The topic turns to budget friendly Hawaii hotels on this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. Aloha Bruce gets into the details of accommodations that offer good vacation value for Hawaii visitors not looking to drop a fortune for a stay in Paradise.

Many people contact Bruce and HAT to find Hawaii’s cheapest hotels. “I don’t book dumps!” Budget properties do a great job presenting themselves online through the marvels of photo editing, which can be misleading. Bruce offers his suggestions for budget friendly Hawaii hotels that meet the studied standards of decades of planning Hawaii vacations.

Bruce starts in the “$200 range”, noting that some Hawaii resorts are just prohibitively expensive for most Hawaii visitors. “It’s a lot of money for a one-night stay. Forget it.” The Aqua Oasis comes first, located on Kuhio Avenue in Waikiki. Free shuttles around Waikiki are available there, and Bruce shares some of the conveniences and amenities public. He briefly explains the history of “condo-tels” in Waikiki, converted residential condominiums that are now part of national and international hospitality brands like Aston/Aqua.

The Waikiki Circle is another Aston/Aqua property on Kalakaua Avenue with rooms that are “a little bit small” but offer good value. The Kauai Beach Resort near Kapaa is another good Garden Isle value, and Bruce recommends upgrading to the “deluxe” room after recent renovations.

On Hawaii Island, the Royal Kona Resort is noted, and Bruce shares some insights about what to expect regarding resort fees at budget friendly Hawaii hotels. “You really can’t get closer to the ocean,” he says, booking their oceanfront rooms while sharing some amenities. “It’s one of the favorites that we recommend.” Bruce also mentions the Doubletree over on the Hilo side, which he says is generally more affordable than Kona-side properties. The subject of “boutique hotels” like Vive Waikiki, White Sands, and Queen Kapiolani is explored, with Bruce also mentioning the Courtyard by Marriott Kahului on Maui (ideal for an “island-hop”).

Bruce turns his attention to booking bed-and-breakfast operations in Hawaii (HAT has rooms at the Luana Waikiki). “Air B&B’s are much harder on Oahu,” Bruce says, noting that Maui has many options. “But it can be a good way to save money.”

“Research the location. But put your trust in us,” Bruce says. “I’ll tell you if it’s a dump!”

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