As Oahu residents, we have found that dining in restaurants away from tourist areas is not only cheaper, but more enjoyable, For example, Thai restaurants in Waikiki or Metropolitan Honolulu charge nearly twice what an equally delightful meal costs at Thai Kitchen in Waipahu--on Farrington Highway. No doubt you will have a rental car while here, so why not try this--or perhaps, EJ's (a sandwich shop) on the same road in Waianae. Prices are much cheaper than in super touristy Heleiwa which is in all the tour books. Re: renting a car: If you are on a tight budget, perhaps renting a car at noon and keeping it one day will please you. This way you can drive all over the island and dine somewhere away from your hotel area the first day. Then the next morning drive somewhere for breakfast and back to whatever area "grabbed you" the day before. You can still turn the car in by noon. Also, accommodations away from crowded areas may appeal to you. You can rent a car the first day, stock the condo unit with groceries, and return the car to the airport the next day. "TheBus" will take you anywhere on the Island for 85 cents. When you are ready to leave this paradise you reverse the procedure: The day before your departure take "TheBus" to the airport, rent a car and drive it to the airport when you depart. Don't hesitate to e-mail us for further suggestions.
Hawaii