Hawaii

I grew up in HI and still go back every year to visit family. I assume you are going to the Big Island since you want to see the volcano. Christmas is always really expensive no matter how flexible your dates are, so I would definitely look at the March/April time first.
When we went on our honeymoon on Kauai and the Big Island, a travel agent was able to get us a good price on a combination of hotel/car/airfare that we couldn't get online. Otherwise, B&Bs are usually a good deal, especially if they're not on the beach.
Ways to save $$ include eating "plate lunch" at local places instead of restaurants--servings are huge and cheap and delicious; beaches are always free; get a room with a kitchenette so you can fix breakfasts or lunches on your own. You'll have to pay a premium to swim with dolphins, but it's probably worth it--once in a lifetime opportunity, right?
If you have any specific questions, feel free to email me! Hawaii is a great place!
____@____.com

I have a friend who has been a travel agent for over 30 years.
I know that she will get you the best deal that she can. Her name is Judy, her e-mail address is ____@____.com, and her phone number is ###-###-####.

Good Luck!

When we went to Hawaii it was before we were married in 2004 and so it was just us and not our daughter. We stayed at hostels. The ones we were at were fine (I think the Seaside Hostel in Waikiki and Backpackers Hostel on the North Shore) but the rooms we were in were not necessarily where I'd want to stay with my daughter. I think the Backpackers had nicer rooms available at the main building but we were being cheap. Plus there was a free van between the two places. My understanding is that there aren't cheap hotels in Hawaii. But some hostels should have family rooms or private rooms for you. The rooms we stayed in had 4 beds and were bunked and each bed was about $10.

Hello, I am a travel agent and can certainly help with the planning of your Hawaii Trip if you wish. I am home based and have a CLIA Masters Certification. I have been in the industry about 12 years now.

Give me a call or drop me an email at
____@____.com
www.dream4travel.4mydeals.com
###-###-####

Thank you! B.

Hey-
I lived on the big island for 6 years and will be moving back soon! My advice would be to check orbitz.com for airfare- if your dates are a bit flexible (they have a flexible search option- which will give you cheaper fares). I would definitely plan on spending half of your trip on one side of the island and half on another -there are some long drives if you dont. If you want to go inexpensive and dont like to eat all of your meals at a restaurant they have great vacation rentals on vrbo.com or greatrentals.com. Saturday check out Hilo's farmers market- its fabulous... If you need more info you can email me.
Have a great time.
K.

I don't have any information for you, but I would love to hear what other people tell you! My husband and I have wondered when it would be the right time to take our two boys, ages 8 and 11.