Cheap flights directly to Honolulu operate from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne International Airports. These departure points also offer flights via Nadi, Fiji. Cheap flights from Adelaide International Airport will typically include a domestic flight to Sydney. Flights operating from Darwin and Perth International Airports will also include a domestic transfer with flights times on the international journey varying between 10 and 12 hours. Cheap flights can also be found by heading into LAX and taking a U.S. domestic flight to Honolulu. The Honolulu International Airport is located on the island of Oahu in the U.S. State of Hawaii. It is 10km from downtown Honolulu and 16km from Waikiki beach. Most hotels offer a free shuttle bus service so check with your accommodation ahead of time. There are a number of car rental companies at the airport just outside the terminal. You can use the complimentary phones and a free shuttle will pick you up from the median strip and take you to rent a car off site. Public buses are cheap, frequent and easy and leave from the median strip on the upper level. Taxis are quite expensive and operate on a cash basis only. Remember to have plenty of dollar bills for tipping.

Navigating the island of Oahu is relatively easy. The public transport system services the whole island and for $2.50 you can jump on and off any bus for a 2-hour period. You will need the exact change or you can purchase a 4-day pass for $25 at most convenience store. Hiring a car is more than reasonable due to petrol prices, so you can probably afford to travel in style. Don’t balk when you get to the bowsers – U.S. prices are in gallons and per litre, it is less than half of what you would expect to pay across Australia. The roads are well signed and apart from driving on the opposite side to us, it should be a relatively stress free adventure. You can check out the island by bicycle although prices are similar to that of a car. Scooters are expensive and your travel insurance may not cover you for engaging in this type of activity.

Honolulu has the ultimate hangout for beach and surfing enthusiasts in Waikiki. If you like to slow things down, try your hand windsurfing at Kailua Beach Park. Take some tissues and a self-guided tour to Pearl Harbour, The U.S.S. Arizona Memorial and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. The hike to Diamond Head is manageable for most fitness levels and the panoramic views will shoot spectacularly for even the most amateur of photographers. For the romantics, the short hike to Manoa Falls is worth a little effort as is a late afternoon stroll along Sunset Beach. For something a bit left of field, place a lei at the bronze statue of Bruddah Iz on the Leeward Coast. If you’re not familiar with his name, you’re almost certain to have heard his ukulele rendition of Somewhere Over The Rainbow. For the adventurer, find yourself a torch and investigate the Makua Cave whilst you’re there. Pack a picnic lunch for a cheap day of snorkelling at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, or cruise below the surface in a submarine in the waters of Oahu.

If you’re out for a bargain head to the Waikele Premium Outlets in Waipahu or seek out a Ross Dress for Less department store. This chain is found across the U.S. and is like a Best n Less type setup inside (even the exterior signage looks similar) but with big brand names for unbelievable prices. For an upmarket shopping experience, head to the Ala Moana Centre. The prestigious decor may make you feel like royalty and so too will some of the retail price tags. Dine in style at one of the al fresco offerings throughout Waikiki or immerse yourself in the spirit of a luau. Check out Helena’s Hawaiian Food for a cheap serving of the traditional cuisines of Kalua Pork and Lomi Salmon. Try the Elvis Pancake at MAC 24/7 or for an unforgettable dinner, treat yourself to Alan Wong’s Honolulu. Party at thirtyninehotel, sip cocktails on the sand at Duke’s on Waikiki Beach, or take advantage of the late night happy hour at Mai Tai Bar in Ala Moana.