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Do you need helpful tips for a stunning Oahu trip? I have only visited Oahu in June, July, and November. Each time the weather was perfect. I am back in July for a family trip with my son, daughter-in-law, and bonus grandbaby. We are staying in Waikiki for seven nights.
We booked our flights in February for travel in June. My roundtrip ticket from Chicago to Honolulu after stops in Phoenix was $749 after I used two travel funds worth $187 to offset the cost. Do not forget, if you find a lower fare on Southwest, rebook and receive a travel fund for the difference. You can apply your savings to a future flight. Are you looking for roundtrip flights to Hawaii in the off-season? Fares are around $400, but less expensive flights require multiple stops.
I met my son in Phoenix, and we traveled together to Honolulu. Our layover was in San Diego, and we stopped by the Priority Pass Aspire Lounge for breakfast. If you have a travel credit card, check your benefits before booking your flight for the best airport lounge options. Although we had 90 minutes to visit the lounge, TSA PreCheck came in handy. Terminals 1 and 2 are not connected, and we all had to go through security again.
Although I used Club Points from my vacation ownership to reserve the room, I had to pay $96 in taxes. If offered an incentive to participate in a timeshare presentation while you are vacationing, read my post before you attend. This tip will help you understand the process before you meet in the sales office if this is your first presentation.
I used Charley’s Taxi because they charge a flat rate. However, there is an airport tax. The fare from the airport was $39. I also tipped. We took a different taxi company to the airport, but paid $45. I also tipped. We eliminated public transportation and took rideshare. Although you can rent a car for around $50 a day, you will pay at least $50 daily to park your vehicle at the hotel/resort. Please account for the number of people in your group and the space for luggage. Between the four of us, we had eight pieces of luggage. By the way, Honolulu has a new rail system that debuted in July. Segment 1 is complete.
The lobby is beautiful. Justin handed us the welcome package. Although he allowed us to check in before 4:00PM at no extra cost, the first room only had two beds. We needed at least one room with two beds. The front desk clerk was accommodating and changed the room. There was more than enough space for the four of us. The room featured: a full kitchen, three TVs, living room, two bathrooms, and a balcony with furniture. If you want a balcony overlooking the pool, 403 has a great view. By the way, my son had a bidet in his bathroom.
The tv in our room did not work. We called the front desk. An engineer responded within 30 minutes. Later, we noticed the patio screen had a large tear. It was windy, and the screen kept flapping in the wind. I also wanted to open the glass door to enjoy the natural air conditioning. The same person came back to fix the screen. He replaced the door. Do not be afraid to call the front desk if there is an issue with the room.
You can head to Target or Walmart, but ABC will be your one-stop shopping center if you stay at or near Hilton Hawaiian Village. I stopped at ABC after we arrived, but my son went grocery shopping the second day. Are you a CVS Extracare Rewards member? Shop at Longs Drugs to utilize your membership benefits. Load your coupons. Finally, be prepared to spend extra on your favorite drink at Starbucks.
If you are traveling with a pizza lover, stop by the Concierge Desk before you walk to Round Table Pizza. You will need the HGV Grand Experience Card to save 10% off food and beverages (excluding alcohol). Other restaurants are on the list, and you can save 15% if you are willing to travel. Read the fine print before presenting the card.
I love the ice cream at Lappert’s Hawaii. Depending on the time of day, you may wait in line for 10-15 minutes. However, it is worth the wait. Do not forget to ask for a punch card. Collect ten stamps to redeem the card for a free item. I am always collecting points or looking for rewards. I enjoyed a free milkshake, but my favorite treat is one scoop of Tiki Toffee on a waffle cone for $8.
If you want to venture beyond the pools on the property, stop by the fish-filled lagoon on your way to the beach. You can rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard and enjoy a day or two in the sun from a different perspective. On Fridays, there is a four-minute fireworks show at 8:00PM on the beach.
I walked to Ala Moana Center. Yes, you must see the world’s largest open-air shopping center. The last time I visited, I spent $300 and stuffed my suitcase with merchandise. I prepared for this trip and checked my oversized luggage. The sales at Nordstrom Rack were incredible, and H&M featured buy two clearance items and get the third free. I had to stop by Nordstrom for shoes. All my fashionistas know to shop at TJX brands when they travel. Every store carries different merchandise. I spent $635 on this trip. Oh, the low sales tax is a winner.
I was scrolling through FB when an ad appeared about the Dole Plantation. We called the Concierge for information but realized we could take rideshare instead of paying for a tour that included the plantation. Rideshare is $130 roundtrip. Tour packages for four people were $600. Our driver gave us an impromptu history lesson on the way. Tour tickets were $109. We completed the pineapple maze in 34 minutes, rode the Pineapple Express, and enjoyed pineapple ice cream on a waffle cone. Oh, wear sunscreen because the line to ride the train can be up to an hour long. By the way, you can save money on souvenirs if you purchase them from ABC. The merchandise at Dole Plantation had a 20-40% markup.
My final helpful tip for a stunning Oahu trip is to take a tour. I participated in a special event for vacation owners. On the way to the secret island, the driver pointed out the residences of several celebrities, including Oprah, Snoop Dog, and Martha Stuart. We stopped at the Halona Blowhole. I looked over the railing to see people enjoying the beautiful Halona Beach Cove. We did not have enough time to walk down the stairs to enjoy a refreshing dip, but the water was crystal clear. The site may seem familiar if you have watched “Here to Eternity” or “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.” Check out YouTube if you want to see the clips.
We took a boat to the secluded oasis off the coast of Oahu and enjoyed a complimentary lunch. We signed up for the glass-bottom boat tour. Other activities include kayaking, paddle boarding, or lounging on the beach. There are Port-a-Potty-type structures available and a changing area, but you should bring towels if you take a dip. After we left the island, we made one final stop. Get ready for the beautiful windy panoramic view. Because I received special pricing for this event, check the Hawaii Tours website if you are interested in exploring the Secret Island.
For the last two days, we moved to DoubleTree because I did not want to deplete my Club Points. We booked two rooms using Hilton Honors Points and cash. The rooms were clean but could use updating. Each room had a balcony, and the views were amazing. Although the pool was closed, guests were allowed access to two pools at Hilton Hawaiian Village. My son and I received the food and beverage credit for two days. Add your guest to the registration. My son received $36 each day. Charge everything to the room, especially if you pay with the Hilton Honors Surpass Card. As always, check your status and MyWay Hotel Benefits if you are a Hilton Honors member. If you are not a member, here is a bonus tip, join. Oh, do not forget your DoubleTree cookies.
After we landed in Phoenix, I continued my vacation at Scottsdale Links Resort. I share my expenses to provide a guideline. If shopping is not your thing, delete the item from your budget. Are you interested in more tours? Adjust the numbers accordingly. Click on the links throughout the post, and do not forget to check my website for additional travel ideas.
Mahola
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