A cheap Hawaii vacation might sound like a misnomer, but right now is actually a great time to travel to Hawaii - even on a tight budget.

Tourism in Hawaii is way down, and that means that people who have some disposable income can get a great deal on everything from plane fare to lodging. 

Here are some tips to planning cheap Hawaii vacations:

~ Plane tickets to Hawaii are at their lowest point since I started flying back and forth four years ago! I recently booked plane tickes from Hawaii to Grand Rapids, MI for $597.  They may be less from major cities.  When you search for plane tickets, use the flexible date option to find the cheapest travel dates. 

~ Hawaii hotels aren't lowering their prices too much, even during this economic crisis.  Homeowners who rent their homes or condos to vacationers, however, are desperate for any income right now and their prices reflect it.  Stay away from the hotels and rent a condo or home for your vacation. There are hundreds on each island and there are lots of deals right now.  You'll save even more money by having your own kitchen! Many of the homes have their own pools and killer views of the ocean too.

~ To maximize your cheap Hawaii vacation, go grocery shopping when you arrive and stay away from the restaurants. If you want to eat out, do so before 4:00 as most restaurants change to a dinner menu and charge as much as twice the prices for the same food.

~ Find free things to do. There are lots of things to do in Hawaii that don't cost a thing. All of the beaches are owned by the state and can be used by anyone. Some of the islands have amazing hiking and waterfalls and it's free to go on those hiking trails.  All of the resorts open their doors to guests and many of them are beautiful and fun to walk through - you don't need to be staying at a resort to visit it.  Many resorts also have free hula dancing or other shows that anyone can attend.  Watch for them!

~ Watch for deals when signing up for paying tourist activities.  Ask about discounts when you call to make reservations. With tourism at an all time low, tour companies are lowering their prices as well.  

If you have always wanted to visit the Hawaiian Islands, but the cost has put you off, now is the best time to get cheap Hawaii vacations! Aloha...and we hope to see you here!