Did you know that a vacation in Hawaii can be cheap and also exciting and memorable? Discover giant sea turtles, whales, wild horses, volcanic activity, lava tubes, pristine beaches, and giant banyan trees for $29 a day! Hawaiian shoreline hotels and resorts often range in price from $250 to $600 per night and more. Add in a conservative $86 per day restaurant cost, and you're looking at $2,274 to $4,374 just for one week (6 nights, 7 days) for one person. If you don't mind cooking and planning ahead, you can chop that figure down to $29 per day. To make each day of your Hawaiian vacation an adventure, this article recommends what to pack, what to buy upon arrival, a daily itinerary of places to go, and things to see, and even a suggested grocery list (with prices) and corresponding meal selections. We will be exploring the largest of the Hawaiian islands called Hawaii Island (also called "Big Island"). The $29 daily cost does not include airfare, and is achieved by sharing expenses between a party of 4 to 8 people (car rental, lodging, and food). Also outlined below is information (and pricing) on how to... 1. Book your airline ticket 2. Reserve your car 3. Reserve accommodations that stay within the $29 per day budget Reserving your accommodations Twelve months prior to your planned travel date, call the Hawaii State Park Reservation Office (808-974-6200) and reserve a cabin at Kalopa State Park for the cheap price of $55 per night (sleeps up to 8), which helps to make the vacation very inexpensive. Towels, wash cloths, linens, blankets, and pillows are provided. The adjacent mess hall provides tables, all necessary cookware, dinnerware, refrigeration, oven, and range tops. Make arrangements at this time to pick up the keys upon your arrival to Big Island. If the "5-night maximum stay" is still in place, then reserve another cabin for a night or two (same phone number) at either Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area or Mauna Kea State Recreation Area for the same price (similar amenities). As a matter of fact, moving to a different state park after a few nights can add an interesting variety to your vacation. As of this writing, the Hawaii State Parks Department is considering eliminating their "5-night maximum stay" policy for the State Park cabins. Buying your airline ticket Eleven months before your planned travel date, book your flight. Most airlines do not book flights more than 11 months in advance. Booking early can save on airfare and assures flight times of your choice. Hawaii Island has two international airports: Hilo and Kona. Fly into Hilo International Airport, because the car rental rates are much better, plus Hilo is closer to Kalopa State Park where you will be staying. Renting your car Next, reserve your car soon after reserving your flight. As of this writing, the Thrifty Car Rental Company at the Hilo International Airport rents a small car for about $20 per day (a one-week rental). This price includes Thrifty's pre-pay plan (paying in full in advance), making this the most inexpensive car rental on Hawaii Island. Surprisingly, it is more economical to rent two small cars than one large vehicle (SUV, minivan, or larger van) for a large group. The better gas mileage provided by the smaller car will result in even more savings. What to pack The average daytime high temperature in Hawaii is usually mid-80s, and the average night temperature around mid-60s. Fluctuations from the norm can occur. The climate ranges between rain forest to arid, depending upon the side of the island. To avoid paying airline penalties on luggage, only pack enough clothing for 3 or 4 days, then visit a laundromat or wash clothing in the sink. Below is a suggested list of what to pack for a 6-night, 7-day vacation to Big Island: -Warm long-sleeve shirt (for cool nights) -3 short-sleeve shirts -Warm pants (for cool nights) -3 pair shorts -Undergarments and socks for 3-4 days -Comfortable walking/hiking shoes -Windbreaker with hood (water resistant) -Bathing suit -Beach towel (other towels and wash cloths are provided by the State Park) -Toiletries including soap and shampoo (not provided by State Parks) -Small containers of: salt, pepper, favorite seasonings, cooking oil -Sun block -Insect repellant -Flashlight -Camera -Clothesline and clothespins (if sink-washing) Bring food for the flight Most airlines charge extra for food (even tiny ½-ounce pretzel bags). Save money by packing food for the flight. Remember that liquids or gels over 3 ounces cannot be carried onto any flight. This includes containers of yogurt, milk, water, peanut butter, jelly, etc. However, dry foods are allowed, as well as natural whole foods, such as oranges, bananas, apples, watermelon, etc. Additionally, you can bring an empty water bottle, and refill it after passing through airport security. Itinerary The following suggested itinerary takes into consideration driving time, distances around the island, and sightseeing time in order to get the most from your one-week vacation. Since the focus of this article is an economy vacation, expensive activities such as chartered tours, submarine rides, helicopter flights, etc., are not included. However, lots of exciting cheap or free activities are included in this detailed day-by-day itinerary. Day 1. On the first day of your Hawaiian vacation, arrive at Hilo International Airport. Most trans-Pacific flights from mainland U.S. arrive in the afternoon. Call the Park office (808-974-6200) to pick up your cabin keys and State Park map at the State Office Building, 75 Aupuni Street in Hilo. Next, drive to the nearby discount Supermarket, Foodland, at 2100 Kanoelehua Ave. Hilo, HI 96720. To make your grocery purchases as inexpensive as possible, sign up for their shopper discount card, and obtain desired groceries for the week. Fish and most produce (oranges, bananas, spinach, lettuce, etc.) do not appear on this list, because these items can be purchased at one of many cheap roadside markets for a fraction of grocery-store prices. Although grocery prices fluctuate with the seasons and the economy, the below prices were in effect at the time of this writing. Tortilla chips (13 oz) $3.00 Pinto beans, cooked (2 lbs) $3.29 Sour cream $2.49 Pork chops (1 lb) $5.89 Rice (1 lb) $1.98 Eggs (dozen) $2.89 Orange Juice 1/2 gal $3.00 Milk (Soy 1/2 gal) $3.99 Milk (2% 1/2 gal) $2.25 Raisin bread $4.29 Apples (1 lb) $2.99 Potatoes (10 lb) $3.88 Chex Mix $2.85 Oatmeal (2 lbs) $2.50 Pancake syrup $2.50 Pancake mix $2.99 Bread (1 loaf) $3.49 Tomato (1 lb) $1.25 Peanut butter (1 lb) $3.29 Jelly (16 oz) $2.59 Sugar (1 lb. Box) $1.75 Refried beans (1 lb) $1.59 Coffee (1 lb) $5.50 Crackers (1 lb) $2.98 Salsa (16 oz) $4.99 Butter 1/2 lb. $3.00 Hamburger (1 lb) $4.50 Peanuts (1 lb jar) $5.50 Plastic bags (sack lunches) $3.25 Salad dressing (ranch) $3.25 Flour/corn tortillas (8"-10") $2.50 The above grocery list (including fish and produce from a local farmer's market) provides the following meal selections: Breakfast selections: Fresh fruit (from farmer's market) Oatmeal with milk Raisin bread & butter Toast with butter and cinnamon Pancakes Fried potatoes Eggs Orange juice Coffee Sack-lunch selections: Peanut butter & jelly on crackers Chips & salsa/refried beens Fresh fruit (from farmer's market) Salad with tomato, onion, spinach Chex Mix Burritos (refried beans/salsa/lettuce/onion/sour cream) Dinner selections: Fish (farmer's market selections) Hamburgers Pork chops Pinto beans & rice with salsa Stir-fry vegetables with pork or fish Fruit salad (from farmer's market selections) Peanut butter & jelly Salad with tomato, onion, spinach Baked Potatoes with butter or sour cream Burritos (refried beans/salsa/lettuce/onion/sour cream) Snack selections: Chex Mix Chips & salsa and refried beans Raisin bread Fresh fruit (from farmer's market) Peanuts Since some of your groceries will require refrigeration, drive immediately to Kalopa State Park where refrigeration is provided. To get to the park, head north on Kanoelehua Ave. for 2 miles (also called Route 11 and 130). Turn left onto route 19. Stay on 19 for 38 miles, and turn left onto Mamalahoa Highway, and follow the signs to Kalopa State Park. Along the way, watch for local farmer's markets selling fresh fish and produce. Day 2. Take flashlights along, and pack both a sack lunch and a sack dinner for a long and exciting day. Today, you will visit the Monkeypod Tree (planted by Mark Twain in 1866), a sea-turtle nesting area, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and view molten lava flowing either into the Pacific Ocean or over land. Today will involve more driving than any other day during the vacation, so rise early, have breakfast in the mess hall, and pack a lunch and dinner, because you will be watching the lava flow at night when it is the most spectacular. From Kalopa Park, turn right (southeast) onto Route 19, and drive 39.5 miles into Hilo. Turn right (south) onto Route 11 (also called 130 and Kanoelehua Ave.) and continue for 65 miles. Upon entering the Village of Waiohinu, follow the signs to the Monkeypod Tree, where you can park and walk around the grounds for free. The Punalu'u Bakeshop is nearby. Your next stop involves observing large sea turtles, a free activity. Leaving the Monkeypod Tree area, head north on Route 11 for about 8.5 miles, and visit the Punalu'u Beach Park (also called "Black Sand Beach"), home to the Green Sea turtle and the endangered Hawksbill turtle, often seen basking on the black sand or swimming in tide pools. By law, visitors must remain 15 feet (4.5 meters) from the turtles. Snorkeling at the beach provides an opportunity to view the turtles in action. Outdoor showers are provided for rinsing off sand and salt. Two hiking trails in this area offer a beautiful stroll along the shore. To access both trails, walk to the far end of the Black Sand Beach (away from the parking lot). Both trailheads are located near some old concrete slabs, remains of a World War II barricade. Next, get ready for the exciting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Upon leaving the Black Sand Beach, head north on Route 11 for about 30 miles, and enter the national park ($10 per car, good for one week). Follow the signs to the Visitor's Center where you can obtain trail maps and information on where to view the lava flows. The lava flow has been known to change direction, intensity, and even location, so check the latest information on lava viewing. Fascinating free videos describing the creation of the Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian history, and culture are available throughout the day in the Visitor Center's theater. Exploring this park will most likely consume the remainder of the day. Don't miss walking through the lava tubes (one of them requires a flashlight). If you don't mind hiking 400 feet downhill and uphill on a smooth trail with switchbacks, you can venture down into the Kilauea Crater and explore a lava field, active steam vents, volcanic cracks in the earth, and other very unusual terrain. After sundown, watch the spectacular lava flow (a flashlight is mandatory). As your second inexpensive vacation day draws to a close, you will spend approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes returning to Kalopa State Park via route 11, then 19. Day 3. Today, you will tour the Hilo area of Big Island. The first stop is the spectacular Rainbow Falls. Start out by heading southeast (right) on Route 19 to Hilo. Turn right (west) onto Waianuenue Avenue (also called Route 200). Proceed 1.5 miles further, bearing right at two different forks in the road and watching for signs to Rainbow Falls. This particular falls is famous for the colorful rainbow that forms in the mist around the falls. Take the 5-minute trail leading upward to the roaring stream above the falls, offering breathtaking, panoramic views. The next stop is the Hilo Farmer's Market, less than 2 miles away, which is open every Wednesday and Saturday from 6:30 AM until 2:30 PM. Head back toward Hilo on Waianuenue Avenue for 1.3 miles (pass Ululani St. on the left), and turn right onto Kinoole Street. Take the 3rd left (Mamo Street), and drive until it dead ends into Kamehameha Avenue. The Hilo Farmer's Market is on the left at the corner of Mamo and Kamehameha Ave. Parking is available at Mo'oheau Park or on all the streets. Simply ignore the street meters, because parking is free. Over 200 local crafters and farmers sell produce, crafts, and gifts in a setting reminiscent of the old Hawaii Kingdom days. Next on the itinerary is the stunning Banyan Drive is only 1.3 miles away. Start out by heading west on Kamehameha Avenue for one block. Turn left onto Ponahawai Street and proceed for one block. Turn right onto Route 19 (also called "New Kamehameha Avenue," and "Hawaii Belt Road"). After 0.8 miles, turn left onto Lihiwai Street which becomes Banyan Drive after 0.5 mile. Your self-guided "Banyan Tree Tour" begins at the Hawaii Naniloa Resort, 93 Banyan Drive, where you will park your car and walk the magnificent banyan-tree lined lane along the coast. Some of the trees have a plaque bearing the name of the individual who planted the tree many decades ago, such as Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Amelia Earhart, and others. You will find yourself within walking distance of the free Lili'uokalani Gardens, a gorgeous park and garden located on 30 acres of manicured lawns sprawling around a maze of ponds connected by unusual and eye-catching bridges. A system of curving walkways guides visitors around this scenic and tranquil park. Don't miss the footbridge that extends out over Hilo Bay to Coconut Island, a dreamy place for a picnic, a relaxing swim, and sea-turtle watching. Children enjoy playing in the shallow, sandy-bottom pools. On the east side of the island stands a stone tower, a remnant of the old footbridge that was destroyed by a tsunami many decades ago. A popular activity is climbing this tower for a spectacular panoramic view of the Hilo Bay and its background mountains. If time permits, take 2 to 3 hours to tour the amazing non-profit nature preserve, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens ($15 per person) just 8.5 miles north of Hilo on Route 19 (open daily 9-4). After approximately 7 miles on 19, turn at the blue highway sign "Scenic Route," and continue for about 1.5 miles to arrive at the registration office. Nature trails in the garden will guide you through a tropical rainforest, over bubbling streams, past beautiful waterfalls and tropical birds, providing beautiful ocean vistas where one can also view thunderous waves pounding the rugged lava coast. The gardens display more than 2,000 species of tropical plants, some rare and exotic, including a vast variety of palms, orchids, heliconias, gingers, and bromeliads. Day 4. Start your day at the marvelous Akaka Falls State Park in Honomu. Head southeast (right) on 19 for 26 miles, then turn right at the "Akaka Falls State Park" sign. Signs will guide you right into the parking lot. There you will find a well-marked trailhead for a self-guided walk through lush tropical vegetation. The trail will take you to a scenic overlook for viewing the spectacular 442 foot Akaka Falls, and past the cascading Kahuna Falls, winding under luxurious tropical canopy, and through a bamboo forest. The entire loop is just under ½ mile. The next stop for today is Kolekole Beach Park, a perfect spot for a picnic or snack. When you return to Route 19 from Akaka Falls, simply turn left onto 19 and watch for signs to Kolekole Beach Park within ½ mile, just past mile marker 14. The park road narrows with a cliff on the left and a drop off to the valley floor on the right. Lush forest shade creates a serene and scenic drive into the park. At the divide in the road, bear to the right into the park. The main road continues over a bridge built in 1929, which overlooks the Park and the Kolekole Stream, fed from Akaka Falls. The Kolekole Stream meanders through the Park and empties out into the Pacific Ocean. Caution, do not wade in streams with cuts or sores or swallow any stream water, because most of Hawaii's streams contain Giardia parasites and Leptospirosis bacteria. Pavilions throughout the park are equipped with cooking areas and tables. Bathrooms and showers are also available. Next on the schedule is Laupahoehoe Point Park, a peninsula where two vicious ocean currents collide, causing ocean spray up to 40 feet high, even higher during inclement weather. From Kolekole Beach Park (above), return to Route 19 and turn left (north). Proceed 11 miles, and watch carefully for the sign to Laupahoehoe Point Beach Park on the right. If you have any inquiries pertaining to in which and how to use Best Camera Bags, you can make contact with us at our own site. The scenic, winding road leads through dense vegetation and out to a peninsula where the park is located. Walk around the coastal perimeter of the peninsula (a short walk, requiring a few minutes), and hear the "thunder claps" of huge waves pounding upon the rugged lava shores. The violent crashing of the ocean often drowns out all other sounds. Several pavilions are located around the park with tables and cooking grills. Showers and bathrooms are also available. Your stroll around the peninsula will lead you to a memorial containing 24 names etched into stone in memory of students and teachers who died there in a 1946 tidal wave. Next on the itinerary is the Hawaiian Vanilla Company. From Laupahoehoe Park, turn right (north) onto Route 19. Drive past mile marker 36, and under an overpass. Turn left, and drive toward the "Saint Joseph Church" sign toward the top of a small hill, to a stop sign. Turn right at the stop sign, and proceed 1/8 mile through old Paauilo town. Make a sharp left onto Pohakea Road. Keep right, and follow Pohakea Road for about 3 miles and then bear to the right at the first junction (Paauilo Mauka Road). Continue, and cross over a bridge. Drive past the Shell gas pump. The bright yellow Hawaiian Vanilla Company is located another 100 yards further on the left. Lunch and dinner tours range from $36 to $69 and are by reservation only (808-776-1771). However, visitors are welcome (without reservations) to peruse the gift shop and listen to the manager's "virtual tour" of the mill as he explains how the vanilla is grown, harvested, and used. An outdoor patio provides visitors with a view of some of the orchid plants from which the vanilla beans are harvested. Learn how to make an endless supply of vanilla flavoring from one vanilla bean. Day 5. The first stop on today's agenda is the Waipi'o Valley Overlook. From Kalopa State Park, head northwest (left) on Route 19. After 1.9 miles, bear right at the fork onto Route 240. Continue for 9.2 miles, and park your car near signs for the Waipi'o Valley Overlook. Nearby is a 4-wheel-drive road (Waipi'o Valley Road) that steeply descends into the paradisiacal lost world of Waipi'o Valley, home to wild horses, numerous waterfalls up to 1,380 feet high, and a lazy river meandering through the valley, eventually pouring out into the Pacific Ocean. The $50 per-person guided-shuttle fee (call 808-775-7121) can be saved (if one is in somewhat fit condition) by walking down the steep ¾ mile road with a 25% grade to the valley floor. Do not attempt this with a 2-wheel-drive car. At the bottom, a right turn leads to the shore, with breathtaking views of cliffs rising up out of the ocean and violent surf hammering a rugged shore. Wild horses frequently wander this direction, and harmlessly follow visitors who sometimes give them apples and pet them. However, continuing straight leads across a rain-swollen creek to the spectacular Hiilawe waterfall. Insect repellant may be useful on this hike. Your next destination is 10.5 miles away, the dazzling Imiola Congregational Church. Return to Route 240 from the Waipi'o Overlook (above), and take the first right ("Mud Lane to Route 19"). Continue 5.6 miles, and then turn right onto route 19. See the church after 4.5 miles. Step inside the Imiola Congregational Church to behold its exquisite and beautiful interior, unique from anything else on Earth. Take time to reflect, relax, and wander around the grounds. When finished touring the church and grounds, hop back into the car, and continue southeast on Route 19 for 0.4 mile, and arrive at the Parker Ranch and Museum (808-885-7655). It costs nothing to walk around, learn about the ranch and its history and to visit the gift shop. However, to enter the museum is a $7 donation, and to tour the homes, $9 ($15 for both). This 150,000 acre ranch began in 1847 after John Parker married Kipikane ("Rachel"), daughter of the great King Kamehameha. In 1992, following the death of the ranch's last owner, the entire ranch was left in a trust to benefit the Waimea community. Today the ranch is active with over 30,000 head of cattle, providing employment to locals while offering historical and cultural education to visitors. Since you'll be driving right past the Waimea Visitor Center (0.6 miles from the Parker Ranch Visitor Center, above, continuing east on Route 19), stop to enjoy this historical cabin, offering information on Kohala's numerous historic and cultural sights. Only 1.3 miles further (continuing east on 19), arrive at the well-known Kamuela Museum, featuring several pieces of furniture from the Iolani Palace during "Hawaii Kingdom" times, ancient Hawaiian weaponry, and other artifacts of historical and cultural interest. Open daily 8-5, $5, 808-885-4724. Your next stop (8.8 miles) is a lookout with an amazing view of the Kohala Coast and the Kawaihae Harbor. Upon exiting the Kamuela Museum (above), continue east on Route 19 for ½ mile, and bear right (250 North) at the fork. After 8 miles on 250, watch for the Kohala Mountain Road Lookout sign. This wonderfully scenic spot is a great place for a picnic. Continue north on 250 for 11 more miles (bear left at the fork to take "Hawi Road"), and tour through two villages, Hawi and Kapaau. These villages thrived in the early 1800s during the birth of the sugar industry, and have been restored with delightful and aesthetic architecture to reflect their historical plantation days. Enjoy window shopping and browsing through their cultural art galleries. You are at (or very close to) the intersection of 250 and 270. Turn right (east) onto 270, and drive for 1.5 miles to the Kamehameha County Park. These beautiful grounds provide visitors with completely free access to an Olympic-size pool, basketball courts, weight rooms, tennis courts, driving range, restrooms, picnic tables, and playground-compliments of Kamehameha County. Continue on 270 for ½ mile further, and discover the famous King Kamehameha Statue, sculpted in 1878 by an American sculptor. If time permits, continue east on 270 until it ends in 6.2 miles at Pololu Valley to enjoy breathtaking coastal scenery. A popular activity is parking at the end of the road and walking down a steep trail through lush greenery down to the Pololu Beach, where ribbon-like waterfalls dangle down from towering cliffs, pouring into irrigation ditches that once supplied water to the area's sugar plantations. Day 6. If your vacation falls anytime between January and April (especially February and March), plan to see humpback whales today. Leave Kalopa State Park and turn left (north) onto Route 19. Continue for 26 miles, turn right (north) onto 270, and go 0.4 mile, turning left into the Park's drive (watch for the sign to Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historical Park). Ample parking is available at the Visitor Center. Exploring the grounds will lead you to an impressive lava-stone structure built in 1790 by Kamehameha I and used as a place of worship. Plan to spend time in the Visitor Center with maps, information, and an interesting selection of big-screen videos regarding the Park and its history. Since this park borders Spencer Beach Park, drive or walk to Spencer Park's enormous stone pavilion on the coast, and picnic at one of the many tables under the pavilion's expansive roof, while watching for whales. Grills, large sinks, and bathrooms are located in or near the pavilion, as well as electrical outlets for charging your electronic equipment. Swim or relax here at the park. Outdoor showers are provided for rinsing off the salt and sand. Just 10.9 miles north on 270 is the Kohala Historical Sites State Monument. Built in AD 480, "Mo'okini Heiau," is a massive, lava-stone structure, which once served as a place of worship and human sacrifice. Many experience a haunting feeling when viewing the lava slab where hundreds were sacrificed to the gods. Feel free to explore the grounds (no charge). However, a portion of this historical site has been closed off as a result of earthquake damage in October 2006. Day 7. If time permits before your return flight home today, walk the "Kalopa Nature Trail," a 0.7 mile loop that winds through a canopy of lush vegetation and muted sunlight, across tropical terrain that is home to the endangered Hawaiian hawk, the hoary bat, as well as the night heron. All along the way, enjoy the dense native Hawaiian plant life. Also, enjoy additional trails in the adjacent forest reserve, which include a two-mile horse trail (loop). Have a safe trip home.