Hipmunk Hotels: Island Hopping in Hawaii

Hipmunk Hotels: Island Hopping in Hawaii

Hawaii is on my bucket list of places to visit, but with so many options between all the islands it’s hard to decide which one to visit for the full Hawaiian experience. Each option offers something special and unique, which makes choosing difficult. If you’re thinking of visiting Kona, Waikoloa, Maui, and Kapaa, this will help you start the planning process.

Home of the Ironman Championships

Photo by Richard Remington via Trover.com

October is the busiest month of the year in Kailua-Kona, thousands of athletes from around the world travel here for the annual Ironman World Championship. Save money by skipping the rental car and stay at a hotel close to the attractions. The Marriott Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel offers rooms with breath taking ocean views, kayak rentals, and a business center. If you’re on a budget, Vacation Condos in Kona has rooms for as low as $86 per night. However, be sure plan to book early to score these great rates.

Explore Anaehoomalu Bay

Photo by Rita Garcia via Trover.com

Snorkeling, amazing sunsets, and historic royal fish ponds are a few of the reasons why people love to visit Anaehoomalu Bay in Waikoloa. Japan’s Golden Week, a week consisting of four Japanese holidays (Showa Day, Constitution Day, Greenery Day, and Children’s Day) takes place the last week of April to the first week of May. Consequently, it’s a very busy time as many Japanese visitors arrive during this period. Hilton Waikoloa Village is a five-minute drive from the bay where guests can enjoy the Dolphin Quest Learning Program, which includes an opportunity to swim with dolphins. The Fairmont Orchid Hawaii, highly rated by travelers, offers luxurious rooms, which start at around $250 per night.

Find Bargains in Wailea

Photo by Bob Cummins via Trover.com

You’ll find fewer crowds at Makena Bay, which is located at the southern end of the Wailea community. Makena Beach and Golf Resort is the main hotel in the area, which offers rooms for as low $279 per night when booked early and during the off-season. Wailea has miles of sandy beaches for travelers to enjoy, including Poolenalena at Kapua’Ikea Point, Ulua Beach Park, and Wailea Beach. If you fly into the Kahului Airport, stop by the visitors center to get information about the area and find out what the locals recommend.

Plan Your Winter Vacation in Kapaa

Photo by Matt Anderson Photography via Trover.com

It’s hard to imagine finding a cheap hotel room in Hawaii, but travelers can save big by visiting Kapaa in the fall and late winter. If you’re adventurous and don’t mind camping outdoors, Airbnb has spaces at Old Kapaa Campground for only $40 per night. Castle Mokihana, which is just a ten-minute drive from Lydgate Beach Park, offers rooms at around $77 per night. The Kauai Shores, an Aqua Hotel, has oceanfront views, kitchenette, a sun deck for guests, and two outdoor pools with rates as low as $109 per night.

There are a variety of options for travelers planning to visit Hawaii but finding the right hotel is key to an enjoyable vacation.

This post is apart of the Hipmunk Hotels series, check out my other posts in the series, and other Hipmunk posts to help you save on travel.