12 Ways to Save on an Oahu Vacation

Dreaming of turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and Hawaiian hospitality? Oahu awaits, but the costs can sometimes feel like a reality check. While Oahu is the cheapest Hawaiian island to visit, a lack of planning can still result in sky-high expenses.

Fortunately, a savvy approach can turn your dream Oahu vacation into an affordable adventure. From free activities to strategic dining and lodging options, here are 12 fresh and practical ways to save on an Oahu vacation.

Hawaiian winters attract crowds seeking refuge from mainland chills, making winter holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s among the priciest times to visit. Spring break and summer also draws peak crowds as kids are out of school. Travel during shoulder season, which is typically March to May and September to early November for lower prices, fewer crowds and calmer vibes.

Southwest Airlines shook up airfares to the Aloha State when it launched flights to Hawaii. Southwest fares are generally lower than other airlines — made even lower once you factor in benefits like free checked bags.

But, comparison shop against all airlines. Tools like Google Flights can help you uncover the best deals across carriers. Use features like “Any dates” and Google flight alerts to track price dips.

Save hundreds by staying inland while keeping ocean views. While the most famous resorts, like the famous “Pink Palace” Royal Hawaiian command huge rates (it's a Luxury Collection resort part of the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program), there are so many worthy alternatives.

Another Marriott property, the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, sits just inland from the Royal Hawaiian. Though not strictly beachfront, guests can easily cross the street to one of the country’s most famous stretches of sand. Additionally, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani guests can take advantage of Marriott's reciprocal benefits offered a handful of Marriott hotels on Waikiki such as live music, cultural celebrations and the ability to charge items like meals to their rooms across those properties.

Similarly, the Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani is smaller (and generally far cheaper) than its sister property, Halekulani, On the Beach at Waikiki. Since it's located across the street (in the inland direction) from Halekulani, you're not far from the beach. And often, you can still score a room with an ocean view, thanks to how the Halepuna towers are situated.

Vacation rentals such as Airbnb (or Airbnb alternatives including Vrbo) can save money.

Just consider total costs — including resort fees for hotels, as well as cleaning fees at vacation rentals — before affirming which is cheaper: Airbnbs vs hotels.

Many Oahu hotels charge nightly resort fees, which generally run from $20 to $45 per night.

For resort fee-free stays, book at one of the Oahu hotels without resort fees. Here are the best Oahu hotels that don't charge resort fees:

• For travelers who want to be in Waikiki: Halekulani and its sibling property Halepuna Waikiki.

• For Disney fans: Head to Ko Olina, where you'll find Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. It's a Disney Vacation Club property, but don't be scared away even if you're not a member. It also sells rooms to non-members at cash prices (and no resort fees).

• For travelers who prefer a more serene stay: Head to the paradise country town of Lāʻie, where you'll find The Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore. It can be booked using Marriott points.

Rental cars can be critical in exploring off-the-beaten path attractions, including lesser-known waterfalls, hiking trails and those restaurants that the tourists haven't heard of.

Rental car prices in Hawaii are among the highest in the country. Plus, you'll have to budget for gas and parking fees. Hawaii almost always has the highest gas prices of any state, and hotel parking fees can be brutal too. One example: $45 a night for self-parking and $52 per night for valet at Hilton Hawaiian Village (and that’s on top of the $45-a-night resort fee).

» Learn more: The cheapest way to rent a car on vacation

Walking and public transit in Honolulu

As it turns out, it's totally feasible to get around Honolulu without a rental car.

Waikiki is super walkable. If you're prepared to get some serious steps in, then it's not unheard of to walk from Waikiki Beach to the top of Diamond Head.

Oahu’s public bus service called TheBus runs frequently and offers a variety of routes, including from Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). It mostly serves the city of Honolulu, but has limited routes to other areas of the island.

And though not exactly 'public transit', Oahu has Lyft and Uber, which can fill in the gaps where walking or public transit won't suffice. Though, to get around Ko Olina and the North Shore (the two other main tourist areas besides Waikiki), having a rental car is typically worth it.

Book shuttles

Many hotels and activity providers typically offer shuttle services as an add-on fee. For example, the Polynesian Cultural Center — located on Oahu's North Shore — runs round-trip shuttles for an additional fee, saving you from making the roughly hourlong drive yourself.

Fill in the gaps with hourly or daily rental car alternatives

For excursions that aren't efficient on the bus or served by shuttles, embrace rental car alternatives like Getaround, Kyte or Turo.

Many are bookable by the hour, so you can only pay for the periods where you really need it (and avoid the overnight parking fee). Pickup locations are also generally easy to find, particularly in the big tourist hubs. For example, there are a bunch of Zipcar vehicles in the parking lot of Waikiki's International Market Place.

Generally speaking, you should anticipate high prices if you belly up to an oceanfront cafe at any of Oahu’s on-the-beach resorts.

Now some of these fine dining spots are worth the splurge. For example, House Without a Key at the Halekulani is iconic given its terrace, offering views of Diamond Head.

But here are some other food options that can offer high value, either in terms of big portions, low prices — or both.

Don't balk at beachfront buffets

For people who load up at buffets — and thus might only need that (or perhaps one other meal) that day — buffets can be a swell deal.

What are the best beachfront buffets in Waikiki? Standouts include:

• Duke’s at the Outrigger Waikiki: Its breakfast runs until 11 a.m., so you could easily merge breakfast and lunch into one meal. Items include made-to-order omelets, spicy Portuguese sausage and banana pancakes.

• The Veranda at the iconic Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach: The breakfast buffet has specialty items including Mochiko waffles, loco moco and the Moana's own pancake recipe featuring lilikoi curd.

Consider booking hotels with free breakfast

Book Oahu hotels that belong to one of the major hotel chains offering free breakfast across all their properties. Among the standsouts are:

• Embassy Suites By Hilton Oahu Kapolei.

• Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk.

• Hampton Inn & Suites Oahu/Kapolei.

• Holiday Inn Express Waikiki, an IHG Hotel.

• Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach.

• Residence Inn by Marriott Oahu Kapolei.

Otherwise, flexing elite status can often entail free breakfast. Here are some of the free breakfast benefits across the major hotel loyalty programs:

• Hilton: Hilton Honors members with Gold or Diamond elite status get a daily food and beverage credit to use on any meal of the day at all properties that don't otherwise offer free breakfast to all guests. The credit's value varies by hotel.

• Hyatt: Get free breakfast at all Hyatt properties by having Hyatt Globalist elite status in the World of Hyatt program. The deal is good every day of your stay for up to two adults and two children, provided they’re registered guests.

• IHG: Receive breakfast at any IHG hotel by holding Diamond elite status in the IHG One Rewards program.

• Marriott: At most Marriott properties, breakfast is typically included if you have Platinum status or higher in the Marriott Bonvoy program.

Boutique or independently-owned hotels that usually offer free breakfast include Oasis Hotel Waikiki, Vive Hotel Waikiki and Waikiki Resort Hotel.

Alternate pricey meals with cheap eats

Here are a few recommendations for cheap eats on Oahu:

For food near Diamond Head, don't miss the plate lunch or tacos at South Shore Grill. The Japanese food at Pioneer Saloon is excellent too. Either make for a post-workout meal after hiking Diamond Head.

If you’re on the beach at Waikiki, grab lunch at Steak Shack at the Outrigger Waikiki or Happy’s Snack Bar behind the Hale Koa.

On the North Shore, sample the island’s famous shrimp trucks. You might also grab a plate lunch or slice of cream pie (or both) at Ted’s Bakery.

» Learn more: Dining out? Don’t leave credit card rewards on the table

Snack smart

ABC Stores are convenience markets all over the island selling packaged sandwiches and salads, hot soup, hard-boiled eggs and other grab-and-go eats. Adventurous eaters should embrace classic Hawaiian foods, including spam musubi, which usually costs less than $3 at ABC Stores. ABC also tend to sell poke which can be expensive in restaurants, but is generally pretty affordable at the deli.

If you're a spam musubi superfan, don't miss Musubi Cafe Iyasume, which has a handful of locations around Honolulu. There, you'll find unique toppings for your spam including kimchi, eel, avocado, bacon and egg.

The beach-umbrella-and-lounger sets you can rent in front of the major resorts can run $50 or $60 for a full day. But, you can buy cheap umbrellas and chairs at an ABC Store or another market. Shady parks like Ala Moana Beach Park and Kapiolani Park offer free, relaxing retreats with breathtaking views.

Here are some awesome free activities on Oahu:

For active and outdoor enthusiasts: Every beach in Hawaii, even if it abuts a luxury hotel or private home, is public land. There, you might rent a snorkel set, surfboard, kayak or ocean bike and get out on the water.

Watch world-class surfing in winter on the North Shore, or keep an eye out for humpback whales and spinner dolphins.

As far as hiking, there's no shortage. If you do just one hike, it'd be Diamond Head, though there's a small entrance fee. Given that, your best free hikes are Manoa Falls if you prefer rainforest hikes. If you want a booty burner, the Koko Crater Trail is extremely challenging. The Makapu'u Lighthouse trail offers a nice blend of views and enough of an incline to feel like you worked hard – without being completely wiped out.

For shopping and entertainment: Kalākaua Avenue is a major shopping street with tons of major U.S. retailers, as well as some local gems. Don't miss one of the many outposts of the Honolulu Cookie Company, known for its generous free samples.

For entertainment in Waikiki, enjoy free, live Hawaiian music and hula in the Royal Hawaiian Center shopping complex.

The lobbies of Waikiki's most iconic hotels usually are free to access. The Moana Surfrider is especially stunning in the evening, and there's almost always live music in both the indoor bar and on the outdoor patio.

For history: Pay your respects to the fallen aboard the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. Pearl Harbor National Memorial museums and grounds are free.

As far as sports history, don't miss the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame, which is located at the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu's North Shore.

For tourist attractions: Many top tourist attractions that command admission fees offer components that don't require a ticket. For example, you can still wander through the pineapple gardens, at the Dole Plantation,

On Oahu's North Shore, the Polynesian Culture Center is another gem. You'll need a ticket for top highlights including the evening show and "Island Villages" tour, but some components of the sprawling complex don't require a ticket, such as the Hukilau Marketplace and the aforementioned Football Hall of Fame.

That said, many of Oahu's top attractions do require tickets. If you're visiting many, consider the Go Oahu Card, which is a customizable package of discounted tickets for assorted ticket activities. Among the attractions generally available for access once you hold the card include:

• Polynesian Cultural Center (about $98 normally).

• Wet 'n' Wild Hawaii Waterpark (about $80 normally).

• Kualoa Grown Fruit and Farm Tour (about $55 normally).

• Sea Life Park Hawaii (about $45 normally).

• Iolani Palace (about $29 normally).

• Bishop Museum Honolulu (about $27 normally).

It's not for everyone, but it is for travelers looking to squeeze as many activities into every hour of the day. Note that many top attractions require advance booking, as space can otherwise fill up — even if you have the pass.

For ultra-planners who would rather visit a lot of places (in exchange for spending less time at each place), the card is more valuable than buying individual admission tickets to each attraction.

Speaking of packing in a bunch of activities in one day, there's no better place to do that than the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC), one of the North Shore's most treasured attractions.

The 42-acre living museum and entertainment destination feels a bit like Epcot's World Showcase (a reference only perhaps Disney fans would understand), albeit the PCC is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich cultures of Polynesia. Visitors can explore six Polynesian villages representing Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Hawaii, Aotearoa (New Zealand) and Tahiti, each offering authentic experiences like traditional dances and cooking demonstrations.

Try Polynesian cuisine at the on-site luau or from the food trucks at the Hukilau Marketplace, and don't miss the "Hā: Breath of Life" evening show which includes fire-knife dancing.

Packing in everything PCC offers into one day can be exhausting for travelers seeking a relaxed Hawaiian vacation. That's where the adjacent Courtyard Marriott Oahu North Shore comes in. It's walkable to the PCC, making it easy to return to your room mid-day or after the evening show, "Hā: Breath of Life." It also offers incentive to stay for more days, as visitors can return to the PCC for up to five days for free with qualifying packages booked through the property.

Otherwise, all guests can come back to the Island Villages for free for up to three days after their initial activity date as a part of their “Free Within Three” benefit when they purchase any package that includes a full day Islands admission.

Hawaii's hotels tend to be more expensive than elsewhere in the U.S., making for a golden opportunity to maximize hotel credit cards. On Oahu, hotel free night certificates can be especially valuable (just beware, the downsides of free night certs).

Many hotel credit cards offer elite status, which can mean ocean view upgrades. Some offer additional perks like statement credits, free meals or access to premium lounges, which can go a long way in saving you money on your Hawaiian vacation.