03 Aug Best Food You Can Make in Hawaii on Vacation
Trying to experience Hawaii on a tight budget can make some travel advisors laugh. Between the cost of a hotel, dining, and different excursions, this vacation for a family of four is about double the cost of a trip to Disneyland.
It doesn’t take long for your food budget to add up. The average family of four spends about $500 on food, and that’s assuming everyone sticks to the low end of the budget.
Renting an Airbnb is one way you can save a significant amount during your stay in Honolulu. Living like a local instead of following the resort lifestyle can reduce your expenses by over $1,000.
When you know the best foods you can make along the way, that knowledge can save you even more. Here’s how to cook while you enjoy a Hawaiian vacation.
Plan Meals Ahead of Time
It helps to create a meal plan before you even board your flight to Honolulu. Think about how many people are part of your group, the number of days you’ll be in the state, and how many times you’ll want to find a restaurant. It is usually cheaper to have lunch served while making your dinner. Try to overlap proteins for multiple meals to keep your costs down when creating this calendar.
Bring Pantry Staples and Spices
When you travel from the mainland to Hawaii, anything canned, frozen, cooked, or commercially packaged and processed can enter the state. Agricultural items are a bigger headache, requiring materials to be free of pests, signs of disease, and soil. If you stick to the spices and basic pantry staples you want for your planned meals, the amount you can save on food during your stay is incredible.
Pack Rice for Your Trip
The cost per pound for white rice in Hawaii averages over $2. That’s about 50% more than what you’d pay in California, which has one of the higher prices in the country. Since many of the traditional dishes and recipes you’ll find on the islands use this ingredient, a large family could easily save $50 by packing this ingredient for their trip.
Bring Your Costco Membership
If you have a membership to Costco, use it while you are staying in Honolulu. It’s the easiest way to get plenty of produce and specialty items while keeping costs down. One of the unique things to enjoy while staying in Honolulu is the store’s fresh poke. You can also find plenty of deals on local snacks, gift packs, souvenirs, and more.
Grab Your Alcohol at the Store
Drinking and Hawaii are like two peas in a pod. The price of beverages at beachfront bars and resorts can be astronomical! Why pay over $10 for a shot when you can get an entire bottle of wine to enjoy at your Airbnb? Grab some mixers at the local store, or use the fresh fruit grown on the island to create your own tropical favorite.
Another fun way to keep costs down is to shop at local food stands. You’ll find bananas, mangoes, papayas, pineapple, and avocado in plentiful supply.
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