THE BEST PLACE IN THE WORLD TO BUY T-SHIRTS

Travellady Magazine ^TM

THE BEST PLACE IN THE WORLD TO BUY T-SHIRTS

10 T-SHIRTS for $20
�plus all the sunshine and atmosphere you can soak up

by Madelyn Miller

Who says Hawaii has to be expensive? There are bargains galore if you know where to find them.

My best bargain on a recent trip to Oahu was at the Aloha flea market held every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at the Aloha Stadium. Would you believe 10 T-shirts for $20. I could not believe it. These were really nice T-shirts not seconds or crooked T-shirts. And I don't even have to tell you which stand to buy them at---most of the many T-shirt vendors offered them at this price.

So get a shaved ice covered with coconut syrup and stroll around the market making your selection. You also will find bargains on dried nuts and food (take home some dried fish).

Buy a bag of crispy banana chips for only $1.00 to crunch on while you shop.

There are lots of mumus, surfer shorts and Hawaiiana clothing. All at prices much lower than on the shops along the beach.

I found some wonderful vintage jewelry (all for under $10) at a vendor named Kathy on the second row up from the street.. You will see me wearing her stuff everywhere with my T-shirts because I bought 7 necklaces. I think Kathy likes me as well as I liked her stuff.

The only difficulty is getting there. If you have a car, you are in luck. It is easy to take a highway. If you are relying on public transportation, it is a little more challenging. Cheapest way is to take a city bus...but they are crowded and you may see more than one pass you by because it is full. (bargain hunters are a serious group)

Another option is the Arizona Shuttle that also goes to the Missouri Monument. This shuttle requires a reservation and will pick you up at your hotel. I didn't mind the $5 price as much as the fact that it did not show up. After four phone calls and an hour wait, they finally sent a VIP bus which made several stops before getting there. (808-839-0911)

My suggestion is to get a few friends to go with you and share the cost of getting there.

Your savings will more than make up for it.

Another great bargain is the Taste of Honolulu. Held the third weekend in June, it gives you a chance to taste the signature dishes of the best restaurants in Honolulu for $2.00 admission and a few scripts for each dish. Don't miss the Tropolicious Ice Cream and the specials from Pacific Cafe. And all this eating is for a good cause. The money goes to Easter Seals, one of the oldest charities in Hawaii.

My favorite places to stay

Sheraton Waikiki . One of the original hotels in Hawaii, it has a breathtaking view of the beach included free with every room.

Hyatt Regency Waikiki
2424 Kalakauna Avenue
808-923-1234
http://www.hyattwaikiki.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Oahu Visitors Bureau
733 Bishop Street, Suite 1872
Honolulu, HI� 96813
Ph:� 1-877-525-OAHU
www.visit-oahu.com

Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
2270 Kalakaua Ave, 8th Fl.
Honolulu, HI 96815
Toll Free: 1-800-GOHAWAII
Helpline: 1-800-353-5846
Web Site: www.gohawaii.com (this site has links to individual vendors for weddings, accommodations and travel agencies)