How to vacation in Hawaii
How I did it: We saved money, stopped making excuses and allowed ourselves to enjoy some of the benefits we earned.
One of the awesome benefits of being retired military is that lodging in Hawaii can be dirt cheap when you compare to the rates of top chain hotels.
During our vacation in Hawaii, my husband and I decided to do some hotel hopping, we stayed at the Navy Lodge in Honolulu (exceptionally nice) we had a room with a full kitchen and waterside view for only $86 a night. We also stayed at the Hale Koa Military Resort, this resort sits next to the Hilton Hawaii Village on Waikiki, again excellent rate $108 per night compared to $425 and up at other hotels in the same location.
For under $1800 we purchased r/t tickets, rented a car, stayed at 3 hotels, ate breakfast / lunch and dinner, purchased souvenirs. Our total stay was 4 days and 3 nights. Due to plane difficulty, Northwest Airlines paid for us to stay at the Marriott Waikiki, they also paid for transportation to and from the airport, dinner and breakfast so let's make it 5 days and 4 nights :).
Lessons & tips: For military families, plan for your trip to Hawaii because it is expensive but more importantly, take full advantage of your military benefits, you've earned them and you should allow yourself to enjoy them. The best times to vacation in Hawaii is between September and December (rates tend to be a little cheaper).
We rented a car not knowing that the island had a full line of transportation options for tourists.
Unless you're visiting the island with a family, save your money on the rental and use the public transportation options available.
Resources: http://www.halekoa.com/ - Military Resort
http://www.orbitz.com - cheap air fares
http://www.cheaptickets.com - cheap air fares
https://www.navy-lodge.com/ - Navy Lodging
http://dodlodging.net/ - Military Lodge for all Branches
http://www.ihop.com/ - they have an IHOP
http://www.redlobster.com - Red Lobster
http://www.pukadog.com/ - Hawaiian Style Hot Dog
