Aloha, travel junkies and bargain hunters! If you think a Hawaii trip has to come with crazy-high prices, think again. I just came back from a 5-day trip to Honolulu to watch my friend compete in a jiu-jitsu competition (Fight To Win 244), and guess what?  I scored some sweet deals, unexpected rental car upgrades (thanks, Amex Platinum!), and most importantly, discovered the money-saving secrets of Don Quijote. Forget those overpriced resort shops – this place is a super saver!

The Real Info: Flights, Perks, and Sweet Upgrades

• Getting There: I flew Delta to Honolulu and it was the first time taking advantage of my newly found Gold Status.
• Rental Car Power Move: Thanks to my Amex Platinum, I enjoyed a status match with Hertz, opening up possibilities for rental upgrades.
• The Upgrade Surprise: Instead of the typical Mustang convertible (which is what is usually present, but also the car everyone wants), I scored a Cadillac SRX! It was a comfortable ride with a few minor quirks, but hey, that’s part of the rental adventure.
• Amex Platinum for the Win: This is where my card really shined. Instead of Hertz’s Loss Damage Waiver, I used Amex Platinum’s Car Rental Coverage as primary insurance, saving me a bundle – it’s just $24.95 for a full 30 days

Gear Used

In a Nutshell: My Hawaii Hustle

Picture this: Rolling into Honolulu after snagging a decent flight, all fired up to watch Fight To Win 244 [https://www.f2wbjj.com/].

Outside the jiu-jitsu bubble, though, I was ready to explore. That Amex Platinum rental coverage made cruising the island way easier on the wallet than those tourist trap car rentals. But then again, I am always looking for the truest driver’s car I can get while renting.

Then, it was time to embrace Island Jiu-Jitsu [https://www.islandjiujitsu.com/] – an awesome gym where everyone, from locals to visitors, gets a warm welcome.

Rolling with Island Jiu-Jitsu

• Fight to Win Excitement: The energy at Fight To Win 244 was unreal! My friend put on an incredible performance and won with a brief amount of time (check the video below).
• Island Jiu-Jitsu Ohana: A huge shoutout to Island Jiu-Jitsu gym. They’re incredibly welcoming to visitors, and you’ll meet fascinating grapplers from all over. I even befriended a grill master from Japan!
• Visitor Tip: Drop into Island Jiu-Jitsu if you’re a BJJ practitioner in Honolulu – you won’t regret it. This is one of the few gyms that actually focus on community, where Thursday’s and Friday’s you can catch people grilling and drinking beer. It’s definitely one of the most welcoming gyms I’ve been to during my travels.

Shopping Smart the Local Way

• Forget Whole Foods: Tourists flock there, but savvy shoppers know Don Quijote is the spot! Better prices, unique local products, it’s the real deal.
• The Proof is in the Prices: Compare a bottle of water at each store – the difference is shocking! Don Quijote will make your wallet happy.

Hawaii

Tips, Tricks, and Logistics

Shopping Smart the Local Way

• Forget Whole Foods: Tourists flock there, but savvy shoppers know Don Quijote is the spot! Better prices, unique local products, it’s the real deal.
• The Proof is in the Prices: Compare a bottle of water at each store – the difference is shocking! Don Quijote will make your wallet happy.

Trip Soundtrack

Because every adventure needs a soundtrack, each of my trips comes with a theme song. And for this trip's anthem? Well, it's...

Common Kings - Happy Pill

Conclusion

This Hawaii trip was one for the books. Amex Platinum saved me on car rentals, I witnessed awesome jiu-jitsu, and discovered awesome insider tips for getting the most out of the island.  Have you been to Hawaii? Any BJJ travel experiences or budget hacks to share? Leave a comment below!