How to Save Money in Oahu

Whether you're heading to Hawaii on vacation or planning to live there for the foreseeable future, the fact remains that this state is one of the most expensive in the nation. For this reason alone, it's important to cut costs where and when you can. Here are some tips that could save you up to $100 a day.

Instructions

Visiting Oahu

1. Buy a round-trip ticket several months in advance. If you're planning your vacation to Oahu, it's best to secure your flight as far in advance as possible. Don't buy separate one-way tickets and don't spend more than $800 getting there and back home.

2. Stay with a friend, house sit or solicit other accommodation options before booking a hotel room. The money you spend on the flight and accommodations is the heaviest burden on your wallet, so if there is any way you can connect with someone you know, you'll be grateful you did. Don't worry about where you'll be staying! Chances are you'll be out and about most of the time anyway, so it's not going to matter where you sleep as long as it's not on the street.

3. Take the bus. Oahu has fantastic public transportation all over the island. If you're willing to spend time waiting for a bus, then you'll save yourself the cost of gas and car rentals (which cost roughly $250 per week).

4. Pick up a "This Week" or any other coupon book available for tourists at free booths in Waikiki and the airport. Many of the deals will save you up to 50 percent off regular price.

5. Eat plate lunch or Zippy's for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Plate lunch is a Hawaiian specialty that is readily available 24 hours a day almost everywhere you go in Honolulu, and will cost you no more than $10 a meal. If you really want to splurge, choose a lunch buffet, as they are significantly cheaper than dinner buffets. Plan on spending no more than $50 a day for food and drinks.

Living on Oahu

1. Rent in shared apartments or houses. Instead of renting an apartment to yourself, share a larger place with several people. You might even consider living outside of Honolulu. Aiea, Pearl City and Kapolei have become popular and cheaper places to live that are just 30 minutes out of town.

2. Shop for food and produce at large markets like Foodland, Safeway, Star Market and Times. Hawaii boasts lots of great farmer's markets and health food stores, but these can be twice as expensive as supermarkets.

3. Carpool or take public transportation. The Boat, which is the water-based version of The Bus, is a great way to save money on your commute between Kapolei and downtown. The carpool lane during rush hours can also be a real gas, time and money saver.

4. Take advantage of going-out-of-business, sidewalk, garage, and seasonal sales! There are plenty of bargains to be had on this island, so keep your eye on the weekend classified ads for money-saving opportunities.