TripHip - Travel Tips and Advice for Traveling on a Budget

Did you know if you happen to pick up a volcanic rock while at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you just might regret it?

The legend has it that the volcano goddess Pele will curse anyone who takes rocks, sand or seashells from the park. It may seem like superstitious nonsense, but the number of people who insist that their lives have taken serious turns for the worse after taking such a souvenir are in the thousands.

Every day, the local hotels and park offices get packages in the mail with rocks in them as people try to return their stolen treasures.

Believe it or don't, but you should think twice about picking up that curious black rock while in Hawaii.

Hawaii is a land of swaying breezes, bright sun, and warm beaches. It is also a place of indescribable natural beauty. You can take in all of this plus some oddities when you visit the island chain. Follow these tips for and oddly fun time.

1) Petroglyphs can be found in a remote section of Maui. These are located off an old dirt road and are hard to find, but represent one amazing vacation sight.

2) In Wahiawa, you can lose yourself in the world’s largest hedge maze.

3) For an interesting endeavor, visit the Wow Wee Maui Café. They have a lovely candy bar and also allow patrons to try flavored oxygen.

More than anything, Hawaii is known to cost a lot. It surely is a beautiful place, but if you want to see it, you need to carefully plan in advance. Arriving in Hawaii prepared is the best way to enjoy your vacation to the fullest.

Try vacation rental properties instead of hotel rooms. For one thing, rental properties often come at the same price you’d pay for a decent hotel room. The advantage is that you get an entire home instead just a room and a bathroom. In addition, vacation properties often have amenities such as private pools and hot tubs. One other reason to try these properties is the full kitchen. Cooking meals is much cheaper than eating in restaurants.

If you know someone who lives in Hawaii, they can help you save too. People with Hawaiian identification cards can get up to 20% off at local activities and lodging options. This is due to a local discount program known as kama’aina.

Taking a Hawaiian cruise may be more economical too. Consider that cruises often visit more than one island. In addition, everything comes in one neat little package. You also have all the amenities of a resort right at your fingertips, no matter where you are in the world.

Venturing to Hawaii is a dream for many vacationers. It is also an expensive dream. There are many ways to reduce the cost of a Hawaiian vacation so that you can make it a reality.

Do not eat all your meals at your hotel. Resort hotels offer all meals, especially breakfast; many offer buffets that cost in the double digits. Avoid these by purchasing breakfast at a local restaurant (not a resort hotel restaurant), a McDonald’s (which is still expensive, but not quite that expensive), or by visiting a grocery store. Stock up on cereal and milk (if you have a hotel fridge) or purchase muffins and pastries.

Valet service is costly. Avoid it where possible. Don’t be lazy, park the car yourself. Check to see if your insurance covers rental cars so that if you get one, you don’t have to pay for extra insurance, which could save a substantial amount of money.

Research is the key to saving money. Since there are so many activities on Hawaii, planning ahead could save a bundle. Instead of renting expensive charter boats to explore the waters surrounding the island, rent a kayak. Visit natural areas that have no cost or are nominally priced. Search for tours with the best prices before you go. Otherwise, you will spend a fortune. Don’t forget the free activities: exploring the beach, swimming, bird watching, and sunbathing.

When traveling in Hawaii, you might feel like you are a world away from the United States, but remember that you are still in America. Local can be quite offended if you refer to Hawaii as though it were another country. Using expressions like "back in the States" are not a good idea if you are talking about home. If you want to refer to the rest of the USA, call it "the mainland" instead.