Hawaii holds a special place in the hearts of many Japanese. However, with the double blow of a weak yen and rising prices, it's common to hear people say, "I feel like I'll never be able to travel abroad again." Yes, I understand, I truly do. The author, who has traveled to Europe and the US several times for work and pleasure since COVID, often finds themselves feeling like a minor millionaire and loosening their purse strings upon returning to Japan from overseas. Dangerous, dangerous (laughs).

Some people who aren't particularly interested in Hawaii say, "It's just like Okinawa, isn't it?" Well, actually, it's completely different (laughs). I'm not a "huge Hawaii fan." And of course, Okinawa is a charming destination. But when you actually go, Hawaii and Okinawa are, naturally, entirely separate entities, and I can really understand why some people are so drawn to Hawaii.

Furthermore, amidst the strong headwinds of a weak yen and high prices, the first point I'd like to highlight about Hawaii is that airfare isn't as exorbitant compared to other destinations. With numerous airlines flying between Japan and Hawaii, the supply of seats is high, leading to fierce price competition. JAL and ANA frequently hold sales, almost to the point of "Oh, again?"

That said, it's true that local expenses like food and hotel costs are, to put it crudely, "insanely high." So, how can one enjoy Hawaii in high spirits under these circumstances? And where should one go in Hawaii right now? I'll share my personal recommendations, based on four trips to Hawaii for both work and leisure in the past year.

While everything in Hawaii is expensive, there are ways to enjoy delicious meals affordably and with gusto. Many people have already recommended it, so it might not be new, but the "happy hour" is definitely something to take advantage of.

You could have your meal during happy hour and then head back to your accommodation for a quiet evening. On Friday nights, the fireworks finale at the Hilton Hawaiian Village—a Waikiki staple (?), lights up the Waikiki night sky.

If you're in Hawaii on a Saturday morning, why not visit farmers' markets popular with locals, such as the KCC Farmers' Market or Kaka'ako Farmers' Market? You can purchase fresh local vegetables and fruits, baked goods, and local food. In Hawaii, many shops first gain recognition at markets before opening their own brick-and-mortar stores. You might even be able to boast later, "I visited that place when it was just a market stall."

Even so, even at market prices, it's not exactly cheap when you consider Japanese prices, but you're guaranteed to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. Plus, the portions are generous! If you have brunch at the market, you might even last until happy hour (laughs).

Another recommendation, especially for those who enjoy a drink, is to bring a carton of shochu (laughs). Buy some tropical juice, like from ABC Mart, and mix it with the shochu you brought in your room to create your own shochu-based tropical cocktail! You can enjoy a tropical vibe affordably. It's even better if your room has a lanai.

There are several spots in Hawaii where you can enjoy free hula shows. Royal Hawaiian Center, Ala Moana Center, International Market Place, Waikiki Beach Walk, and more—shows are held almost daily somewhere in Waikiki.

There are also websites that compile the latest information, so feel free to search if you're interested. Royal Hawaiian Center also offers free hula lessons. While there are participant limits, these are also free to join. Surprisingly, there are quite a few places where you can easily experience Hawaiian culture.

Choosing accommodation, which accounts for a large portion of travel expenses, is crucial for overall travel satisfaction, not just in Hawaii. To avoid the "I regret choosing this hotel!" feeling, it's essential to clarify what you seek in your lodging. It's wise to list your non-negotiable priorities, such as location, cleanliness, room size, and price, in order of importance.

What, "all of the above"? I know, I know. I'd also prefer to stay in a hotel that's cheap, clean, comfortable, and well-located, if possible. But such a hotel doesn't exist in Hawaii right now (period). You can probably understand this from the soaring hotel prices in Tokyo as well.

For me, the most important factor is affordability. Also, since I don't drive (or can't), a central location with good access is preferable. As long as the room is clean, I don't mind if it's small. However, I'll pass on dormitories. I want to secure my own private bath (even just a shower is okay) and toilet!

The hotels that meet my criteria are "Waikiki Malia" and "The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club." Both are conveniently located within a few minutes' walk of DFS Waikiki and Royal Hawaiian Center. Bus and trolley stops are right near the hotels, offering excellent access to anywhere you want to go. While not directly on the beach, it's within walking distance. And depending on the room category, the rooms are certainly not small.

Waikiki Malia completed a major renovation in 2023, becoming even more stylish and comfortable. Guests are welcomed by a colorful mural by Hawaiian artist Erin Ibarra at the front desk.

The renovated "Maria Tower" has a total of 276 rooms. The concept behind the renovation is "Malie," a Hawaiian word meaning calm and serene. As the name suggests, you can spend a relaxing time here. The Serta mattresses, approximately 15 inches (about 38 cm) thick, are also very comfortable. For families, the "Luana Tower" (64 rooms total) with its kitchenette is recommended.

The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club (https://surfjack.jp/) is operated by Hoshino Resorts of Japan. The concept is retro Hawaiian. Mid-century interiors and various artworks by Hawaiian artists enhance the resort atmosphere. The photogenic pool is also wonderful.

And the hotel's greatest appeal is that it does not charge the infamous (!) resort fee. In Hawaii, many hotels charge a resort fee of $30-50 per room per day, which drives up the accommodation cost, but "The Surfjack" is fantastic!

The restaurant "Mahina & Sons" is also excellent. The happy hour is set from 12:00 PM to 5:30 PM, so you can use it during lunchtime. The dishes, which are modern interpretations of Hawaiian home cooking, are also delicious. The location is great, and I often visit even when I'm not staying there.

The talk of the town among Hawaii enthusiasts right now is Cirque du Soleil's 'AULANI' (,https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/ja/auana), which premiered on Sunday, December 15, 2024. It is performed at Cirque du Soleil's first permanent theater in Hawaii, which opened at the Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel.

'AULANI' is an entertainment piece that blends a story themed around Hawaiian history and mythology with Cirque du Soleil's artistic performances. It is said to depict stories inspired by the Hawaiian Islands through breathtaking acrobatics and visual effects. I haven't seen it yet, but the fusion of Polynesian culture and Cirque du Soleil has me very intrigued.

With no end in sight for high prices and a weak yen, I can't shake the feeling that "this might be the way it is until I die," but Hawaii is truly one of a kind. Although I have no spiritual abilities whatsoever, I feel a sense of floating and a mysterious energy there. In Hawaii, the power of all things in nature is called "mana," and even though hotel and dining costs have soared since the pandemic, the "mana" is still alive and well in Hawaii! (Probably).

While not exactly cheap, an affordable trip to Hawaii is still possible. How about a quick "long-awaited Hawaii" trip?