Kids in Waikiki? How to Save Money!

Saving Money in Waikiki with Kids

Saving Money in Waikiki with Kids

1.  Food!  Your Biggest Expense.
2.  Beach Toys & Chairs.
3.  Sunscreen.
4. Clothes.
5. Finding Inexpensive Souvenirs in Oahu.
6. Free Hula Shows.

You have your whole Hawaiian vacation planned—hotel, flights, tours, rental car.  You have been frugal in what you have chosen and what you plan to do. 

Once on the ground, how can you save money in Waikiki with kids?   Here are some great tips from a mom/grandma who has been traveling to Hawaii from the mainland for over 20 years:

1.  Food!  Your biggest expense.

In case you don’t know it already, food in Hawaii will be a major expense.  Here are a few ways to save money on your food budget.

• Bring water bottles and fill them with the faucet.  The water in Honolulu is safe to drink.
• Buy food at Costco or in a local grocery store and bring it back to your timeshare or condo.  Usually, both timeshares and hotel rooms have coffee makers, so get local coffee brands at the grocery store and enjoy.   The hotel staff is happy to deliver your groceries to the room, for a small tip fee.
• • (There are 2 locations on Oahu that are close to the Waikiki area: 525 Alakawa St, Honolulu, HI 96817 between the airport and Waikiki, and the other is in Hawaii Kai, close to Diamond Head)

• Here are a few suggestions to purchase from Costco, to make you feel like you are on a tropical vacation:
  • Hawaiian fruit (mango, papaya, pineapple)
  • Limes or lemons for papayas
  • Macadamia nuts (salted, chocolate, for gifts, etc.)
  • Chicken on a stick (which seems like a night in paradise in Hawaii.)
  • Sorbet in little coconut shells (in the freezer section)
  • Bread for sandwiches, also lettuce, tomatoes, etc.
  • Lunchmeat
  • Maui Chips
  • Tortilla Chips and Salsa (Look for local Hawaiian salsa, so good!)
  • Water, if you don’t have water bottles
  • Salad fixings

• ABC Stores offer food and are easy to find anywhere in Waikiki but will cost you more than Costco.  They are great for one or two items.

• Pack your lunch.  Bring a flat insulated container in your suitcase for the beach or long outings.  You can use the hotel’s ice if you need….Buy tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, and lunchmeat when you arrive and place them in your room’s refrigerator. 

Don’t have a refrigerator?  No problem!  Get a small cooler from the grocery store as well (Look on the top shelves). One lunch will more than pay you back the investment.  You can get the following on Amazon prior to leaving on your trip.

• Pack condiments in your suitcase.  Unopened small versions of plastic containers of mustard, ketchup, or other condiments can be packed in your checked luggage in plastic bags.

• If you are in a hotel room, you may need to pack plastic knives for spreading, etc.

• Pack a roll of plastic wrap or foil as well.

• Pack spices for recipes you intend to use.  I have a pineapple chicken sweet and sour recipe that we enjoy every year when we go to Hawaii.  I bring the cornstarch (pre-measured) and other spices needed in a plastic bag in my suitcase.  Don’t forget disposable salt and pepper shakers too.  (I have to buy a large disposable pan for this at the grocery store.)

• Pre-bake breakfast loaves (I love coconut!), freeze them and then place them in your checked luggage before you leave.  I also like to pack a bag of rice (for the rice cooker) to prevent buying the large sizes at Costco.

• Check for Happy Hour times at your favorite restaurants.  Many restaurants welcome children at Happy Hour times as well. 

• If you are going out for dinner, be sure to make reservations and book ahead with Open Table if possible.  Be sure you know where you are going and that the reviews are good. 

2.  Beach Toys and Chairs.

Around the pool, you can expect that lounge chairs will be free in Waikiki hotels, but most beach lounge chairs and umbrellas are quite costly.   Here are some money-saving tips for you.

• Go to Costco in Hawaii and purchase beach chairs for use throughout the week.  You can gift these to fellow travelers at the end of your stay.  
• To convince yourself that this is cost-effective, price the renting of lounge chairs for one day’s use.  Younger kids are happy on a beach towel, but this will save Mom and Dad’s backs.

• Before you leave home, purchase floaties (tubes, goggles, water wings, and loungers) at your local discount store (Target, etc.) for only a few dollars.  Inflate them when you arrive!  If it’s too much for you to do, the beach boys may help you out.  Usually, these floaties are only allowed at the beach, but sometimes exceptions are made for babies.

• If you have a baby, you may want to consider shaded pool floaties.
• Don’t pack towels!!  Most hotels and timeshares check out towels for your use at the beach.

Here are the ones I recommend from Amazon:

3. Sunscreen.

No matter how much sunscreen you pack, it may not be enough.  Sunscreen costs more pool or beachside.   In honor of Hawaii’s laws, buy reef-safe.  Be sure you pack plenty! And do not skimp.  Don’t forget hands and feet, and always, lips as well. 

4. Clothes

Come to Hawaii with the clothes you need, not planning to shop when you arrive.  Usually, clothes are not a bargain on Waikiki and will take all of your time to find just what you are looking for.  

On the other hand, if you like to shop, you will have plenty of opportunities in Waikiki.  Keep your eyes open for bargains and local crafts.

Women will need a bathing suit or suits, a suitable cover-up for walking through a hotel lobby or to a café’, a hat or two, comfortable sandals and walking shoes, as well as a dress (if you like) and shorts/pants and tops. 

Men are not expected to dress up near the beach and will be suitable in a Hawaiian shirt and shorts, even in restaurants.  They too will want swim trunks, and a tee to cover when walking through the lobby. 

Flip flops for the pool and beach will save your good shoes.  All ages need sunglasses to protect their eyes.  When the sun goes down, the temperature drops, so sweaters or sweatshirts are recommended.

Kids can wear whatever kids wear in this type of weather.  If you are in a timeshare, laundry facilities are usually available for no additional cost.

5. Finding Inexpensive Souvenirs in Oahu.

• Of course, inexpensive souvenirs can be found at ABC Stores, but if you have several kids and they all want T-shirts, or to buy for their friends back home, this can get expensive.

• Check the prices at Costco for macadamia nuts or even Hawaiian gear and books.

• Aloha Stadium Swap Meet. 

We traveled with teens and they wanted oversized tees or cropped tees.  Aloha Stadium offers the best deals.  (In 2021, 5 tees were $20).   Our teens purchased five each and five for their brother at home. 

Another big hit was the woven name bracelets (like friendship bracelets) with every conceivable name you can think of.  These were inexpensive choices for all the buddies at home.

You will also find authentic Hawaiian crafts, dresses, and handmade jewelry.  Local food vendors will be on hand as well. 

As of this printing, the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet & Marketplace is open Wednesdays, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Saturdays, 8:00 to 3:00 PM, and Sundays, 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM.  Admission is $2.00 per person.  Kids 11 and under, and Active Military with ID, are free. 

Hint:  Aloha Stadium is near Pearl Harbor, so you may want to combine your trips here.

1. Free Hula Shows.

• Royal Hawaiian Center.

Visit the Royal Hawaiian Center at 2201 Kalakaua Boulevard, in the heart of Waikiki, to see authentic hula shows, participate in lei-making, weaving, hula and ukulele lessons.  Also offered is rooftop stargazing and other cultural activities.  Check out the schedule and make reservations when needed.  Here is the LINK to the map.

• Check with your hotel to see what free activities they offer.

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