Parking in Honolulu is very expensive and these sky high parking rates can wreck a Hawaii vacation

Beat of Hawaii recently updated there Waikiki parking guide. Check out these free and cheap places to park throughout Waikiki:

Free parking near Hilton Hawaiian Village
Behind the Illikai and the Hilton lagoon, there’s a parking lot that offers completely free parking. It does not work for overnight, parking closes at 10:30 pm.

Free parking along Ala Wai Canal
Along the Ala Wai Canal near Ala Moana Shopping Center you will find free parking spots. There’s been construction going on lately and last month dozens of free parking spaces were restored. This month, some of those are again blocked by construction. It can be difficult to find an open spot here but parking is available 24 hours a day.

Free parking near the Zoo

Find free parking near the Honolulu Zoo

If you’re going to be at the far end of Waikiki, near Kapahulu and the Honolulu Zoo, then free parking is almost always available. Not only that but you can park 24 hours a day, so it works well if you’re staying at a nearby hotel. The free parking is located on Monsarrat Ave.

The parking lot at the Zoo, on the other hand, has now become more costly. It will run you $1 per hour, up to $24 per day. Now there’s a modern day parking machine that takes credit cards or cash, and dispenses tickets you place on the dashboard.

$10 a day parking at Aston Waikiki Banyon
There’s always parking for $10 per 24 hours at the Waikiki Banyon. It’s a good deal if you find yourself near Ohua Street, near the center part of Waikiki.

Take a look at the full article over at Beat of Hawaii before parking your car in Waikiki.

Save with these tips on your next Hawaii vacation

Beatofhawaii.com has a great article up about coping with the increase in Hawaii Tourism.

Hawaii remains unequaled in destination appeal and with this high demand means that rates are on the rise. As a result, average hotel night costs were up nearly 10% in March.

Five Tips To Cope With Hawaii Tourism Increase:

1. Lock in hotel plans as soon as you book your flight.
2. Negotiate with the property directly.
3. Try last minute when booking in advance does not work out.
4. Avoid peak travel dates.
5. Look for Hawaii vacation packages.

Stock up on fresh organic groceries

Deal: $10 for $20 worth of all-natural groceries at Kale’s Natural Foods
Expires: October 14, 2011

Kale’s Natural Foods stocks a full array of organic foods in addition to natural vitamins, supplements, remedies, body care, and pet care for the health-conscious individual.

Grab todays Groupon and check out Kale’s Natural Foods deli that was rated as one of the top five vegetarian restaurants in the state of Hawaii. Sample the green house salad, free-range chicken, organic tofu, wild salmon or chipotle meatloaf.

Location: 377 Keahole St. Honolulu, Hawaii 96825

Read up on events and destinations around Hawaii

Deal: $10 for a One-Year Subscription to “Hawaii Magazine” ($20 Value)
Expires: October 11, 2011

Hawaii Magazine covers all things 50th state-related, including the food, nightlife, music, and culture of Hawaii. The magazine includes a section on cuisines and an event calendar organized by island. Other highlights include articles about the historical and cultural landscapes of Hawaii’s islands, tips on sightseeing and vacation-planning.

Grab todays Groupon and read up on events and destinations in the state on a bimonthly basis with Hawaii Magazine.

Deal: $15, you get $30 worth of yakiniku and shabu-shabu from Tenyaku
Expires: September 10, 2011

Tenyaku’s menu offers two styles of traditional Japanese cooking, yakiniku and shabu-shabu. Yakiniku is a shared social meal, ordered one or two bites at a time, while shabu-shabu, or Japanese hot pot, that treats groups to thinly sliced meats, veggies, and supplemental dipping sauces. At Tenyaku, shabu-shabu comes in three varieties: beef, seafood, and beef and seafood. Diners can also select one of Tenyaku’s many Korean options.

Location: 1108 Keeaumoku St. Honolulu, Hawaii 96814

Hawaiian Cuisine

Deal: $30 for $60 Worth of Hawaiian Cuisine and Drinks at BluWater Grill
Expires: July 4, 2011

BluWater Grill located in Hawaii Kai on the island of Oahu offers a menu that fuses Hawaiian flavors with world cuisines.  Each dish is served with a waterfront view, regardless of your choice to dine indoors or out. BluWater Grill has previously won both the Hale Aina Best New Restaurant and Ilima Critic’s Choice awards.

Location: 377 Keahole St. Honolulu, Hawaii 96825

Save on your Hawaii vacation

Traveling to Hawaii can be expensive. It’s easy to get caught in Hawaii’s tourism money traps. I found this great article over at beatofhawaii.com that shares 15 different ways that will help you save on your Hawaii vacation.

15 money saving tips:

1. Travel during the off-season.
2. Plan far ahead or go last minute.
3. Look for vacation packages.
4. Consider travel insurance.
5. Use deal sites like Groupon, Tippr and PlayHawaii for activities.
6. If you’re coming here to celebrate, be sure to mention it.
7. Check activity and restaurant websites for deals.
8. Consider other nearby airports, they might have cheaper airfare.
9. When flying inter-island, don’t forget to check some of the smaller airlines.
10. Subscribe to sites like Travelocity, Hotwire, Expedia, FareCompare, and many others in order to track airfares, they change quickly.
11. In Honolulu, if you aren’t going to rent a car, consider in advance how to get from the airport into town.
12. Car rental prices can be all over the map, look around for deals.
13. Travel with a nylon duffel bag.
14. Hawaii is loaded with wonderful and free activities.
15. Purchase a buffet breakfast at your hotel.

Click here to read the full article

Local Grinds

Eating any where in Hawaii, including the Big Island can be a real challenge for travelers on a budget. Los Angeles Times Travel has a great article about cheap eats on the Big Island.

In this article you will find 20 Big Island meals for less than $20. These are restaurants where locals dine for inexpensive, traditional Hawaiian food.

Read the full article here

Deal: $10 for $20 at Downbeat Diner & Lounge
Expires: September 2, 2011

Downbeat Diner & Lounge attracts lunch munchers and night owls. Those who wake up late can still enjoy the breakfast menu all day. Downbeat Diner & Lounge also offers a vegan-friendly menu.

Location: Downtown Honolulu, 42 N Hotel St. Honolulu, Hawaii 96817

Kauai presents a real challenge to travelers on a budget: Food costs are one of the things that are higher on the island of Kauai, so it’s more difficult to stick to a budget here. But I found a great restaurant survey on Los Angeles Times Travel that will help you find great food for under $20 — and you’ll enjoy a cultural experience as well.

Read the full article here