Archive for the bargains category
May 1st, 2008 by ben c
Hey everyone, I’m beginning to upload videos all over the internet about the Go Card. You can find them on Youtube, Flickr, and other popular sites. We’re not going to make you scour the web, though. I’ll post them right here! Check out this video about the Makani Catamaran.The promotional footage they gave us included some cheesy background commercial that I also heard on the television in a commercial for acne treatment. No way was I going to use the same music, especially since we’re only posting these videos to the internet. If you liked the video, leave a comment, or check out other Go Card videos using the video player guide.
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
March 17th, 2008 by susan j
Palm tree photo uploaded by
Hawaii is a notoriously expensive place to . All of those Mai Tais and stays at fancy resorts certainly add up, but I managed to spend 10 days in Hawaii for less than $1,500, including airfare, hotels, and food. Here’s how I did it:
- Hotel. My boyfriend and I landed a room for $90/night at the Royal Gardens Waikiki using Priceline. Don’t be afraid to low ball your bids, because we discovered that they had even cheaper (but not quite as nice) rooms available, too. We also stayed at some modest, but very hospitable bed and breakfasts on the Big Island. If you’re willing to do a little digging and stay somewhere that’s slightly off the beaten path, there are lots of deals in Hawaii.
- Food. We set a budget of $40 per day for each of us, but we didn’t use up all that money on several occasions. It helped that some of our hotels and B&Bs had breakfast included. The quality of breakfast varied, but one place had an especially impressive spread with fresh guava juice, coconut muffins, Kona coffee, and other Hawaiian specialties. On days when breakfast was not included, we had an inexpensive breakfast right in Waikiki at Seaside Bar & Grill or Eggs’n Things. Some of our activities, like the Makani Catamaran afternoon sail, also included food or drinks.
- Transportation. I had a travel voucher with Delta Airlines and they had the deal on airfare from Boston to Honolulu, so we flew Delta. We had originally planned to rent a car on Oahu, but we actually discovered that you can get around pretty well using TheBus. We took the Roberts Hawaii shuttle from the Honolulu Airport to our hotel, but our return trip was so early that we opted for a cab on the way back. The hotel concierge surprised us with a limo, which turned out to be the same price as a cab!
For more on budget travel on Oahu, see these posts:
Cheap Eats in Oahu (Local Cuisine Edition)
Cheap Eats in Oahu (International Cuisine Edition)
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
March 7th, 2008 by susan j
View from the top of Diamond Head Crater Photo uploaded by
I’ve just returned from 10 glorious, relaxing days in Hawaii, and I’m thrilled to share some travel photos and a few tips from my trip to Oahu. You’ll be reading more about my trip once I get settled in, but here’s a little sneak peak at my first day on Oahu.
After fourteen hours of flying, the boyfriend and I collapsed into bed as soon as we arrived at the (tip: we got a good deal through Priceline, but they often post specials on their website, so I’d check that first). The hotel lacks some of the fancy amenities found at pricier places, but it’s quite elegant for its low price and offers clean, basic accommodations.
The next morning, since our bodies were still on Eastern time, we awoke at some ungodly hour (I’m guessing 5 am, which is 10 am EST) and set out in search of breakfast. Since many travelers to Hawaii are also dealing with drastic time changes, the restaurants in Oahu are prepared for early risers. We chose the Seaside Bar & Grill, since they offer a $2.99 breakfast special, including 2 pancakes, 2 eggs, and 2 strips of bacon. The breakfast burrito ($3.99) is also tasty and generously portioned.
Next, we set off for snorkeling in Hanauma Bay. I had Lasik back in January, so I was thrilled when my doctor cleared me for swimming in time for Hawaii! I’ve always wanted to try snorkeling, but obviously it’s no fun if you’re worrying about contact lenses or if you can’t see because you’ve gone without them. I’m amazed by how blue and clear the water was, and we saw some tropical fish that looked like they were straight out of Finding Nemo. (more…)
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
January 30th, 2008 by susan j
View from the roadside, Oahu Photo uploaded by
This weekend New York Times travel writer Matt Gross shared his experiences in . My boyfriend and I are planning a , so he eagerly forwarded me the article (there’s also a slide show and a video to accompany the article online). Gross visited the Big Island and Kauai, but we’ll be traveling to Oahu and the Big Island instead.
Still, the writer offers some helpful tips, like booking rooms at a bed and breakfast and foregoing the expensive local coffee (unless you’re a serious coffee connoisseur). So far, the boyfriend and I managed to snag airline tickets from Boston to Honolulu for about $500 on Delta Airlines, and we’re spending about $100/night at locally owned B & B’s, as Gross suggests. Stay tuned for more on my budget adventures in Hawaii!
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
January 18th, 2008 by susan j
Computer on a beach
Photo uploaded by Scott Ableman
Call me crazy, but one of the first things I researched when the S.O. and I began planning a trip to Hawaii was places where I could find free wifi. Even being surrounded by gorgeous volcanic views and pristine sandy beaches, I knew that ten days without email or NYTimes.com would be testing the limits of my sanity. For those who are as computer-dependent as I am, I’ve put together a little primer on wifi so you can reap the benefits of my research, too.
You won’t have to look far for wifi, because Gate 13 at Honolulu Airport has free wifi. Once you leave the airport, you have several internet options in Waikiki, Honolulu, and the surrounding area. In Honolulu, the city provides free wireless internet access in several areas (find the hotspots on the city’s website). The entire Aqua Wave Hotel and Resort is also wired for internet. Just east of Honolulu in Waikiki, Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand and the Coconut Cafe offer free wifi, too. Sharks Cove Grill in Haleiwa is another internet option.
View the complete list of wireless spots in Hawaii, including hotspots in Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island, on the Free Wifi Directory.
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
November 26th, 2007 by jamie a
Lunch at Pier 38
Photo uploaded by
If you’re a traveler on a budget who wants to get the most out of your Hawaiian experience, these local favorites for cheap eats are perfect for your trip! For part one of our two part ‘cheap eats,’ this post’s focus is on local cuisine that will introduce your palate to plenty of new tastes.
For breakfast…
Check out for a hearty breakfast before sightseeing. You get three larger-than-a-dinner-plate cakes with toppings like pineapple, banana, walnuts, and chocolate. Also be sure to try some Kona coffee to start off your day!
, voted the “Champion of Breakfast” by the Honolulu Advertiser, fulfills all your Hawaiian food dreams. Choose from mahi-mahi eggs Benedict, guava chiffon pancakes, or Carsie’s crab cakes and eggs. The names of the dishes alone should persuade any foodie to stop at Cinnamon’s!
For lunch…
With local fisherman, residents, and downtown workers making up the clientele, you know that is the real deal. Enjoy dishes like urikake pan seared ahi with ginger garlic cilantro sauce or a fried calamari salad on nalo greens with sweet chili dressing. You can even eat on the patio or overlooking the fishing boats for a lovely outdoor meal.
For more fresh seafood options, check out . The decor is fun and welcoming and the specials literally depend on what the fishermen bring in for the day, so the menu is ever-changing. There’s a crab, bacon, and avocado sandwich as well as Uncle’s fresh ahi belly which are staples on the menu as well as local favorites.
For a feel-good snack…
After hiking around Diamond Head or a day at the beach, stop in to to refuel! Try an acai bowl, which is essentially a smoothie in a bowl topped with acai fruit, mixed berries, banana, strawberries, and granola and topped with honey. Featured on both the Discovery Channel and Rachael Ray, Health Bar is the perfect treat on a hot day.
For dinner…
Check out the for ahi, mahi, or ono fish burgers with signature spicy sesame mayo for just $5.95. You even have the choice to dine inside or on the veranda in the lush tropical air. There’s also Teriyaki chicken and delightfully sweet pulled-pork sandwiches if you’re not up for seafood.
Have a great evening with the family at the . Enjoy a delicious variety of tapas on their small plates dinner menu all inspired by the owner’s trips to Europe. He noticed that “…they have a wonderful lifestyle of enjoying their meals in a casual environment, eating healthy, eating a variety of food priced right, and maybe having a little wine with it. They’re very smart.” The Kalapawai Cafe is his Hawaiian interpretation of these ideas.
For cocktails…
At , enjoy one of the favorite traditions of the original Halekulani with entertainment under the Kiawe tree. With Hawaiian music and hula nightly, you can sip their famous mai tais as you experience the breathtaking views.
Check back soon to learn more about international cuisine in Oahu!
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
October 29th, 2007 by jamie a
Sheraton Waikiki
Photo courtesy of Hotels.com
Whether you’re traveling with your briefcase or with your three kids, we’ve got your bases covered on finding the right hotel in Oahu.
For family…
At the Sheraton Waikiki, families can have a fabulous Hawaiian experience with activities to please everyone. There are nightly pool parties for the whole family, involving activities ranging from a Hula Night to Ukulele and Tahitian nights. Also be sure to check out the Diamond Head Crater Hike, the Hawaiian Ocean’s Outrigger Canoe Ride, and Hawaiian Ocean’s Surf Lessons!
For romance…
Known as the “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” The Royal Hawaiian takes couples back to the romance of a bygone era. Spend your day lounging on the beach right outside your door and top it off with a visit to the Abhasa Waikiki Spa where you can rejuvenate your body and spirit. There’s also an oceanfront luau complete with the hotel’s own Mai Tai Bar and live music.
For business…
At the , you can experience paradise and get some work done all in the same trip. Located at the foot of Diamond Head volcano, this hotel provides spectacular mountain views and also lies between two beaches. From high speed internet access in meeting rooms to laptop rental and video conferencing services, this hotel offers amenities for any tech-savvy traveler.
For student travelers…
If you’re familiar with staying in hostels around Europe, the is perfect for you! There’s $5/day bike rentals, $7 all-you-can-eat meals and different kinds of accommodations for every traveler. From their beach house with hostel-style beds to private rooms, studios, and cabins, you’ll certainly find the right fit for you. For nature lovers, the Waimea Valley Audubon Center is right at your doorstep.
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
October 10th, 2007 by susan j
Photo uploaded by .
Sometimes the best things in life are free and we here at Go Oahu Card are all about helping you get more bang for your travel buck. That’s why we wanted to share a link to an article called 10 Best Free Activities and Sites in Oahu. Sheila at Go Visit Hawaii has some great ideas, including going snorkeling, visiting the USS National Arizona Memorial, and admiring a beautiful Hawaiian sunset. Happy travels!
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
October 2nd, 2007 by susan j
Welcome to the Go Oahu Card blog. We plan to pack this blog with tons of tips and tidbits about things to do in Oahu, including outdoor activities, historical attractions, family fun, and more. We also want to help you plan your trip to Hawaii, so we’ll also include travel tips and suggested itineraries, too. Thanks for checking us out, and happy travels!
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
