MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- When it comes to finding the cheapest military lodging amenities on Hawaii, the best places to look are hotels and cabins owned and operated by the Department of Defense. These facilities are made available specifically for all active duty personnel, reservists and retirees looking to take a vacation offering a wide range of rooms that can fit into anybodys budget
If staying in a cozy private cabin near sandy white beachfront is what youre looking for Bellows Air Force Station may be just what youre looking for
Located on the northern portion of Waimanalo Bay, the area includes a beautiful white sandy beach that curves around the bay, offering service members a resort-quality Hawaiian setting at shockingly low prices.
Ranging in price from $51 to $70 dollars per night, service members can literally cut their lodging costs in half by staying at BAFS, leaving more cash to spend on the souvenirs, dining and entertainment that inhabit much of the island.
The cabins include amenities such as full size kitchens equipped with a coffee pot, microwave, toaster, stove and refrigerator. Dishes, silverware and cooking utensils are provided for up to six guests. Other amenities include a table, sofa, telephone, ceiling fans and a color television with VCR.
If staying at a private cabin isn’t your style, there is always the ever-popular Hale Koa Hotel.
Just 10 miles from the Honolulu International Airport, the hotel is located on the spectacular Waikiki Beach, offering guests breathtaking views of crystal clear waters.
All rooms are fully air-conditioned and come with an alarm clock/radio, color TV with VCR, telephone, ironing board and hair dryer. Each room also comes with a refreshment cabinet, which can be used to store beverages.
Guests are also given the option to experience some of the hotels special offers and entertainment occurring every night. Magic shows, luau’s, enormous buffets fit for a king and comedy shows are always available to enjoy.
Other facilities include 10 restaurants and lounges and a state-of-the-art fitness center offering three swimming pools, tennis and racquetball courts, weight rooms, personal trainers and certified massage therapists.
The Hale Koa is also within walking distance from major shopping areas, including the Ala Moana Mall, which is the largest outdoor shopping center in the world, and the International Marketplace, where you are sure to find interesting souvenirs to take back home.
While the Hale Koa Hotel does offer more than the private cabins on BAFS, it does come at a higher price.
Room prices depend on two main factors: the rank of the service member and whether or not you want a spectacular ocean view or a view of the parking garage. The prices range from $74 per night for two guests to $190 per night.
These are only two examples of the many lodging facilities military members can take advantage of while in Hawaii. With proper planning and managing your budget, a trip to Hawaii is much closer- and cheaper- than you may think.
Other inexpensive military lodging available on Hawaii includes:
Hickam Lodging: (808) 448-5400/5500 or DSN 448-5400/5500
Bellows AFS Cottage Rental: (808) 259-8080
Plaza Hotel (Airport): (808) 836-3636
Honolulu Airport Hotel: (808) 836-0661
Outrigger Hotels Military Hot Line: (808) 921-6888
Hale Koa Hotel: (808) 955-0555 or 1-800-367-6027
Pacific Beach Hotel: (808) 922-1233
Ocean Resort Hotel: (808) 922-3861
Hawaiian Monarch Hotel: (808) 949-3911
Pacific Marina Inn: (808) 836-1131
Double Tree Hotel: (808) 941-7275
Waianae Army Recreation Center: (808) 696-4158
Inexpensive base and island transportation options include:
Military Taxi: (808) 449-1742, available 24 hours for DUTY PERSONNEL ONLY
Commercial Taxi: (808) 422-2222, "The Cab" is available 24 hours
Base Shuttle Bus: Pick-up is in front of the passenger terminal. The shuttle bus runs every 40 minutes from 0600-1930 weekdays. No service on weekends or holidays
City Bus: Bus stop is in front of the passenger terminal. Fare is $1 "The Bus" stops weekdays every 40 minutes and weekends/holidays every hour.
The Hickam Air Force Base terminal also houses an Enterprise Car Rental division, (808) 422-6915.