West Kauai on a Budget
If you are really eager to go visit the island of Kauai, but fear that you can't afford it, don’t worry. You don’t have to spend much on your vacation just to have the time of your life. The first step to make your shoestring budget work for you is to get familiar with the west side of Hawaii. At least have a good idea of the sights to explore and things to do while staying in this part of the Hawaiian island. A little research will save you a great deal of stress, not to mention, earn you some savings. With that, you can focus on things your budget will let you enjoy.
For places to stay, know that there are vacation home rentals and resort hotel accommodations in the island to match any kind of traveling budget. After choosing the right accommodation for you, the one that won't really hurt your pocket, you must plan well for your cheap adventures. You may avoid the more costly activities such as the helicopter or plane tours and settle for sightseeing, hiking, or camping, and many other worthwhile and exciting adventures that won't require you to pay too much. Don’t think that all vacations should be expensive for you to have fun. Not in West Kauai.
Budget accommodations
When planning to stay in the west side of Kauai, you will fancy getting the budget-friendly offers from various resort hotels and lodges such as the Kokee Lodge. There are also countless vacation rentals or home rentals with varying sizes and prices, each giving you different degrees of comfort.
Kokee Lodge offers cabins and dormitories, or units with separate bedrooms. Beddings, pillows, and linens are provided, along with kitchen utensils for outdoor or indoor cooking. It also has a cocktail lounge where you can stay for entertainment, a restaurant, and a gift shop.
Waimea’s plantation cottages also let you indulge in the soothing spa treatments and leisure activities. The Aston Waimea Plantation Cottages are in the middle of a 27-acre coconut grove. Each room is creatively designed to show how Hawaii used to be. The so-called historic rooms have been fully restored with modern amenities and conveniences. One-, two-, and three-bedroom units are available with fully equipped kitchen.
Also, you must consider looking at the Waimea cottages and Kekaha vacation rentals for accommodations and lodging. The scenic vistas they offer are amazing, specially when seen right from your room window. The good news is that they don't cost as much as staying in a luxurious hotel. Visitors may choose from budget and family-friendly homes in Pakala, Kekaha and Waimea in Kauai. These locations are also ideal for kids, who can run freely in sugar cane fields or play relentlessly in white sand beach.
You can also schedule your trip during the off-peak season. Aside from getting cheaper deals for travel and accommodations, you may also enjoy getting around West Kauai without throngs of tourists. This is best for people who are in West Kauai to escape the hustle bustle of city life and would like to seek refuge in the island's laidback atmosphere.
Cheap food
Aside from accommodations and tours, another big concern is the food. Travelers, specially those from another country, would love to sample local Hawaiian cuisine. After a tiring activity, most would surely welcome a feast of homegrown dishes or desserts to keep them full.
It's good to hear that in West Kauai, good food doesn't come at a price you can't afford. If you're traveling with your family or friends, then Lappert's Hawaii in Hanapepe deserves a visit. It is known as a kid-friendly place that serves different flavors of ice cream, baked goodies, and even coffee. It is a popular choice for sweet treats. They offer fresh servings in small batches. This means that you don't have to burn a hole in your pocket just to indulge in your sweet cravings while enjoying the Aloha spirit that surrounds the place.
If you're looking for fresh fruits and market produce, you should drop by the farmer's market. Fruits and vegetables here are not only inexpensive but also fresh. When driving along the Poipu area, you'll find a fruit stand on the side of the road. If you're a bit unsure what to add to your fruit basket, you can take a bite of the fruit before buying it.
To scrimp on your travel spending, you may also want to go to grocery stores and find some basic essentials for picnic lunches. You may also prepare meals on your lanais and balconies to help save money while having a great time doing so.
Of course, your choice for "cheap eats" aren't limited with these suggestions. Just by driving around, you can find food stands and restaurants that offer great menu choices, even if they're not exactly gourmet dishes. You can also get yourself a map with a list of dining establishments to help you find a good place to eat with your budget. Just remember that good food doesn't have to be served only with silver spoon or expensive china. Be open to sampling true Island Rim flavors even from food stands.
Cheap activities
You don’t need to spend much when touring West Kauai. You may decide to just go hiking up the Waimea Canyon, the largest canyon in the Pacific (measuring about 10 miles long, 1 mile wide and more than 3,500-feet deep). Or, if you do not want to get too tired, then you might as well take a stroll at the Kokee State Park. Sightseeing and cycling are among the least expensive activities you can enjoy while staying in the west side of Kauai.
Of course, being budget conscious doesn't mean that you can no longer have fun on your vacation. You just have to put your best efforts on finding dining places where you can enjoy good food for less. Instead of booking yourself an expensive tour, you can have your own adventure and let your feet take you to interesting sights, as you roam around the island. A little spontaneity won't hurt your vacation.
It will also be wise to shop for souvenir items at thrift shops. Look for things that can only be found in Kauai or will best describe what the place is like for your family or friends back home. While in the west side of Kauai, take time to do some nature walks. Enjoy the laidback setting and serene atmosphere of this part of the island. If you're an artist, musician, or writer, draw inspiration from the scenic views of the rolling valleys and endlessly flowing waterfalls.
Instead of renting a car, why not try mountain biking? Bicycle maps are available in the tourist center. You may also want to check for cultural shows in the island that run for free, as well as check the schedules for whale watching. There are usually luaus or free hula shows in the area.
Truth of the matter is, you don’t need huge bucks with you to have fun; the beauty and magnificence of nature is enough to make you feel excited and occupied. All you will really need is a simple accommodation that will provide you comfort and convenience, a rental car or bike to give you flexibility to roam around, and the enthusiasm to discover what West Kauai has to offer.
It might do you good to explore beyond the commercialized areas of the island. This way, you'll get more meaning and value from your vacation.