we may be biased when we say this, but Hawaii just may have some of the best dishes you'll ever have the pleasure of sampling! Getting Stuck in the Middle Our other monologue topic today is the role that some tend to take on when planning a vacation. It's common for one person to be the planner,

 Will You be Eating Fast Food on your Hawaii Vacation? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 20:10

Fast Food in Hawaii- Are You Planning to Indulge? I think at one time or another, fast food has played some sort The post Will You be Eating Fast Food on your Hawaii Vacation? appeared first on Hawaii Aloha Travel.

 Eating Fast Food in Hawaii | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 20:10

Direct from Honolulu Hawaii, this podcast focuses on Hawaii Vacations and Travel to Hawaii. Each 15 minute podcast segment is packed with valuable information on pricing, trends and Hawaii vacation itineraries submitted by podcast listeners. Topics range from booking Hawaii All inclusive packages to sailing Hawaii cruises covering just about anything having to do with Hawaii Travel

 Planning for Whale Watching Season in Hawaii | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 15:29

Each week we shout out Hawaii Aloha Travel supporters and local Hawaii businesses, here are this week's! Cholo's Homesyle Mexican in Haleiwa, Oahu Mama's House in Waimea, Big Island Hawaii Weddings, Suzanne Ventura TheOahuAgents.com They use technology to make buying property in the islands easy from any computer on Earth….and they are absolutely ruling the Iphone market with their free application that shows every home on market on Oahu. Sugai Kona Coffee Jack Grace Photography on Maui Blazin’ Steaks Grill, across from the convention center in Honolulu Daisy Jones is shouting out Flyin Hawaiian in Maui …they are awesome….and Hawaii aloha travel…best travel agency ever!!! James Mane India Cafe is one of my favorite places to eat. Great quality food. Indiacafehawaii.com Tattoo Hawaii Studio Looking for Traditional tattoos, Asian tattoos, Tribal tattoos, Polynesian tattoos, Old School tattoos, Custom tattoos or Permanent Cosmetics? Or YOUR custom tattoo designs? Let's work together! 140 Kona Street Ask for Peggy 945-3120 Piko McLaughlin Shout out to Bruce and the gang! Mahalo for such a great travel service from the ?ohana at the Hawaii Concert Guide Spencer Toyama https://bit.ly/bebraveks :) Home of the Brave: Struggle & triumph in a broken America Maddy Rico Shout out from NJ! Mahalo for setting up the H5Ohana when we were there. I know I had an awesome time! Jamie Neely To Kalei at HAT for always being helpful! Tammy Moser I work at Whole Foods in there Prepared food department if you would like a quick and healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner come see us Whale Watching Season For Hawaii locals, fall time doesn't mean autumn leaves, scarves and boots, or chilly weather. It means the start of two things: big waves, and whale-watching season. Whale watching has become a beloved activity for tourists and locals alike in the islands, and the tour boats and activity choices are abundant. Each of the four main islands (Big Island, Oahu, Maui, and Kauai) offers a variety of ways to view the migrating whales, with equally magnificent views. From on land aerial views to large catamaran tours to small, private kayak adventures, SUPing, or simply using a pair of binoculars, whale-watching has never before been so accommodating. The best things to know for successful whale watching are the seasons (and particularly which month is busiest for migration), location, and protocol. Here are some details about all three aspects. Whale watching season is between December to early May (give or take a few weeks), and peaks between January and early April. Humpback whales migrate 3,00 miles from the cold waters of Alaska to the shallow, warm tropical waters of Hawaii every year to breed and give birth. Whales, otherwise known as “kohala” in Hawaiian, are majestic creatures that grace the islands regularly. Kohala have been integrated into Hawaiian culture for generations, known as an aumakua, or family guardian for the local people. Their bones were also regarded as sacred, and only the ali'i, or chiefs, were allowed to adorn themselves with them. Today, whales remain majestic beings that continue to amaze us all. Seeing one breach out of the water is like receiving a special gift, and watching tails (or flukes) rise out of the ocean is an incredible sight to witness. Whether you see it from afar or up close, the image will remain with you always. One of our Facebook fans asked which island is best for viewing whales. While you can see whales frolicking from any of the islands at any given point during the season, it's been pinpointed that Auau Channel between Maui, Molokai, and Lanai is the best place to see the most activity. Its calm, clear waters are what entice the mammals, and this channel is notorious for spectacular whale watching.

 Planning for Whale Watching Season in Hawaii | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 15:29

Each week we shout out Hawaii Aloha Travel supporters and local Hawaii businesses, here are this week's! Cholo's Homesyle Mexican in Haleiwa, Oahu Mama's House in Waimea, Big Island Hawaii Weddings, Suzanne Ventura TheOahuAgents.com They use technology to make buying property in the islands easy from any computer on Earth….and they are absolutely ruling the Iphone market with their free application that shows every home on market on Oahu. Sugai Kona Coffee Jack Grace Photography on Maui Blazin’ Steaks Grill, across from the convention center in Honolulu Daisy Jones is shouting out Flyin Hawaiian in Maui …they are awesome….and Hawaii aloha travel…best travel agency ever!!! James Mane India Cafe is one of my favorite places to eat. Great quality food. Indiacafehawaii.com Tattoo Hawaii Studio Looking for Traditional tattoos, Asian tattoos, Tribal tattoos, Polynesian tattoos, Old School tattoos, Custom tattoos or Permanent Cosmetics? Or YOUR custom tattoo designs? Let's work together! 140 Kona Street Ask for Peggy 945-3120 Piko McLaughlin Shout out to Bruce and the gang! Mahalo for such a great travel service from the ?ohana at the Hawaii Concert Guide Spencer Toyama http://bit.ly/bebraveks :) Home of the Brave: Struggle & triumph in a broken America Maddy Rico Shout out from NJ! Mahalo for setting up the H5Ohana when we were there. I know I had an awesome time! Jamie Neely To Kalei at HAT for always being helpful! Tammy Moser I work at Whole Foods in there Prepared food department if you would like a quick and healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner come see us Whale Watching Season For Hawaii locals, fall time doesn't mean autumn leaves, scarves and boots, or chilly weather. It means the start of two things: big waves, and whale-watching season. Whale watching has become a beloved activity for tourists and locals alike in the islands, and the tour boats and activity choices are abundant. Each of the four main islands (Big Island, Oahu, Maui, and Kauai) offers a variety of ways to view the migrating whales, with equally magnificent views. From on land aerial views to large catamaran tours to small, private kayak adventures, SUPing, or simply using a pair of binoculars, whale-watching has never before been so accommodating. The best things to know for successful whale watching are the seasons (and particularly which month is busiest for migration), location, and protocol. Here are some details about all three aspects. Whale watching season is between December to early May (give or take a few weeks), and peaks between January and early April. Humpback whales migrate 3,00 miles from the cold waters of Alaska to the shallow, warm tropical waters of Hawaii every year to breed and give birth. Whales, otherwise known as “kohala” in Hawaiian, are majestic creatures that grace the islands regularly. Kohala have been integrated into Hawaiian culture for generations, known as an aumakua, or family guardian for the local people. Their bones were also regarded as sacred, and only the ali'i, or chiefs, were allowed to adorn themselves with them. Today, whales remain majestic beings that continue to amaze us all. Seeing one breach out of the water is like receiving a special gift, and watching tails (or flukes) rise out of the ocean is an incredible sight to witness. Whether you see it from afar or up close, the image will remain with you always. One of our Facebook fans asked which island is best for viewing whales. While you can see whales frolicking from any of the islands at any given point during the season, it's been pinpointed that Auau Channel between Maui, Molokai, and Lanai is the best place to see the most activity. Its calm, clear waters are what entice the mammals, and this channel is notorious for spectacular whale watching. If you're visiting the islands during the winter months, be sure to take a moment to do some whale watching. You can choose a landmark and set up a picnic,

 Planning for Whale Watching in Hawaii | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 15:30

Direct from Honolulu Hawaii, this podcast focuses on Hawaii Vacations and Travel to Hawaii. Each 15 minute podcast segment is packed with valuable information on pricing, trends and Hawaii vacation itineraries submitted by podcast listeners. Topics range from booking Hawaii All inclusive packages to sailing Hawaii cruises covering just about anything having to do with Hawaii Travel

 Cheaper Air to Hawaii means higher prices for Hotels | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 20:25

Our Facebook friend Blen Hinton wants to let you know that if you’re headed to Maui chances are you’re going to be staying in a condo so you need to stock up the fridge and pantry with lots of goodies. Then and what’s to shout out Maui Grocery Service will deliver everything you need right […]

 Cheaper Air to Hawaii means higher prices for Hotels | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 20:25

Our Facebook friend Blen Hinton wants to let you know that if you're headed to Maui chances are you're going to be staying in a condo so you need to stock up the fridge and pantry with lots of goodies. Then and what's to shout out Maui Grocery Service will deliver everything you need right to your door. Neryda Bubb wants to shout out, well, us our friend Wayde! She says "Bruce, you do a fantastic job for everyone and work so hard. And the fact that you're so accessible even when I'm in a different time zone and country makes a huge difference. Secondly, a shout out to Waydes World Hawaii and the awesome tours he offers around the island. We had an amazing day with him and hes such a top notch bloke." If you're coming to Hawaii you need to look the part right? Well our new Facebook friend Charles wants to shout out an excellent website where you can check out a large selection of Hawaiian shirts you can find them here; www.waveshoppe.com Shout out to our friends at Hawaii Beach Time who will bring the party to any beach on the island of Oahu check them out at; www.hawaiibeachtime.com Sandy Faulk wants to tell us about the great business she found on our way to Hana the last time she visited Maui " Coconut Glen's Big Dumb Coconut Stand at mile marker 27 1/2, Road to Hana - first found Glen in 2003 when he had just moved to the island, it just keeps getting better - coconut ice cream in a coconut shell w/a coconut spoon, coconut candy and a SHOW!" Plan ahead and you won't be disappointed Okay Hawaii travelers, you've heard. Airfare has gone done. Way down. Which is some of the best news we've heard all year. But the flipside to this is that although airfare has gone down, hotels have gone up. And they're filling up quick. The upcoming winter season and the current “off season” that is typical year after year, is anything but typical this year. Without any “off season” happening for tourism in Hawaii, the hotels are keeping their prices high and selling out quick, making it difficult for vacationers to find accommodations. It's the old supply and demand rule; the demand is for vacations in Hawaii, and with these cheap airfares, everyone is taking up the offer. But the supply (hotels) isn't able to keep up, and they're having to keep their prices high. With limited inventory, travelers are having to look elsewhere than their favored resort for their Hawaiian vacation. Not to worry though! Hawaii Aloha Travel has the hook ups! While we might not be able to book rooms for our normal “off season” rates, we can still find them, as hard as that's becoming. Just last week we had a guy wanting to book a hotel in town, but due to the limited availability, we couldn't find anything affordable, so we booked him a great spot on the North Shore, equally pleasing and just as beautiful! But if you're thinking of taking a holiday in Hawaii, we recommend that you plan soon, especially because airfare will most likely go back up in the next few weeks. A common misconception is that if the airfare is cheap, then the hotels will be too. This has not been the case in recent weeks and won't be for the winter months either. Lahaina vs. Kihei Which is Better? When people are thinking about visiting Maui, one of he first decisions they make is what part of the island to visit. Today we discuss the Pro's and Con's of these two different parts of the Island based on a question we got from one of our Facebook friends. Kihei is located on the southern part of the island and Lahaina is on the west side of the island and part of the area known as Kaanapali. They both have pretty much the same weather however, the south side is thought to be sunnier. Kihei is not considers a resort area in that the accommodations you find there are made up mostly of condos. It's for that reason you'll find more "affordable" prices. Many of these condos are older and have not been renovated in years and are either 3 or 4 star rated property's.

 Kihei vs.Lahaina on Maui; Which is Better? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 20:26

Direct from Honolulu Hawaii, this podcast focuses on Hawaii Vacations and Travel to Hawaii. Each 15 minute podcast segment is packed with valuable information on pricing, trends and Hawaii vacation itineraries submitted by podcast listeners. Topics range from booking Hawaii All inclusive packages to sailing Hawaii cruises covering just about anything having to do with Hawaii Travel

 Hawaii Vacation Connection – Answering listener questions | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 13:43

It's going to be a busy weekend for us here at Hawaii Aloha Travel. On Sunday the premiere of Hawaii Five-0 happens in Waikiki at Sunset on the Beach. This is an annual event where the folks in Hawaii get to see the first episode of the season before anyone else in the world. We'll be streaming all the action live starting at 11 AM on Sunday. We'll have full coverage and show as much of the red carpet as possible from our vantage point from the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel. Here's the link if you want to check it out. Today's shout outs! Shizuka Usagi - She wants to come to Hawaii!! Marcella Horn - She's here in Hawai right now having a great time and wants Joey her agent to know! Stephanie Mills - Wants to thank our agent Ashley for all her help. Joe Morrissey - Loves the podcast! Carol Silverstein - Big Hawaiian Shout out! Also A few local business shout outs The Waikoloa Grill and Bar on the Big Island - Ono food! The Spa at the Outrigger Waikiki Reef is offering a four dollar discount on all AVEDA products in October to support breast cancer research. Kimberly is shouting out a local biz Akimbo Glass Studios on Mauiathey do something really special and unique things with glass and you can even take a class when you're here on vacation which will make for a lifetime memory. For more information call 808-667-5393 or visit them at akimbostudios.com Off Roading on the Big Island Many folks to travel to the Big Island want to rent a 4 Wheel Drive jeep or SUV to go off roading. The problem is that the major rental car companies don't allow it. Today we answer question from one of our a podcast listner who asks if we know of a company that might rent off roading vehicles. We recommend a company called Aiona Car Rental in Hilo they are flexible and allow their cars to go off roading! Must dos On Oahu Today we were asked by one of our Facebook friends Jason Johnson where we would recommend to take a first time visitor if they only had one place to see and eat on a walk. Well, it's very difficult to narrow down just one place but I recommend they enjoy the east side for the day. You can go to Hanauma Bay, Eternity beach, China walls, Sandy beach, and the MakaPuu tide-pools. The East side is a great way to spend the day and on my must do list. My favorite restaurants I always recommend Town restaurant in Kaimuki and also I'm telling folks about two new favorites of mine Pint & Jigger on King Street and The Whole in downtown Kakkako.

 Hawaii Vacation Connection – Answering listener questions | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 13:43

It's going to be a busy weekend for us here at Hawaii Aloha Travel. On Sunday the premiere of Hawaii Five-0 happens in Waikiki at Sunset on the Beach. This is an annual event where the folks in Hawaii get to see the first episode of the season before anyone else in the world. We'll be streaming all the action live starting at 11 AM on Sunday. We'll have full coverage and show as much of the red carpet as possible from our vantage point from the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel. Here's the link if you want to check it out. Today's shout outs! Shizuka Usagi - She wants to come to Hawaii!! Marcella Horn - She's here in Hawai right now having a great time and wants Joey her agent to know! Stephanie Mills - Wants to thank our agent Ashley for all her help. Joe Morrissey - Loves the podcast! Carol Silverstein - Big Hawaiian Shout out! Also A few local business shout outs The Waikoloa Grill and Bar on the Big Island - Ono food! The Spa at the Outrigger Waikiki Reef is offering a four dollar discount on all AVEDA products in October to support breast cancer research. Kimberly is shouting out a local biz Akimbo Glass Studios on Mauiathey do something really special and unique things with glass and you can even take a class when you're here on vacation which will make for a lifetime memory. For more information call 808-667-5393 or visit them at akimbostudios.com Off Roading on the Big Island Many folks to travel to the Big Island want to rent a 4 Wheel Drive jeep or SUV to go off roading. The problem is that the major rental car companies don't allow it. Today we answer question from one of our a podcast listner who asks if we know of a company that might rent off roading vehicles. We recommend a company called Aiona Car Rental in Hilo they are flexible and allow their cars to go off roading! Must dos On Oahu Today we were asked by one of our Facebook friends Jason Johnson where we would recommend to take a first time visitor if they only had one place to see and eat on a walk. Well, it's very difficult to narrow down just one place but I recommend they enjoy the east side for the day. You can go to Hanauma Bay, Eternity beach, China walls, Sandy beach, and the MakaPuu tide-pools. The East side is a great way to spend the day and on my must do list. My favorite restaurants I always recommend Town restaurant in Kaimuki and also I'm telling folks about two new favorites of mine Pint & Jigger on King Street and The Whole in downtown Kakkako.

 Can you go "off roading" on the Big Island? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 13:44

Direct from Honolulu Hawaii, this podcast focuses on Hawaii Vacations and Travel to Hawaii. Each 15 minute podcast segment is packed with valuable information on pricing, trends and Hawaii vacation itineraries submitted by podcast listeners. Topics range from booking Hawaii All inclusive packages to sailing Hawaii cruises covering just about anything having to do with Hawaii Travel

 Food Saving tips for Hawaii Vacations | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 16:41

How to eat cheap and outside of your comfort zone in Hawaii. While this may sound like an oxymoron, we're here to tell you that you can indeed eat affordably while on vacation in Hawaii; you just have to know where to go. We hear time and time again how expensive it is to eat here, especially when on vacation because you're so limited. But although we agree that the price of cereal at the store or that lunch along Waikiki is totally absurd, we also believe it can be avoided… well, at least a little. Because sometimes it's fun and okay to splurge, heck, isn't that why you created a budget for your vacation in the first place? First off, eating out, if possible, should be minimized if you want to save money on food. With great condo rates, it's a good idea to look into your kitchen and at-home cooking options while on vacation. Leftovers and home cooked meals can save you a lot of money, not to mention home mixed cocktails too. This way you're not paying for inflated food and booze prices or gratuity, and you can make things exactly how you like them. But for the traveler who plans to eat almost every meal out, here are our top tips for eating cheap. Oh, and we recommend eating outside of your comfort zone too (which is usually very affordable) because what's a Hawaii vacation without a taste of spam or sushi?!! If you're vacationing in Waikiki area, then we're sure you've seen those iconic ABC stores. While some people might be bothered by their abundance, we actually like to take advantage of it. Many of these stores offer quick, sustaining bites, such as hard-boiled eggs, fresh fruit, or granola bars. If you're looking for a snack throughout the day, we suggest stopping by your nearest ABC store and stocking up. Go for the cheaper stuff too, like musubis, arare, fruit, or nuts. And since we're on the topic, 7-Eleven is actually one of the favored places among locals to grab some local kine grinds. You'll find everything from manapua to hot dogs to Hawaiian baked goods, poi, kalua pig, taquitos, and even lau lau. 7-Eleven's tend to take on the food varieties of their location, so it's a good place to taste Hawaiian flavors for cheap. Local grocery stores like Foodland, Malama, and Tamura's will also offer shoppers a variety of inexpensive goodies. One of my all-time favorite grab-and-go type snacks (that is really inexpensive) is edamame, specifically the kind that's been marinated Hawaiian-style. You can also find sushi rolls that are made fresh every day, different types of poke (which you HAVE to try!), a variety of fried foods (like potato wedges, chicken, corn dogs, etc.) fruit salads, olives, and delicious cheeses. We recommend going for the more sustaining stuff, like edamame and rice, which will leave you full for longer than fried stuff or other cheap items can. Also, an increasingly popular dish among locals is the poke bowls, which are an instant filler and very affordable. This is a bowl of white sticky rice topped with fresh poke (fresh ahi tuna) that's marinated in shoyu, onion, garlic, seaweed, and other tasty island flavors. Farmers markets are another great way to save (that is, if your rental includes a kitchen). Because of the plentiful markets happening around the island, you can usually find one every day of the week. Here you can stock up on fresh fruits and veggies, breads and bakery goodies, meats, and other things for at-home cooking. Or, if you really want to go cheap, you can always check out the farmers markets for their free samples! You can taste different dips, spreads, hummus, coconut popcorn, fruits, spices, chocolate and more, and most farmers markets offer plate lunch options as well. (Did we mention Costco gives out free samples all day long too? Hahaha…) As far as eating out for dinner, it's possible to do affordably too, and we don't mean taking the kids to McDonalds. Keep in mind that many times the view will indicate the price. For example,

 Food Saving tips for Hawaii Vacations | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 16:41

How to eat cheap and outside of your comfort zone in Hawaii. While this may sound like an oxymoron, we're here to tell you that you can indeed eat affordably while on vacation in Hawaii; you just have to know where to go. We hear time and time again how expensive it is to eat here, especially when on vacation because you're so limited. But although we agree that the price of cereal at the store or that lunch along Waikiki is totally absurd, we also believe it can be avoided… well, at least a little. Because sometimes it's fun and okay to splurge, heck, isn't that why you created a budget for your vacation in the first place? First off, eating out, if possible, should be minimized if you want to save money on food. With great condo rates, it's a good idea to look into your kitchen and at-home cooking options while on vacation. Leftovers and home cooked meals can save you a lot of money, not to mention home mixed cocktails too. This way you're not paying for inflated food and booze prices or gratuity, and you can make things exactly how you like them. But for the traveler who plans to eat almost every meal out, here are our top tips for eating cheap. Oh, and we recommend eating outside of your comfort zone too (which is usually very affordable) because what's a Hawaii vacation without a taste of spam or sushi?!! If you're vacationing in Waikiki area, then we're sure you've seen those iconic ABC stores. While some people might be bothered by their abundance, we actually like to take advantage of it. Many of these stores offer quick, sustaining bites, such as hard-boiled eggs, fresh fruit, or granola bars. If you're looking for a snack throughout the day, we suggest stopping by your nearest ABC store and stocking up. Go for the cheaper stuff too, like musubis, arare, fruit, or nuts. And since we're on the topic, 7-Eleven is actually one of the favored places among locals to grab some local kine grinds. You'll find everything from manapua to hot dogs to Hawaiian baked goods, poi, kalua pig, taquitos, and even lau lau. 7-Eleven's tend to take on the food varieties of their location, so it's a good place to taste Hawaiian flavors for cheap. Local grocery stores like Foodland, Malama, and Tamura's will also offer shoppers a variety of inexpensive goodies. One of my all-time favorite grab-and-go type snacks (that is really inexpensive) is edamame, specifically the kind that's been marinated Hawaiian-style. You can also find sushi rolls that are made fresh every day, different types of poke (which you HAVE to try!), a variety of fried foods (like potato wedges, chicken, corn dogs, etc.) fruit salads, olives, and delicious cheeses. We recommend going for the more sustaining stuff, like edamame and rice, which will leave you full for longer than fried stuff or other cheap items can. Also, an increasingly popular dish among locals is the poke bowls, which are an instant filler and very affordable. This is a bowl of white sticky rice topped with fresh poke (fresh ahi tuna) that's marinated in shoyu, onion, garlic, seaweed, and other tasty island flavors. Farmers markets are another great way to save (that is, if your rental includes a kitchen). Because of the plentiful markets happening around the island, you can usually find one every day of the week. Here you can stock up on fresh fruits and veggies, breads and bakery goodies, meats, and other things for at-home cooking. Or, if you really want to go cheap, you can always check out the farmers markets for their free samples! You can taste different dips, spreads, hummus, coconut popcorn, fruits, spices, chocolate and more, and most farmers markets offer plate lunch options as well. (Did we mention Costco gives out free samples all day long too? Hahaha…) As far as eating out for dinner, it's possible to do affordably too, and we don't mean taking the kids to McDonalds. Keep in mind that many times the view will indicate the price. For example,

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