Hawaii Trip Blog

Our Dream Birthday Getaway in Hawaii – April 2024

One of the things my wife and I love to do is explore new places—especially when we’re celebrating a birthday or anniversary. For April 2024, it was my wife April’s birthday, and what better way to celebrate than by finally crossing Hawaii off our bucket list? Ever since we became Canadian citizens, visiting Hawaii has been a dream. This year, we made it happen.

But before booking our flights and accommodations, we had a lot to consider. Here’s a breakdown of how we planned our unforgettable Hawaiian getaway:

1. Budget Planning

We started by estimating how much we were willing to spend and how long we wanted to stay. Hawaii is known for being expensive, so we did our research—reading blogs, watching YouTube videos, and asking friends and family who had been there. Setting a realistic budget helped us prioritize what mattered most. We listed down all expected costs: flights, accommodations, transportation, food, activities, and a little extra for souvenirs and unexpected expenses. Knowing our limit helped us stay in control of our spending without sacrificing the experience.

2. Finding the Right Accommodation

If you’re planning to visit Hawaii with your family, choosing the right place to stay is crucial. We wanted something convenient, close to the beach, and within our budget. While Hawaii has many luxurious resorts, we found that there are also affordable options if you book early. After comparing reviews and prices, we decided on Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. It offered everything we wanted—beach access, pools, restaurants, and beautiful views. The resort is also family-friendly with plenty of activities for both kids and adults.

One thing to note: some towers at the resort offer different experiences. We stayed in the Ali’i Tower, which provides exclusive amenities like a private pool and direct beach access. It’s definitely worth considering if you want a more relaxing and premium feel without leaving the resort.

3. Booking Affordable Flights

Flights can take a big chunk of your budget, especially for a family of four. We looked for deals using Expedia, which allowed us to bundle our flights and hotel into one package. We booked our trip about 3–4 months in advance and managed to get a good deal with WestJet. Our total cost for the flights and resort was around $4,200 CAD, which we thought was reasonable for what we were getting.

Booking early and avoiding peak travel weeks (like spring break) made a big difference in pricing. We also used travel alerts and followed deals on social media to track discounts.

4. Food Costs and Planning

One of our biggest concerns was the cost of food in Hawaii. We’d heard it could be pricey, but thankfully, we found a lot of helpful tips online and from locals. We also asked friends living there for recommendations. We discovered several local spots that offered delicious meals without breaking the bank.

We made a habit of starting our day with breakfast at the resort or grabbing something light from a nearby café. For lunch and dinner, we alternated between local food trucks (which were fantastic!) and small family-owned restaurants. One of our favorites was a poke bowl place just a short walk from the resort—it was fresh, affordable, and full of flavor!

We also visited a local grocery store to buy snacks, fruits, and drinks, which helped us cut down on daily food costs.

5. Attractions and Transportation

Of course, we didn’t come all the way to Hawaii just to stay at the resort! We wanted to explore the island. Renting a car made the most sense, so we booked one through Enterprise, conveniently located right in our resort. We used Uber from the airport to the hotel and picked up the car the next day.

Having a rental car gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace. We created a list of must-see attractions and grouped them by area to make each day efficient and enjoyable.

Our Hawaiian Adventure Begins

On April 10th, we packed up early and headed to the airport. After a smooth flight, we landed at Honolulu International Airport in the afternoon. As soon as we stepped outside, we felt the warm tropical breeze—it was everything we had imagined!

We took an Uber to our resort and spent the first day exploring the beautiful Hawaiian Village. The resort has several towers, including Diamond Head, Ali’i, Tapa, Rainbow, Lagoon, Kalia, Grand Waikikian, and Grand Islander. We stayed in the Ali’i Tower, one of the best, located close to the main pool, beach, and restaurants.

The resort itself felt like a mini paradise. There were waterfalls, koi ponds, shopping areas, and live music in the evenings. It was the perfect way to begin our Hawaiian adventure.

Day 2: Road Trip + Cultural Experience

The next morning, I picked up our rental car and we set out to explore. Our first stop was the stunning Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden—a peaceful and scenic spot ideal for photos and enjoying nature.

After that, we drove to the Polynesian Cultural Center, where we spent most of the day learning about Hawaiian traditions, dances, and island life. The center was fun, educational, and very interactive.

In the evening, we attended the traditional Ka Moana Luau—a cultural feast filled with Hawaiian music, dance, and food. It was an incredible experience and a highlight of our trip. Seeing the performers share their heritage with such pride was moving and unforgettable.

Day 3: Kualoa Ranch, Diamond Head, and Local Adventures

On our third day, we visited Kualoa Ranch, one of the most iconic filming locations in Hawaii. Riding the tour bus through the lush valleys was like stepping into a movie. We saw the actual sets from Hollywood films like Jurassic Park, 50 First Dates, Godzilla, Tears of the Sun, and many others. It was surreal to walk through the same spots we’ve seen on screen.

Afterward, we spent a few relaxing hours at the scenic Kaneohe Bay, enjoying the ocean breeze and calm shoreline. Later in the afternoon, we returned to the resort to enjoy its amenities. My family stayed by the pool and lagoon while I went on a solo hike to the famous Diamond Head State Monument. The trail was a bit challenging but incredibly rewarding. It took me just over an hour, and the panoramic views at the top were absolutely breathtaking.

In the evening, we took a leisurely walk from the resort to the U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii, then continued strolling through Waikiki and explored the downtown area. We ended the night with a satisfying dinner at a popular Asian restaurant nearby, wrapping up a full and fun-filled day.

Day 4: Sunrise, Shrimp Trucks, and Scenic Drives

We kicked off Day 4 with an early visit to Lanikai Beach, known for its stunning sunrise views. It was a photographer’s dream—calm waters, soft sand, and golden skies. My wife and I managed to capture some beautiful photos, which we later shared on our Facebook page. It was definitely a moment to remember.

After the beach, we headed to Leonard’s Bakery, home of the famous malasadas (Portuguese-style doughnuts). Soft, sweet, and perfectly warm—they were worth the hype.

Next, we drove out to the Blue Hole, a scenic area surrounded by black rocks and crashing waves. The raw beauty of the ocean here draws a lot of tourists and photographers.

Then came one of the tastiest highlights of our trip: Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck. Their garlic shrimp is a must-try and definitely lives up to its reputation. The food truck area also had other local vendors, giving us a great taste of Hawaii’s food truck culture.

Day 5: History and Farewell

On our final day, we visited the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, a deeply moving experience. We toured the Battleship Missouri, stood above the USS Arizona Memorial, and learned more about the events that changed world history. It was a powerful way to end our trip on a reflective note.

Afterward, we returned to the resort for one last afternoon of relaxation—soaking up the sun by the pool, enjoying the beach, and taking in the final moments of our vacation.

Final Thoughts

Our Hawaiian birthday trip was more than we ever expected. With careful planning and research, we managed to create unforgettable memories without overspending. Hawaii may be a dream destination, but with a smart approach, it can be a reality too.

If Hawaii is on your bucket list, don’t let the cost scare you. Start planning early, compare options, and make use of travel resources like Expedia and local tips. And most importantly, enjoy the journey and each special moment with your loved ones.

Stay tuned for more family travel stories from April and June Travel Blog!