what to do

yea, I agree with kahua -there are so many alternatives to Hawaii. And for someone on a budget it'll take creativity. Around 10 years ago my wife and I while in school used tickets from volunteering to get bumped, booked at a neat hostel private room on Waikiki and even got our rental car upgraded for free. We still burned through a lot of money -things are quite expensive. We ate at that open air food court place -now forgot the name of it. Also there was a cool all you can eat buffett that might still be there...

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<hr>USA is one of the most expensive countries in which to travel ( behind Japan) and Hawaii is probably the most expensive part of the USA.<hr></blockquote>
Hawaii is probably tied with New York City and San Francisco for being the most expensive U.S. destination, but whoever thinks the U.S. is "one of the most expensive countries" simply has not traveled to Europe or Hong Kong. Yes, the U.S. is more expensive than the Third World, but that should be no surprise.

I agree - you can find modest but perfectly adequate hotels everywhere, including Hawaii, and travel in the US is quite reasonable too. If you don't go mad eating out at restaurants and clubbing every night, but use supermarkets and markets, etc, then the US is not especially dear really, if you come from a first world country.

Moreover, Oahu, the Hawaiian island most visitors experience, is significantly less expensive in terms of food and accommodation costs, etc. than the others.

Honolulu has hostels near the beach and importantly an adequate public transportation system that makes you nearly everywhere, including hopefully in January to see the humongous waves that hit the north shore of Oahu, which attract the best surfers in the world.

Although I agree that Oahu isn't worth 10 days and not even a week when you have a world to see, it's certainly worth a stop to break up a trans-Pacific trip.

Concrete hotels line public Waikiki Beach, but its waves, which feel as if they're messaging your body, are world class and the weather is great!

<blockquote>Quote<br><hr>an adequate public transportation system <hr></blockquote>Mind you, we were in some peril when our bus driver fell asleep as we headed down a very steep hill towards Honolulu, and we were only rescued by a couple of alert and suited locals who leapt up and took over. Un-nerving, but in general the buses were fine ... North Shore waves are very impressive.

Im sorry if I am restating anything- have not the patience to read all the useful advice already given above :) If you really are just going to Florida for Sea World... try just going in San Diego and nixing Florida. Yes TJ will horrify you... If you go remember it doesn't represent the whole of Mexico well at all!! Have you considered flying into New York, seeing it than flying to West Coast than Hawaii (or is that the wrong direction for your RTW ticket). There is a lot to see on the West Coast, yes I am a bit bias but I have lived on both coasts. The drive from CA to New York is 2780.81 miles, use mapquest to help you plan your trip mapquest.com.

There are wonderful national parks on the west coast, Yosemite and in Colorado (took me two days to drive from CO to CA) lies the most beautiful nature I have seen yet, I was in Rocky Mountain National Park, in Estes Park CO I would reccomend this to anyone and everyone. Don't miss San Francisco either!

I hoped I helped a bit!
-Amanda

oh yeah and beware... Las Vegas is a money pit!!!! 30$ per person to get into a club 30$ for two shots on my 21st, 30$ for four people to ride a a- single... terrible! anything outside going to clubs, shopping is gambling and guess what $$$.. but you do get free drinks while you gamble Not saying dont go but just be careful your money goes fast there- and you'll have nothing to show!