written |ˈritn|: June 2012

Filing off the plane at Honolulu International Airport, vacationers are quickly divided. Those in the first group are welcomed with lei ceremonies before quickly ushered into limousines and transferred to luxury hotels or a more exclusive island. However those in the second, arrive into the Hawaiian heat wander over to Robert’s Hawaii queue for a $12 coach transfer to the downtown Waikiki hotel.

Despite many vacationers indulging in lavish oceanfront rooms, three-hat dining and private tours, the 2007 AAA Vacation Costs Survey average spending figure of $650 per day per family of four can easily be squashed. With airfares paid, this is how to see Oahu without backpacking for under $1000 per person.

DAY ONE

Robert’s airport shuttle will drop off travellers to any Waikiki Hotel, often those set back from the beach first. After checking in, grab a towel and beach chair (most hotels offer the service free of charge) and wander down the immaculate manicured streets to one of the most famous beaches in America, Waikiki Beach. The narrow but long strip of sand is a sea of umbrellas, beach chairs and bronze bodies basking in the tropical sun. It’s almost impossible to not slip into a daze of relaxation as the sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. Restaurants are plenty along the main streets of Waikiki; however, Moose McGillyCuddy’s $5 mojitos and $2.50 burritos are hard to pass by.

Money spent $30.

DAY TWO

Wake up to the continental breakfast offered in most hotels before boarding The Bus from the island side of the Kalakaua Street. A $25 four day unlimited rides ticket can be purchased from any ABC convenience store on almost all Waikiki street corners. The 30minute CountryExpress Bus 42 to the Waikele Factory Outlets will bypass downtown Honolulu, but the highway flyover shows off Pearl Harbor and the NFL Hawaiian Warriors stadium. The open-air shopping center has many major brands up to 80% off. Find the bargains before catching the same bus back to the Ala Moana Center to enjoy dinner at Islands Fine Burgers and Drinks – one of the biggest burgers on the island. A short ride to the Hilton Hawaiian Village will provide free Hawaiian dancing and music for the rest of the evening.

Money spent $200

DAY THREE

One of the best savings made can be catching The Bus to Pearl Harbor rather booking onto one of the hundreds of tour companies offering Pearl Harbor tours. The bus drops passengers at the entrance to the National Park’s visitor’s center where prohibited bags and coats are checked. A $70 ticket admits entry into the USS Arizona memorial, WW2 submarine USS Bowfin, Pacific Aviation Museum and the “Mighty Mo” USS Missouri, the stage of WW2 surrender ceremony. Free shuttles are provided around the harbor. No food can be brought in, although various café’s provide sandwiches and wraps for about $5. The solemn, reading filled day will leave visitors emotionally and mentally drained. Grab dinner at a local restaurant.

Money spent $110.

DAY FOUR

Located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, the previous volcanic activity of Oahu has created some of the most visited tourist destinations of the island. Hanauma Bay Marine Park, closed Tuesdays for preservation and restoration, offers visitors the opportunity to view the tropical marine life only meters off the beach. Visiting in the morning avoids the crowds and offers the best view of the fish and marine life. The Bus offers direct services to the marine park, with just a short walk into the park. Park entry and information video is $7.50, snorkel hire down on the beach is $15.

Head back to Waikiki for lunch before putting on sneakers and grabbing a drink bottle and catching the bus to Diamond Head. The hike to diamond head costs only $1 and takes about an hour for anyone of moderate fitness level. The lookout at the top of the now extinct volcano offers 360-degree views of Waikiki. Be sure to look out for any romantics dropping down on one knee to offer a diamond to their lady.

Money spent $50

DAY FIVE

On the final day of the bus ticket, jump on route 52 or 55 to see the native areas of the island. The bus showcases the pineapple plantations of the interior and the rainforests of the east, although the view of the tan and leathered locals is almost as interesting. The North Shore offers white sand beaches and clear blue water without the tourists. Waimea Bay, one of the most famous surfing beaches, offers calmer waters during summer. But Sunset Beach is where to take the photo to make friends back home jealous – white sand, aqua water and coconut tree lining the beach.

Money spent $60

DAY SIX

After days of tourism destinations, wander back down to any of the beaches along Waikiki for a day of surfing, banana boat riding and parasailing. Along the beach are rows of vendors offering surf hire and lessons at approximately $40/hr. End the day wandering the vendors at International Market Place, trying out the local cuisine. The market sells everything from light up Aloha shirts to frangipani engraved ukuleles, although be sure to look and listen out for the bright colored macaws at the market’s entrance. Street men earning an extra buck or so will snap a few photos with your camera with the well-trained birds playing dead, wings raised or calmly sitting on your shoulder, classic pirate style. A $5 bill is sufficient, however, if you’re fortunate, the men boast “There’s no price tag for pretty girls.”

Money spent $80

DAY SEVEN

Most flights leave in the morning, but a final stroll along the Kalakaua Ave through the souvenir stores to pick up a ukulele or aloha shirt will end the trip well. Robert’s Hawaii offer return airport shuttles with pick up from the Hawaiian hotels.

Money spent $50

Total spending $580, plus $378 accommodation.

Total $958.

Getting there:

Flights from West Coast $350-500/return

Flights from East Coast $600-900/return

Staying there:

Aqua Resorts and Hotels in Waikiki, Oahu

Queen rooms from $63/night

http://www.aquaresorts.com/

Getting around:

The Bus,