Family Hawaii

Oahu

On bustling Oahu, especially in the highly sought-after Waikiki area, there are no independent property rental firms representing an inventory of budget-priced condominium units. However, there are numerous older low-rise apartment buildings offering good value within a block of Waikiki Beach.

Aloha Punawai (305 Saratoga Rd., Honolulu, HI 96815; 808/923-5211; alternativehawaii/alohapunawai) has large one-bedroom units (which sleep up to five persons) just a half a block from the beach for $95 single occupancy and $10 per additional adult, with children free. These basic, comfortable units (immaculately clean) have small but complete kitchens, private baths, individual lanais, televisions, and coin-operated laundry facilities.

Just down the block is a similar older apartment/hotel, Kai Aloha (235 Saratoga Rd., Honolulu, HI 96815; 808/923-6723; e-mail: kai.aloha@gte.net, with full kitchens, air-conditioning, phones, televisions, daily maid service, and coin-operated laundry facilities. The one-bedroom units start at $85 for three people and $95 for four.

For larger, more luxurious units with added amenities (pool, exercise room, sun deck, volleyball and basketball courts, and putting green) two blocks from the beach, contact Paradise Management (50 S. Beretania St., Suite C207, Honolulu, HI 96813; 800/367-5205 or 808/538-7145; e-mail: pmchi@gte.net, which manages the Royal Kuhio condominium in Waikiki. These nicely furnished one-bedroom units (with free parking, a plus in crowded Waikiki) start at $105 a night.

Family touring & meals

Some other approaches to low-cost family vacations in the islands:

Book a rental car when you book your condo. "I know it sounds exaggerated, but car/air/condo packages can save you from 25 to 40 percent," says Margy Parker, executive director of the Poipu Beach Resort Association. Most condominium booking agencies have package deals with a four-door economy car for around $150 a week.

Food in Hawaii is expensive. Bring a duffel bag from home filled with packaged items for breakfast, lunch, and snacks (cereals, peanut butter, tuna, and paper goods). Then hit the farmer's markets, which are available on every island, and buy fresh tropical produce to augment your groceries. The visitor's associations on each island (see below) can direct you to the closest farmer's market and other discount food outlets (like day-old bread sales at bakeries).

For eating out, think picnics rather than restaurants. Kammy Purdy, the executive director of the Molokai Visitors Association, says that as a mother of four, she has often livened up family vacations by planning a trip to a different scenic spot (beaches, hills with panoramic views, waterfalls, etc.) for a lunch or dinner every day.

Don't waste a day of your vacation -- plan ahead. "The biggest problem I see is that people wait until they arrive to start finding out what activities are available," says James Metcalf, owner of Hawaii Resort Management. "I talk to thousands of people and it is surprising how many don't do any research or planning in advance." Metcalf suggests contacting the local visitor's bureaus for voluminous information about the island you plan to visit.

Look for free or nearly free activities. Check with the local visitor's bureau, the local library, or the local newspaper for family activities in the community. Pick up free visitor publications, not only for their listings of activities but also for their money-saving coupons on everything from macadamia nuts to snorkel gear rental.