If you’re like President Obama, a Hawaiian vacation package might be just what you need to de-stress during the holidays and kick off the New Year. Hawaii has it all; palm trees, beautiful beaches, perfect waves for surfing, and world class golf courses.
The First Family has spent the last eight Christmases in Hawaii, a luxury many of us only wish we had. So just what does the president and his family do in Hawaii? According to Maui news, President Obama likes to spend his vacation time golfing with friends at the Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course on Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
As far as vacation accommodations go, the Obama family has opted to stay in the Kailua neighborhood of Oahu . The IJ Review featured a detailed tour of the Obama Hawaiian vacation accommodations at an estate named Hale Reena. The estate is a 7,000-square feet plantation-style home with a lagoon-style pool. It’s estimated that the president’s two week stay at the vacation home will cost about $56,000 – a hefty price tag most of us can’t afford.
The good news is that Hawaii has everything you could possibly want if you’re on the hunt for a relaxing and luxurious vacation package. Now here’s the bad news: unlike the president, you probably don’t have $3.5 million to spend on a holiday vacation package to Hawaii .
But all hope is not lost. Thanks to professional travel bloggers, digital nomads, full time travelers, and budget travel companies, the average traveler can also enjoy a Hawaiian vacation package without dropping a million dollars.
How to do Hawaii on a Budget
According to a recent poll from the Seattle Times , the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii are on Maui, which won by a landslide with over 40 percent of the vote. To save money on a trip to Maui (or anywhere else in Hawaii), Cheap Flights recommends traveling during off-peak seasons and to consider renting a condo instead of a hotel room.
Thanks to the advent of room-sharing services like Airbnb, travelers can now enjoy the comforts of home without breaking the bank; and in some cases, spend even less than they would on a hotel room.
Similarly, ride sharing services such as Uber and Lyft, along with public transportation options such as the bus, can save you a ton of money on renting a car.
Instead of island hopping, which can quickly add to a trip’s price tag, experts recommend choosing one island for your trip to Hawaii. Even traveling to one Hawaiian island is still a vacation and the beautiful beaches and free events around the islands are nothing to scoff at.
When it comes to dining, you can save money by exploring your options and doing your research first. If you have your heart set on going to a luau, be sure to check out Groupon and other online discount sites before making your reservation. Hawaii also has a bevy of other gourmet food options and specialties, that aren’t necessarily expensive, if you plan your reservations in advance.
A Hawaiian vacation package doesn’t have to be out of reach, just because you’re not the president (or independently wealthy). With a bit of common sense and careful planning, you too can party in Hawaii like President Obama. With more privacy and without all the secret service agents, of course.
[Photo Credits: Getty Images]
