trip to hawaii budget

Visiting Hawaii on a budget (2024): all the tricks and tips you need to know

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Most people think that “Hawaii” and “budget” don’t belong in the same sentence. After all, it’s supposed to be a splurge to visit a gorgeous tropical paradise… right?

We’re here to tell you that traveling to Hawaii on a budget is possible and can be even more rewarding than what the brochures from expensive resorts show you. There are so many opportunities for how to do Hawaii on a budget in every category – from airfares to discount accommodations in Hawaii to saving money on activities. Keep reading for our best tips to save money on a trip to Hawaii.

And listen – please only share this post with people you really like, because I’m sharing all of our very best secrets for visiting Hawaii on a budget. It’s very long because I don’t want to leave anything out, so you may want to save or bookmark the post to come back to later!

Finding the cheapest way to go to Hawaii

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Trying to plan a Hawaii vacation on a budget? Make sure you don’t blow it before your feet even touch the sand! If you’re traveling from mainland US to Hawaii, there’s a very good chance that you can score an awesome deal on your airfare to Hawaii and there are lots of ways to do it. Read on for insider tips on how to go to Hawaii on a budget.

First, be flexible about your dates and which island you visit – within reason. Since airfare and lodging are the two biggest components of your Hawaii trip cost, you’ll want to balance those two to minimize your costs. Second, weigh the many options you have for using cash or points to book those plane tickets. Here are just a few ways to save money on airfare to Hawaii:

Find the cheapest airfare for cash payment

Sometimes the simplest thing to do is pay cash for a plane ticket, and with the great deals you can often find from America’s west coast it just might make sense. The first place to start your search is on Skyscanner .

We love using Skyscanner to find flights because it allows us to reflect our total flexibility – we can allow nearby airports on both ends and search for whole months at a time to land the best rate. Even if you don’t end up paying cash, it’s always important to know the going rate for flights when evaluating whether or not an award redemption is worthwhile.

Look for special deals

In early 2019 Southwest launched their much-anticipated service to Hawaii. Introductory fares were as low as $49 each way from select airports and eligible for Companion Pass! Now fares have settled in higher, but still cheaper than plenty of mainline carriers. Southwest’s Companion Pass only requires that you pay taxes, so it can be a really great deal. The fastest way to earn your companion pass is by opening a Southwest credit card – even faster if you open a personal card and a business card.

The catch is that they don’t have an extensive route map if you live outside of the West Coast: currently they only offer non-stop service from California, Phoenix and Las Vegas to Hawaii, with the most extensive service to Oahu in Maui . Some US cities also get flights to Kauai and Big Island . There are also inter-island flights, but it’s definitely worth comparing prices versus local carrier Mokulele Airlines to find the cheapest option.

Still and all, the Companion Pass is such an amazing value that I recently opened two Southwest credit cards in anticipation of a return visit to Hawaii. I only have to pay $5.60 to bring another family member with me! See the latest Southwest credit card promotions to get your Companion Pass.

❗ Learn more: How to get the Southwest companion pass

Many frequent flyers have heard of Southwest’s Companion Pass that you can earn through credit card sign up bonuses , but did you know that Alaska Airlines offers a similar one too? Alaska’s is a little different (only one per year and generally $99 per companion ticket plus taxes, but the base fare is often waived in the first year with promotions) but Alaska Airlines has tons of flights to Hawaii ! You can earn one with an Alaska Airlines credit card .

And it’s not one of those gimmicks where you have to pay an exorbitant price for the first ticket in order to use a companion fare on the second one (as with some old Amex promotions), you can just buy any regular ticket on the website. Especially for west coasters who already have access to bargain plane tickets to the Aloha State, this might be one the cheapest way to travel to Hawaii.

Book with frequent flyer miles

Obviously the cheapest way to go to Hawaii is not to pay for it! When your friends ask you how to go do Hawaii on a budget, this is usually the first trick you’ll want to tell them about. “Free” is the cheapest way to get to Hawaii and one we’ve taken advantage of many times.

We recommend targeting at least 2 cents per mile, but sometimes it makes sense to redeem for as little as 1.5 cents per mile if you really don’t want to spend the money out of pocket (after all, if you’re buying four plane tickets to pretty much anywhere you’re looking at a minimum of a thousand dollars). While many airlines now offer dynamic (= more expensive) point redemptions, here are the major airline baseline award redemptions for from the continental US to Hawaii as of October 2022 (economy class for us, folks):

American Airlines – 45,000 peak; 40,000 off-peak

United Airlines – 45,000

Delta Airlines – 45,000

Alaska Airlines – 40,000

British Airways – 26,000 from west coast , 51,500 from east coast (operated by AA)

From the chart above, it’s clear where the value in frequent flyer tickets to Hawaii lies. Alaska Airlines and sometimes British Airways can offer far better value than the mainline US carriers. British Airways offers a distance-based award chart, so passengers coming from the west coast only need 26,000 miles for a round trip, while east coasters would need a whopping 51,500 miles!

Ok, so how can you earn enough British Airways Avios points as an American? Simple: open up a Chase Sapphire Preferred , Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Ink Business Preferred card and once your sign-up bonus hits, do an instant transfer to your Executive Club account! Then redeem here through your account BA account. As of August 2023, the Sapphire Preferred sign up bonus is 60,000 points as is the Chase Sapphire Reserve sign up bonus , while small business owners get a 100,000 point sign up bonus with the Ink Business Preferred. That’s almost enough to get a family to Hawaii and back from the West Coast. You can also follow our lead and get both personal and business cards for each adult in the family cards to really juice up your award travel options.

Southwest’s frequent flyer redemption is fare-based so it varies a ton, but you can combine it with your Companion Pass discussed above to get two tickets to Hawaii for just the miles you’d need for one ticket. If you can find an affordable time of year using their low fare calendar, it’s a dynamite option to fly to Hawaii for cheap. Apply for a Southwest credit card here to start earning your Companion Pass. If you also have the Chase cards I mentioned above, know that you can transfer those Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest as well if you’re a little short.

If you’re in a city with lots of United flights, the most straightforward option might be to grab a United Mileage Plus Explorer credit card . The usual fee is $95 per year (though sometimes the first year fee is waived) and it comes with 50,000 bonus miles – enough to cover your ticket. We love that it includes free checked baggage when you use the card, even if you’re just covering taxes on an award ticket redemption, and you’ll get two passes to the United Club lounge. We carry this card and use it whenever we’re booking United flights.

Redeem Chase Ultimate Reward Points

Wondering how to go to Hawaii on the cheap? The final way to save money on plane tickets to Hawaii is actually how we picked up three of our four tickets on one trip to Hawaii. Since we’ve accumulated a ton of Chase Ultimate Rewards points through our Sapphire Preferred , Sapphire Reserve and Ink Business Preferred cards, we’ve sometimes taken advantage of their flexibility to buy our tickets.

One of our favorite features of Ultimate Rewards points is that you can redeem them for almost any travel expense through the portal; your redemption rate is 1-1.25 cents per point with most Chase cards and 1.5 cents per point if you have the Sapphire Reserve card (even if the points were earned on a different Chase card and transferred or pooled).

In our case tickets on Alaska were $445 each if purchased with cash, so we redeemed almost exactly 30,000 points for each. Ultimate Rewards points do not transfer to Alaska Airlines, but by purchasing through the portal we had no out of pocket expense – not even taxes. Pretty sweet!

Want to plan the ultimate Hawaii vacation? Click here for step-by-step Hawaii travel planning help!

Save money by going carry-on only!  Check out our full (but minimalist) women’s packing list for Hawaii .

Hopefully we’ve gotten you to Hawaii without putting too big of a dent in your wallet. The other huge chunk of the cost of a Hawaii vacation is accommodation. If you really want to plan a budget trip to Hawaii, consider a home exchange.

Check out this map to find (slightly) more budget-friendly options:

Vacation Rentals in Hawaii

Vacation rentals can be a great option in Hawaii, but it’s important to know what you’re getting in to. In June 2019, the mayor of Honolulu enacted strict limits on unhosted short-term vacation rentals on Oahu – essentially stifling the market for Airbnb on Oahu outside of designated tourist zones like Waikiki, Ko Olina and Turtle Bay. Newer restrictions are even tougher.

Other areas will still have some vacation rentals available, but limited in number and they have to be licensed. Likewise, other parts of Hawaii have limits on short-term rentals. Vacation rentals can be one of the best options for how to do Hawaii on the cheap, but check listings carefully!

If you find an awesome legal rental in Hawaii, that can be a great way to stay! You’ll be able to save money on groceries, parking and more while also enjoying a different kind of feel.

Here are some great options to consider for each island (though “cheap” is a relative term and varies somewhat by island):

• Cheap vacation rentals on Oahu
• Cheap vacation rentals on Maui
• Cheap vacation rentals on the Big Island
• Cheap vacation rentals on Kauai

Hotels in Hawaii

Would you rather just stay in a hotel in Hawaii? There are so many to choose from, even if you’re planning a trip to Hawaii on a budget!

The cheapest way to stay at a hotel in Hawaii is for free, obviously. We recently grabbed a World of Hyatt credit card so that we can use the sign-up bonus for an upcoming trip to Kauai and Maui! While there are tons of hotel loyalty programs out there, Hyatt has the most generous award chart and often requires only half as many points per night as competitors like Marriott and Hilton. In addition, award stays pay no resort fee and still count toward achieving elite status. We really love the Hyatt program!

If that all sounds great, I have even better news for you. The Chase Sapphire Preferred , Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Ink Business Preferred cards credit cards that our family uses can transfer their points to Hyatt as well! Obviously you need to use your credit cards responsibly and pay the balances every month, but if you’re strategic about your sign up bonuses you can land a mostly free trip to paradise by combining one of the airline programs I mentioned above with the Hyatt hotel program.

Another budget-friendly hotel option for Hawaii is to try to look for ones that offer a kitchen and laundry to avoid pricey meals out and laundry services. You’ll still get the resort amenities like beautiful pools, on-site restaurants and quality staffing. Check out these great options on each island:

Oahu : – Beach Villas at Ko Olina – Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club (also check here for deals ) >>> Check out this area-by-area guide to where to stay on Oahu

Maui : – Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas (this is where we stayed during our first trip to Hawaii with a baby and it was wonderful!) – Honua Kai resort

Kauai : – Plantation Hale Suites (***bargain alert!) – Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club – Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons – Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas – Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu We haven’t visited Kauai yet, but check out this detailed guide to the best of kid-friendly Kauai !

Big Island : – Inn At Kulaniapia – Orchid Tree B&B – Hilo Bay Oceanfront Bed & Breakfast – Kilauea Lodge & Restaurant – Hilton Waikoloa Village – Waikoloa Village vacation rentals (we stayed in one of these on our last visit and it was wonderful) – Mauna Lani Point Villas – The Islands At Mauna Lani – Mauna Lani Resort (I felt so pampered when I stayed here many years ago!) – Westin Hapuna Beach Resort – Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (we love the beach here, arguably one of the Big Island’s best)

Read more: Check out these simple tips for saving more on your reservations!

If you or a loved one is a member of the US military, make sure to check out the Hale Koa Hotel on Waikiki Beach. As a “thank you” to service members, this fairly basic hotel offers a world-class location and comfortable amenities as prices that can be half or even a third of the price of surrounding resorts. Find more details here about this wonderful option for service members wondering how to visit Hawaii on a budget.

Home Exchange in Hawaii

There are so many reasons why we love home exchange, and a few that are extremely relevant to planning a Hawaii family vacation on a budget.

First, your cash expense to do a home exchange in Hawaii will be less than one night in a hotel .

Second, having a real home with a kitchen means you can avoid pricey restaurant meals – and they sure are pricey in Hawaii!

Third, being away from the main tourist areas means almost everything will be less expensive (not to mention less crowded) – groceries are cheaper, our long-term Home Exchange house on Oahu had its own parking and the house even came stocked with boogie boards and snorkel gear so that we didn’t have to rent.

Beyond the economics, doing a home exchange in Hawaii had other amazing benefits. Everyone had plenty of space to stretch out. We had our own laundry facilities. We hung out at “locals only” spots rather than the crowded tourist beaches. There was a second fridge for all our Costco supplies. Oh, and we even had enough space that both grandmas came to join us for a few weeks during our slow travel on Oahu! Want more tips for planning a multigenerational vacation ?

Camping in Hawaii and RV in Hawaii

Another option for the truly budget-minded is camping on Hawaii. Every island has some wonderful, gorgeous places to pitch your tent though the amenities vary tremendously by site. Check out this helpful roundup of where to camp on Kauai .

If you want to combine your accommodations and your transportation, consider renting an RV in Hawaii . There are tons of beautiful campgrounds on every island and you’ll save money overall compared with renting a car and a hotel room.

Renting a car in Hawaii seems, like many things, to be more expensive than on the mainland. In some places like Honolulu and Waikiki you can stay amidst the tourist throngs and get by without a car – walk to popular beaches, walk to mini marts, walk to tourist restaurants, and rely on hotel concierges to book activities on other parts of the island that include transportation. You can take buses to some places on Oahu, but they can be very time consuming.

Read more: 10 things you NEED to know before renting a car in Hawaii

If you are a solo traveler in Hawaii, it might make sense to go stay in one of the cities the car-free route since all of those small (or large) premia are only impacting one traveler. For couples or families, though, you’ll more than make up the cost of a rental car by saving money on pretty much everything else . You’ll also gain the freedom to explore beautiful, peaceful spots that most tourists don’t get to see. Moreover, in many parts of Hawaii you absolutely need a car to get around.

Bringing the kids? Save money on your rental by bringing your own travel car seats . Click to read all the best tips.

We have a few favorites for finding deals on car rentals in Hawaii (and everywhere else). The most straightforward is good old RentalCars.com . You can quickly search for the type of car you want across tons of providers of all sizes and reserve without any upfront payment . Nearly every reservation can be cancelled, so we often check back weekly leading up to our travels and rebook if we see a better rate.

A great local option is Discount Hawaii Car Rental . They work with all of the major Hawaii car rental companies and have Hawaii-based customer service in case an issue comes up. That can be especially helpful if you’re arriving when it’s late in the day on the mainland.

Another option to consider is joining AARP . The membership costs about as much as a Starbucks run but can save you up to 30% on rental car rates (in addition to discounts on some hotels)! Surprisingly, you don’t have to be a senior or retired to join AARP.

Our rental car ended up being by far the most expensive component of our 5 week trip to Hawaii. We needed a minivan for part of our trip, but it would have been the same price as renting one compact car for five weeks and a second compact car for a week and a half in the middle when we were joined by a few grandmas.

Though the minivan was pricey at $1600 for five weeks, it was handy to have for hauling around a big stack of boogie boards, beach towels and cases of food from Costco (more on that below). If you plan to shop at Costco and haul around lots of beach gear, you may want to consider sizing up from the smaller options. For reference, the quote we received for an intermediate car for 10 days was just shy of $500. Thanks to rental car shortages after the pandemic, rates may be significantly higher if you’re booking a shorter rental period.

What’s the best place to get gas in Hawaii? It’s often Costco. Seriously, folks. On average gas was 70 cents cheaper per gallon at Costco than at other local gas stations during our last visit. That’s more than $10 saved every time you fill up! That said, other local gas sellers have upped their game by lowering their prices so it’s worth peeking at Safeway and Sam’s Club prices when you drive by, as the Costco gas lines can be long. My favorite tip for comparing gas prices in Hawaii is that on the store detail page for each Costco warehouse you can expand the “Gas Station” section to see hours and the current price! (Note that Hawaii Kai does not have gas, but all other Costco warehouses in Hawaii do.)

Not sure which island to pick? Find the best Hawaiian island for your family vacation.

If you prefer simplicity in your travel arrangements, one option to consider for Hawaii vacations on a budget is a package deal. That’s how we went on our first Hawaii vacation!

Before booking a package deal, you need to carefully consider the value of everything that’s included to make sure it’s actually the cheapest way to vacation in Hawaii for the dates you want. We booked ours as a Black Friday special, so it was deeply discounted.

Here are some great places to look for discount Hawaii vacation packages:

• Expedia (that’s where we booked ours)
• TravelZoo (we’ve gotten great deals for other destinations)
• Costco Travel

If you’re planning a budget Hawaii vacation, you’ll need to think carefully about how and where you’ll eat. Many items have to be transported to Hawaii by ship, so food prices in Hawaii can be anywhere from a few cents to a few dollars more than on the mainland. Having a plan for food is one of the keys to how to travel to Hawaii on a budget.

Of course the best way to save money on food in Hawaii is to book a vacation rental with a kitchen and prepare food yourself. But even if you plan to make all your meals at your home away from home, you’ll have to be judicious in you grocery purchases. But we’ve done some scouting for you and have a few suggestions to help you through since grocery prices in Hawaii can be quite daunting.

First, let’s discuss Costco. If you already have a membership and you’ll be visiting Hawaii with a few other people, Costco in Hawaii can be a great value ! Prices are nearly the same as at Costco on the mainland, and prices are much cheaper than local grocery stores for items like dairy, eggs and meat. There are seven Costco locations in Hawaii, including four on Oahu.

In addition to food and pantry staples, you’ll find some beach gear, Hawaiian shirts and other handy items. While you’re there, grab a meal at Costco – it doesn’t require membership and the whole family can eat for less than $10! It’s not a nutritious choice to make every day, but if you’re going to Costco in Hawaii once every week or two it’s a great way to save a little money without cooking at home.

Pro tip: If you don’t have a Costco membership but know someone who does, have them buy you some Costco Cash cards (gift cards). You can use these without a membership!

All that said, before you dive in on a Costco membership for your cheap trip to Hawaii consider whether or not you’ll actually make it through a 20 pound bag of rice during your vacation. And where will you store all that food? What should you do if you’ll only be in Hawaii for a short time or you aren’t bringing an entire football team? Head to Target!

That’s right, the big red bullseye of value has made it to paradise! You’ll find locations on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island and the stores are full of all your favorites from the mainland – plus some local specialties in the “Aloha Shop”. Since Target carries groceries – both house brand and national brands, it might just be the best place to do your grocery shopping in Hawaii. Similarly, if you prefer to shop at Walmart you’ll find tons of stores on Oahu and one or two on the other islands.

You may notice that prices in those stores are a little higher than what you’d find on the mainland, but fear not: both stores offer price match guarantees . Just pull up the item you want on your phone from the store’s website – or another major website – and they’ll give you the lower price right there at the register! I saved 20% on our sunscreen that way. Target will definitely be your friend when you travel to Hawaii on the cheap.

Another local option is Foodland. We found many items there that were only a little more expensive than at our local grocery stores on the mainland, though some things (like dairy and eggs) were much more expensive than we found at Costco. Sign up for their Maika’i card for extra discounts and make sure to check out the poke counter in the back of the store – we got an inside tip that many locals hit Foodland for their own poke fixes.

One of the great things about a vacation in Hawaii is that there are so many amazing things to do for free that take full advantage of what makes the Aloha State special. You can relax on the beach, hike to a waterfall , go on a scenic drive and even attend a hula performance – all for free! It’s one of the best places to travel to without a passport if you’re American.

We’ve had plenty of days in Hawaii when we didn’t spend a dime (except on shave ice, but that’s a different story). But what about big ticket paid activities? Can you still do them even if you’re visiting Hawaii on a budget? Here are a few ideas for how to have those special experiences without busting your budget.

Read more: 10 things to do on Oahu under $10

Go Oahu Card

The Go Oahu Card by Smart Destinations bundles multiple activities together to save you money. There are two different options to choose from: All-Inclusive or Build Your Own.

With their All-Inclusive pass you pay a fixed rate based on the number of days you’d like to use the card (which can be spread over a two week period) and then you can do as many of those activities as you can squeeze in! There are options ranging from luaus to catamaran snorkeling trips to hikes to movie tours, and many activities offer free transportation from Waikiki in case you don’t have a car.

You can choose cards for 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 days – cards for 3 days or more include your choice of one “premium” activity like a luau, a sunset dinner sail, snorkeling with wild sea turtles or even a semi-private surfing lesson.

If you’re visiting Oahu for a week, we think the 3 day card is the sweet spot for value at $219 per adult and $189 per child. Why? In addition to great activities like the Polynesian Cultural Center, you’ll get to choose one premium activity like a snorkel boat tour. There are plenty of other high-value activities included for the other two days so that you’d easily get plenty of value from the 3-day card .

Read all about the Go Oahu card and how to make the most of it when you’re traveling to Hawaii on a budget.

Check out just a few activities you can do with your Go Oahu card :

Shaka Gold Card

The Shaka Gold Card only came on my radar after our family’s 2024 trip to Hawaii, and I’m bummed that I didn’t know about it sooner! For just a $30 membership, you gain access to meaningful discounts on some top activities. I learned about it directly from the company we sailed with on Kauai so it’s absolutely a legitimate way to get discounts.

How big are the discounts? We would have saved almost $180 on just a single activity. There are boat tours, luaus, horseback riding, zip lines and more.

>>> Get your Shaka Gold card

Entertainment Book

Remember the Entertainment Book that our families all used to buy during fundraisers in the 1980s? They’re still around. And they actually offer some pretty good deals in Hawaii on several islands!

As with most deals in the Entertainment Book , you’ll generally find 2-for-1 type coupons. You’ll find coupons for plenty of restaurants, but also coupons for wonderful attractions like the helicopter tours, snorkel rentals, Twogood Kayaks, the Bishop Museum, the Pacific Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor and more. If you use it for even one or two activities in Hawaii, it’ll pay for itself. You can even choose a digital book to have all the deals at your fingertips!

>>> See all the deals available in the Hawaii Entertainment Book.

Check out more awesome things to do on Oahu with kids

Admission to National Parks in Hawaii

If you plan to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island or Haleakalā on Maui, you can get in  FREE with your America the Beautiful annual pass . For just $80 per year, you can get into nearly all federal government-run recreational lands. It will generally pay for itself in just three or four uses (or even two if you’re visiting some of the popular/expensive parks). Pick up your pass today.

Shopping for someone else? Consider these great National Park themed gifts !

Groupon and Living Social

Other great resources for saving money in Hawaii are daily deal sites like Groupon and Living Social. You can find discounts on sailing trips, helicopter rides, parasailing and more. If you’re looking for things to do in Hawaii on a budget, make Groupon your first stop! Check out the deals here.

Use your memberships

You might have the key to cheap and free activities right in your wallet! If you’re a AAA member, always ask when booking hotels or activities if they offer a special rate.

And if you are a member of a science center back home that participates in the ASTC Passport program, bring your card to the wonderful Maui Ocean Center to receive free admission. It’s the perfect free activity if you’re trying to visit Hawaii with kids on a budget!

Note: The Bishop Museum on Oahu previously participated in the ASTC Passport program but appears to have left as of 2024.

Military discounts

There are almost 50,000 US military personnel and their dependents living in Hawaii (population around 1.5 million). Military families vacationing in Hawaii will find discounts almost everywhere on admission to attractions. You’ll also benefit from lower hotel rates and access to four commissaries on Oahu, plus an exchange where you can buy discounted gifts. Thank you for your service!

There are two schools of thought about “island hopping” in Hawaii as it relates to the cheapest way to visit Hawaii.

First, the “pro island hopping camp”: Flights from mainland US to Hawaii are generally long and expensive. It’s cheaper to fly to Hawaii once and visit several islands while you’re there than it is to pay for separate roundtrip airfares. This is especially true if you’re coming from the east coast or if Hawaii is a once-in-a-lifetime splurge for you! The cheapest way to travel between Hawaiian islands is to look for a deal on Southwest and use companion pass if you have it, especially if you’ll need to check a bag.

Second, the “anti island hopping camp”: If you’re trying to plan a trip to Hawaii on a budget, you’ll economize more by staying in one place. Many vacation rentals offer a weekly rate. Rental cars are much cheaper by the week – often 5 days cost more than 7 days ( see the difference here ).

If you visit two islands (or more!) you’ll have to either eat out all the time or buy small, expensive quantities of food – and then buy them again on your next stop.

Plus you have to pay to get from one island to another, often around $75 each way. You can limit that to one segment if you book an “open jaw” into one island and out of another, but check that pricing versus a regular roundtrip plus an inter-island roundtrip.

Where do we fall? We suggest that you sit back and enjoy the aloha on one island at a time! Hawaii will always be waiting for you to return. The exception is if you’ve already been to some of the islands and want to visit a new on, but flight availability isn’t great. Now that we live in the Midwest it might work out better for us to stop on Oahu or Maui en route to Kauai since it has fewer inbound flights from the mainland.

If you’re planning a family vacation to Hawaii on a budget, some of the tips we’ve already mentioned will be extremely helpful! Here’s a quick roundup:

• Look for companion pass deals for airfare
• Grab an Airbnb with a kitchen – make sure it has a decent sized fridge if you plan to shop at Costco in Hawaii
• Encourage your kids to eat fresh, local food rather than food that’s packaged and sent from the mainland (you can bring a box of cereal in your luggage if that’s a must-have)
• Bring your own car seat to avoid paying for one with your rental car
• Use your science museum membership from home for free admission to the Bishop Museum
• If possible, avoid major school break times

Obviously prices vary a ton depending on where you’re coming from and style of travel. As a baseline, domestic plane tickets to Hawaii cost $400-1200 per person in 2022. Hotel or Airbnb accommodations cost $150-600 per night. The cost of food varies tremendously, but budget at least $40 per person per day if you’ll be eating all your meals at restaurants. Even “cheap trips to Hawaii” aren’t really cheap by true budget travel standards unfortunately.

Oahu can be very inexpensive thanks to abundant choices for lodging and food, and staying in Waikiki can remove the need for a rental car. The Hilo side of the Big Island also offers good value for the money, as it’s one of the less popular tourist areas. All things considered, the Big Island is probably the cheapest island in Hawaii.

We’ve found great deals almost anytime outside of school breaks! Fall is the quietest (and thus, cheapest) time for tourism in Hawaii. January and February can also be inexpensive times for flights as long as you avoid the end of winter break and the long weekends during the season.

If you’re flying at an off-peak time of year, you can often snag deals just a week or two in advance from the west coast. For flights over holiday periods or from the east coast, you’ll want to buy your tickets several months in advance for the best deals.

Prefer a visual version? Check out our Hawaii on a budget web story !

See all of our Hawaii travel planning resources in one place Travel planning resources: Compare rental car prices for Hawaii Buy a top-rated travel insurance policy 5 simple money-saving tips for booking.com General Hawaii resources: How to visit Hawaii on a budget Renting a car in Hawaii: 10 things you NEED to know What to pack for Hawaii Is a cheap GoPro knock-off worth it? Hawaii with kids: What’s the best Hawaiian island for families? Is it worth visiting Hawaii with a baby? Ultimate packing list for Hawaii with kids Top 10 things to do with kids on Oahu The best snorkel gear for kids of all ages Oahu resources: Best Oahu travel guide book Perfect 7 day Oahu itinerary Where to stay on Oahu Family-friendly Oahu vacation rentals Cheap Places To Stay On Oahu 10 Fun Things to do on Oahu for $10 or less Getting the most bang for your buck on your Go Oahu discount card Insider tips for visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center The best beaches on Oahu (and why to visit them) Where to find the best shave ice on Oahu The best easy hikes on Oahu North Shore Oahu complete visitors guide Kayaking to the Mokes with Twogood Kayaks Family-friendly kayaking with Holokai Adventures Visiting Pearl Harbor Maui resources: Best Maui travel guide book Family Activities in Maui We Absolutely Love Perfect 3 day Maui itinerary 5 Things You NEED To Do Before You Visit Maui Cheap Places To Stay On Maui Big Island resources: Best Big Island travel guide book Perfect 5 day Big Island itinerary Cheap Places To Stay On the Big Island Kauai resources: Best Kauai travel guide book Best Things to Do with Kids on Kauai Perfect 3 day Kauai itinerary Cheap Places To Stay On Kauai

What are your secrets for how to do Hawaii on a budget?

Many thanks to our awesome partners in paradise, including Home Exchange, Smart Destinations, Polynesian Cultural Center and Twogood Kayaks; all opinions are my own.

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13 thoughts on “visiting hawaii on a budget (2024): all the tricks and tips you need to know”.

Yayyyyyyy!!! We went for our honeymoon, so I’m loving this! Now I know we can actually go back with the kids one day and not break the bank… so cool that you were able to be there for so long!

Out of all the states I have visited the only state I still have to go to is Hawaii. I always thought it is super mega expensive. Your post proves the opposite and I think it’s the time to start planning a trip. Can’t wait to go!

This is such a great post. We live in Aus and spent a month in Hawaii on our honeymoon back in 2016. Your photos took me right back. We did find accomodation so expensive, even through Airbnb- I wish we’d known about the house exchange back then! Thats such a good way to save some money while seeing the world.

I hope to visit it one day! great post #fearlessfamtrav

I’d love to visit Hawaii, but have always been turned off by the potential price! This post was awesome for me. Saving it for the future. ##fearlessfamtrav

Great tips! We loved Hawaii but not the cheapest #fearlessfamtrav

I love posts like this! Showing how seemingly expensive places are accessible for budget travellers. Good call on the Costco card, although great tips all round. Thanks for linking up to #fearlessfamtrav

Amazing tips, we are going to Hawaii on a home exchange so will already save a bit of money but these tips will be really helpful.

That’s so exciting! Which island are you visiting?

Thank you for these budget tips you shared to us. Hawaii is the best place for vacation lots of delicious foods and shopping center their. I hope i can go their next year.

I was under the impression that Hawaii is very expensive but your article proved me wrong.I would love to visit Hawaii soon

This is a great page. It’s very engaging and well written. I’ll come back from time to time for more posts like this one.

This is a really cool page. One of the best posts I’ve come across in quite a while. I hope to see more.

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10 ways to see Hawaii on a budget

Nov 11, 2023 • 9 min read

Hawaii is expensive, but these budget tips can make your money go a bit further Getty Images / iStockphoto

There’s a saying in Hawaii : there’s a cost to paradise. Among the US states, Hawaii had the highest cost of living in 2022, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. The median price of a single-family home on Oʻahu is more than $1 million. And gas costs around $5 a gallon.

There are, however, plenty of low-cost (and even free) ways to enjoy the best of the islands  –  pristine beaches , local flavors, stunning natural beauty  – which will allow you to stay for longer and experience more. This guide to daily costs in Hawaii, along with top tips for budget travelers, can help you save your dollars.

As of Nov 1, 2023, all areas of Maui (except Lahaina) affected by the devastating wildfires in August are open for tourism. Respectful travel is encouraged to support Hawaii’s local businesses that rely so heavily on tourism.

Plan a fall or spring vacation

Hawaii is a year-round destination, and that’s good news for budget travelers. You can find deals on airfare and accommodations during the slower shoulder months  – September and October, January and February, April and May – avoiding peak travel times like summer, winter and spring break.

Be smart about island-hopping...

Why fly all the way to Hawaii and stay on one island? If you’re set on seeing more than one island on your vacation, you should take advantage of cheaper options on interisland airfares.

Southwest Airlines offers one-way rates that are sometimes as low as $39 with no-frills service and no assigned seating. Mokulele Airlines operates Cessna 208EX Grand Caravans that seat up to nine passengers and fly into smaller airports, offering round-trip fares for less than $200 per person.

Planning tip: If you’re on Maui and want to visit Lanaʻi , you can book a ride on the Expeditions Maui-Lanaʻi Passenger Ferry , but be aware this business was severely impacted by the wildfires and is still rebuilding. Tickets start at $30 one way and take about an hour. Bonus: if you’re traveling between islands from January to April, you may see humpback whales along the way.

...Or simply stay on one island

Island-hopping can be pricey – you’re paying for additional airfares and accommodations, and if you’re not on Oʻahu , you’ll likely have to rent a car, the price of which fluctuates with demand. 

By staying on one island , you can really explore everything it has to offer. Oʻahu is bustling, with tons of restaurants, shopping, beaches, museums and hiking trails. Maui is just as vibrant, with more country charm and quaint towns like Hana and Makawao.

Kauaʻi is the most laid-back of all the islands, with verdant landscapes, breathtaking beaches and a quieter pace. Hawaiʻi Island, aka the Big Island , boasts active volcanoes, rolling ranchland and old-Hawaii charm.

Keep your car-rental period short

While opting out of renting a car during your entire vacation may be the most cost-effective, it’s also very limiting – even on Oʻahu, which boasts a great public bus system. You’ll want to get out of resort areas and venture into different neighborhoods, find hole-in-the-wall eateries and experience the islands the way locals do.

Instead of renting a car for the duration of your stay, consider a car hire for just a few days, optimally keeping your costs under $100.

Use local ridesharing services and rentals

All of the main islands have ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft, with O‘ahu featuring the best coverage. But there are new local services as well.

In June 2021,  Holoholo , a new rideshare company, launched on Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi Island and Lanaʻi with a wider selection of rides – hybrid, electric and luxury vehicles, rides with vaccinated drivers and drivers pre-approved to enter US military bases and options for those requiring additional mobility assistance.

Fares are based on distance and calculated up front, and rides can be scheduled in advance. Turo also recently entered the Hawaii market, offering the more affordable option of renting vehicles directly from local owners.

Hui Care Share is a round-trip, station-based car-share program on Oʻahu only, where you can book a vehicle by the hour or day, now or in the future. The service includes 170 vehicles parked at 65 stations throughout urban Honolulu  – downtown, Waikiki , Kakaʻako, Ala Moana, Mānoa, Kaimukī – and Ko Olina. The best part? Gas, insurance and roadside assistance are all included.

Take public transportation

You can also ditch the cars entirely – no worries about parking! – by using public transportation.

On Oʻahu, there's TheBus , a public bus service with a fleet of 542 buses providing daily services on 101 routes across the island. Adult fares are $3 (one way), to be paid in cash upon boarding, with discounts for seniors aged 65 and up and youth ages 6 to 17. TheBus conveniently stops at some of the island’s most popular visitor destinations, including Waikiki, Ala Moana Center, Bishop Museum , Kualoa Ranch, Polynesian Cultural Center , Pearl Harbor , Waimea Valley and Hanauma Bay.

Maui also operates a public bus system  with service in various parts of the islands, from Kaʻanapali to Upcountry .

Get around by bike

Another option is to ride around Oʻahu on a bike using the island’s only bikeshare program, Biki , which has 1300 bikes at more than 130 self-service Biki Stops throughout Honolulu.

It’s a great option for short jaunts to the beach or to grab lunch nearby. Rides cost $4.50 per bike for a single ride for up to 30 minutes, $12 for unlimited rides within 24 hours or $30 for 300 minutes to use in any increment for one year (the best option to use over an entire vacation stay).

There are fees for some of Hawaii's beaches, hiking trails and gardens

Enjoy the best parts of Hawaii – its beaches, gardens, parks and hiking trails  – without spending much.

Most beaches in Hawaii are free and accessible year-round. Some – like Hanauma Bay on Oʻahu and Hāʻena State Park on Kauaʻi – require reservations with a small fee for visitors. Pristine nature reserve Hanauma Bay has an online reservation system , limiting the number of visitors to fewer than 800 a day. It costs $25 per person to enter (free for Hawaii residents and children aged 12 and under) and another $3 for parking ($1 for residents).

To visit Hāʻena State Park  – which includes Kēʻē Beach and the start of the Kalalau Trail along the famed Nāpali Coast – you’ll need to secure a reservation and pay a $5 entry fee and $10 for parking (free for residents).

While state-run hiking trails are normally free to access, some have small fees. For non-residents, it costs $5 to hike to the top of Diamond Head (Lēʻahi in Hawaiian) on Oʻahu, plus $10 for parking (both payable by credit card only), or to visit the popular ʻIao Valley State Monument on Maui. Reserve your place in advance online .

Most botanical gardens charge a nominal entrance fee, though some, including the popular city-run Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden on Oʻahu, are free to explore.

Eat affordable local dishes: bento boxes and poke bowls 

While each island boasts upscale farm-to-table restaurants that will break your food budget, Hawaii is also known for its homestyle local cuisine. Plate lunches, bento (Japanese box meals) and poke bowls (cubed ahi, raw and seasoned, and served atop rice) are plentiful – and affordable.

Get loaded plates of teriyaki beef, shoyu chicken or hamburger steak and gravy at popular drive-ins, such as  Rainbow Drive-In on Oʻahu, Hawaiian Style Cafe on Hawaii Island and Tin Roof on Maui.

Seek out okazu-ya (Japanese deli-type eateries), which serve à la carte portions of local favorites – shoyu pork, chow fun noodles, shrimp tempura and  musubi (rice balls). Some popular ones are Kawamoto Store on Hawaiʻi Island, Fukuya Deli on Oʻahu, Honokowai Okazuya & Deli on Maui and Po’s Kitchen on Kauaʻi. And poke bowls are everywhere – affordable and filling meals you can grab even from convenience stores.

Planning tip: If your short-term rental has a kitchen, you may want to save money by cooking in. Hit up one of the many farmers markets run by the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau Federation or FarmLovers Markets . You can meet local farmers, buy fresh and local produce and even pick up artisan-made gifts, such as jams, hot sauces, cookies, vinegars and honey. Many serve prepared foods too.

Find free and low-cost activities and tours

You can still immerse yourself in Hawaii and its rich culture without a pricey lūʻau or helicopter tour through free (or cheap) classes around town .

Many hotels and malls offer free entertainment and classes in cultural practices, such as lei-making , ukulele-playing and hula. The Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki offers all that, plus lauhala-weaving and free Hawaiian entertainment.  Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel  by Outrigger on Maui provides complimentary cultural classes to its guests at its Hale Hoʻokipa; learn to hula, make tapa cloth, restring kukui-nut leis, speak short words and phrases in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) and even find your way around with pānānā , or traditional navigational techniques.

On Oʻahu you can rent surfboards at stands along Waikiki Beach for about $20, or pay a little more for a lesson from a beach attendant. You can also rent surfboards, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, boogieboards with fins, snorkel gear and more from Surf in the City Waikiki .

Opt for self-guided tours to save some money. Hōlualoa Kona Coffee Company on Hawaiʻi Island offers free coffee-roasting tours and samplings for a small fee. Stroll the grounds of the state’s largest coffee grower, Kauaʻi Coffee Co , at your leisure to learn about coffee and its history in the islands.

For about $35 you can go on a walking tour of Oʻahu’s historic Chinatown district with the Hawaiʻi Heritage Center , where you learn about the rich history of the neighborhood, Chinese immigration to Hawaii and architecture. The fee includes gallery entry, visits to sites with cultural and historical significance, and food from neighborhood shops and restaurants.

Planning tip: Download the Shaka Guide app for self-guided GPS audio tours of popular attractions across the islands. Featured tours include Road to Hana on Maui, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Hawaiʻi Island and Waimea Canyon on Kauaʻi. Each tour costs $20 and works offline.

A guide to daily costs in Hawaii

Hostel room: $40 to $150 a night Basic room for two: $150 to $300 a night Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): $80 (for a private room) to $6000 a night (where President Obama stayed in Kailua) Public transport ticket: Adult fares on TheBus on Oʻahu are $3 (one way), with discounts for seniors aged 65 and up and youth aged 6 to 17. Coffee: $2.25 (hot coffee at Starbucks) to $12.50 (Kona Estate coffee brewed fresh, using the Chemex pour-over brewer at Honolulu Coffee) Sandwich: $7 (Andy’s Sandwiches & Smoothies) to $13 (at Sprout Sandwich Shop) Dinner for two: $50 to $500 Beer/pint at the bar: $7 to $12

This article was first published Apr 1, 2016 and updated Nov 11, 2023.

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Complete Guide: How To Visit Hawaii On A Budget

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Mar 31, 2024 | North America , Travel Tips , United States

Traveling to Hawaii might be a dream for many of us. We’ve all seen the photos – dreaming of these beaches and epic volcanoes in the background.

So, you found a cool flight deal to get to Hawaii and wondering if you can actually afford it? Traveling Hawaii on a budget isn’t super easy, but it’s not impossible.

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Check Prices

If you’ve been wondering if Hawaii is expensive – keep reading.

In this post, I’ll be covering different aspects when it comes to budget travel in Hawaii so you can have a rough idea of what to expect cost-wise.

I’ll give you some budget tips too and alternatives that could be more budget-friendly.

Finding Cheap Flights To Hawaii

Finding cheap flights to Hawaii isn’t that hard. With websites such as Skyscanner , Google Flights, or even Secret Flying, it’s easy to find great deals.

If you’re coming from Asia, you should be able to find great deals with AirAsia and if you’re coming from Canada, WestJet normally has great deals too. 

To give you an idea, I was flying from Japan and then I was heading to Canada, which was the perfect stop for a break between long flights.

Finding Cheap Accommodation In Hawaii

The biggest challenge when it comes to backpacking Hawaii (or just keeping it budget-friendly) is the accommodation. Finding cheap accommodation in Hawaii is tough.

Accommodation in Hawaii is generally expensive. It’s hard to find something below $35. It also depends on the season – it can be higher or lower depending on the timing.

Usually, if you’re going to pay $35 for a dorm, or even a room, you would expect a better-looking room. Unfortunately, it is not the case in Hawaii.

Buildings are old, the market is high… there’s not much you can do about it. 

If you think you’re better off with Airbnb… well, you’re not – the cost is also expensive and the apartments available aren’t that special.

That said, you might have to increase your budget or lower your standards when it comes to Hawaii.

Hostels in Oahu:

• Hostelling international Honolulu
• Polynesian Hostel Beach Club
• Waikiki Beachside Hostel

Mid-Range Hotels in Oahu:

• East Side of Hanama Bay
• Ramada Plaza
• Ewa Hotel Waikiki

Luxury Hotels in Oahu:

• Real Select Vacations
• Hampton Inn & Suites
• Hokulani Waikiki

Find more accommodation options in Oahu here .

Mid-Range Hotels in Kauai:

• Hotel Coral Reef
• Banyan Harbor
• Kauai Shores Hotel

Luxury Hotels in Kauai:

• Koa Kea Hotel
• Marriott’s Waiohai
• Koloa Landing Resort

Find more accommodation options in Kauai here .

Hostels in Maui:

• The Northshore Hostel
• Central Maui Hostel
• Tiki Beach Hostel

Mid-Range Hotels in Maui:

• What a wonderful world
• Adventure in Paradise
• Kahana Villa

Luxury Hotels in Maui:

• Hyatt Residence Club
• Hotel Wailea
• Four Seasons Resort

Find more accommodation options in Maui here .

Hostels on the Big Island:

• Camping Cabanas
• Hilo Bay Hostel
• The Big Island Hostel

Mid-Range Hotels on the Big Island:

• Hilotown Hale
• At the end of the road
• Hilo Bay Oceanfront

Luxury Hotels on the Big Island:

• Fairmont Orchid
• Aston Kona by the Sea

Find more accommodation options in Big Island here .

Getting Around Hawaii On A Budget

Here are your options to get around Hawaii. You’ll find prices so that you can have an overview of the expenses related to transportation.

Getting Around Hawaii By Bus

The cheapest way to get around Hawaii is by bus. Whether you want to explore the island or simply reach your destination from the airport, buses are efficient and affordable. 

Fare for a one-way ticket: $2.75

Fare for a day pass: $5.50

Getting Around Hawaii By moped

The most fun way to get around is probably by moped or scooter. Although it’s quite expensive if I compare to Asia. 

I rented my moped for 24 hours for $40. Although, they insisted on the insurance and the overnight parking option, and I fell for it.

In total, it cost me a lot more than I expected. If you’re planning on renting a moped for a few days, then, you will receive discounted rates.

Getting Around Hawaii By Car

Another option to consider would be by rental car . It’s obviously expensive, but it’s a safe way to get around without having any limitations like on the mopeds where you need to avoid the highways.

Check prices and availability and book a car for your trip here .

Finding Cheap Restaurants In Hawaii

Eating in Hawaii on a budget was a bit challenging. Depending on where your accommodation is located, you might find supermarkets… or not.

I found it hard to find supermarkets in the Waikiki Beach area, which means I wasn’t able to cook my own food. 

My plan was to avoid expensive restaurants in Hawaii for a few reasons:

• You have to tip
• Tax is added to the bill
• It’s pricey

After getting tired of options like Mcdonald’s, Subway, etc. I wanted to get a real meal, and it was honestly hard to find something good, and healthy without it being super expensive.

As a result, I decided to treat myself to pricey restaurants – and it wasn’t worth the price. I realized that I could eat out for about $10 and it would be better in terms of quality/price.

If you’re on a tight budget, your best bet is probably to head to Walmart to buy groceries or to stick to the specials at Mcdonald’s.

If you have a mid-range budget, then, you can splurge easily wherever you are. If you love American food, you’ll be happy. You can read more about cheap eats in Waikiki .

Finding Cheap Activities In Hawaii

It is quite hard to find cheap activities in Hawaii. Although, if you like hiking, you can hike in many places in Oahu for free. You might only need to pay for transport to get there.

Also, if you’re into beach bumming or surfing, you can do it for cheap – you can rent a surfboard on the beach or in your accommodation (if you’re lucky).

If you just want to start your surf career, then this surf lesson is definitely for you!

Other than that, here are some cool activities below $60.

• Boat Trip from Waikiki – Check the price .
• Ghosted tour – Check the price.
• Sunset cruise – Check the price.
• Traditional airport experience – Check the price.  

Find more budget activities in Hawaii here .

Real-Life Example – How Much I Spent In Hawaii In One Week

Well – I say one week but I was there for 7 nights, 8 days.

You should also know that I was traveling in Oahu so, this applies only to Oahu.

Is Hawaii expensive? Let’s see!

Total Spent on Flights | Budget Travel Hawaii

My flight from Osaka to Honolulu was $195.

My flight from Honolulu to Ottawa was $231.

The total was then $426.

Total Spent In Hawaii | Budget Travel Hawaii

I spent $822 which includes the following:

Accommodation, luggage storage at the hostel, food, moped rental, and activities.

This would be about $102 per day.

Total Spent In Hawaii + Flights

Big total for flights and the trip: $1248

Can you travel to Oahu on a budget? Well – I think it’s a tough one. 

It could have been cheaper if I had not rented a moped and if I had cooked my own meals.

To save money on accommodation, I could have decided to do couchsurfing instead. Overall, Oahu isn’t the most budget-friendly place.

What To Pack For Hawaii

These are some beach essentials and a few more items you should bring with you while visiting Hawaii.

• Sunscreen and Aloe Vera
• Comfortable shoes
• Beach Towel
• Universal adapter

Do You Need A Visa To Visit Hawaii?

If you need a visa to travel to Hawaii, you can sort it out here .

Travel Insurance In Hawaii

Make sure your travel insurance can cover you in Hawaii (United States). Better be safe than sorry! You can check the options on  SafetyWing .

Final Thoughts On Hawaii On A Budget

Finally, Hawaii is not the most budget-friendly destination, but you can save money if you wish to.

Take a look at our list of fun things to do in Honolulu and Waikiki at night .

Hawaii is a great honeymoon destination , too – you can do it on a budget, or you can splurge!

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How Much Does a Trip to Hawaii Cost?

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Hawaii is often on the short list of dream destinations for a relaxing beach holiday. But a potential trip to paradise doesn’t happen without first asking the critical question: How much is a trip to Hawaii?

The answer varies depending on where you stay and when you travel. We’ve crunched the numbers to give you an idea of how much you can expect to spend so you’re better prepared to budget for a vacation in Hawaii.

Estimated Hawaii trip cost

Beachfront view of the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki. (Photo courtesy of Hilton)

We looked at the estimated costs of a 10-night trip for a family of four (two adults and two children) during the peak summer travel season, as well as a seven-night trip for that same family during the shoulder season.

Here are the hypotheticals:

Travel to Honolulu on the island of Oahu, the most popular island for visitors to Hawaii.

Round-trip flights for four from Los Angeles.

A peak-season trip assumes a June 25, 2024, departure, while a shoulder-season trip assumes a May 8, 2024, departure.

We used three property types to assess price estimates:

A beachfront four-star resort: Hilton Hawaiian Village. 

A three-star hotel: Holiday Inn Express Waikiki. 

A condo: Various Waikiki units on Vrbo.com.

Totals include resort fees :

$50 per night at the four-star resort.

$29.49 per night at the three-star hotel.

All management and cleaning fees at the condo units.

Totals include parking costs of:

$68.06 per day at the four-star resort.

$45 per day at the three-star hotel.

Parking isn't included in condo totals (varies by building/unit).

Meals include nightly dinners of about $225, including drinks, taxes and tips. 

At a four-star resort, meal estimates include breakfasts and lunches totaling about $100 per day. 

Costs at a three-star hotel, which includes free breakfast, include only lunches totaling about $50 per day. 

Tightly budgeted meals assume cutting food costs by 60% with cheap eats and/or preparing meals. 

Activities for the 10-night trip include a snorkeling excursion, surfing lessons, a Pearl Harbor visit and a day at a water park. For the seven-night trip: snorkeling, the Pearl Harbor visit and a day at a water park (no surfing lessons).

Economy rental car reserved through DiscountHawaiiCarRental.com or Turo .

$5-a-day tip for housekeepers .

Based on the information outlined above, here are our estimated budgets.

» Learn more: The best times to visit Hawaii by travel style

10-night trip, peak summer travel season

$15,090: Four-star beachfront resort, with a 10-day rental car.

$10,447: Three-star hotel, with a 10-minute walk to the beach and a five-day rental car.

$7,781 Low-cost condo within walking distance to the beach, tightly budgeted meals and a five-day rental car. 

Seven-night trip, shoulder season

$9,574: Four-star beachfront resort, with a seven-day rental car.

$6,488: Three-star hotel, with a 10-minute walk to the beach and a rental car for two days.

$4,936: Low-cost condo within walking distance to the beach, tightly budgeted meals and a two-day rental car. 

Can you beat these numbers? Definitely. Here are tips on how to save on your vacation to Hawaii.

» Learn more: The best island in Hawaii for first timers

How to cut your Hawaii vacation costs

Stay on the beach or rent a car every day, but don’t do both.

Does your idea of a great vacation involve hitting the open road to explore every corner of the island? Then, don’t pay premium prices for a hotel on the beach.

On the other hand, if your dream trip involves tons of time lounging on the sand and splashing in the pool, don’t pay $55 a day for a rental car plus $68 a day to park it when it’s just going to sit there.

Many Waikiki hotels are within walking distance of a car rental agency, so it’s easy to get a car for just part of your trip. Select “Waikiki” instead of “Honolulu airport” as your pick-up and drop-off location for your rental car. If you pick the car up in the morning, then drop it off at the end of the day, you can save a night’s worth of parking costs, cutting down your trip cost.

The downside to this strategy is you may have to wait in a long line to get your car. So send one adult to pick up the vehicle in the morning while the rest of the crew gets ready for the day. And don’t forget to include airport transfers in your budget. Budget about $37 each way, including tip, for a taxi or rideshare between Waikiki and Honolulu airport.

» Learn more: The cheapest rental car companies

Eat cheaper

If your family of four has a nice dinner at the world-famous Duke’s Waikiki, including cocktails for the adults, an appetizer and a Hula Pie dessert to share, you’ll spend about $225, including taxes and tip. Of course, the beachfront views, tiki torches and aloha spirit might be worth it. But you don’t have to spend that much every night.

Step away from the beach and meals get much cheaper. For example, the outstanding burgers at Cheeseburger in Paradise are about $20, as opposed to the $36 baked fish at Duke’s.

In addition, pizza joints, super-affordable ramen houses, authentic Hawaiian diners such as Rainbow Drive-In, chains such as Denny’s and IHOP and fast-food restaurants including McDonald’s, Burger King and Subway can bring your meal costs down.

Or swing into one of the many ABC Stores to pick up packaged salads, sandwiches, yogurt, snacks, drinks or some spam musubi (a slice of grilled Spam sandwiched between or on top of a block of rice, wrapped in nori) to fill up on the cheap.

More affordable yet, you can buy cereal, coffee, milk, sandwich meats and bread to prepare breakfasts and lunches at your hotel or condo.

» Learn more: Is island hopping in Hawaii worth it?

Consider a condo

You can often find a vacation rental just a few minutes from the beach for much cheaper than you’d pay for a hotel.

For example, we found the condo shown below on Vrbo for 10 nights for $1,942 plus tax, for a total of $2,260. And that’s during peak summer travel.

For a seven-day rental during the shoulder season, you can cut your total accommodations expenditure by around $500 by choosing a condo over a hotel.

Many condos have kitchens, too, so you could save money by making eggs or pancakes for breakfast, spaghetti for dinner and packing sandwiches for lunches while you’re out and about.

» Learn more: Travelers: Save on meals with these tidbits

Pay with points and miles

The question “How much is a vacation to Hawaii?” has a much more appealing answer if you pay using airline miles, hotel points or credit card points — which can erase hundreds or even thousands of dollars from your trip cost.

For more information on how to maximize your points, be sure to check out these articles:

The Cheapest Ways to Fly to Hawaii Using Travel Rewards .

How to Travel to Honolulu on Points and Miles .

Where to Stay in Waikiki With Hotel Points .

How to Visit Hawaii On a Budget .

The Best Oahu Hotels Without Resort Fees .

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

If you want to go to Hawaii

So how much does it cost to go to Hawaii? It can be expensive. Hidden costs like resort fees and exorbitant parking prices can easily break a budget. But there are ways to save on the cost of a vacation to Hawaii.

Traveling before or after the peak summer season can save a considerable amount. In addition, don’t pay a premium to stay on the beach if you won’t take full advantage of that location, and don’t pay up to $68 a night to park a car as you’re splashing around the pool for several days.

To save big, consider a condo where you can cook many of your meals to save on dining. With these simple strategies, your answer to the question “How much is a vacation to Hawaii?” is one that fits your budget.

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105 Genius Tips for Hawaii on a Budget

I’ve visited hawaii more than 35 times and i’ve learned some amazing ways to experience hawaii on a budget scroll down to get my 105 ways to save money in hawaii and plan affordable hawaii vacations , this post about what to do in hawaii on a budget was written by hawaii travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

I’ve been visiting Hawaii since I was 10 years old.

My grandma used to split her time between Kauai and Seattle and we were lucky enough to get to visit her in Hawaii.

We’d spend most of our school breaks in Hawaii. Since we were a family of four living on a teacher’s salary, we learned how to travel with family on a budget.

As I grew up and started paying for my own trips to Hawaii, I did tons of research on free and cheap things to do in Hawaii.

And now that I bring my own kids to the Hawaiian Islands, I’m discovering all kinds of kid-friendly Hawaii activities that won’t break the bank!

Is Hawaii expensive? Heck yeah! But, it doesn’t have to be cost-prohibitive.

Throughout my 25 years of traveling to Hawaii, I’ve picked up a few budget tips to save money in Hawaii .

Well, I’m up to 105 Hawaii travel tips, so it’s more than a few! Use these tips to plan your next Hawaii family vacation on a budget .

Keep scrolling to find out how to travel to Hawaii cheap , where to find the best Hawaii vacation packages, and which is the cheapest Hawaiian island .

By the end, you should know exactly how to plan a trip to Hawaii on a budget.

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Hawaii Itineraries, complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

Hawaii on a Budget FAQs

The cheapest time to fly to Hawaii is during one of its shoulder seasons. These run after Spring Break (mid-April to June) and before Winter Break (September to mid-December.) That’s when you can book cheap trips to Hawaii for your family. And it’s a great time to visit Hawaii.

You’ll find the cheapest travel deals to Oahu. That’s because there are lots of direct flights and the largest array of hotel and vacation rental options. Plus, you’ll find the most competitive rates on activities, car rentals , and attractions. Therefore, Oahu is the cheapest island in Hawaii.

In order to score the best hotel deals in the Hawaiian Islands, you’ll probably want to visit Hawaii for at least a week. The ideal Hawaiian vacation is usually 10-14 days. That gives enough time to adjust to the time difference, relax, and be able to do all the activities on your list.

105 Tips for Hawaii on a Budget

Hawaii on a budget: planning your trip, 1. do your research.

I had to kick off my list with my #1 piece of advice for saving money in Hawaii: Do your research!

Figure out exactly which island you want to visit, the cheapest time of year to go, where to stay in Hawaii, which activities are affordable, whether or not you’ll need to rent a car , etc.

You’ll also want to research “ How much does a Hawaii vacation cost ?” so you won’t be surprised at how much others pay for typical family trips to Hawaii.

And make sure to factor in tipping in Hawaii .

Reading this blog post is a great sign that you are doing your research for your next vacation in Hawaii! You’ll want all these Hawaii budget travel tips!

2. STICK TO ONE ISLAND

While it’s tempting to want to visit multiple islands on your trip to Hawaii (especially if it’s your first trip to Hawaii ,) those inter-island flights can add up.

You’ll also probably pay higher rates for hotel rooms and car rentals if you are just using them a few days per island. That’s not how you do Hawaii on the cheap.

Instead, stay on one island and take advantage of free nights at hotels and cheaper car rental rates. This is my top tip for how to save money in Hawaii.

3. CHOOSE ONE OF THE 4 POPULAR ISLANDS

For a cheap Hawaii vacation, head to Oahu , Maui , Kauai , or the Big Island . These are the most populated Hawaiian islands and usually have lots of direct flights from the West Coast and tons of Hawaii packages.

Oahu is usually the cheapest island in Hawaii to visit.

There is also more competition for hotels, vacation rentals, car rentals , and activities, so prices tend to be cheaper than the less populated Hawaiian islands of Lanai and Molokai .

Plus, you can often find the right Hawaii vacation package to fit your budget.

Looking for cheap places to stay in Hawaii? Here are my top picks for Kauai , Maui , Oahu , and the Big Island !

4. GO IN THE OFF SEASON

Hawaii can be crazy expensive if you try to go during a school break. Airfare and hotel rooms can be twice as expensive (if not more) during this high season.

Summertime and the week of Christmas are peak seasons for Hawaii. That’s not how to travel to Hawaii on a budget.

Definitely avoid the last week of April. That’s “Golden Week” in Japan and the Hawaiian islands will be flooded with Japanese tourists and therefore the prices of everything skyrocket.

So, for cheap travel to Hawaii, head to Hawaii in late winter or early fall. These are my best budget tips to save you money.

We really like going in February . Our kids get mid-winter break and we can usually find reasonable airfare and lots of hotel/vacation rental options.

If you aren’t limited to school schedules, September and early October are also awesome times to visit Hawaii and find cheap airfare to Hawaii.

5. TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS OR FAMILY

Are you getting sticker shock when looking at hotel rooms? An easy way to slash that price in half is to invite friends or family to join you for a cheap trip to Hawaii.

You can either share a hotel room (and split the cost) or go in on a larger Airbnb or VRBO, which tends to be cheaper than hotel rooms.

Traveling with more people also can save you money on food in Hawaii. You can head to Costco and get large cases of drinks, snacks, and Costco-sized ready-to-cook meals.

And you can rent a larger vehicle and split the cost when visiting Hawaii in a group.

If your group is large enough, you might also qualify for group discounts on tours.

This is one of our favorite ways to do family vacations on a budget.

6. CREDIT CARD TRAVEL HACKING

While I have not mastered the art of credit card travel hacking, I’ve seen a lot of my friends do it successfully for vacations to Hawaii.

You earn points on your purchases that can be used toward airfare and hotel rooms at Hyatt, Marriott, and IHG.

Many credit cards also offer a lot of insurance options and have a ton of travel perks to visit Hawaii.

7. INVEST IN TRAVEL INSURANCE

While we’re talking about insurance, I highly recommend getting travel insurance .

Now, it might seem counter-intuitive to purchase something you might not need in order to save money in Hawaii.

However, you have to think about how much money is at risk if you have to cancel your trip, change the dates, lose luggage, etc.

And if you are pregnant or have young children, it’s even more important that you get travel insurance in case there are medical reasons you need to cancel or postpone a trip.

Make sure to shop around for the right travel insurance for your family. We tend to use Allianz Insurance for both airfare and general travel insurance.

Hawaii on a Budget: How to Find Cheap Flights to Hawaii

8. use skyscanner for the best flight rates.

I’m almost embarrassed to admit this, but I only started using Skyscanner this year to look for cheap airfare.

You put in the search parameters and it will tell you the cheapest flights from all the top airlines.

You can also request a price alert to be notified when the price goes down for a cheap flight you are keeping your eye on.

It’s an easy way to plan a cheap vacation to Hawaii.

9. CARRY ON YOUR LUGGAGE

It’s no secret how airlines are trying to nickel and dime passengers. One of the most obvious ways is with the checked luggage fees.

Before you book your flight, check to see what the checked baggage fees are for the airline and factor that into the price. What sound like cheap flights at first maybe actually cost you more due to the bag fees.

Then, figure out if you can fit your stuff in a carry-on suitcase. This is actually pretty easy for Hawaii, especially if you pack mostly swimsuits and warm weather clothing that doesn’t take up much space.

Find out the top things people always forget on their Hawaii packing list!

10. check costco for travel deals.

Being a Seattle mom, Costco is one of my favorite places. They have a really awesome travel department that has been having some killer Hawaii travel packages.

As long as you have a Costco card, you can visit the Costco Travel website and search for flights, hotels, and car rental packages. It makes it easy to visit Hawaii on a budget.

Costco seriously has some of the best Hawaii travel deals. including cheap flights to Hawaii.

My aunt used them recently and her car rental was completely free!

11. ALASKA AIRLINES COMPANION FARE

If you are flying from the West Coast, you might consider getting an Alaska Airlines Signature Visa credit card. They offer an annual companion fare deal where you just pay $99 plus tax on a second flight.

We almost always use our companion fare for flights to Hawaii, to save the most money. And since my husband and I each have a card, we use both companion fares for our kids and save a lot of money!

Another awesome feature of this credit card is that you and up to 6 of your guests get a free checked bag!

It’s such a great Hawaii travel deal all around! We use it almost exclusively when visiting Hawaii with our kids. It’s the easiest way to get cheap flights to Hawaii.

12. SOUTHWEST COMPANION FARE

This year, Southwest launched a bunch of flights to Hawaii. They had some screaming Hawaii deals!

Whether or not they continue to offer crazy flight deals, they do have a Companion Pass program.

To qualify, you either need to fly 100 qualifying one-way flights or earn 110,000 points in a calendar year. They also have a credit card to help you accumulate points faster.

They also launched inter-island flights at a very reasonable rate.

Hawaii on a Budget: Packing Essentials

13. pack all the essentials.

When people complain about how much everything costs in Hawaii, they aren’t exaggerating. Since everything needs to be shipped in, it costs more.

They also don’t have as many big box stores as we do on the Mainland, so they don’t always have a large selection of items.

So, what to take to Hawaii?

I recommend packing all your essentials from home when visiting Hawaii. The prices will be cheaper than having to run out and buy items when you get there.

Find out what to pack on a Hawaii honeymoon or get my Kauai or Maui packing list !

14. BRING A LIGHTWEIGHT DUFFEL BAG

While I don’t recommend buying travel essentials in Hawaii, it’s pretty common to buy stuff when you get there. I mean, everything is so cute!

Now, we always bring this lightweight duffel bag with us. It folds up smaller than a poncho and it can easily fit inside your suitcase. Check out the latest prices and more details.

I always stuff our dirty clothes in it for the plane ride back. That way, I can bring it as a carry on and when they ask for bags to check for free at the gate (which ALWAYS seems to happen) I have no problem offering up my duffel of dirty clothes.

15. BABY FOOD + DIAPERS

If you are traveling to Hawaii with a baby , I strongly urge you to pack your own baby food and diapers.

Baby food and formula are pretty expensive over there. I’ve seen food pouches for $3+ each!

Plus, the selection isn’t very good. If you have a picky baby or toddler , you’ll want to bring your own brands.

The same goes for pacifiers and loveys. Bring extras from home so you aren’t wasting a vacation day searching for one on the island.

Hawaii on a Budget: How to Find Cheap Hawaii Family Hotels

16. stay in the most affordable area of the island.

Before you book your Hawaii accommodation, check the rates for all the main cities/towns on the island. This is a good indicator of how to stay in Hawaii for cheap.

There are always the pricier areas to stay in and the more affordable areas and not choosing the right spot can make or break cheap Hawaii vacations.

Kihei is a cheaper place to stay on Maui than Wailea or Kapalua. Kapaa is a cheaper place to stay on Kauai than Princeville or Poipu . And on Oahu, it’s always cheapest to stay outside of Waikiki .

Read my detailed guides on the cheapest places to stay on Maui , Kauai , Oahu , Molokai , Lanai , and the Big Island . It’s a great way to save money when visiting Hawaii.

17. HOTEL VS. AIRBNB VS. VRBO

When you start thinking about places to stay on your Hawaii trip, don’t just look at hotels. Kihei, for example, only has condos available.

Sometimes it’s cheaper to go through Airbnb or VRBO to find cheap Hawaii accommodations.

What’s great about Airbnb and VRBO is that most of the places offer free parking and it’s easier to find places with separate bedrooms (which is so handy when traveling to Hawaii with kids!)

If you’ve never used Airbnb, get $40 off with my link!

18. CAMPING IN HAWAII

Another option for a cheap place to stay in Hawaii is to camp! You can either bring over your own camping stuff or buy it at Walmart in Hawaii.

The trick is to book your campsite before you head to Hawaii to ensure you have a spot. Otherwise, you’ll be paying an arm and a leg for last-minute accommodations.

And, it’s pretty trendy to rent a campervan in Hawaii, so you might look into that option when visiting Hawaii.

Check here for camping sites in Hawaii. And read my full guide to camping in Hawaii .

19. HAWAII HOSTELS

Hawaii is also home to several hostels throughout the Hawaiian islands. It’s one way to visit Hawaii without spending a fortune.

While I wouldn’t personally stay in a hostel with kids, it can be a great place to stay if you are backpacking in Hawaii with your partner or friends.

Check here for Hawaii hostel rates and availability.

20. GET A CONDO FOR CHEAPER

If you really feel like bargaining and you are visiting Hawaii during the off-season, you can always try negotiating cheaper rates directly through condo owners.

There are a lot of condos that sit empty during low seasons. Many of these owners would rather offer a reduced rate than not make any money at all.

So, it might be worth emailing condo owners to see if they can offer a better rate.

21. GET A HOTEL DAY PASS

If you want the perks for staying at a fancy hotel, but don’t want to pay fancy hotel prices, look into getting a hotel day pass.

You can get one for as cheap as $29/person. That allows you access to hang out at the pool and use their facilities.

It’s a great way to have the resort experience without the hefty hotel room rate.

Check here to find Hawaii resort day passes.

22. EXPLORE HAWAII BY CAMPERVAN

If you like the idea of camping in Hawaii but don’t want to set up a tent, you might look into renting a campervan in Hawaii.

Just picture enjoying an epic Hawaiian sunrise or sunse t while bundled in blankets in your Hawaii campervan.

It’s a fun way to explore the islands without paying for an expensive hotel room. Rates can be as low as $49/night.

Find your dream Hawaii Campervan here .

23. COUCHSURFING IN HAWAII

Lately, I’ve been hearing more and more about families couchsurfing when they travel. It’s a cool way to get a cultural experience by getting to know other families who live in Hawaii.

Of course, you’ll want to do your research and follow general safety tips if you go this route.

You can check out Hawaii couchsurfing options here .

Hawaii on a Budget: Transportation Tips

24. rental car vs. public transportation.

When people ask me whether or not they need to rent a car in Hawaii , my first thought is always “of course!”

I think a rental car is the best way to explore Hawaii with kids because you aren’t limited to public transportation or activity shuttles.

However, it really depends on what you are planning on doing.

When we were staying in Waikiki beach a few years ago, we didn’t rent a car and instead relied on the Waikiki Trolley . It was an easy (and affordable) way to get us all over town. We even used it for a Costco run!

On Oahu, TheBus is a great Hawaii bus system that will take you all over the island for much cheaper than a rental car.

And on Kauai, there’s The Kauai Bus which has routes all over the island.

25. CHEAPEST WAY TO GET FROM THE AIRPORT

Another question I get a lot is about the cheapest way to get from the airport to your hotel in Hawaii. You’ll want to know the answer when visiting Hawaii.

For Oahu, there are lots of shuttles that can take you from the airport to Waikiki for as little as $18. Or you can grab an Uber or Lyft for around $23-30 to Waikiki beach. And if you really want to save money, you can take TheBus for $2.25.

On Maui, you can take a shuttle to the airport from Lahaina for about $35-50 or take an Uber for $50-60.

Be sure to find out if your hotel has a shuttle service. That’s helpful to know before you book a rental car in Hawaii.

26. DECIDE HOW MANY DAYS YOU NEED A CAR

If you do decide that you want to rent a car in Hawaii, figure out your itinerary so you know exactly how many days you’ll need to rent a car.

If you are staying in Waikiki, it might make sense to return the car every day to avoid paying overnight parking fees.

You’ll also want to do a price comparison to see if you’ll save money by keeping your rental car for your whole trip or returning it early.

27. SKIP THE JEEP

While adventuring through Hawaii in a Jeep sounds exciting, it’s not the most budget-friendly car to rent in Hawaii!

Not only do they cost more to rent, but they also use up a ton of gas!

And since they are a popular vehicle to rent, they are usually pretty worn out and might not be the most comfortable ride. There are plenty of other rental cars to choose from.

Hawaii on a Budget: How to Save Money on Food

28. save money by cooking.

If you have a hotel with a kitchenette or have booked a condo or VRBO with a kitchen, you can save a lot of money by cooking.

The easiest way to do this is to stock up on easy breakfast items and ready-to-cook meals.

If you are staying somewhere with a poolside BBQ, grab some meat to cook up! This makes visiting Hawaii a lot more affordable.

Read more about cooking in Hawaii .

29. CHEAP EATS IN HAWAII

I’m a HUGE fan of Hawaiian food and a big part of our vacations is eating food we can’t find at home.

Eating out in Hawaii doesn’t have to be super expensive.

One of my favorite things to eat in Hawaii on a budget is musubi! You can find this local food at ABC stores, local grocery stores, gas stations, and even 7-Eleven.

The most popular is Spam musub i , but you can also find musubi made with mochiko chicken , egg, chicken adobo, kalua pork, etc.

Find out my favorite cheap eats on Oahu and where to eat in Waikiki on a budget !

30. FARMERS MARKETS

If you are a fan of fresh fruits and vegetables, you’ll definitely want to hit up a farmers market in Hawaii.

We always grab some big papayas and lime for an easy breakfast.

And we never leave without picking up a sugarloaf pineapple. This is the low-acid variety of pineapple and they are always the sweetest!

Find out the best Hawaiian fruits you need to try in Hawaii!

31. SHARE A PLATE LUNCH

Hawaii is known for its generous portions. One of the most popular types of local food in Hawaii is plate lunches. You can find them at food trucks, restaurants, and just about anywhere that sells food.

These consist of an entree (or two) plus two scoops of rice and a scoop of macaroni salad.

Most places you go will give you plenty of food for two people to share a plate lunch.

When we go with our kids, I usually order extra scoops of rice and I can easily share my plate lunch with both my hungry boys. We love eating local food!

Find out what to order at Hawaiian restaurants!

32. GROCERY SHOP AWAY FROM RESORTS

One mistake I see a lot of tourists make is that they do their grocery shopping near their resort. They think they are saving money, but the items tend to have a higher price in tourist areas.

Instead, pick up your groceries where locals do. Hint: the cheapest places are near Walmart or Costco.

You’ll find a better selection of items and the prices will make your wallet happier. This is easiest to do with a Hawaii rental car, but you can also use public transportation.

Find out the best local grocery stores on Maui

33.  BRING YOUR SAFEWAY CLUB CARD

If you shop at Safeway at home, you can definitely use your Safeway Club Card in Hawaii!

It’s even worth getting one just to use on your trip because you’ll save so much money on groceries.

We like to pick up large sub sandwiches, chips, and musubi to eat on the beach at these local grocery stores.

My mom is also a HUGE fan of their $5 Fridays!

34. HEAD TO WALMART

One thing that I always try to explain to people planning their Hawaiian vacation is that Walmart in Hawaii isn’t like Walmart on the mainland. It’s kind of hard to describe.

You’ll find everyone shopping at Walmart in Hawaii. I’m talking about mayors, local celebrities, and regular families.

It’s one of the few chain stores available on the islands and chances are you’ll be able to pick up all your groceries, beach toys, sunscreen , flip flops, and even fresh flower leis.

Personally, Walmart is one of my favorite places to stock up on Hawaiian cookies, li hing mui candy, Hawaiian potato chips, Hawaiian Sun drinks, etc.

Note: Now some of the islands have a Target, which is always a great place to shop even if their prices are slightly higher than Walmart.

35. GET POKE BOWLS

Another surprisingly affordable Hawaiian meal is poke bowls. Poke is raw fish chopped up and marinated and is usually put in a bowl over sushi rice or served with chips.

The cheapest place to get poke is at Costco or a local grocery store. You’ll find it in their deli department.

When we stay in condos that have a rice cooker, we make our own rice and get several tubs of different poke for a quick dinner. Then, the next day, we eat any remaining poke with chips for lunch.

Find out the best places to get poke on Oahu and Maui

36. EAT OUT AT LUNCH VS DINNER

I can’t go to Hawaii and not eat out. So, when we are trying to save money in Hawaii, we aim to eat out at lunchtime.

Usually, you’ll get slightly smaller portions for half the price of dinner.

You can also take advantage of the food spots that cater to workers, which are usually closed for dinner.

37. DON’T BUY BOTTLED WATER

Another way to save money on food/drink in Hawaii is to bring your own reusable water bottle. We usually bring our Hydro Flask because it keeps water icy cold all day long.

Bottled water can add up quickly, especially if you are buying them at food trucks or when you are eating at restaurants.

If you forget to bring a reusable water bottle (and don’t want to buy one in Hawaii) you can get buy water bottles for everyone in your family and refill it during the trip. This is what we did growing up.

You can even put your water bottle in the freezer to keep it cold for part of the day.

38. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF DINING DEALS

Hawaii vacation costs can add up quickly, especially for families. An easy way to do a Hawaii vacation on the cheap is by looking for ways to cut costs on food.

Before your trip, start scouting out restaurants that offer discounted menus on certain days of the week. Some even have early bird menus.

Groupon sometimes offers awesome restaurant gift certificates at discounted rates. Yelp is another place to check for discounts on Hawaiian restaurants.

39. BEST FOOD TRUCKS

Most people don’t realize this, but Hawaii has been rocking the food truck scene for decades. They used to be called lunch wagons and they catered to workers.

Now, Hawaii has some of the best food trucks in the country.

We love hitting up food trucks in Hawaii. The prices vary a lot, but we’ve found some that are pretty cheap.

If you are heading to the North Shore on Oahu, you probably want to hit up one of the shrimp trucks featuring local Hawaiian shrimp. These plates are usually in the $13-14 range and they are SO good!

Otherwise, you can find affordable lunch options across a variety of ethnic cuisines.

Hawaii on a Budget: Cheap or Free Things to do in Hawaii

40. free hula shows.

As a hula dancer for the past 25 years, I urge everyone to take advantage of the free hula shows offered all over the islands!

Don’t go to Hawaii and skip out on the culture!

On Oahu, head to Ala Moana Mall, the Royal Hawaiian Center, or Kuhio Beach Park for free hula shows.

On Maui, you can see free hula shows at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Kaanapali Beach Hotel, Lahaina Cannery Mall, Maui Mall, Napili Kai Beach Resort, The Outlets of Maui, Queen Ka’ahumanu Center, and Whalers Village.

And on Kauai, head to the Coconut Marketplace, Poipu Shopping Village, or the National Tropical Botanical Garden.

41. FREE EVENTS IN HAWAII

In addition to lots of farmers markets, Hawaii also holds a lot of craft fairs for Hawaii-made products.

They also have free concerts, outdoor movies, and all kinds of special events.

With so many Hawaii activities costing a fortune, taking advantage of a few free activities is crucial when traveling to Hawaii on a budget.

Search for Hawaii events here .

42. HOLIDAYS IN HAWAII

If you happen to be in Hawaii during December, you’ll have lots of free holiday events to choose from.

Honolulu City Lights is a popular Oahu event including a huge parade, block party, tree lighting ceremony, food booths, children’s rides, a holiday concert, and Santa.

There are lots of Waikiki Christmas events and concerts, including the Christmas-themed “Rock a Hula” show.

And you can see Santa arriving on all the islands.

Read more about Christmas in Hawaii.

43. GO FOR A HIKE

One of the most underrated free things to do in Hawaii is going for a hike! The scenery is insanely gorgeous!

Hike to a Hawaiian waterfall, the top of a mountain, inside a crater, or see sweeping views of the coastline.

The only costs might include parking if you are hiking at a state park. It’s easiest to go hiking in Hawaii if you have a rental car.

Find out where to hike on Kauai, Oahu , Maui , and the Big Island.

44. FIND A HAWAII WATERFALL

Hawaii is filled with breathtaking waterfalls on each of the Hawaiian islands.

You can see a lot of them on the side of the road or at designated lookout points with parking lots.

However, some of the most beautiful Hawaiian waterfalls are tucked away in the jungle and only accessible by helicopter or by hiking.

Check out the best waterfalls on Kauai , Maui , Oahu , and the Big Island .

45. BEST SNORKELING SPOTS

Another cheap thing to do in Hawaii is go snorkeling . The only cost is the snorkel mask and fins. Find the best prices here.

Hawaiian waters feature stunning tropical fish and sea turtles that are amazing to see underwater!

Note: Be careful about full-face snorkel masks. There have been a lot of accidents involving them lately, so do your research.

Find out the best places to snorkel on Oahu , Kauai , Maui , and the Big Island.

46. HAWAIIAN SWIMMING HOLES

In addition to amazing beaches, Hawaii also has some cool swimming holes you can play in.

On Maui, head to the O’heo Gulch (aka Seven Sacred Pools) to cool off. Just be sure to check to see if it’s open before you go (they close it if the weather is bad.)

On Oahu, head to Maunawili Falls and swim in the base of a stunning waterfall.

47. BEST SURFING SPOTS

Another fairly cheap thing to do in Hawaii is go surfing! I mean, what’s more iconic than surfing in Hawaii?

Your only cost is renting a surfboard. Many surf rental places offer daily and weekly rates.

Find out the best surfing spots on Kauai, Oahu , Maui , and the Big Island.

48. BEST BEACHES IN HAWAII

Of course, you can’t go to Hawaii and not check out the beaches! Well, I guess you can , but you definitely shouldn’t!

Most beaches in Hawaii are completely free (the rest have a small parking fee.)

My favorite beaches on Oahu include Kailua Beach , Lanikai, and Waikiki. On Kauai, I love Poipu Beach, Haena, and Salt Ponds. And on Maui, I love Kapalua Bay and any beach in Kihei.

49. FREE MUSEUM ENTRY

When you think of Hawaii, museums might not immediately pop into your head. But, Hawaii has some pretty cool museums!

If you already have a museum membership at home for a science museum, you are probably part of the ASTC Passport Program. We belong to the Museum of Flight in Seattle.

The ASTC Passport Program allows you free access to museums all over the world, as long as you can show that you are a member of a museum that is part of the program.

In Hawaii, you can visit the Bishop Museum , the Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture, Kauai Community Science Center, Maui Science Center, or ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii.

50. CHECK OUT A NATIONAL PARK

Yes, there are National Parks in Hawaii and they are unbelievable!

One of the most famous is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. This park is home to both Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes.

Haleakala is another popular national park that is like no other in Hawaii. It kind of feels like you are walking around on Mars or something because of all the jagged rocks.

Read all about Hawaii National Parks

51. VISIT A LIGHTHOUSE

Since Hawaii is comprised of islands, there are lots of lighthouses.

One of my favorite lighthouses is Kilauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge on Kauai. It’s a great place to see Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, and humpback whales .

It’s just $5 to enter and kids 15 years old and younger are free.

Another great Hawaiian lighthouse is Makapuu Lighthouse on Oahu. It’s near Diamond Head and you’ll have to hike to get there. But the views make the hike totally worth it!

52. CHECK OUT A FESTIVAL

One of the most famous festivals in Hawaii is the Merrie Monarch hula festival . While tickets for the entire festival can be pricey, you can apply to just go for the Miss Aloha Hula night for $7.

There’s also the Aloha Festivals , offered on all the islands during the month of September.

And the Waikiki Spam Jam has been on my bucket list for years!

53. GO BIRDING

Hawaii is an awesome place to go birding. It’s another free activity to do, although you’ll want to have a good pair of binoculars . If you are staying in a condo or VRBO, check to see if there’s a pair you can borrow.

Hawaii has birds that you can’t see anywhere else in the world.

They are full of color, make unique sounds, and are something that you will be in awe of when you get closer.

Find out where to go birding on Kauai .

54. OUTDOOR MOVIES

My kids LOVE going to outdoor movies in Hawaii! A few hotels offer “dive in” movies out by their pool area.

But, you’ll also find outdoor movies at local churches and beach parks. Bring your own blankets and snacks and it makes a cheap evening activity.

You can find outdoor movies on almost every Hawaiian island.

Hawaii on a Budget: Cheap Things to do in Oahu

55. saving money in waikiki.

Things are usually pricey in Waikiki, but there are still ways to save money. A lot of the beachfront bars and restaurants offer free nightly entertainment without a drink minimum.

So, you can order some Hawaiian pupus (appetizers) and enjoy a light dinner and show for a fraction of the cost of a luau .

You can also take advantage of the Waikiki Trolley to shuttle you all over Waikiki, saving you the cost of a rental car, parking fees, or using Uber.

56. GO OAHU CARD

If you are planning on doing several activities on Oahu, you might consider buying the Go Oahu Card.

This card will get you free entry into the Polynesian Cultural Center , Pearl Harbor attractions, Kualoa Ranch , Iolani Palace, Wet ‘n’ Wild, and tons of classes and activities.

You can order them online through Costco.

57. HOOMALUHIA BOTANICAL GARDEN

If you love looking at Hawaii pictures on Instagram , you will for sure have seen Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden pop up in lots of photos.

It’s one of the most Instagrammable spots on Oahu. Plus it’s one of the best botanical gardens in Hawaii.

Note: Pay attention to signs to see where you are allowed to take photos. You can’t stand in the middle of the street, but you can get a similar shot standing in a parking lot.

What a lot of people don’t realize is that Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden also offers catch-and-release fishing every weekend. That makes it a cheap thing to do on Oahu.

58. FREE FIREWORKS SHOW IN WAIKIKI

Something that still amazes me is that the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki does a full fireworks show every Friday and it’s completely free!

Stake out a spot on Waikiki beach to watch them or splurge and head to the Hilton Hawaiian Village to order a drink and get a front-row view of the fireworks.

59. HANG AT ALA MOANA SHOPPING CENTER

While it may sound like hanging out at a shopping center isn’t really a budget-friendly option, Ala Moana Center offers a lot of free stuff.

First of all, they do incredible hula shows on their stage as well as other programming throughout the year.

You can also get free samples of items like those cute pineapple cookies from Honolulu Cookie Company!

And, they have a really awesome playground if your kids need a fun place to play.

60. FREE CLASSES AT THE ROYAL HAWAIIAN CENTER

Like Ala Moana Center, the Royal Hawaiian Center is a shopping mall that also features free entertainment and classes.

Here is where you can join free classes on lei-making, hula dancing, and playing the ukulele.

Plus, you can always window shop.

61. CHECK OUT A SWAP MEET

When I was a kid, my favorite thing to do on Oahu was hit up the Aloha Swap Meet at Aloha Stadium.

I admit it’s not nearly as cool or as massive as it was back in the 90s, but that doesn’t mean it’s not still worth checking out.

It’s a great place to find Hawaiian souvenirs at a fraction of the price of souvenir shops. And you can always bargain!

If you are traveling with kids, you can give them cash and let them figure out how best to spend it.

62. VISIT DOLE PLANTATION

Dole Plantation can be hit/miss depending on families. I’d say it’s mostly geared for families with younger kids.

It’s free to enter and they offer activities like a free pineapple-cutting demonstration.

But, for a fee, you can also join a Dole Plantation garden tour, explore a pineapple maze, or ride a little train.

And you’ll probably want to treat yourself to a Dole Whip !

63. CLIMB THE ALOHA TOWER

Another iconic place on Oahu is Aloha Tower. It’s been around since 1926 and has gone through a lot of changes in the past few decades.

Head up to the 10th floor to enjoy amazing views of the harbor (and spot the cruise ships!) and Honolulu from their observation deck.

You can also visit the Observation Deck located on the 10th floor of Aloha Tower to find the perfect spot for beautiful views of the harbor on one side and the cityscape of Honolulu on the other. It’s totally free.

64. VISIT WAIMEA VALLEY

One of the most unique places to visit on Oahu is Waimea Valley .

Here, you can swim at the base of a waterfall, explore a botanical garden, and learn about the historical and cultural significance of Waimea Valley to the Hawaiian people.

And they have hands-on activities in Hawaii for kids! Check out our full guide to visiting Waimea Valley on Oahu .

If you are thinking about splurging for a luau, Toa Luau is located at Waimea Valley and their luau tickets include entrance fees for Waimea Valley. Find the best prices here.

You can check admission fees here .

65. VISIT A CHOCOLATE FACTORY

Another unique Oahu tour is at the Manoa Chocolate factory. This is where you can learn about cacao farming and how chocolate is made.

There are plenty of opportunities to try yummy chocolate samples and find out more about Hawaii’s blossoming chocolate industry.

Note: The tour is only for kids ages 12 and older and adults.

However, all ages are welcome to just walk in for a chocolate tasting!

Learn more here .

66. DO A FARM TOUR

Something cool about Hawaii is that you’ll see lots of farms throughout the island growing all kinds of fruit and vegetables and raising animals.

While visiting Oahu, you can head to Na Mea Kupono Lo’i Kalo , a taro farm that’s so much more!

Taro root has been the staple starch of the Hawaiian people for generations and generations. You’ll learn how to prepare, plant, and grow this important food on the farm tour.

Additionally, staff members share traditional crafts, songs , stories, and games.

67. CHECK OUT A NIGHT MARKET

Night Markets are all the rage these days and that’s because they are so awesome!

The Honolulu Night Market is a popular one and you’ll find local artists, designers, musicians , artisans, and chefs. It’s perfect for your Hawaii vacation.

68. LEARN ABOUT UKULELES

The ukulele is such a huge part of Hawaiian culture nowadays. And one of the most famous ukulele makers is Kamaka Ukulele.

Join a guided factory tour and learn about the Kamaka family and how they have been leaders in their industry for nearly a century.

Their tours are Tuesday-Friday at 10:30 am. Find out more here .

Want to buy a ukulele? Find out the best kids ukulele !

69. VISIT TIDE POOLS

Oahu has a ton of cool tide pools that are perfect for kids who want to explore Hawaiian sea life.

Grab a pair of water shoes and head to Goat Island in Laie, Sandy Beach Tide Pools, or Makapuu Tide Pools for some free fun.

70. FIND THE WIZARD STONES IN WAIKIKI BEACH

I’m a huge fan of learning the legends behind significant monuments when we travel.

Now, you probably would normally walk right past the Wizard Stones without realizing what they are. I know I have.

So, I suggest finding the Wizard Stones and reading the legend on where they come from and what powers they are said to possess.

71. ATTEND A TORCH LIGHTING CEREMONY

One of my favorite moments in a luau is watching the torch lighting ceremony that usually kicks off the festivities.

If you are in Waikiki at sunset, you can see a FREE traditional torch lighting ceremony and hula performance on Waikiki beach by the Duke Kahanamoku statue.

72. VISIT IOLANI PALACE

How often will you have the opportunity to explore a real royal palace?

Iolani Palace was built in 1882 by King Kalakaua and it’s the only palace in the United States. It was home to Hawaii’s last reigning monarchs.

There’s a lot of history here, and I recommend reading Hawaii’s Story by Hawaii’s Queen to really make the most of your experience.

I’ve been a few times and I’m always in awe of how it’s been restored, including finding original pieces all over the country.

73. VISIT PALI LOOKOUT

If you want a super cool stop while driving around Oahu, you have to visit Pali Lookout.

Yes, there are gorgeous panoramic views of where Kamehameha had a major battle. However, it’s also one of the windiest spots in Hawaii.

I’m talking about having to hold onto things because it feels like you are going to blow away. It’s such a rush!

74. SEE HAWAIIAN ART

Oahu is a great place to meet local artists and admire their work. On the first Friday of every month, you can visit art galleries in downtown Honolulu at no charge.

Also, the Honolulu Museum of Art offers free admission on the 3rd Sunday of every month. Find out more here .

75. WAIKELE PREMIUM OUTLETS

And if you are looking to shop on Oahu without paying full retail price, head to the Waikele Premium Outlets. It’s the only factory outlet on Oahu.

I’ve scored some great deals here on baby clothes and clothes for myself.

Be sure to get a shopping voucher from their website AND pick up the discount vouchers at the airport. If you choose to take a shuttle bus to the outlets, they will offer you another set of vouchers.

See all the stores here .

76. USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL

Most people think that you have to join a tour to see Pearl Harbor . That’s not true.

In fact, you can see the USS Arizona Memorial for FREE. Well, as long as you get there early.

They give out 1,300 free tickets every day and they are usually all dispersed by mid-morning.

Find out more free things to do on Oahu .

Hawaii on a Budget: Kauai

77. see the grand canyon of the pacific.

Probably the most well-known of the attractions on Kauai is the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, or Waimea Canyon .

At 14 miles long, over a mile wide, and 3600 feet deep, Waimea Canyon and the state park that surrounds it has some of the most beautiful views on the island, and maybe in the world!

The entry is free, but be prepared to pay $5 to park if you would like to go for a hike or get closer to the lookout points.

78. TAKE A TRAIN RIDE ON KAUAI

One of my kids’ favorite things to do on Kauai is going on the Kilohana Plantation Railway at Kilohana Plantation.

It’s a 2.5 mile narrated tour in an open-air sugarcane train.

You’ll learn a bit about plantation days and see fruit, vegetables and lots of animals. In fact, you get to feed pigs!

79. KAUAI COFFEE COMPANY TOUR

Even if you aren’t a fan of the most-consumed drink in the world, you don’t want to miss the biggest coffee farm in the US.

Kauai Coffee is headquartered on the southern coast of Kauai and has free walking tours every day at 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 4 pm.

Upon arrival to the “Estate,” you will be offered a free cup of Kauai Coffee.

Plan your visit and make sure you sign up for the scavenger hunt on Wednesday morning!

Every team that completes it will get a free bag of coffee, and it is a great way to get kids involved without actually giving them coffee! (My boys have enough energy already, thank you very much!)

80. KAUAI’S HINDU MONASTERY

If you have never experienced a Hindu Monastery, this site would be well worth a visit.

Located in Kapa’a, Kauai’s Hindu Monastery is open from 9 am to noon for visitors to explore, meditate and learn.

The inner gate and temple are only open to those wishing to join in on the 9 am service.

Be sure to consult the Plan Your Visit Guide to learn more about times, available areas, and recommended dress.

81. KAUAI CULINARY MARKET

If you are foodies (like our family) you’ll want to set aside time to check out the Kauai Culinary Market at The Shops at Kukuiula.

Every Wednesday from 3:30 pm – 6 pm, guests can see live cooking demonstrations and take a look at locally grown food and treats.

82. DO A FREE RUM TASTING

Also located at Kilohana Plantation is the Koloa Rum Company. They offer free rum tastings!

They use local ingredients, including Hawaiian cane sugar, and they have several varieties.

It’s the first and only licensed distillery on Kauai. You don’t need reservations, but you will want to sign up when you get there. Tastings are for 16 people and they fill up fast.

Find out more free things to do on Kauai .

Things to do in Maui on a Budget

83. haleakala sunrise.

I know I’ve already mentioned Haleakala as a cool national park to visit. However, I feel like seeing the sunrise at Haleakala deserves its own listing.

You do need to make a reservation, but it only costs $1.50 and it’s worth every penny.

People claim that watching the sunrise at the summit of Haleakala is a spiritual experience and it’s totally worth waking up at 3 am to do.

84. SWIM WITH THE TURTLES

No, I’m not talking about joining a tour where you can touch a turtle or anything (that’s illegal BTW.)

I’m talking about heading to Turtle Beach (formally named Maluaka Beach) and sharing the beach and ocean with all the sea turtles.

It’s a fun place to s norkel and you are almost guaranteed to see Hawaiian sea turtles.

85. SEE A LAVENDER FARM

Another special place on Maui is the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm. They have self-guided or guided walking tours of the property where you can learn about the farm’s history and future plans.

It’s located on the slopes of Haleakala in Maui’s “upcountry,” which is one of the prettiest spots on Maui.

86. HIKE TO THE I’AO NEEDLE

I’m not much of a hiker, but I try to hike to I’ao Needle every time I visit Maui. It’s a short walk through a botanical garden and it’s easy enough that my kids can do it.

Remember to bring bug spray with you, though!

This area is where King Kamehameha conquered the Maui army in 1790 and Maui joined the Hawaiian kingdom.

Advance reservations to enter I’ao Valley State Monument are now available online . The parking fee is $10 per vehicle. The additional non-resident entrance fee is $5 per person with no charge for children under three years old.

It’s definitely one of my favorite things to do in Maui Hawaii on a budget.

Find out more free things to do on Maui.

Hawaii on a Budget: Big Island

87. see a volcano.

While you can definitely visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and pay the $25 entry fee, if money is really tight, you can do it for cheaper.

Just head to the lava fields in Kalapana in the late afternoon or early evening (since lava viewing is best after dark.)

From there, you can either rent a bike or walk about 4 miles to the active volcano viewing area.

I wouldn’t suggest doing this with small children or if you are super directionally challenged because you’ll be hiking on loose lava rock in the dark.

But, if you are a decent hiker and are up for an adventure, this is one for the books! It’s the ultimate Hawaii vacation experience.

88. TOUR A KONA COFFEE FARM

Kona coffee is famous worldwide because it’s the perfect place to grow coffee. This 20 mile stretch of the Kona slopes is home to many coffee farms.

Greenwell Farms , Rooster Farms , Mountain Thunder , and Heavenly Hawaiian offer free tours.

And if you want to learn more about the history of Kona coffee, visit the Kona Living History Farm . They charge admission, but I’ve heard it’s an amazing place to visit.

89. SEE A LAVA TREE

One of the most unique things to see on the Big Island is a lava tree. Head to the Lava Tree State Park (located off Pahoa-Pohoiki Road) to see a forest of lava trees.

Basically, after a lava flow swept through the area, the trees were coated in thick lava.

Kids will geek out overseeing them (as will adults!)

Find out more free things to do on the Big Island.

Hawaii on a Budget: Other Ways to Save Money in Hawaii

90. buy an entertainment book.

Another great way to plan Hawaiian vacations on a budget is to buy an Entertainment book .

Most of these deals are for visiting Oahu and they cover things like surfing lessons, ziplining, luaus, tours, etc. These great deals change from year to year.

These often go on sale for even bigger savings.

91. GROUPON AND LIVING SOCIAL DEALS

While you might use Groupon and Living Social for great deals in your home city, you can also check for deals when you travel to Hawaii.

In the past, we’ve scored discounted meals, boat rides, and luau deals. I just checked and I’m also seeing spa deals, parasailing, and so many tours perfect for your vacation to Hawaii!

It’s an awesome place to find Hawaii family vacation deals!

92. PICK UP VISITORS MAGAZINES

Whether this is your first trip to Hawaii or your 20th, always pick up the visitors magazine.

They are full of coupons that will save you money on food, shopping, and activities.

93. MILITARY DISCOUNTS IN HAWAII

If you are in the military, there are a lot of amazing military discounts in Hawaii .

A lot of the hotels offer military discounts and there’s actually a military hotel called the Hale Koa .

You can also get 50% off of Atlantis Submarine Tours, discounted rates at Polynesian Cultural Center , and discounts and special opportunities at Pearl Harbor.

There are tons of Hawaii vacation deals for members of the military.

Find out how to plan a military vacation to Hawaii !

94. DO A TIMESHARE PRESENTATION

The timeshare presentations in Hawaii offer some amazing perks. I’ve seen boat rides, hotel stays, luaus, etc.

When I was younger, I remember sitting through timeshare presentations for fancy meals and Hilo Hattie gift certificates.

As long as you go in knowing you won’t be buying a timeshare and you are okay sitting through a presentation, it’s a great deal.

95. VISIT ABC STORES

In Waikiki, there is an ABC Store on almost every corner. They have them all over Oahu and the other islands, as well.

If you plan on doing a lot of shopping at ABC Stores, make sure to save your receipts. They offer free gifts if you spend $100 or more. Usually, it’s a mug or calendar or something like that.

ABC Stores are one of the top places tourists shop on Hawaii trips. You can get everything you need for your Hawaii vacation here.

96. JOIN A VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

If you are tight on cash and want to give back during your time in Hawaii, you might think about joining a volunteer program on your Hawaii vacation.

Workaway is a program where you do volunteer work in exchange for lodging and meals.

Habitat for Humanity has some awesome Hawaii build programs where volunteers can participate in cultural experiences.

You can also do a multi-day volunteer trip to Haleakala with Friends of Haleakala National Park .

97. GO HIKING WITH THE HUMANE SOCIETY

One of the coolest programs I’ve come across is with the Humane Society. You pay a nominal donation and you can borrow a dog for the day.

Grab a furry friend and go for a memorable hike in Hawaii.

Find out more about this cool program on Kauai and on the Big Island .

98. SEARCH FOR HAWAII COUPONS ONLINE

Before you book anything, do a quick Google search to see if there are any coupons or discount codes.

There are a bunch of sites with Hawaii coupons. And you can also use the Honey extension to see if there are any additional coupon codes.

99. CHOOSE SOUVENIRS WISELY

It’s easy to spend a lot of money on souvenirs without even realizing it. Buying a few items here and there throughout your Hawaii vacation really adds up.

And chances are, it’s stuff you either aren’t going to use or that will break immediately.

So, try to buy items that you will actually use. Maybe it’s a t-shirt you are absolutely in love with. Or a sticker for your luggage. Or any sort of food item that you will eat.

And if you really want to get a cutesy souvenir, head to a local thrift shop. Chances are, you’ll find exactly what you are looking for at a fraction of the price. This is one of my secret budget tips.

Find out about the best Hawaiian souvenirs that are worth it!

100. BOOK ACTIVITIES THROUGH AIRBNB EXPERIENCES

Something I’ve been obsessed with lately is Airbnb Experiences . Basically, people offer to “host” an experience like a tour, lei-making class , photography session, or another unique adventure.

The prices are super reasonable plus, you get to connect with a local.

101. TRAVELZOO DEALS

TravelZoo is similar to Groupon or Living Social but it’s completely focused on travel.

It’s a great place to find hotel deals and Hawaii travel packages. Of course, check the dates before you book to make sure it works with your Hawaii vacation.

102. BLACK FRIDAY AND CYBER MONDAY DEALS

Yes, Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals sometimes include airfare to Hawaii and Hawaiian hotels and vacation rentals.

Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines have had some pretty amazing Black Friday airfare deals.

And I’ve even seen Hawaiian vacation packages for the Hilton Hawaiian Village .

Keeping an eye on these insane deals is your best bet for planning the cheapest Hawaiian vacation.

103. WATCH A SURFING COMPETITION

Another fun thing to do in Hawaii is checking out a surfing competition. These are free to attend. If you’re on Oahu, check out the amazing North Shore surfing competitions.

Bring your own binoculars, snacks, and beach blanket, and get ready for hours of entertainment.

104. WALK AROUND FANCY RESORTS

If you want to be a baller on a budget, stay somewhere cheap and just walk around the fancy resorts.

You can even order a drink from the pool bar and walk around. This makes a pretty cheap date night. Plus it’s a fun thing to do on a budget Hawaii vacation.

105. CREATE YOUR OWN INSTAGRAM TOUR

One of my favorite free things to do in Hawaii is come up with my own tour of Instagrammable spots.

Basically, search Instagram for the island you are going to and start saving photos of places with cool backdrops.

Then, group them by location and come up with an itinerary of where to go on your Hawaii vacation.

For more fun, pick up fresh fruit or flowers and use them as photo props.

Find out the best Instagrammable Spots on Kauai .

How to Visit Hawaii on a Budget Tips Wrap Up

Now you know how to plan the best Hawaii vacations for a fraction of the cost. And you know what to bring to Hawaii to save money as well as the cheapest island to visit in Hawaii.

Whether you are planning a Hawaiian honeymoon , solo adventure, or a family trip to Hawaii, there’s no reason you need to break the bank for your Hawaii vacation.

Planning a trip to Hawaii on a budget ? Check out free things to do on Kauai , things to do in Kauai on a budget , cheap eats on Oahu , and free things to do on the Big Island .

21 thoughts on “105 genius tips for hawaii on a budget”.

I grew up in Hawaii! I moved to Seattle for college and stayed, but as a former resident, you’re on point with all these tips! It’s financially rough just going back to visit friend and family or for a high school reunion, and the tips you gave are all things I do!

Yes, Hawaii can be so expensive, even if you are heading back to stay with friends/family! Glad you agree with these tips!

Wow, so many ways to save money! Great tips! Very helpful to share with my visitors/clients traveling with family and friends.

Things are always changing, Koloa Rum is no longer the only distillery on Kauai. We now have Hanalei Spirits, though they have not yet opened a tasting room. https://www.hanaleispirits.com/

Oh that’s good to know! Once Hanalei Spirits opens a tasting room, I’ll add it!

You’re so lucky to have spent so much time in Hawaii, I loved my visit last year. These are some great tips I probably could have used, but will definitely be going again so really helpful

I hope you get to go back soon! So many amazing places to see!

Wowzers this is a comprehensive post! I especially loved the tip about camping, i’ll definitely add this to my travel list. 🙂

Glad to help! I couldn’t believe how many I came up with so quickly!

Goodness Marcie you have soooo many good tips!

I feel like once we make it to Hawaii, most of the things I’d want to do (hiking in the epic scenery, swimming and finding waterfalls) would be relatively cheap. Still, I would have never thought of tips like checking travel deals at costco. That is really smart! 😀

Yes, many of the outdoor activities (like hiking) are free, which helps a bunch. But there are SO many more ways to save money (without feeling like you’re on a budget vacation.)

I have been lucky enough to visit Hawaii several times and definitely can confirm some of these tips for saving money. Hawaii is not cheap but as you have listed there are many ways to make it work! I think the biggest thing is the single island and getting away from touristy areas. That and eat poke at every meal which I don’t mind at all!

Poke is the BEST! Sticking to one island is the easiest way to save a lot of $$$

Wow! i didn’ know there were so many things you could do in Hawaii on a budget. Love this!

Yes! It doesn’t have to be super expensive!

Wow, what a great post. I’d love to visit Hawaii, but find it very overwhelming to work out which island to go, how long to stay etc. Coming from Europe, Hawaii is a long way away, so I feel I might go there once…. so very tempted to island hopping… but then the prices rocket very quickly. Really need to sit down and work it out properly.

If you’re able to go for a month or so, you’d really be able to island hop and experience so many amazing things! It’s definitely worth a trip, but it’s quite a long flight from Europe.

Thanks for all these suggestions! We’re taking our third trip (thanks to my husband’s employer) and this time visiting Kauai. The trip is scheduled for mid-September, and I’m already checking for places to stay, etc. We really like the “Revealed” guide books, there are many suggestions and inside tips that have helped in our past two visits (Big Island and Oahu/Maui). We take a couple reusable bags to use for shopping, and a small insulated bag to pack sandwiches and snacks in the car. We have had excellent Airbnb rentals in Honolulu and just outside Volcano National Park. Can’t wait for our next adventure!

How awesome that your husband’s employer enables you to visit Hawaii! What a great perk!

I NOTICE YOU SAID YOU STAYED IN A CONDO. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING AT CONDOS AND THEY ARE$$$. WE WILL NEED 4 CONDOS THST WILL SLEEP 4 PEOPLE THERE IS 16 AND A BABY.HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS

There are tons of condos on each island in Hawaii. You might check Airbnb, HomeAway, and VRBO to see if you can find something in your price range.

Aloha, I too was born and raised in Hawaii, on Oahu, before it was a state. Just by 3 years tho. I lived on Maui at Seabury Hall (all girls school at the time). I totally agree on the Haleakala sunrise! Spectacular AND COLD, especially if there is snow! Take all the blankets and comforters with you. But of course tell the hotel first. Also good eats at Kula Lodge for a good hearty breakfast. I recommend (since you are already half way to Hana), to drive over for a couple hours of beach napping and continue on around Maui back to your hotel. Very full day. Also a great idea for hiking/camping in the crater of Haleakala is fun. 3 cabins, and the terrains are all different. One is a rain wetland with the state birds flying in and flying out of a protective open top cage. The Big Island is big, you really do not want to be in a car the whole in Hawaii. If you could leave/arrive from Kona, leave/arrive from Hilo would probably be best that way you get to see a lot of island. I should of mentioned at the beginning….decide what KIND of a vacation you want. If you just want to DO NOTHING, sit by beach and read and never leave hotel, there are islands for that. If you want to go from 120mph to 10mph (that means as soon as you start your vacation you are in slo mo) but than you might need a “jump”, a wakeup before going back to work, visit Waikiki (on Oahu) last . If you want to start fast and end slow, hit Oahu first and definitely 1 more island. Next time you know what you want and where to stay. A few more suggestions…..Muumuus are EXPENSIVE. Try the local thrift shop, garage sale or Goodwill. Even Kohls or Walmart have GREAT Hawaiian items to buy!!! Everytime I went home my rental convertible looked liked the “Hawaiian Hillbillies” (Beverly Hillbillies). Some large department stores will even send your bought items to your home, no need to pack. You just have to remember what you bought and you didn’t forget anyone. Personally, I hit the ABC stores for magnets and t-shirts, get the free coffee mug (great for large hands, ours have lasted 25+years) and of course do not forget the chocolate macadamia nuts! But most important…..watch EVERY sunset for the “green flash ” and as equally important… to reflect how important it is to take a time out of the Hurry days and watch the beautiful colors in the sky with a smile knowing what a great day it was and there will be another one tomorrow. Mahalo.

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Lists by Lukiih 🍀

Practical travel guides with less fluff

• 💰 My 2024 Hawaii Trip Cost: A Budget Breakdown

Hawaii, an island known for beautiful beaches and friendly locals, can be visited with a budget of  $95 to $250 a day.

My almost two-week trip to Hawaii, which included visits to Maui and the Big Island , cost a total of $2,761 . In this post, I share:

• 💰 Expected travel costs
• 💡 Budgeting tips
• 💵 How much cash to bring
• ✈️ My trip’s costs by category
• 📍 My trip’s costs by islands
• Is Hawaii Expensive?
• How Much Is a Trip?
• About My Trip
• Cost Breakdown
• Daily Budget: $209
• Flight: $225
• Accommodation: $1,667
• Transportation: $508
• Entertainment: $46
• Maui: $1,890
• Big Island: $862
• How Much Cash to Bring
• Cash-Only Places
• Tipping Etiquette

Hawaii Trip Planner

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Is Hawaii Expensive To Travel To?

Hawaii is the  most expensive state  in the United States to travel to. The island relies on imported goods, has a high cost of living, and offers expensive tourist hot spots and accommodations due to high demand.

Oahu, Hawaii’s most budget-friendly island , is more expensive than many other Caribbean island destinations.

However, Maui, Hawaii’s most expensive island, is cheaper than some of the US’s most expensive cities (e.g., New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, and Key West).

🏝️ Is Hawaii Cheaper Than Puerto Rico for Vacation?

If you’re looking for an island escape within the US territory, Puerto Rico is cheaper than Hawaii for a vacation. It isn’t easy to visit Hawaii for  less than $200 per day , but that’s doable in Puerto Rico.

On average, Puerto Rico is about $50 per day cheaper than even O’ahu, Hawaii’s most budget-friendly island.

I took a trip to Puerto Rico and Hawaii within a few months of each other. I visited the former during its high season and the latter during its low season.  Puerto Rico was still cheaper than Hawaii per day.  Here’s how my daily budget compared between the two:

See all my daily budget for each destination I’ve visited .

How Much Is a Trip to Hawaii?

This section covers estimated trip costs depending on your travel style. I share my actual travel expenses further below.

🎒 Budget Traveler – Hawaii Trip Cost

A budget traveler can expect to spend approximately $95 per day or $475 for five days of travel in Hawaii, excluding flights.

Here’s what a budget traveler’s cost breakdown can look like:

Traveling Hawaii on a Budget

To travel to Hawaii on a budget, here are some things you’ll need to do:

• 🏝️ Island Choice – Travel to Oahu, Hawaii’s cheapest island. Here are 10 great things to do on Oahu that my friend Matt recommends.
• 🏠 Accommodation – Housing in Hawaii is expensive. A dorm-style hostel or budget hotel typically costs $50 a night in Oahu and jumps to about $60 a night in Maui . A private room increases to $100 per night in some areas during the peak season.
• 🚙 Transportation – Getting around Hawaii without a car is hard, and car rentals can be expensive. You can take advantage of the limited public transportation to minimize gas and rental costs, but keep in mind that the full Hawaiian experience requires a car.
• 🍗 Food – To keep food costs under $15 a meal, eat at budget-friendly options like local establishments, food trucks (there are many in Hawaii), and fast food chains like L&L. You can also consider shopping at grocery stores like Foodland to make your own meals.

• 🌋 Entertainment – Tours and activities are usually $50 or more in Hawaii, so enjoy the many free natural attractions where you’ll only need to pay for parking occasionally. Most of Hawaii’s national parks have an entrance fee, but not all do.
• ☀️ Travel Season – The best time to travel to Hawaii for the best deals is during the off-season, which runs from April to mid-June and September through mid-October.

The summer months in Hawaii are a popular time to visit, but the travel peak season runs from December to March when visitors are escaping their home country’s winters.

💰 Mid-Range Budget Traveler – Hawaii Trip Cost

A mid-range budget traveler like myself can expect to spend approximately $250 per day or $1,250 for five days of travel in Hawaii, excluding flights. I break down my trip expenses by travel category below.

About My Hawaii Trip

To give context to the expenses below, here’s what you need to know about my trip:

• Maui : 8 days
• Big Island : 4 days

Maui is Hawaii’s second most popular and  most expensive destination . Oahu is Hawaii’s most visited island and the most affordable one.

• ☀️ Low season – I went to Hawaii in September, which is considered the low season.

Hawaii’s high season runs from December to March when visitors are escaping their winter months.

• ✌️ Group travel . I traveled with at least one other person at all times, so we were able to split some costs, such as housing.
• 💰 Mid-range budget – I consider myself a mid-range budget traveler, and these expenses reflect that. I don’t aim to travel on a budget, but I’m thoughtful about how and where I spend.
• 🍀 Self-funded – My trips are self-funded, so I paid for everything listed below. None of my excursions or experiences are sponsored.

All costs listed in this post are per person and in US dollars.

Hawaii Trip’s Total Cost: $2,761

My almost two-week trip to Hawaii cost a total of $2,761 , including flights.

See the highlights of my trip in these  Maui and Big Island itineraries.

💰 Cost Breakdown for Hawaii

Here’s a quick overview of my expenses by travel category:

🗓️ Daily Budget in Hawaii: $209

My Hawaii trip cost $209 per day , excluding my round-trip flights from and to the United States.

A mid-range budget traveler can expect to spend about $250 per day in Hawaii. This generally entails splitting a mid-range hotel that costs $180 per night, eating at $ to $$ restaurants, renting a standard car every day, and doing a mix of free activities and paid tours.

✈️ Flight Cost to Hawaii: $225

Here’s how much my round-trip flight from the West Coast of the United States to Hawaii cost:

A round-trip flight between the continental US and Hawaii that costs under $150 is considered cheap; those flights typically cost over $200.

🏠 Accommodation Cost in Hawaii: $1,667

My average cost of accommodation in Hawaii was $139 per night. I was able to split accommodations with others at all times.

Here are the accommodations I stayed at and how much I paid for each:

On Maui, the most expensive island, the average price of a mid-range hotel room is $200 per night . A budget hotel is usually at least $120 per night. Luxury hotels easily surpass $900 per night. On Oahu, the cheapest island, a mid-range hotel can be about $150 per night .

🍛 Food Cost in Hawaii: $315

My average cost of food in Hawaii was $26 per day.

A mid-range budget traveler can expect to spend about $60 per day on food in Hawaii.

Cheapest Meals in Hawaii

Here are the most affordable meals I ate during my trip:

You can keep your meal cost low by eating at local establishments, fast food chains like L&L, and food trucks. I recommend getting the affordable fresh poke at Foodland, a local Hawaiian grocery store.

Most Expensive Meals in Hawaii

Here are the most expensive meals I ate during my trip:

🚙 Transportation Cost in Hawaii: $508

My average cost of transportation in Hawaii was $42 per day. I split rental cars with other travelers and had to use Uber once since I had a different departure time than others.

Here are the transportation methods I took and how much I paid for each:

Expected Costs of Transportation in Hawaii

There are several ways to get around Hawaii, and the prices can drastically vary, depending on the level of inconvenience you’re willing to accept.

• Rental car – The best way to get around Hawaii is by renting a car; not having a rental car will limit your options. The average cost for a standard car is $30 per day, not including gas. Keep in mind that you’ll also typically have to pay $2 to $10 for parking in some areas.
• Public transportation – All Hawaiian islands have at least some bus public transportation system. Oahu has a decent bike-sharing system where you can pay $12 for unlimited rides for 24 hours. Maui has a limited bus system, and it costs $2 for a one-way bus ride.
• Island hop – Flight tickets between Hawaiian islands are in the $50 to $100 range for one-way trips. $39, which is how much I paid to fly from Maui to the Big Island, is a great deal (I traveled during the low season).

🤿 Entertainment Cost in Hawaii: $46

My average cost of entertainment in Hawaii was $4 per day. Unlike many of my other trips, I didn’t spend much on attractions. I primarily did free activities and enjoyed the island’s natural beauty.

Costs of Activities and Attractions in Hawaii

Here are all the activities and attractions I paid for and how much each cost:

The Haleakalā sunrise, Maui’s most popular activity, has a $30 entrance fee , but I brought my Nationals Park Pass, which waived the cost. Instead, I only had to pay the $1 reservation fee.

Learn how to catch the epic Haleakalā sunrise (or sunset) .

Free Things To Do in Hawaii

If you’re on a tight budget, a great way to save money is to enjoy Hawaii’s many free natural attractions , where you’ll only need to pay parking fees if necessary.

In Hawaii, tours and activities are usually $50 or more per person (for example, the popular manta ray snorkeling tour on the Big Island is generally $100 or more per person).

🏝️ Free Things To Do on Maui

Here are all the activities I did in Maui that were free:

• Road to Hana – Maui’s second most popular activity, the Road to Hana is a two-day road trip featuring waterfalls, hikes, and more. There’s no entrance fee, but you have to pay for parking and a rental car.
• Kihei Beach – Kihei Beach is a decent snorkeling area with tide pools to explore.
• Papalaua Beach – This is a local spot with strong waves.
• Honokeana Cove – This is a popular and beautiful snorkeling spot.
• Honolau Bay – Another popular and beautiful snorkeling spot, Honolau Bay gets crowded if you don’t get there early.

🐢 Free Things To Do on the Big Island

Here are all the activities I did on the Big Island that were free:

• Kapalua Coastal Trail – This is a scenic, easy trail with beautiful ocean views.
• Captain Cook Monument Trail – Captain Cook is a medium-difficult trail that leads to clear and stunning snorkeling.
• Kilauea Iki – This is a hike in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. At the crater, you can walk over a solidified lava lake.
• Punalu’u Black Sand Beach – This beach is known to have sea turtles resting.
• Kukio Bay – Kukio Bay is a non-crowded snorkeling spot where I saw a sea turtle swimming in the ocean.

Cost Breakdown by Island in Hawaii

Below are my trip expense breakdowns for Maui and the Big Island. These two major islands are often featured in first-timers’ travel itineraries.

🏖️ Maui Trip’s Total Cost: $1,890

During my eight-day trip to Maui, I averaged  $237 in daily travel expenses.

I stayed at Hyatt Regency Resort for a wedding and split a mid-range hotel, Castle Kamaole Sands , with several others before staying at the resort. I had a rental car every day and mainly did free activities except for a dragon fruit farm tour.

See great things to do on Maui .

Maui is Hawaii’s most expensive island, and an average day there can easily be $300 for a mid-range budget traveler.

🤿 Big Island Trip’s Total Cost: $862

During my four-day trip to the Big Island, I averaged  $215 in daily travel expenses.

I spent $0 on entertainment and primarily enjoyed hiking and snorkeling the beautiful beaches on the Big Island.

Check out great things to do on the Big Island .

The Big Island is neither the most expensive nor cheapest in Hawaii. On a mid-range budget trip, you can expect to spend  $200 per day .

Do You Need Cash in Hawaii?

Like other places in the United States, Hawaii has an  excellent credit card infrastructure , so you’ll only need to carry a bit of cash.

Below are tips on bringing and using cash in Hawaii.

🏧 1. Carry about $50 worth of cash per day in Hawaii.

On a typical day, a mid-range budget traveler in Hawaii will need  about $50 in cash  to cover food and attractions. At a minimum, $50 will cover a meal for two people from vendors on the side of the road.

I keep my cash in my crossbody bag , but if you want extra protection against pickpocketing , carry it in a hidden money belt instead.

💵 2. Certain places in Hawaii are cash-only.

While credit cards are commonly used in Hawaii, I still had to use cash a few times during my trip. Here are some of the places that were cash-only in Hawaii:

• Local food stalls – Huli Huli Chicken on the Road to Hana was cash-only and cost about $20 per person.
• Food trucks – Hawaii has popular food truck areas, and I went to several that were all cash-only.
• Markets – For example, Maui Swap Meet has a $0.50 admissions fee that’s cash-only, and some vendors at Maui Gift and Craft prefer cash.
• Tipping – Tipping service workers is typically done with cash.

💰 3. Tipping is customary in Hawaii.

Like the rest of the United States, a  10% to 20% tip is customary  and expected in Hawaii. Good service should receive a 15% to 18% tip, and exceptional service should receive a 20% tip.

• Dining out – A 15% to 20% tip is standard for tourists and locals.
• Valets – A $2 tip is standard when they bring your car to you.
• Tours – A 10% tip is standard for a group tour, and 15% to 20% is standard for private tours.
• Massages and spas – A 10% to 20% tip is standard for these places.

To make your travel planning easier , download the trip planner below and use it as a starting point. The planner has country-specific travel information, an itinerary, a packing list, and a map with key places pinned.

The trip planner is built on Notion, which I use for all my travel planning (I genuinely love this tool). If you don’t have Notion, creating an account is free .

Thoughts? Questions? Leave a comment below .

Hawaii Travel Guides

• 🏝️ Maui Amazing 5-Day Itinerary + Great Things To Do
• 🌋 Big Island: 3-4 Day Itinerary + 10 Great Things To Do
• ☀️ Haleakalā Sunrise: Firsthand Review & Tips
• 🚗 Road to Hana Guide: Firsthand Review & Tips
• 🤿 Hiking Captain Cook to Snorkel in Kealakekua Bay Guide
• 🎒 Complete Maui Packing List: Tips + What To Bring

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How Much Does a 2024 Hawaii Trip Cost? (+ Budget Saving Tips)

What family doesn’t dream of a visit to Hawaii? The Hawaiian Islands hold incredible appeal and intrigue for families as a vacation destination. With spectacular beaches, incredible landscapes, and kid-friendly resorts, it seems easy enough to pack your bags and head across the Pacific for a Hawaii vacation. But how much does a Hawaii trip cost? We’ve crunched the numbers to come up with guidelines for a Hawaiian vacation budget.

Below is an outline of travel costs that families can use when visiting Hawaii for the first time . This includes the approximate cost of flights and accommodations, how much to pay when renting a car in Hawaii, what time of year to travel in order to save money, and how to plan for the cost of special experiences like a helicopter tour of Mauna Kea or surf lessons.

With the right planning, your family can determine how best to allocate your precious travel savings to design the Hawaii vacation package of your dreams. If you want to cut this budget down, check out these 105 tips for doing Hawaii on a budget . These are also some great tips for saving money to travel .

Hawaii Budget Assumptions

For calculating Hawaii trip costs, this post will outline pricing for two adults and two children between the ages of 6-11 , traveling from the east coast of the United States in the summer months , and spending 5 nights each on Oahu and the Big Island of Hawaii , for a total of 10 nights, 11 days.

These islands were chosen because they offer the common introductory Hawaiian experiences: Oahu is home to Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, and the North Shore, while the Big Island of Hawaii has a laid-back vibe perfect for relaxing, and is home to six of Hawaii’s nine national parks including the best options for volcano viewing and hiking. You can use this guide to pick the best Hawaiian island for your family.

I have organized the costs of a trip to Hawaii by airfare, car rental/transportation, accommodations, food, and activities , including tips and ideas for savings in each category. If you want to skip to the bottom line, a summer trip to Hawaii for a family of four for 10 nights costs approximately $16,690, or about $417.25 per person, per day. But read on to see how this breaks down and where you can save money.!

Cost of Airfare to Hawaii

Note that this post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission.

The biggest cost differentiator when purchasing flights is whether your family is flying from the west coast of the U.S. or somewhere else (midwest, east coast, etc.) Expect to pay around $865-1,300 per person traveling from one of the east coast hubs in the summer months, while flights from California may be $700-900 in the summer.

Honolulu on Oahu has more flight connections to and from mainland U.S. airports than any other Hawaiian airport, so that is typically the point of arrival or departure. To maximize your vacation time, be sure to price out flying into Oahu and out of the Big Island (Kona is the largest airport on the Big Island) or vice versa.

This will save you another inter-island flight back to your initial destination for your return flight. If you choose Maui as your second island, you can often find direct flights from Maui to many U.S. cities.

Another huge cost savings can be gained by flying mid-week if at all possible. Flights in and out of Hawaii jump up in price on Saturdays and Sundays since it is primarily a leisure travel destination, not a business location.

Flight prices are also dependent on the time of year. The festive period, Thanksgiving week, and popular spring break weeks will price out similarly to summer dates, if not more. January and February are typically the cheapest time to fly to Hawaii if you have the flexibility to get away then.

For inter-island flights (like connections between the Big Island and Oahu), Hawaiian Airlines and Mokulele are your best bets. Hawaiian Airlines will feel similar to a full-service airline, and importantly, you can use or earn points on most of the major U.S. airlines like Delta and United when booking flights on this airline because of their mutual affiliation.

Mokulele is a typical low-budget airline. Expect limited service and no frills, but it certainly works and there can be significant cost savings, given that it is a very short flight time.

Prices for an inter-island flight are usually under $60 per person for a one-way flight and most flights are less than one hour in length. Do take note of flight departure times, though. It’s always best to schedule these inter-island flights for mid-day, so that your family is in the air between check-out time at one hotel and check-in time at the next hotel. Early morning departures may be a little cheaper, but then you’re stuck filling several hours before you can check into your next accommodation.

Be aware that Southwest Airlines does offer direct flights from several California airports to all the major Hawaiian Islands. Remember that Southwest prices aren’t published on flight comparison sites, so you must book directly with the airline.

For this post, I assumed that families would spend $900 per person to get to and from Hawaii, and then another $60 per person on a one-way inter-island flight. You’d want to budget for an additional inter-island flight if you need to get back to your island of arrival for your return flight to the mainland U.S., however.

I’d highly recommend signing up for Going to get alerts on flight sales to your dream destinations.

Total airfare cost: $3,840

Cost of Accommodations in Hawaii

Basic rooms that sleep four at full-service luxury resorts, like Disney’s Aulani on Oahu or Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island, price out around $700 per night in the summer months. You can easily spend $1,000 a night or more for more spacious accommodation, like larger suites or condos with kitchens at these properties.

For budget travelers, even three-star hotels in Hawaii price out at around $250-400 per night in the summer months. Often these properties sacrifice beach access or beautiful locations and expect rooms to be quite basic. But most will have that sought-after amenity of a great pool so they certainly work for families who don’t require a lot of frills.

For those who veer away from resorts and toward quieter, self-catering accommodations, expect vacation rentals to range from $250-1,500 per night in the summer. Prices on the Big Island tend to be a little lower and a better value overall than Oahu.

Keep in mind that having a kitchen may bring down your food costs, especially if you choose to cook some meals yourself, or simply prepare basic breakfasts and sandwiches and keep drinks and snacks cold. Resorts are not known for inexpensive food, after all.

Also, take note of what’s included when booking resort vacation packages in Hawaii. Some include the cost of all the on-site amenities, while others do not. Complimentary breakfast is not always a given here, either. Other properties have a big markup when it comes to daily resort fees ($30 per person per day is not uncommon). Reading the fine print is important for this style of accommodation.

Another cost-saving strategy is to book early, especially for peak summer dates. Many of the popular resorts are fully booked for July and August by February. So booking accommodation in the fall for summer travel makes a lot of sense just so you have access to all the room category options. Plus, many properties offer pay-in-advance discounts, though you’ll definitely want to invest in travel insurance should you decide to take advantage of those lower rates.

See the 9 best Maui resorts for families and the 7 best Oahu hotels for families .

I used the $700 average nightly rate for a lower category room at full-service resorts as my price calculation for accommodation costs.

Total Accommodation Cost: $7,000 for 10 nights

Transportation costs in Hawaii

Of course, if you want to get off the property of the resort and explore some of the natural beauty of the Hawaiian islands, you are going to need a way to get around. The cost to rent a midsize SUV is typically around $400 for 5 days, including taxes and fees.

Be sure to book early if you’re traveling to Hawaii during busy periods; rental cars often sell out a few weeks prior to peak travel weeks. When calculating total transportation costs, I assumed families would rent a car on both Oahu and the Big Island for the duration of their trip, plus another $150 in gas and parking fees.

Check car rental prices on Kayak

While both islands have public transportation by way of bus routes, most families find this method of travel prohibitively time-consuming to get to the various spots that interest them. For families that envision not leaving the resort much, but still want a taste of both islands, you can book a driver to take you around for the day for around $600 per day.

If you opt not to rent a car, you’ll also need to account for airport transfers. Private transfers price out around $70-150 for one-way service to various accommodations within a reasonable drive of the airport.

Total Car Rental/Transportation Cost: $950

Food Costs in Hawaii

There’s no way around it: eating in Hawaii is expensive. Many families who don’t plan ahead and take this into account have serious sticker shock when they arrive. Remember, a lot of the food has traveled by boat for over a week to get to the Hawaiian Islands.

One great rule to keep in mind, both when grocery shopping and dining out, is to look for food that is sourced locally. Not only will it be cheaper, but it will taste fresher and reduce your carbon footprint. For example, stop at markets and roadside stands for produce. It’ll be a fraction of the cost of what fruits and vegetables cost at the grocery stores and it makes for a great cultural immersion experience.

This is another example of why renting a car ultimately often saves money: because resort mini-markets are very overpriced. If you can get to a big box store to stock up on snacks or simple meal ingredients, there will be cost savings. That said, even grocery shopping is expensive. If you’re on a very tight budget, consider doing a little research in advance. Most of Hawaii’s grocery store chains are affiliated with a mainland counterpart. You may be able to use your loyalty card from home for discounts.

Naturally, dining out is also pricey. Look for accommodations that provide complimentary breakfast; this will be a huge cost saver up front. Next, aim for more reasonably priced lunches, like roadside stands or packed picnic fixings while you’re out exploring. This way, lunch will cost about $12 per person, instead of $25, which you can expect to pay at resort restaurants. Then you can indulge in lovely dinners with a little less guilt about the price tag. Expect dinner to cost around $50 or more per person, younger children who order off a kid’s menu will be significantly less.

Given that, we can assume that families of four will spend around $250 per day on food costs.

Total Food Cost: $2,500

Tours and Activity Costs

Undoubtedly the top reason families love coming to Hawaii is the natural beauty: gorgeous views, incredible beaches, and diverse landscapes. Fortunately, this is all completely free to enjoy once you arrive.

It’s quite easy to spend days exploring the islands without spending a dime other than on food and gas. Add in a few days of leisurely enjoying resort amenities, and it means activities don’t have to break the bank compared to other travel expenses.

That said, a trip here is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so families tend to want to do and see it all while here. A favorite bucket list activity can include surf lessons, which can cost around $100-200 per person for an hour or two. You may also want to visit Pearl Harbor. See more suggestions on things to do in Oahu with kids .

Most of the national parks in Hawaii are free to enter, but the three that do charge entrance fees are around $30 per car. Check to see if your resort will host a luau dinner during your stay, or plan to arrange to attend one off-site one evening. The cost is around $120 per adult and kids are usually half off (but this includes dinner).

The big ticket item is usually a helicopter tour. Costs can differ drastically based on where you go, how long, and your departure point. Generally, a tour that originates in Hilo, the rainier side of the Big Island, is a cheaper location yet offers incredible views of the volcanoes that dot the island. The cost for this for a family of four is around $1556.

Total Activity Cost: $2,400

Of course, for a vacation this expensive, you want to make sure you purchase travel insurance .

Total Cost for a 10-day Trip to Hawaii

The total cost for a 10-day trip to Hawaii for a family of four is about $16,690. This assumes nice, four-star accommodations and a few splurges on activities and meals. Of course, you may also want to budget for some souvenirs from Hawaii , we were very tempted by some beautiful paintings when we visited!

As we discussed above, families can save money on more budget accommodations, vacation rentals, preparing their own meals, staying at a resort to use the pool and beach and not renting a car or doing other activities. For West Coast families, it is also easy to visit for just a week or even five days. But if you are traveling from the East Coast and taking a 10-hour flight, you probably want to stay at least 10 days.

One of the best ways to save is to use airline, hotel, or credit card points to offset some of those expenses. If it is going to be a trip of a lifetime, save those points to make it happen!

Let’s recap the Hawaii budget breakdown:

There are cheaper locations to travel to, especially if your family merely wants sunny weather and sandy beaches. But Hawaii is one of the most unique locations in the world, with its indigenous culture, lush landscapes and rugged mountains, and incredibly luxurious yet kid-friendly resorts.

It has a correspondingly hefty price tag, but families unanimously consider a trip here money well spent, and many return year after year. Here are some tips for planning a budget trip to Hawaii .

PIN THIS FOR LATER

This guest post was written by Nicole Wiltrout. Nicole is a freelance writer and travel expert based in Indiana. She has traveled throughout North America and Europe with her children for the past nine years, including three years spent living abroad in England. She has written for a variety of websites and publications and is the author of “Dispatches from England,” available on Amazon, which chronicles her family’s time as expats. You can follow Nicole’s travels on  Arrows Sent Forth .

Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.

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Publish Date: November 27, 2023

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Home » Travel Tips » Hawaii on a Budget: 20 Tips for a Cheap Hawaii Vacation

Hawaii on a Budget: 20 Tips for a Cheap Hawaii Vacation

This post may contain affiliate links. This means I’ll get a commission (at no extra cost to you!) if you purchase through my link. Please see my Disclosure page for more information.

At first glance, it doesn’t seem like you can visit Hawaii on a budget. Depending on where you’re coming from, flights can be crazy expensive, the resort hotels charge hundreds of dollars for a single night, and there’s so many fun activities to do – all I see are dollar signs piling up!

But you don’t have to worry about how to go to Hawaii for cheap, because traveling to Hawaii on a budget is possible.  I know, because I’ve been to Maui on a budget and it was one of the best vacations of my life.

How to Travel to Hawaii for Cheap: Hawaii on a Budget

If you’re dreaming about a tropical beach vacation in Hawaii, stop dreaming and get to planning! Follow my advice to learn some of the best tips to plan a cheap Hawaii family or honeymoon vacation that will save you a ton of money.

You’ll be able to to plan a trip to Hawaii on a budget for your dream, affordable and budget friendly Hawaii vacation trip that won’t break the bank!

1. Pick the Right Time to Travel to Visit Hawaii on a Budget

2. pick the right island for your hawaii vacation, 3. try travel hacking , 4. don’t stay at a resort for a budget hawaii vacation, 5. hit up the grocery store , 6. save money on a rental car , 7. don’t pay for rental car insurance , 8. go snorkeling on your own , 9. go hiking for a beautiful budget hawaii vacation, 10. plan your splurges , 11. create a travel budget in advance, 12. check out groupon for local deals, 13. use discounted gift cards , 14. check for cash back rewards before you buy, 15. bring a reusable water bottle , 16. buy discounted tickets through costco , 17. check for aaa discounts , 18. skip the souvenirs for hawaii on a budget, 19. bring cash to use during your budget hawaii vacation, 20. find happy hour specials , ready to plan a trip to visit hawaii on a budget, pin this for later.

As we get closer to December and the weather starts getting colder and colder, nothing sounds better than sitting on a beach in Hawaii with a Mai Tai in hand. Don’t you agree? He’s the thing, so does everyone else! Prices on plane tickets to Hawaii SKYROCKET during the cold winter months and during the summer holiday when everyone’s on vacation. 

Here’s a cheap Hawaii vacation tip: you can save some money (and beat the crowds while you’re at it) if you plan your Hawaii vacation for the shoulder-season.

The Hawaii shoulder season generally runs from February-May and again from late August to early October. It you’re trying to find cheap flights to travel to Hawaii on a budget, these are the months you’ll be wanting to look at.

Finding cheap flights to Hawaii doesn’t have to be difficult, by the way! I recommend you play around with the calendar feature in google flights to find the cheapest dates to fly. Once you find them, book directly with the airline.

Not all Hawaiian islands are created equal when it comes to how much money you’ll shell out when visiting them.  While I would love to spend my entire holiday on the secluded island of Lanai, it would cost a pretty penny since there aren’t many hotels or condos. 

So if you want to save money, pick a more populated island – this is absolutely key to doing Hawaii on a budget!

Oahu, Maui and the Big Island are all great. They’re more populated and have more visitors, meaning you’re much more likely to find deals on flights and hotels/condos. You can always get cheap inter-island flights if you want to island hop while you’re there!

Tip : Oahu is one of the easiest islands to visit on a budget in Hawaii. Looking for things to do while you’re there? Use this Oahu itinerary to take the stress out of your trip planning!

To recap this cheap Hawaii vacation tip: a good way to save some money on your Hawaii trip is to be flexible with which island you’ll go to.

Use google flights again and play with the destination location/calendar setting to see what the cheapest island for you to visit actually is. 

Have you seen those posts that talk about people scoring free flights and hotels to Hawaii? Do you struggle to believe them? I know I totally did. That’s until I started learning about how to leverage credit card rewards to get free flights to Hawaii. Needless to say, I was hooked! 

I decided to try travel hacking out for myself and spent a grand total of $11.20 for a round trip flight flight to Maui, talk about a steal!

 If you’re curious about how it’s possible to score free flights and hotel nights in the Hawaiian islands, check out this post for a detailed step-by-step guide to travel hacking your way to a dream tropical vacation.  Read through it completely for a full understanding of how to travel to Hawaii for super cheap while on a budget!

I’m the first to admit, I love a good resort hotel. The convenience, location and amenities that they provide are just so luxurious. But this is a post about budget Hawaii travel, so I’m going to recommend that you avoid resort hotels if you can.

UNLESS you’re getting them for super cheap or with points through travel hacking. In fact, using points is my favorite way for a couple to travel to Hawaii. Wouldn’t it be great to honeymoon in Hawaii on a budget, anyone?

Why should you avoid resorts? Because quite honestly, they’re overpriced. I don’t know about you, but I’m not tryingt to spend $400 PER NIGHT on a room alone.

Not to mention all the hidden fees, like the infamous additional resort fee, charges for parking, and so many other things I’m likely to splurge on if I stay at a resort. 

Instead, rent a house or a condo. Not only is it often cheaper, but you will have more space to spread out, access to a kitchen (hello saving money on food!), and it may even come with umbrellas, beach toys and a cooler (perfect for those beach trips). 

This is by far my favorite tip for to do Hawaii family vacations on a budget because the money saving potential is so huge!

Making a trip to the grocery store is an absolute must for saving money on your Hawaii vacation. Think about all the expenses that start adding up when you don’t access to a kitchen: buying snacks at gas stations, eating all of your meals out, paying for expensive alcoholic drinks, and so much more. 

One of the first things I do when I travel anywhere is to make a trip to the grocery store. Consider it a holy grail Hawaii vacation tip.

In Maui, for example, we visited the local grocery store to buy snacks for our road trips and beach adventures (nuts, chips, etc.) We also bought our favorite beer and ciders so we didn’t have to pay $10 for a beer. 

Having groceries available also allows you to cook one of your meals at your condo. I like easy breakfast options like a carton of eggs and orange juice.

Or plan to make one of your dinners at home with easy frozen meals. Pizza after a long day out in the sun sounds delicious, doesn’t it?

While I would love to tell you that you don’t need a car for your Hawaii trip, chances are you most likely do. There are so many great, cheap activities to do in Hawaii, including going to the beach, going for a hike, or doing a beautiful drive that require a car. 

To save money when renting a car, make sure that you do some comparison shopping by using a third party site like Kayak or Expedia . Make sure though that you’re not booking a non-refundable car.

I like to book refundable rentals so I can monitor the price – once there’s a price drop, I’ll cancel my original reservation and rebook it at the lower rate!

Speaking of rental cars, a great way for you to save money is by saying no to the rental car insurance that they try to sell you. Since I have a credit card that comes with rental car insurance coverage, Im able to save some cash by skipping this expense.

Double check the terms of your credit cards to see if they have any perks like this. Finally, make sure you fully understand all the terms so you’re able to make an informed decision.

There are a TON of great snorkeling spots in Hawaii . You can book some amazing snorkeling tours, but the truth is you don’t really need to.

If you bring your own snorkeling set, you can find your own snorkeling spots without having to pay the high price of tours. I have this snorkeling set and love it.

It works great, is pretty affordable, wasn’t bulky, and most importantly allowed us to snorkel at the beach without having to rent a snorkeling set (which probably would have been as expensive in the long run as buying our own!)

Note : If you plan to snorkel in Hawaii, or get in the water for that matter, make sure you buy reef safe sunscreen . Not only is it required by state law, it’ll help ensure that the coral reefs stay beautiful and are able to be enjoyed for years to come.

I love visiting beautiful places because of their natural beauty. The beaches, mountains, and tropical lushness of Hawaii are all reasons why I’m constantly dreaming of my next Hawaii trip. Also, it helps that enjoying this natural splendor is often FREE.

An excellent (free) way to see more of the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands is to go for a hike. There’s great hiking to be found in almost any island you visit, with trails perfect for beginners.

If you do plan a hike, make sure you bring a reusable water bottle , sturdy shoes , and plenty of sunscreen. It gets hot in Hawaii, so be prepared!

Planning your splurges can seem like a counterintuitive way to save money in Hawaii. Here’s the thing though, if you sit down and decide that you’re going to allow yourself to buy a helicopter tour, it won’t show up later as a budget busting expense.

By planning for what you’ll splurge in advance, you won’t feel deprived when you have to say no to some other, unexpected potential splurges.

For example, I allowed myself to splurge on a trip to Molokini on my trip to Maui. Because of that, I wasn’t tempted to book a ton of other snorkeling tours and was able to go snorkeling on my own.

Had I not planned this in advance, I would have felt deprived and could have possibly overspent when a “cheap” tour option came up!

Having a budget for anything and everything is SO IMPORTANT. Creating a budget is the very first thing I do when I’m planning a trip anywhere, specially to Hawaii.

I will admit, it takes some work and planning to do this, but having a set budget in advance will allow you to not have to worry about how you’re paying for things when you’re on vacation.

No more overspending, or going into debt, because everything’s already been budgeted and saved for.

 If you haven’t used Groupon before, you’re missing out. There’s so many deals to be had for cheap, it’s a great place to start your search if you’re looking for cheap things to do in Hawaii.

You can find discounts on snorkeling tours, parasailing adventures, and much more. A great way to maximize your savings is to buy your groupon through an app like Ibotta or Rakuten – often you’ll find cash back deals when you buy the groupon through their portal. Talk about stacking savings!

Discounted gift cards are a little secret that a lot of people don’t take advantage of. Nowadays, you can find gift cards for things like plane tickets or hotels selling through discount gift card sites like Raise.com.

When you’re booking your Hawaii trip, look for discounted gift cards that you can use for the thing you’re already planning on buying. Are you buying plane tickets through Southwest? Search for a gift card. Buying a cute swimsuit through Amazon? Look for a gift card!

Bonus points if you buy your discounted gift card then buy your items through a cash back portal like Rakuten or Ibotta . Gotta stack those savings!

The very first thing I do before I press buy on anything is to search for any cash back offers. I know that I can get cash back for buying something I was already planning on by simply checking for credit card cash back offers (Chase offers these right in their app).

Additionally, I always always always check Rakuten , Ibotta and Swagbucks. Chances are, someone’s going to have a cash back offer I can take advantage of.

Are you noticing a theme? When you’re looking to save some money, you have to maximize your savings potential, and stacking promotions is a great way to do so.

Buying bottled water is not only terrible for the environment, it also costs a pretty penny.

Have you ever been at the airport and forced to buy an overpriced $5 bottle of water? Or have you been on a road trip only to stop at a gas station and buy yet another bottle of water? Yeah, I hate that!

A great way to save some money on that is to bring a reusable water bottle. You can bring an (empty) water bottle through TSA and fill it up at a water fountain once you clear security.

Same thing if you’re going hiking or to the beach. Bring your own water bottle and save some money.

There’s a ton of reasons why I love Costco, one of them being for the discounted tickets you can buy through them.

One of the splurges I planned on my last Hawaii trip was a romantic Maui helicopter tour (which would be a perfect thing to do on a Hawaii honeymoon vacation!). I was able to save some money on that by buying it through Costco. They offer discounted Hawaii helicopter tour tickets , snorkeling tours , and several other options.

Moral of the story? Don’t pay full price for things when you can avoid it.

If you have a AAA membership, chances are that there are Hawaii travel discounts already available to you.

You can often use your AAA membership to save an extra 10%-15% on car rentals, hotel stays, and much more.

Check out the AAA travel page when you start to plan your Hawaii trip to see how you can save some money by being a AAA member.

P.S. They also have experienced travel agents that can help you book your vacation and get you some cool perks like free breakfast or extra tours included for free.

I know, I know. It’s fun to buy souvenirs. But you know what, those souvenirs are often cheap, overpriced, and you probably won’t use them much once you get back home.

Not to mention, they can take up valuable real estate in your luggage, possibly causing you to spend even more money trying to get them home.

When I travel, the only souvenir I buy are postcards. They’re cheap, thoughtful, and I can mail them directly from where I’m at.

So do yourself a favor and try to avoid souvenirs. Your wallets will thank you.

Do you know what I hate with a passion? Paying for ATM fees. I absolutely detest it. But what can you do when you’re in a different state (or country) and don’t have access to your banks’ ATM?

Avoid the situation by bringing some cash with you for your next Hawaii trip. You’ll save money on potential ATM fees, and be likely to spend less. A sneaky benefit of using cash is that it makes it harder for us to spend money, so give it a try.

I love a good happy hour, and Hawaii has plenty of them. If you’re planning to go out to eat for dinner, try to plan it so it happens when restaurants are having happy hours.

This way you’ll be able to enjoy a nice evening meal out, but still save money by not paying the high dinner prices. Check yelp and follow local Hawaiian restaurants on social media to see when they run their specials.

So there you have it! I hope you’re able to use some of the above tips to save some money on your next Hawaii trip. By now you should have seen that with a little bit of planning, you’ll be able to make that Hawaiian tropical vacation a little bit more affordable than you initially though.

Recommended reading : check out this amazing resource for the ultimate guide to save money traveling, no matter where you’re going!

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Last Updated on July 26, 2021 by Ale

• First Time to Hawaii
• Rental Car Advice
• Saving Money

How much for a trip to Hawaii in 2024? (Hawaii vacation budget calculator)

• 8 minute read

52 comments

You’ve seen ads for Hawaii featuring photos of beautiful beaches lined with palm trees and the bluest of blue water. Now you want to go, but you have no idea how much a trip to Hawaii costs. Where do you start? Good news, you’ve found the right place to help you estimate a Hawaii vacation budget!

In this article, I’m providing you with the easy-to-use estimates to calculate your personal Hawaii trip budget. It can’t be exact, but it will give you a rough idea of how much to start budgeting for a Hawaii vacation.

Before we jump to the calculator, it’s worthwhile to discuss why there’s not an easy answer when it comes to determining a Hawaii vacation budget. The challenges are that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer since multiple factors influence the budget.

Let’s look at some of the main factors that influence a Hawaii vacation budget:

• When you go to Hawaii. Some dates/times are cheaper than others. When demand is down, so are the price of flights and hotels. See my post on the best time to go to Hawaii for tips.
• How far you’re flying. For example, West Coast flights are usually cheaper than Midwest or East Coast flights because there is less distance, i.e. less fuel and cost.
• Whether you typically prefer budget, mid-range or luxury hotels
• The length of your stay
• Whether you prefer fine dining or eating on the cheap.
• Whether you want to go on guided tours or you’re willing to sightsee on your own.

Though we can’t wave a magic want to determine your perfect budget for a Hawaii trip, you can review the following numbers to generate your budget to Hawaii. Just remember, these are rough numbers that can vary from city to city, island to island, etc.

I recommend that you print out this page to follow along for estimating your cost to visit Hawaii. At the bottom of this post, you will see an icon to generate a printer-friendly version of this page.

Hawaii Vacation Flight Budget 

• East Coast to Hawaii – $900 per person (Note: we fly from the East Coast to Hawaii. Over our many trips to Hawaii, we’ve spent as little as $575 and as much as $1250 per person.)
• Midwest – $750 per person
• West Coast – $475 per person (We’ve seen round-trip fares as low as $124 on a fare sale, but those are rare to find.)

To estimate your flight costs:

______ cost per person   x  ______ number of travelers   = ______ estimated cost of flights

Hawaii Vacation Accommodation Budget

The cost of accommodations mostly vary based on the type of property – budget to luxury. (In our many trips to Hawaii, we’ve paid as little as $150 per night to as much as $525 and up.) In 2023, the average daily hotel rate was $378 per night per data reported by the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

You can find hotels and condos that are fairly nice and clean for less than the average — especially if you are willing to book a room or condo without an ocean view. (See our article for advice on saving money on Hawaii accommodations .) You can also spend significantly more if you’re aiming for a luxury Hawaii vacation.

In addition to the hotel rate, there are more accommodation costs to add, unfortunately. Those costs are taxes and resort fees. You can’t avoid taxes, but you might be able to avoid resort fees for your Hawaii hotel .

Let’s start with taxes. Though taxes can vary slightly by island, as for 2023, plan on spending roughly 18% in taxes.

The next cost to include in your budget is resort fees. We hate these fees, but unfortunately, they’ve become the norm rather than the exception in Hawaii. Resort fees can vary significantly from resort to resort and statewide data is not tracked for these fees. Our best estimate based on our knowledge and experience would be a nightly rate of $35.

So, if we tack on taxes (18%) and resort fees (approximately $35) to the average daily rate of $378, the total comes to $481 per night. To estimate your cost for lodging using the statewide average follow this formula:

$481 (avg cost/night)   x  ______ number of nights   x ______number of rooms you need = _______ estimated cost of accommodations

(Of course you can spend more or less than $481 per night, but that gives you a starting point to estimate the cost to stay in Hawaii.)

Hawaii Vacation Rental Car Budget

You will most likely want a rental car for Hawaii sightseeing adventures. If you are staying on Lanai or in Waikiki, you might not need a rental car, but for all other Hawaii destinations, I highly recommend getting a rental car. (See more about where we advise renting a car in Hawaii .)

Depending on what you rent and which method of booking, rental car rates will vary. See our tips for saving money on rental cars in Hawaii .

Prior to the 2021 rental car shortage, including taxes, you could have expected to use a rough number of $40 per day for an economy or mid-sized car. When the demand for rental cars bottomed out in 2020, rental car companies sold off much of their fleets. Then in 2021, when more people started traveling, rental cars became difficult to find and extremely expensive in Hawaii . Though the rental car companies have increased their fleets since the 2021 shortage, prices are still much higher than before. If you can get a rate for under $75 per day with taxes, you’ve probably found a good deal. Pricing varies significantly by island and by demand. For our budgeting calculations, let’s estimate $75 per day with taxes.

To estimate your cost for renting a car, use this formula:

$75 per day   x  _______ number of days =  _______ estimated cost of rental car

Hawaii Vacation Dining Budget 

Estimating the cost to dine in Hawaii is yet another one of those factors that can range from a little to a lot.  As a rough round number, I think estimating $80 per person per day is doable without skimping too much or overdoing it. (See our tips for saving money on dining and meals in Hawaii .) That would be $20 for breakfast, $20 for lunch, and $40 for dinner. (By the way, it’s not unheard of to drop $45 or more for breakfast or lunch at high-end Hawaii resorts.)

To estimate your budget for meals, use this formula:

$80 per person per day x _______ number of people x _______ number of nights =   ________ estimated cost for meals

National and State Park Entrance Fees

Up until 2020, very few Hawaii state and national parks charged an entrance fee. Unfortunately, new fees have gone into effect across the islands in 2021. As such, we recommend planning some of your vacation budget spends. Each park has a different fee structure, so, again, there’s not a one-size-fits-all estimate. Some have a per-car entry fee while others have a reservation fee, plus parking fee, plus a per person entrance fee. For budgeting purposes, we recommend an estimate of $50 per person for the entire trip.

$50 per person per trip x _______ number of people = ________ estimated cost for entry fees

Total Budget for Your Hawaii Vacation

Now, add up each of the four estimates to get your budget.

Estimated cost of flights _______

Estimated cost of accommodations _______

Estimated cost of rental car _______

Estimated cost for meals ________

Estimated cost for park entry fees _________

==================================

______________ = Your rough budget to vacation in Hawaii

Example Budget for a Couple Traveling to Hawaii from the East Coast for a Week

Now, using the numbers above, I calculated the following for a 7-night Hawaii vacation for two people flying from the East Coast.

Flights = $900 per person x 2 people = $1,800

Accommodations = $481 per night  x 7 nights = $3,367

Rental car = $75 per day x 8 days = $600 (I use eight days instead of seven since most times the return hour is later than pick up.)

Dining = $80 per person per day x 2 people x 7 days = $1,120

Park entry fees = $50 per person per trip x 2 people = $100

The grand total for this example is $6,987 .

Other Expenses to Consider

These estimates do not include:

• Guided tours, such as helicopter tours, guided hikes, snorkeling excursions, etc. Hawaii offers many free and inexpensive things to see and do. Check out our post with advice on saving money on Hawaii vacation tours and activities .
• Parking fees which some hotels charge while others don’t. Be sure to determine parking costs as you consider your accommodation options.   Parking fees in Waikiki and Ko Olina on Oahu and Kaanapali and Wailea on Maui can be particularly expensive. If you choose a VRBO condo option, you are less likely to pay a parking fee. For an estimate on parking fees, plan for an average of $30 per night.
• Rental car refueling costs. Gas costs depend on the length of your stay and how much you plan to explore by car. Just one word of caution, Hawaii’s gas prices are higher than the US Mainland.
• Island hopping in Hawaii via ferry or plane

Final Thoughts

I want to reiterate that your exact costs depend on your preferences and a bit of luck. You might catch an airfare sale and save $100 to $300 per person. You might find a hotel deal that includes breakfast. I could go on and on.

If you have a Costco membership, look at their vacation packages that include hotel and car. We have often found deals through Costco Travel that include room, breakfast, resort fees and car that are significantly less than what we find anywhere else.

You can definitely spend less in each of the main categories. On the flip side, you can certainly spend more – a lot more. It’s all up to you. I just wanted to provide rough numbers that are, in my opinion, realistic, middle of the road costs.

How much money do you budget when you go to Hawaii? What is your length of stay with that budget?

When we find extraordinary deals, we let our readers know. If you’re not already receiving our free email subscriptions, carefully enter your email address at this link .

Sheila Beal

Sheila Beal is the founder and editor of Go Visit Hawaii. You can connect with Sheila Beal on Twitter , Go Visit Hawaii on Facebook , or Instagram .

Thanks! This was helpful!!

Glad to hear it’s helpful, Dawne. Thanks for the kind feedback.

Informative post, Sheila! I would also add gratuity to the list of expenses. That can add up depending on how generous you want to be for housekeeping and the wait staff when dining out.

For my upcoming Hawaii trip, I actually factored in my award miles that I’ve accrued over the last couple years. Luckily, I was able to use my miles to book my roundtrip airfare…saving up to $650 if I had paid for it.

Thanks for your comment, Michael.

I did have gratuities in mind for the dining estimates.

Very helpful, thanks for this. I think people underestimate how much things will cost and it’s important to sit down and go through a detailed list – including the little things you mention that they might not originally think of like souvenirs, tours, etc.

True, Josh. As I started to calculate the expenses for flights, hotel, car, and dining, I was surprised at how quickly it added up.

its really helpful. Will let my friends know about it.

Hey for the airfare cost the estimated flying cost you came up with is that for a round trip? or only to Hawii? I would love to know a how much I need for in a couple years Im planning to flyout there with my boyfriend!

The airfare cost is for round trip tickets.

Very useful post, thanks!

I just booked a trip to Kauai, HI for April, 2013 for 8 nights and 9 days. Roundtrip airfair, hotel and rental car, i even included resort fees, rental car taxes, and parking at the airport in my home state (Colorado). There are two of us going and NOT including meals,gas for rental car and souviners. Total was $3415.00. That is only $1707.74 a person. SO you can do alot cheaper if you look. My advice is find a reputable travel agent. They know of discounts that we cant find.. Have fun.!!

Random. We live in Colorado and are planning our first trip to Hawaii in September of this year. I’d love to know who you worked with to get you those great prices!

U did awesome. I need a lesson . did u look this up or did u have a travel agent?

Hi thank you for the great information. Will you happen to know if Nov is a good time to go to Hawaii? I know flights look like they go for cheaper, but I have no idea on the weather. Most likely to visit Maui. Thank you

Alex – See this post that provides more details on the best times to visit Hawaii – https://www.govisithawaii.com/2007/10/15/the-best-times-to-visit-hawaii/

Just starting our “three 50 year old gals” trip to Hawaii planning. Need all the advice we can get! this site is helpful for sure. Thanks so much.

Hello everyone, I NEED HELP!!!! My cousin has invited me to visit her in Honolulu. I always thought I would visit her in the fall so I would always check for airfare flying from san diego to honolulu in the fall, but it looks like i wont be able to visit her until March 2015…. I had not researched tickets during sprink break in Hawaii and have no idea what the average decent price to pay is. Right now im looking at Hawaiian airlines $634 per person ..is this a good price to pay as they were as cheap as $350 during fall season just last year

Laura – there’s no way to know if airfare will increase or decrease. Our guess is that it will most likely decrease. Read this article that provides strategies for finding the lowest airfare to Hawaii: https://www.govisithawaii.com/2010/05/10/strategies-for-finding-lowest-airfare-to-hawaii/

Sheila thank you for responding sooo quickly. I understand prices can go up or down, another family member went to honolulu from san diego for $900 last March and I really didnt believe it but then again he got his tickets 2 weeks before so I guess you never know right?

Firstly…for first timers to Hawaii found this site superb. My better I/2 and I leave next week for 7 days on Oahu (Waikiki) followed by a week on Maui (Lahania). With business class flights there and back using airmiles ($7500 Cdn for $380 round trip). Hotel in Waikki with breakfast, $1248 taxes in, and Maui same price no breakfast. Airport transfers are the $23 (Oahu) bucks and 58 (Maui). Inter island flight 55 bucks. Plan travelling on bus tours/trolley bus etc…no plans to rent a car this time around. I have just retired at 52…and hope to get to know the islands well in the years ahead. Including via a cruise. Thanks again for putting the site together. It’s solidly bookmarked!

Kev – thanks for the kind words and for sharing the costs for your upcoming trip to Oahu and Maui. Enjoy!

Dear Shelia, I have a question. I need to find three airlines that match 3600 dollars, as there are 4 people in my family. Your post was very helpful, and so I thought maybe you were the person who could find hotels that match 3600 dollars. Can you please do this for me? Thanks, Lily.

Hi Lily – a travel agent would be glad to assist you with that. (We aren’t travel agents.)

Just finished planning and budgeting our first trip to Hawaii. It’ll only be a few days, and I’m going to take the cheapest route possible, if only to serve as a reference point for our next trip.

With the flight/ hotel package, we’re paying 600 a person, leaving from California. Including meals, that brings us to about 1650. ( I don’t plan on skimping the meal budget, there has to be a limit to my frugality) I may rent a scooter to sight see or necessary travel, but I’m really hoping to not drive around too much, thus negating the rental car cost. This keeps us under 2,000 dollars. I’m still going to budget for 3,000, as I don’t want this trip to sour in the interest of saving money.

Rick – hope you beat your budget. Come back and tell us how it works out after your trip to Hawaii.

Thanks for this post! I think this is a really good starting point when planning for a Hawaii trip. These are pretty typical middle of the road budgets. My husband and I just got back from a trip this month and saved significantly by using points for flights, renting a well equipped guest house in Kona (Big Island) for $110 a night and cooking all but 3 of our dinners over 10 days (2 travel days). Our actual amount spent for the full 10 days (including travel days) was: Flights: $20 House Rental 8 nights (with cleaning and taxes): $1150 Rental Car: $241 Other Travel (airport parking + rental car gas): $180 Food: $463 Activities and Shopping (fishing charter, manta ray snorkel, tour, spa, tips, gifts: $1153 Grand Total: $3207

We intentionally saved significantly by getting groceries (and gas) at Costco and cooking our own dinners primary as well as staying in a rental guest house instead of a resort so we could splurge more on activities. I like the idea of using the numbers above to plan as a baseline with the idea that you can save if you are intentionally thrifty in some areas. I agree $50-$70 per person per day is very typical if you plan to eat every meal out. We spent $60 one night that we want out for sushi (without drinks) and even the really casual places like Pizza Hut are more expensive there (around $35 for 2 people including sodas).

Tiffany – thanks for adding your actually Hawaii trip cost numbers.

My husband and I took our honeymoon in Hawaii about a year ago and ended up spending over 7100$ between everything for 8 days. Your calculator is a great tool for a base estimate with the exception of excursion costs. If you plan on doing any excursions/sightseeing/surf lessons/pearl harbor/luaus… those can add up as quickly as food, especially if you do any helicopter rides (which avg 60$ per 10min). We split our time in Honolulu exploring Ohau and in Maui and spent probably and avg of 275$ (between us) a day on excursions alone, although I would estimate that 150-200$ a day is a more normal estimate for a couple, or 75-100$ per day per person.

Rebecca – yes, excursions do quickly add up! Thanks for adding your estimate for what you spent on tours. We do note in the article that tours are an extra expense to consider when budgeting a trip to Hawaii. However, many people don’t like going on guided tours, so including tour costs is not a Hawaii trip requirement/necessity. There are a ton of amazing things to see and do in Hawaii without ever going on paid tours. For example, seeing Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial is absolutely free, so there’s no need to pay a tour company to go to Pearl Harbor.

Regarding luaus, it’s worth noting that a luau includes dinner, so in budgeting, either budget in a dinner or a luau, but not both.

Sheila, I would like your input on a matter. I have never been to Hawaii, but have always longed to since a child. I would like to plan a trip there in the future, but I am not sure where to go. You see I am more interested in the more primitive parts of the land, as opposed to the more “touristy” part. I love the idea of the volcanos and wonderful hiking trails and being close to the naturalistic aspect of the country. But I still would like to be near some nice beaches. If you’ve seen enough of Hawaii maybe you can give me some input. Thanks!

Jasmine – check out our article that’s designed to pick the perfect island(s) for your Hawaii vacation: https://www.govisithawaii.com/2010/06/28/how-to-pick-the-best-hawaiian-islands-for-your-vacation/ You can download free guides and there are lots of resources. Almost every island suits your interests, but if you review the resources, it should help you hone in on the islands that seem to resonate with you the most. I will add that our favorite island for hiking is Kauai.

Thanks, for the value information.

Thanks for this information! We are travelling from New Zealand to Hawaii early 2016 and have absolutely no idea how much to expect to pay in terms of food, accommodation etc. Are all islands similar in price? We are looking at heading to Oahu and Big Island for 7 days each. I am amazed at how realistic traveling to Hawaii is for us – flights are only $1000NZD return(approx. $690USD) the biggest cost seems to be accommodation

Leah – that’s an amazing deal on flights! It costs many folks on the US mainland more than that!

The average accommodation price on Maui is higher than the other islands. Restaurant prices on Oahu seem to be a tad lower compared to the other islands. Also, you can usually get a better deal on a luau on Oahu.

My boyfriend and I went to Kauai this last October for a week and are planning for another trip in a year or two. We saved significantly on flights by using frequent flyer points. Our costs were: flight: free (would be around $800-$900 per person from the mid-west), hotel: $800 (“garden” facing room and a discount after switching from another hotel), rental car: $250, food: (estimate) $100 per day, we did spend a significant amount at Walmart on things like snacks, cases of water, and beach towels (which were nowhere to be found in Kansas in October). We did a lot of free activities, but did pay $60 to Kayak Kauai for a really stellar kayak trip and bought a lot of souvenirs (tshirts, rum, coffee, etc). We spent somewhere around $2,000 for the week. We saved huge on flights and are pretty darn cheap in most other aspects. That being said, we had a great time and plan to again! You don’t have to spend a lot to really enjoy yourself 🙂

Our daughter is serving as a camp counselor in Oahu North Shore this summer, so we (five of us) are planning to visit in late June for her birthday. Does anyone know the cost to visit the Big Island from Oahu? This might be my closest shot at seeing the Mauna Kea summit.

Brett –

You can find guided day tours to the Big Island from Oahu. They include everything like flights, ground transportation and guided tour.

A cheaper method is to plan your own trip. Use the resources on this post to price out the cost of inter-island flights: https://www.govisithawaii.com/2009/03/24/a-guide-to-inter-island-travel-in-hawaii/ You’d need a rental car as well. See our page on saving money on rental cars: https://www.govisithawaii.com/2011/01/19/7-hawaii-car-rental-money-saving-ideas/

This is very informative. We will be taking our first trip in May 2017 and this helped me a lot in knowing what to expect financially speaking.

I am planning a trip to Hawaii around jan,Feb of 2018, approximately 8 people. I’m wondering how much it might cost to fly round trip?

Look at the Flights section of the above article. It has all the resources for you to estimate your own costs.

My husband and I are planning our honeymoon to Maui in the first week of December. We would love to stay at a nice resort like the Sheraton/ Westin/ grand wailea and I’ve found good deals for this time of year but I’ve read that these get really crowded. Being that it’s an off season time do you think the beach and pools will be more quiet?

See this post about a December vacation in Hawaii: https://www.govisithawaii.com/2014/11/05/is-december-a-good-month-for-vacation-in-hawaii/ which indicates that early December is a very quiet time to visit Hawaii. If the hotels are busy depends on if there is a convention going on. Call the hotels directly to find out.

We are planning our first trip to Hawaii in Jun of 2018. The wife and I turn 50, it’s our 20th Anniversary, and it’s our son’s HS graduation. It’s our “Once in a Lifetime” trip! I’ve been saving for about 3 years and we’ve saved about $10K for our family of four. Our dates are just now opening up to book for June of ’18 and it’s been a bit of a shock! Looks like I’m gonna need to save at least another $3-4K before next year. The one option we may decide to use is AirBNB rather than staying in hotel/restorts. I hate the idea of my kids having to sleep on a sleeper sofa when they can sleep in an actual bed. I also hate the idea of all those resort fees and parking fees. Anyways, thanks for some great articles and tips. As much as I hate “procrastinating”, we might need to wait a little bit to see if the airfares drop more since the sweet spot recommendation for lower prices is about 5-6 months out.

Yay! I am so glad I found this article because when it comes to planning for a trip… my mind is all over the place! This made it so simpler! Like really easy and small and really the only thing I’ll have to figure costs for is the places I want to check out which should be easy to book online. Hawaii will be my second oversees trip and it is going to be with significant other and it will be our first trip so I wanted it to be fun and he wants to go too. Thank you for this article because it made it so more easier for me!

sheila your calculator is very helpful you do a great job my wife &i are planing a trip to celebrate our 54th wed aniv. oct 2018 i belive most estim. are spot on but do not forget travel insur. unless you are a big gambler many thanks for all you do

Great article! I’m planning a 10 day trip to Oahu and Big Island in May 2018. From my research and bookings this seems like pretty good estimates except for the rental car estimates. I think this was posted a few years ago. I’m finding the lowest prices on rental cars run about 75.00 per day for economy and then up into the 80.00’s for midsize and full size.

thank you so much so helpful I’m levying to night

Love this thank u so much it is helping me buget for 4 people when we go next year

The two of us just did 8 nights (4 in Kauai, 4 in Maui) for $3002 (or $1501 each) for just the flights, lodging and rental car. However, if we had just stayed in Maui, rather than flying to Kauai too, it would have only been $2502… but I was dead set on hopping over to Kauai, and it was more than worth it!. After including all other expenses like food, parking, gas, and activities (sunset catamaran, doors-off helicopter, a luau, and snorkeling), it came to $4432, or $2216 each. It helped that our flights to Maui from Austin were only $247 round trip since we purchased during the Southwest deal. Our round trip inter-island flights from Maui to Kauai actually cost more than getting to Hawaii in the first place! We also used Hotwire to get our lodging at the last minute (2 days before for each location), so we were able to get condos that are normally $300/nt for less than $150/nt. For the rental cars we used Discount Hawaii Car Rental to book them and kept checking prices up until the date of the trip to rebook if prices declined (which they did more than once, including just 2 days beforehand, so keep checking!). We booked a jeep for both locations so we could have the top down and have 4 wheel drive, but if you rent a smaller car, your rental car would be half what ours was (ours was about $475 total, both islands). Our food total was less than $200 for the entire trip, but two of our activities also provided food (dinner catamaran and luau). We only ate at sit down restaurants twice, and most of our meals (including the very best ones!) were from small markets and food trucks. The best poke we had was from Ishihara market and cost only $5 bucks for a container plus a side of rice! Our activities total was $1257. We got a military discount on many of the activities so if you are military/veteran always ask if they have one! We splurged for a private doors-off helicopter (which i absolutely recommend over doors-on, its totally worth it!) @ $310 each. $112 each for the Old Lahaina Luau, and $148 each for sunset Na Pali catamaran w/surf & turf dinner and open bar included. For snorkeling, we just rented snorkeling gear in each location and went at our leisure to various spots on the islands. We did some free activities which were just as exciting and memorable, if not more than, some of the expensive ones. These included hiking the Awa’awapuhi, Pihea & Alakai swamp trails, seeing Waimea canyon, and driving the Road to Hana (and all the fun stops along the way of course). The views on the Kauai trails and swimming in the waterfalls/beaches along the Road to Hana were unforgettable and absolute highlights of our trip, so it’s definitely possible to spend $0 on activities in Hawaii and not regret it.

Hope this info helps. We loved it so much there, we are already tentatively planning our next trip!

Been to Hawaii 5 times, recent as August this year. Probably not any more. The Australian dollar is crap, the hotel prices, drinks and costs are going through the roof. Shame as we love it.

Is there any all inclusive resorts in Hawaii? I maybe Maui

Not really — see this article about the lack of all-inclusive resorts in Hawaii: https://www.govisithawaii.com/2012/03/28/should-you-look-for-an-all-inclusive-hawaii-vacation/ As you will read, Hawaii doesn’t really need all-inclusive resorts.

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Hawaii on a Budget: Your Ultimate Guide to an Affordable Aloha Vacation 

Hawaii and saving money? It’s a combo you don’t see every day, but we promise it exists. It’s possible to visit this world of tropical wonder on the cheap!

Follow along as we break down how to save on your overall Hawaii trip cost! If the lush tropical landscape, vibrant culture, and breathtaking beaches of Hawaii are calling your name, but you’re worried about your budget, don’t fret! Planning a trip to hawaii without breaking the bank is entirely possible. With wise choices and insider tips, you can make the most out of every dollar. If you’re wondering how much is a trip to Hawaii, grab your planner – we’re about to dive into how you can enjoy a thrilling vacation in Hawaii on a budget!

Why should I go to Hawaii?

Why wouldn’t you? Hawaii has arguably the most beautiful and inviting warm water beaches that you can find anywhere in America. It boasts stunning natural splendors alongside a rich cultural heritage. The Aloha State thrives in the warmth of its hospitality and the depth of ingrained cultural traditions. Picture strolling on soft sandy beaches at sunrise or sunset, culinary delicacies tantalizing your taste buds, and the rhythm of the Pacific painting its lullaby.

Related Post: 10 Irresistible Reasons to Visit Hawaii

Step into the untamed world-famous hiking trails leading to breathtaking views. Dive into clear blue waters to meet the marine life’s exhilarating spectacle. Each island, a hidden gem, has charisma and charm, from Oahu’s lively Waikiki Beach to the Big Island’s impressive volcanoes, Maui’s vibrant landscapes to Kauai’s tranquil beauty. Planning a vacation to Hawaii ensures you don’t miss these magical experiences! So, why Hawaii? The question would be—why not?

Choosing the Right Time of Year for Savings

Cheap trips to Hawaii are entirely possible, depending on when you decide to go. Choose ‘shoulder seasons’ (March to mid-June and September to mid-December) when demand for a flight to Hawaii and accommodations dip. This is especially true if you’re flying from the West Coast or booking flights with Hawaiian Airlines, known for its seasonal deals.

Plan to avoid the peak travel times around holidays, and if possible, explore options such as renting a vacation home for larger groups to trim expenses further.

So, how much does a trip to Hawaii cost? Strategic planning during off season Hawaii and flexibility can save money. During these times, vacation rentals, flights, hotels, and even souvenirs are more affordable.

What is the best month to visit Hawaii?

Hawaii’s allure shines year-round, with March and September as top picks. March offers a break from winter crowds, bringing savings on flights and hotels. The island’s tropical climate remains, offering perfect beach weather with mid-70s to low 80s temperatures.

September sees fewer tourists, making for quieter beaches and trails. It’s ideal for peaceful and cheap Hawaii vacations, when the trip costs less all while being highlighted by its calm beauty.

Choosing the Right Island for Your Budget

If you want to travel to Hawaii on a budget, it’s key to remember that not all Hawaiian islands are the same when it comes to the costs. So, here’s where your careful planning pays dividends.

If bustling city life and the lure of shopping and nightlife appeal to you, Oahu could be your go-to choice. It’s such a romantic island, and planning a trip to Hawaii cost for 2 people is much easier than you think.

On the other hand, the Big Island offers a mixed bag of unique features, including the thrilling sight of active volcanoes—it’s a place where Mother Nature’s drama unfolds without getting heavy on your pocket.

For those who crave a country charm with less of a hit to the wallet, Maui offers an irresistible allure. Here, your dollars can stretch further as you indulge in breathtaking beach venues and savor local flavors that tie in nicely with a conservative budget.

The tranquility of Kauai, often known as the ‘Garden Isle,’ presents a laid-back atmosphere, fabulous visuals, and surprisingly affordable options for the budget-sensitive traveler.

Related Post: Packing List for Hawaii: What to Bring and What to Skip

Which hawaii island is least expensive.

Many consider Oahu as the cheap island of Hawaii vacations, thanks to its tourist appeal! This island offers numerous tight budgeted lodging choices and affordable meals and activities.

As the location of Honolulu, the state capital, it provides varied entertainment for all budgets. Oahu’s charm extends beyond costs, blending rich history, vibrant city vibes, and diverse landscapes. It delivers the best of both worlds without causing a dent in your pocket.

Must-See Free or Low-Cost Attractions in Hawaii

Pearl harbor national memorial.

Delve into US history at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, with free admission and optional boat rides. Visit the past at 1 Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu . Explore the USS Arizona Memorial and museums to gain insight into the events of World War II and pay tribute to the fallen.

Mauna Kea Summit

Ascend Mauna Kea Summit for a breathtaking sunset or stargazing, free with a 4WD. Begin your journey at Saddle Road, Mauna Kea Access Rd, Maunakea . Experience the magic of one of the world’s premier astronomical research facilities and learn about the cosmos from expert astronomers.

Haleiwa Ali’i Beach Park

Haleiwa Ali’i Beach Park beckons for sea turtle enthusiasts, a must-add to your itinerary! Find it at 66-167 Haleiwa Rd, Haleiwa . Dive into the vibrant marine life through snorkeling or simply unwind on the pristine sandy shores surrounded by lush greenery.

Diamond Head State Monument

Hike to Diamond Head State Monument for panoramic Honolulu views, with minimal admission. Climb to 300 18th Ave., Honolulu , for this experience. Challenge yourself with the scenic trail to the summit and be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean.

Waimea Valley

Immerse yourself in Waimea Valley’s gardens, then cool off in the waterfall pool, all for a nominal fee. Discover paradise at 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa . Surround yourself with the rich cultural heritage of the valley, including traditional Hawaiian activities like hula dancing, ukulele lessons, lei making, and luau feasts.

Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park

Dive into marine life at Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, a haven for snorkelers, free to enter! It’s situated at 82-6099 Puuhonua Rd, Captain Cook . Explore the vibrant underwater world teeming with colorful fish and coral reefs, or relax on the picturesque beach and soak in the breathtaking coastal scenery.

Akaka Falls

Behold Akaka Falls’ 442-foot cascade from various viewpoints, with parking for a small fee. Nature’s beauty awaits at Hwy. 220, Honomu . Explore the lush rainforest surroundings through scenic trails, offering glimpses of fascinating flora and fauna along the way.

Waikiki Beach

Bask in the sun at Waikiki Beach, a gem in Honolulu’s heart, perfect for swimming, surfing, or sunbathing. Experience this oasis at Waikiki, Honolulu , now! Don’t miss the vibrant beachfront atmosphere with lively shops, restaurants, and cultural activities awaiting your exploration.

Accommodation Options That Lower Your Hawaii Trip Cost

Let’s take a look at the accommodation options in Hawaii that are easy on your pocket. Tripster allows you to plan a trip to Hawaii with savvy hotel deals . To make things easier for you, we’ve singled out some options:

Aston Islander on the Beach

Adjacent to Papaloa Road in Kapaa , Aston Islander on the Beach is a beachfront gem that provides value through picturesque vistas, warm hospitality, and thoughtful amenities. Your stay is made more delightful with an oceanfront swimming pool, bar, and a tropical garden courtyard.

Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach

Situated at 2330 Kuhio Ave in Honolulu , this hotel is ideally situated near Hawaii’s popular attractions. With that, Hilton Garden Inn offers exceptional service and peaceful respite, all on a budget-friendly rate. The hotel also boasts modern rooms, a 24-hour fitness center, outdoor pool, and an on-site restaurant.

Royal Kona Resort

With magnificent views of Kona Bay, Royal Kona Resort  on 75-5852 Alii Drive provides revered amenities and stellar service at pocket-friendly prices. The resort offers oceanfront dining, a private beach, a saltwater lagoon, and spa services.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Alana – Waikiki Beach

Nestled at 1956 Ala Moana Blvd in Honolulu, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Alana – Waikiki Beach synergizes Hawaiian traditions with modern comforts. The amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, outdoor pool, in-room espresso machines, and a gourmet restaurant.

Volcano Forest Inn

Tucked away amidst verdant forests, the Volcano Forest Inn offers a quiet retreat away from city buzz. It’s known for its cozy rooms, free WiFi, and complimentary breakfast. You’ll find this hidden gem at 19-4034 Old Volcano Rd., Volcano .

All these alternatives offer an array of facilities, mesmerizing views, and easy access to nearby leisure activities. Think about exploring more budget-friendly hotel choices on Tripster to make your dream vacation even more affordable.

Cheap Eats: Dining Out on a Budget in Hawaii

Feeling daunted by the food in Hawaii? It’s not surprising, especially when the average meal can set you back as much as $100 per person. Yet, if you’re traveling on a budget, don’t despair! There are plenty of local dining spots that offer authentic Hawaiian cuisine without shocking your wallet.

One delightful way to save money and still sample an extensive array of cuisine is to venture into the lively world of local food trucks. From Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck to Marination Mobile in Honolulu, these rolling eateries are sure to surprise and delight your taste buds. And, when morning arrives, consider trading expensive resort breakfasts for an authentic pastry from a charming local bakery such as Leonard’s.

Should you prefer to be in control of your meal costs, self-catering can be an excellent choice. Hunt for fresh, cost-effective local ingredients at farmer’s markets like KCC in Honolulu or Hanalei in Kauai and whip up your own island-inspired dishes. Remember, traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to skimp on taste or enjoyment – you only need to embrace creativity and seize every opportunity for a culinary adventure.

Getting Around: Public Transportation versus Rental Cars

Taking time to explore your transport options in Hawaii is crucial when arranging a budget-conscious vacation. TheBus, the island’s public transit system, is a budget-friendly way to traverse key tourist spots like Waikiki and Pearl Harbor, but it might restrict your spontaneity.

Related Post: Best Hawaii Island for Kids – Which One Should You Choose?

Alternatively, if you rent a car, you can discover the island’s hidden treasures at your leisure. You might just snag a bargain with local rental firms or through services such as Discount Hawaii Car Rental. Just be mindful of the extra average costs of parking fees. If you’re open to adventuring on two wheels, a scooter rental is another budget-wise option.

Lowering Your Hawaii Trip Cost: Discounted Tours and Vacation Packages on Tripster

Dive into the heart of Hawaii with Tripster’s exclusive discounts and tour packages ! Imagine yourself at a vibrant luau , where the air thrums with the beat of traditional Hawaiian drums and the night sky is lit with the glow of fire dancers. Or, soar above emerald valleys and cascading waterfalls on a helicopter tour .

Maybe you’d prefer to glide across the ocean at sunset, the sea sparkling like diamonds under a crimson sky, all while enjoying the serene ambiance of a cruise . With Tripster, these aren’t just daydreams—they’re within your reach and more affordable than ever.

Planning a Trip to Hawaii? Your Dream Adventure Starts With Tripster!

So, you see, there are many ways to lessen your Hawaii vacation costs. Jump into your Hawaiian dream with Tripster! Snag cool deals on cozy hotels and thrilling attractions . Let our fun travel guide lead your adventure, too, pointing you to hidden gems and top spots. Get ready to mix chill vibes and epic explorations, all while saving big with Tripster!

Have you been to Hawaii?

Tell us all about your amazing tips for keeping your Hawaii trip cost low in the comments below!

Written by Kyla Paler

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How to visit Hawaii on a budget

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how to visit Hawaii on a budget

Can you visit Hawaii on a budget? First things first: Hawaii is expensive. There is no getting around it. It is expensive to fly to Hawaii; it is expensive to stay in Hawaii. Gas and food are expensive in Hawaii; you get the point!

That said, visiting Hawaii on a budget is possible. I’m asked (a lot) how I’m able to visit Hawaii so often. I got this question even before I was a Travel Agent/blogger!

Now, people assume that I visit for free (which isn’t the case, for the most part), but you can definitely say that I’ve learned the ins and outs of visiting Hawaii on a budget over the last 26 years!

How to save money on a Hawaii vacation

First, let’s understand what “Hawaii on a budget” means. Everyone has a budget.

Whether it’s $5,000, or $10,000, or $70,000. This blog post aims to show you how to stick to a budget during a Hawaii vacation and how to save money on a Hawaii vacation.

Having a cheap Hawaii vacation may not be possible, but it is possible to visit Hawaii without blowing your budget.

When you’re done here, check out all the free things to do in Hawaii.

Hawaii on a budget FAQ

There’s much to discuss when sharing Hawaii on a budget tips; it should be a book! Maybe I’ll write one someday, but here are some FAQs for now.

What is the cheapest Hawaiian island?

While none of the Hawaiian islands are “cheap,” Oahu can be the cheapest. I really don’t recommend Oahu unless it’s right for you, but you can definitely find the best hotel deals if it is a good fit.

This is simply due to the competition in Oahu. I’ve heard some people say that Oahu flights are the cheapest, but I don’t find this to be the case.

In general, flights to the four major islands (Maui, the Big Island, Kauai, and Oahu) tend to be about the same price. And yes, you can fly into the smaller islands. This surprises a lot of people, but they all have international airports. 

Prices by island depend on which airport you’re coming from, so make sure to check and see if one island is a lot less expensive out of your airport.

When is the cheapest time to fly to Hawaii?

You’ve probably heard me say this: the cheapest time to visit Hawaii is the “shoulder season.” There is no true “off-season” in Hawaii, but the shoulder season is March-May and September-October.

Summer, Thanksgiving, and Christmas holidays are the most expensive times to visit Hawaii. You can save money by booking hotels early during busy times, but the flights will likely be higher than during the shoulder season.

When is the best time to go to Hawaii?

Don’t let anyone tell you there is a bad time to go to Hawaii. They don’t know what they are talking about. Yes, it rains a little more in the winter in some areas .

This is probably my biggest pet peeve about Hawaii travel. So-and-so’s aunt Gertrude went to Hawaii 20 years ago and said it rained in November, so don’t go in November.

First, the resorts are generally located in areas that get very little rain. The people who built the multi-million dollar resorts had a plan!

Second, even in the areas that get more rain, it tends to rain the most at night.

Even when it rains during the day, it’s usually for a short time. Then, you see beautiful rainbows.

There is no bad time to visit Hawaii, period. Hawaii is, for the most part, protected from hurricanes. Yes, it’s possible that a hurricane could hit Hawaii, but there is no hurricane season like Florida or the Caribbean.

I go into even further detail in my post, “ is there a worst time to go to Hawaii ?” but suffice it to say that the best time to go to Hawaii is any time you can.

So while the weather in Hawaii shouldn’t be a problem, you’ll avoid crowds but avoiding summer or holiday visits. 

How many days should I stay in Hawaii?

If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, you’ll want to visit Hawaii for at least a week.

Most hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals offer price breaks after one week. Occasiocally it can be 5 days but is usually a week.

With flights to Hawaii being so long, it really doesn’t make sense to spend only visit for 2-3 days. Additionally, Hawaii offers so much that it’s easy to spend a week on each island.

There will still be so much more that you don’t see! 

How many islands in Hawaii should I visit?

If you have one week, you should visit one island. This is one of my best tips for visiting Hawaii on a budget. Each island in Hawaii has so much to explore that one week won’t be enough!

I’ve been visiting Hawaii since I was 11 years old, and there is still so much that I haven’t seen!

While traveling between islands sounds easy enough, it really is not. Traveling between islands takes money and valuable time.

While the flights might only be 45 minutes, you’ll have to drive to/from the airport, wait at the airport, etc. If you split one week between two islands, you won’t see a nightly price break.

Also, those interisland flights  can add up if you have multiple travelers.

I understand wanting to visit multiple islands, but I recommend one island per week to get the most out of your Hawaii vacation.

If you must visit all the islands, keep reading because a Hawaii cruise might be right for you.

Should I rent a car in Hawaii?

I have an entire blog post about why you need a rental car in Hawaii. The short answer is: yes! While it might seem counterproductive to spend money renting a car and then spend money on parking, it can save money to have a car.

Renting a car allows you to explore the island you’re visiting fully. Tours such as Haleakala sunrise can be done on your own, but only if you have a rental car.

If you’re looking for the best way to rent a car in Hawaii, I recommend  Discount Hawaii Car Rental . You’ll find the best deals on any of the Hawaiian Islands.

You don’t have to pay for your car until arrival, so you can always cancel and re-book if you find a better deal. Discount Hawaii Car Rental is so much cheaper than renting at the airport, and it’s using the exact same companies!

Tips for visiting Hawaii on a budget

Okay, now that we’ve reviewed some Hawaii on a budget FAQs, let’s get to the tips for visiting Hawaii on a budget.

I have over 100 tips for saving money in Hawaii, so no matter your budget, you’re sure to find something that will help you!

1. Research, research, research

I have many people contact me that have literally no idea what it costs to visit Hawaii. I’m a Hawaii Travel Agent , so that’s okay. It’s my job to guide them through the process.

However, I know that there are plenty of people out there who aren’t working with a Travel Advisor who also have no idea what they are doing! That’s scary.

In order to save money on a Hawaii vacation, you need to know what you’re getting into. You have to do your research and find out what a Hawaii vacation will cost.

Here are some examples:

• Depending on your location, flights to Hawaii tend to be anywhere from $350-$1000+ from the mainland US.
• The average hotel in Hawaii costs almost $400 per night. Yes, average. This is not the Four Seasons.
• There are only a certain number of rental cars in Hawai. During the busy times, the most popular car-types can do and sell out. Then, prices are raised on the remaining cars. 
• Gas in Hawaii costs much more than most of the mainland; prepare for that expense when looking at your Hawaii vacation budget.
• Food in Hawaii costs more than on the mainland. If you plan to make your own meals to save money but have to have bread or eggs, just know that these items (and others) are very costly in Hawaii.

2. Visit Hawaii during the slower season

As I mentioned earlier, there is no “off-season” in Hawaii. However, you can save quite a bit on flights, hotels, and more by visiting during the shoulder season.

Avoid the summer and any school holidays if possible. I know this is difficult with kids, but it’s one of the best tips for visiting Hawaii on a budget.

My kids are homeschooled now, but I would pull them out of school for vacations when they were in a public school.

Most kids take sick days, but my kids are very healthy and never miss days due to being sick. We just took vacation days instead. 😉

If you’re planning a honeymoon, babymoon, or anniversary, try to plan around visiting during the slower times. I know that can be harder with a babymoon!

Fortunately, many weddings occur in May, June, September, and October, all good times to visit Hawaii. That works out well for honeymoon couples.

3. Visit only one island

I know you want to visit as many islands as possible, and I don’t blame you. However, you’re here for the best Hawaii on a budget tip, and this is one of them.

Visiting one island in Hawaii is one of the best ways to save money on a Hawaii vacation. If you’re struggling to figure out which island to visit, check out my post about the best Hawaii island to visit .

4. Rent a car

I mentioned this already, but I’ll repeat it. You need to rent a car to explore Hawaii fully.

Renting a car is an extra cost, but if you don’t rent a car, you’ll either be stuck or have to rely on public transportation.

Public transportation is fine in Oahu but isn’t reliable on any other island. Even if you are visiting Oahu, you’ll want to get out and explore. You’ll likely never see the North Shore of Oahu without a rental car.

Again, I recommend  Discount Hawaii Car Rental . You’ll save a lot of money by renting before you arrive in Hawaii. You’ll pay “tourist prices” at the airport.

5. Travel with a group

Surprisingly, or maybe not surprisingly, traveling with friends and family is a great way to visit Hawaii on a budget.

Although flights are expensive, you can definitely save by splitting a condo, villa, vacation rental, or suite with family members or friends.

Renting and splitting a larger vehicle is another way to save money when traveling with a group.

It’s important to note that it is hard to find actual homes in Hawaii that are rentals. They exist, but they tend to be very expensive. Also, things are happening where many vacation rentals may end up going away, so I never recommend renting directly from an owner due to this.

You can offset the cost by traveling with a larger group, but condos or villas tend to be less expensive than renting a house.

This is surprising to groups who are used to traveling to Florida, or say, Branson, Missouri, or really anywhere where homes are easy to find and rent.

6. Pack light

Many people don’t want to hear this, but packing in a carry-on only is a great way to save money on a Hawaii vacation.

Those pesky luggage fees add up! And you’ll have to pay the fees both ways.

I’ve never, ever paid for baggage fees on a major airline. I learned how to pack light when the airlines started charging for checked bags.

Many years ago, I took a bunch of photography gear to photograph a Maui wedding and I only had a carry-on and a backpack. And, I was gone for 10 days!

I should probably write a blog post about how to pack light (and I do have a YouTube video about it) but for now, just know that packing light is one of the best ways to visit Hawaii on a budget.

Warm weather clothes don’t take that much space, and you can always wear your hiking shoes, jacket, etc., on the plane. Check out what to pack for Hawaii to find out what you’ll need during your vacation.

7. Shop at Target

I think it’s important to shop local, especially for souvenirs, etc., but if you’re trying to visit Hawaii on a budget, you might want to check out Target for things like snacks or anything you may have forgotten. 

Although some things will be more expensive than on the mainland, Target is one of the cheapest places to shop in Hawaii.

You can also save 5% if you have a RedCard. You’ll find Target stores on Oahu, Big Island, Maui, and Kauai.

8. Shop at Costco

If you have a Costco membership, you can save money on groceries and gas by shopping at Costco in Hawaii.

Costco stores are now in Maui, Kauai, the Big Island, and Oahu!

9. Check out the ABC Stores

ABC Stores are everywhere in Hawaii. If you need a drink, snack, or something you forgot, such as sunscreen, you’ll find that and more at the ABC Stores.

These stores are much less expensive than drug stores, and you’ll find some cheap Hawaii souvenirs. Just keep in mind that the souvenirs will likely be made in China and not locally. I recommend checking the Farmers Markets for locally made souvenirs. 

10. Hang out with a shelter dog

This is – by far – one of the best things I’ve ever done in Hawaii. The Kauai Humane Society offers a “Field Trips for Shelter Dogs” program.

Big Island Humane Society and Maui Humane Society have similar programs.

This is Ellen, and she was such a good girl!

If you are a dog lover or missing your animals, this is a great way to spend time with a shelter dog.

Field Trips for Shelter Dogs is a great program because the shelter dogs get to get out and practice their manners. They also wear harnesses, letting other visitors know they are available for adoption.

We took our shelter dog for a hike at Wailua Arboretum. Other places you can take a shelter dog in Kauai include:

• Kalapaki Beach
• Sleeping Giant
• Koke’e State Park
• and many more!

Ask the Kauai Humane Society for suggestions if you aren’t sure where to go.

You should also check out  Wailua Shave Ice to get a special treat for your shelter pup. Warning: you might come home with a dog. The shelters in Hawaii adopt a lot of dogs to mainland visitors.

11. Hawaii on a budget tip: Take advantage of Happy Hour

I don’t really drink, but if you do (and maybe even if you don’t!) this is a great tip. One of the best ways to save money on a Hawaii vacation is to buy drinks during Happy Hour.

You can also get great deals on appetizers and other food during Happy Hour. I have a blog post about the best Happy Hour in Kona (on the Big Island.) So even if you don’t drink, this can be a great way to save money.

Let me know in the comments if you’d like to see Happy Hour posts for every island!

12. Eat your main meal of the day at lunchtime

This money-saving tip is similar to taking advantage of Happy Hour. Choose to eat your main meal at lunch instead of dinner.

Most restaurants offer better lunch prices, so eating a larger lunch and a smaller dinner can be a significant saving.

13. Use a Safeway Club Card

Safeway is one of the main grocery stores in Hawaii. If you have a Safeway at home, bring your Safeway Club Card.

14. Buy what you need when you arrive

This goes back to #6 (packing light), but you can save money by purchasing certain things upon arrival. Bulky items, such as diapers, can be purchased after you arrive, saving a ton of space in your luggage.

You can also buy things like beach toys, flip-flops, shampoo, etc. when you arrive in Hawaii. Don’t be wasteful; make sure to donate your items after using them.

Another traveling family (or a local family) would probably love to pick up your beach toys secondhand.

15. Check out thrift stores

You had to see this coming. Yes, many people buy things like beach toys, boogie boards, etc., and then donate them. You can save a lot by picking them up secondhand. When you’re done, donate them!

It will likely be cheaper than renting anyway. I noticed in Florida how easy it was to get secondhand beach items, and sure enough, it’s the same way in Hawaii.

16. Look for companion deals on airfare

A companion fare or ticket is a one-time pass for a companion to join you on a flight, either free of charge or for a small fee. It’s essentially a 2-for-1 deal.

Airlines that fly to Hawaii and offer companion fares include:

• Alaska Airline
• Southwest airlines
• Delta Airlines

This is a great way to visit Hawaii on a budget, but make sure to compare prices to ensure you’re getting the best deals. 

17. Hit the beaches

I’ll list some specific beaches on each island, but make sure to hit the beaches while you’re in Hawaii. This is one of the best things to do in Hawaii on a budget because beaches in Hawaii are completely free!

18. Take a hike

Another great activity to do in Hawaii on a budget is hiking. Again, I’ll list specific hikes on each island later on this list.

You might also enjoy my post about the best hikes in Kauai.

19. Enjoy some local food

I get a lot of questions about how much it costs to eat in Hawaii. It varies way too much to answer that question!

The good news is, you can save a lot by eating local food instead of dining at the resort restaurants.

Try a plate lunch or poke bowl, which tends to be very affordable.

You can also find local Hawaiian fruit at Farmer Markets for great prices. If you’ve never tried certain fruits (such as papaya) that weren’t imported, you’re in for a treat!

20. Food trucks

Food trucks deserve a spot of their own. Another way to save money is by choosing food trucks over dining in a restaurant. You can find just about any kind of food imaginable!

Food trucks typically have lower prices since their costs are lower than a typical restaurant.

Food trucks are great if you’re with a group and can’t decide where to eat since there are typically lots of food trucks together. 

21. Shop at Farmers Markets

Hawaii has so many Farmer’s Markets; you can find one almost every day of the week! Farmers’ markets are a great way to save money on local produce.

You can also purchase locally made goods at many of the farmer’s markets.

22. Find deals on flights

Even if you can’t use companion air deals, there are ways to save money on flights to Hawaii.

Flights to Hawaii are expensive, and it’s something that everyone has to have. Use Skyscanner or Google Flights to find the best deals on Hawaii flights.

I like to set an alert in Google flights and grab a flight if the price drops.

23. Cook some of your own meals

If you’re traveling to Hawaii on a budget or have food allergies, you might want to cook some of your own meals.

24. Travel hacking with Credit cards

Travel hacking with credit cards is not for the faint of heart. Even if you’re not ready for full-on travel hacking, you can at least pay for your trip using a good card that provides great rewards.

Of course, you should never go into debt to pay for a vacation. I only recommend using credit cards to pay for travel if you have the funds to pay them off immediately.

If you pay for the “big” stuff with a good credit card, you might have enough points to cover some of your fun activities like a helicopter ride .

25. Purchase Trip Insurance

Purchasing trip insurance sounds like it will cost more – and it does – but it provides peace of mind that is priceless.

If you need to cancel and do not have insurance, you can potentially lose money and pay a lot in fees.

26. Fly out of a larger airport

Compare the cost of driving to a larger airport vs. flying out of your home airport. It’s often substantially cheaper to fly out of a larger airport vs. a regional airport.

27. Consider a Hawaiian Island cruise

If you really want to see all of the islands, consider a 7-day cruise with Norwegian Cruiselines.

If you aren’t sure if cruising in Hawaii is right for you, check out t he pros and cons of a Hawaii cruise.

28. Skip the ocean view

While I would never actually recommend skipping the ocean view, it is a great way to save money on a Hawaii vacation.

29. Book a package deal

Prices on Hawaii vacations are often cheapest when booked as a package. Check package prices on websites like Expedia .

When I work with clients, I find that package deals offer the best prices 99% of the time. 

One exception to this rule is that hotels offer the best prices far in advance. However, flights are often priced best 2-4 months prior to the trip. 

So, while it can be less expensive to book your hotel/car first and flights later, you’re also gambling that the flight and seats you want will be available later.

Is it worth risking losing a good flight over saving a few dollars? That depends on your and your budget. 

30. Rent the smallest car possible

It’s fun to rent a Jeep, but if you’re trying to visit Hawaii on a budget, consider a compact or economy car.

Remember, Discount Hawaii rental car offers the best prices on rental cars in Hawaii. Occasionally, you’ll find that a large car is even cheaper but remember to factor in gas prices when deciding.

31. Don’t fall for the rental upgrade scams

Economy cars often sell out first. Rental car agencies will often offer you an “upgrade,” but what they won’t tell you is that it is because they don’t have the car you paid for!

I have this happen all the time, and I roll my eyes and tell them to save their time because I travel often and hear this story a lot. 

They are obligated to give you the price you paid, even if they have to give you the free upgrade. Always say no to the upgrade if you’re trying to save money.

The agency may have to give you a better car anyway! Just remember never to be rude to the rental agents. It’s their job to try to scam talk you into an upgrade, and they are only doing their job. Politely say no. 

32. Always return your car rental with a full tank of gas

This applies to any vacation, but make sure to return your car full of gas to avoid a much higher price if the car rental agency fills it.

I like to find a gas station near the airport right after arrival and stop there on the way back to the airport.

33. Tour an animal sanctuary

We’ve already talked about field trips for shelter dogs. If you love animals, you can also tour a Hawaii animal sanctuary.

This is an inexpensive way to support local rescue animals, and it’s a lot of fun! For information on tours, check out:

• Magical Creatures of Hamakua
• Leilani Farm Sanctuary

34. Visit Resorts

You can still visit one if you can’t afford to stay in a luxury resort! Walk around a luxury resort and have a drink (just one- they are pricey) at the bar.

Although expensive, you can also dine at luxury resorts without being a guest. 

To learn more about the 5-star resorts in Hawaii, check out:

• The best 5-star resorts on Maui
• The 7 Best Luxury Resorts on Oahu
• The Best Luxury Resorts Big Island

35. Visit a museum

If you love museums, you’re in luck! Hawaii has some really great museums! Most had inexpensive admission, and it could be free if you are a member of certain museums.

Make sure to check out:

• Bishop Museum
• ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii.
• Kauai Community Science Center
• Maui Science Center

36. Go to a National Park

If you’re visiting the Big Island, you’re no doubt planning to visit Hawaii Volcanos National Park.

If you’re planning to visit Maui, visit Haleakala National Park too.

37. Find a nene goose

The Nene goose is the state bird of Hawaii. It is also an endangered animal and a rare sight.

One of the best places to spot a nene goose is the grounds of the Grand Hyatt in Kauai . I’ve also seen them from time to time on the Big Island.

Make sure to check out the ultimate guide to Hawaiian animals to learn more about the Nene goose and other animals in Hawaii.

38. Go shelling

You can spend hours finding beautiful shells in Hawaii – and it’s free!

While you’re allowed to bring small amounts of shells, sand, or dead coral home, make sure to leave any lava rocks where they are.

39. Compare interisland flights

No ferries or bridges are connecting the islands; the only way to travel between the major islands is to fly.

There are currently three airlines flying inter-island in Hawaii:

• Southwest Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Mokulele Airlines

Make sure to check the pricing for the different airlines as they sometimes have specials. Southwest occasionally has a deal for $39 interisland flights, and Hawaiian Airlines tends to match it when they do.

Mokulele Airlines is another experience entirely, and these 10-seater planes are my favorite way to travel interisland.

40. Book tours with food included

Some of the most popular tours such as Molokini Crater or a sunset dinner sail include food. This might be obvious, but it’s nice not to have to worry about some of your meals.

For example, most Molokini Crater tours include breakfast and lunch! That makes the price seem a lot more reasonable when you get a great tour, breakfast, and lunch (and drinks!)

41. Book tours with drinks included

There are several cocktail sailing tours that (obviously) include drinks. Resort drinks add up fast (don’t forget about the happy hour tip), so it’s nice to have drinks included.

As a bonus, you’ll often see ocean life and even whales on some of these tours!

42. Work with a Travel Agent

The value in working with a Travel Agent is really having someone who is experienced in a destination and can guide you through the process. Also, you have someone to go to if something goes wrong.

That said, working with a Travel Agent can save money, especially if you book early.

Even if you don’t save money, working with a Travel Advisor can help you stay on budget.

A Travel Agent will also tell you if your expectations are unrealistic. Trust me; I do it all the time. 😉  You won’t find a 5-star oceanfront villa for 2 people, all-inclusive, for a week, for $2000. Sorry!

43. No all-inclusive

This is an add-on to #82, but Hawaii does not have all-inclusive resorts. Again, being realistic with your expectations is the best way to visit Hawaii on a budget.

If you think Hawaii is going to be like Mexico, it’s not. If you find someone offering “all-inclusive” options in Hawaii, just know that the prices are probably very inflated because there are no true all-inclusive resorts in Hawaii.

44. Arrange activities ahead of time

Waiting until you arrive in Hawaii to book activities is a no-no when you’re visiting Hawaii on a budget. Popular activities are often sold out, and you’ll get the best prices by booking in advance.

I recommend Viator . Viator is the #1 company that I use for tours and excursions. They offer the best price guarantee, and most tours are fully refundable up until 24 hours in advance.

Many travelers end up rescheduling tours due to plans changing, sunburns, flights delayed, etc., so it’s nice to have that option.

45. Use Groupon to save on Hawaii tours

Sites like Groupon are not like they used to be, but you can still find some deals on tours and activities.

46. Use Flytographer to save on family photos

You’re visiting Hawaii, why not have family photos taken with some of the most beautiful backgrounds in the world?

You can save a lot by using Flytographer. As a former professional photographer, I can tell you that Flytographer offers AMAZING rates!

Make sure to book your family photos in advance, as the best photographers have full calendars for most of the year.

47. Take a driving tour

All of the islands have a main road that more or less circles the island. Take a driving tour and stop when you see something interesting.

Hawaii on a budget: Cheap things to do in Maui

Now let’s get to some island-specific tips for visiting Hawaii on a budget. There are plenty of cheap and free things to do in Hawaii .

We will start with Maui and move on to the other main islands for island-specific money savings tips.

48. Drive the Road to Hana

You can take a guided tour  or a  Hana helicopter tour. But driving the Road to Hana is definitely the most budget-friendly option. The good news is that it’s completely free, other than gas.

Remember how I said you should rent a car? This is just one of the reasons why.

If you aren’t comfortable driving, you can take a tour, but it’s something that I recommend doing on your own for most visitors.

49. Visit MauiWine

If you’re feeling adventurous and decide to drive the back road from Hana, you’ll drive right by  MauiWine .

You can also visit MauiWine by taking Highway 37 south out of Kahului if the “back” way from Hana is too much for you.

50. Whale Watch

If you’re visiting Maui during whale season, you might be lucky enough to watch whales off of your lanai.

If you plan to visit in the winter, I recommend staying in the Ka’anapali area and choosing an ocean view room with a lanai.

You will likely be able to spot whales off your balcony (maybe while sipping some MauiWine?) Of course, you can also take a  whale watching tour , but if you want to visit Hawaii on a budget, you can pick a location where you’re likely to spot them on your own.

51. Enjoy the sunset

Enjoying the sunset is absolutely free! West Maui is one of my favorite places to watch the sunset, but there are plenty of amazing sunset locations all over Hawaii.

52. Free Hula Lessons

Do you want to learn to hula? You can try a free one-hour hula lesson at Lahaina Cannery Mall at 5 PM every Thursday.

53. Keiki Hula Show

The Lahaina Cannery Mall also offers a free Keiki Hula Show at 1 PM on the weekends. Keiki means “children,” so you know that this hula show is extra cute.

54. Watch the Cliff Diver at Black Rock

If you’re staying on Ka’anapali Beach, you will want to check out the cliff diving ritual at Black Rock every evening.

Speaking of Black Rock, this is one of my favorite snorkeling spots on Maui that doesn’t require a tour.

55. Maui Friday Town Parties

If you are in Maui on a Friday, there will likely be a party – and it will be free! The County of Maui sponsors Friday Town Parties.

There is no admission fee, and the parties have live entertainment, local food for purchase, and plenty of local vendors.

56. Go to the beach

You already know that Maui has some of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii. That might even be one reason that you chose Maui!

Visiting beaches is one of the best cheap things to do in Maui. Maui beaches are free and open to the public, so make sure to visit as many beaches as possible.

You can check out black and white sand beaches, although I recommend skipping the red sand beach for safety purposes and to avoid trespassing. Some of my favorite beaches on Maui are:

• Makena State Park (Big Beach)
• Baldwin Beach Park (Paia)
• Hamoa Beach (just past Hana)
• Wai’anapanapa State Park (located in Hana, you’ll now need a reservation)
• Honolua Bay (black sand)

if you’re not able to get a reservation at Wai’anapanapa State Park – don’t worry. I have a blog post with all of the black sand beaches in Maui .

You’ll find hikes in Maui for every age and skill level. Some of the best Maui hikes include:

• ‘Iao Valley State Park
• Sliding Sands Trail -Haleakala (This sounds like a Mario level)
• Waihee Ridge Trail
• Pipiwai Trail – Oheo Gulch
• Waihou Spring Trail Loop
• Halemauu Trail – Haleakala
• Kings Gardens Waterfall Hike

As with any hike in Hawaii, make sure to check availability and weather before you head out. Also, never hike alone and let someone know where you’ll be. Weather in Hawaii can change at any time.

58. Stay on the West Side during whale season

I’m often asked if the “south” side of Maui (Wailea, Kihei) or the “west” side of Maui (Kaanapali/Lahaina) is better. The truth is, there’s not a bad place to stay in Maui!

That said, if you stay on the west side during whale season, you might be lucky enough to see whales off your own lanai! You can’t beat that.

59. The Banyan Tree in Lahaina

The Lahaina Banyan Tree has 12 significant trunks and looks like several trees, but it’s just one!

While you’re there, make sure to check out the community events happening in Lahaina.

60. Kealia Pond National Wildlife Rescue.

Located between Ma’alalea and Kihei, this free, 2200-foot boardwalk offers self-guided exhibits with local wildlife information.

Hawaii on a budget: Cheap things to do in Oahu

61. visit the north shore.

No Oahu vacation is complete until you visit the North Shore. Waikiki may be famous, but the North Shore is beautiful and completely different.

Check out 25 things to do in Haleiwa for even more ideas.

62. Go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay

Although I prefer the Big Island or Maui for snorkeling, Hanauma Bay is one of the best places to snorkel in Hawaii.

You can also check out the best Oahu snorkeling for more snorkeling locations.

63. Watch surfers at Banzai Pipeline

For a free and fun activity, pack a lunch and watch surfers at the Banzi Pipeline. The Banzai Pipeline is a surf reef break located off Ehukai Beach Park in Pupukea.

In the summer, you might be able to swim or snorkel at the Banzai Pipeline, but don’t even think about it in the winter. I’ve seen 40-foot waves in the winter; they are no joke!

64. Visit the Dole Plantation

Visiting the Dole Plantation is one of the best things to do in Hawaii on a budget.

Admission to the Dole Plantation is free. You can also take a tour of the Plantation Garden for an additional fee of $7.25 for adults and $6.50 for children. Children under 4 are free.

I have a blog post about t he best pineapple farms to visit in Hawaii , and Dole Plantation definitely made the list!

A must-do is to get a Dole Whip at Dole Plantation. Yes, the famous Disney Dole Whip. This dairy-free soft-serve is perfect for cooling down on a hot day.

65. Find sea turtles at Turtle Beach

Laniakea Beach, aka Turtle Beach, is one of the best places to see turtles in Oahu.

66. Go hiking

One of the best things to do for free in Hawaii is to go hiking. Some of the best hikes in Oahu include:

• Diamond Head Hike
• Koko crater Trail
• Lanikai Pillbox Hike
• Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail
• Pu’u Piei Trail

Do not attempt to hike the Haiku Stairs, aka the Stairway to Heaven. It is illegal , regardless of what “influencers” say.

And yes, the “back way” is also illegal, and it is trespassing. You can get a fine and even have to appear in court. Yes, in Hawaii, weeks later.

Just because some people do it and don’t get caught does not mean that it’s okay or that you won’t get caught. If you’re trying to visit Hawaii on a budget, you might want to avoid that $5000 fine. 😉

67. Check out the beaches

There are so many amazing beaches in Oahu. Waikiki Beach might get the most attention, but it’s crowded. Check out Waikiki Beach to say you’ve been there, and then check out these other beaches:

• Lanikai Beach
• Kailua Beach Park
• Sunset Beach
• Ala Moana Beach Park
• Nanakuli Beach Park
• Kahana Bay Beach Park
• Waimanalo Bay Beach Park

68. Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor is the #1 attraction in Oahu for a lot of people. Whether you’re a military family, history buff, or just want to see this popular attraction, make sure to check it out.

You can do a guided tour  if you want to, but you can also visit Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial for free.

The best way to get a free ticket to the USS Arizona Memorial is to show up when the park opens at 7 AM. Here is a hint, plan to go earlier on your trip. You’ll be awake. 😉

69. Get a “Go Oahu” card

The Go Oahu Card can be a great way to make the most of your trip. Make sure to check out all of the details, though, as many activities need to be booked in advance.

70. Watch Fireworks at the Hilton Hawaiian Village

The Hilton Hawaiian Village hosts a firework show every Friday at 7:45 PM. The fireworks are part of a resort show, but anyone can see the fireworks from the beach.

All Hawaii beaches are open to the public, so you can bring chairs or a towel and sit on the beach to watch the show.

71. Learn to hula, play the Ukelele, and more

The Royal Hawaiian Center offers complimentary classes from Monday-Saturday. You can learn Hawaiian such as ‘ukulele playing, hula dancing, lauhala making, and lei making.

72. Check out the swap meet at the Aloha Stadium

Walk around the swap meet at the Aloha Stadium. Although you’ll find some cheesy, made-in-China tourist items, you can also find local goods and produce.

Hawaii on a budget: Cheap things to do in Kauai

73. bike ke ala hele makalae.

The Ke Ala Hele Makalae (“the path that goes by the coast”) bike path is a must-do in Kaua. Whether you walk or bike this path, you’ll love checking out the views.

It’s completely free to walk to the path, and some resorts like The ISO Kauai have free bikes that you can use if you are a resort guest.

Bike rentals are also fairly cheap, so this is a great activity for anyone visiting Hawaii on a budget.

74. Walk or bike the Koloa Heritage Trail

The Koloa Heritage Trail  is a 10-mile self-guided trail that you can walk or bike. Most of the stops are also accessible by car if you don’t feel like walking or biking.

Stops include Spouting Horn, Koloa Landing, Poipu Beach Park, Koloa Joda Mission (A Buddhist Temple), Koloa Missionary Church, and more.

This is a must-do if you love history and culture and visit Hawaii on a budget.

75. Wailua Falls

Kauai is full of beautiful waterfalls. Sadly, many are not accessible by car. Did you know that 90% of Kauai is inaccessible by car?

Fortunately, there are several that are easy to access, including Wailua Falls. You can drive right up to the falls and take photos on the overlook.

To see some of the other beautiful waterfalls, such as Jurassic Falls, you’ll have to take a helicopter tour . A helicopter tour is definitely a splurge, but I would highly recommend it if it works within your budget.

76. Go hiking

When you think of things to do in Hawaii on a budget, hiking might come to mind. Kauai is easily the best island for visitors who love hiking.

You can check out the  best hikes in Kauai post for more of my favorite hikes. If you are a bullet-list kind of person, here they are:

• Nounou East Trail (Sleeping Giant)
• Kalepa Ridge Trail
• Kuilau Ridge Trail
• Awa’awapuhi Trail (I have a video of this one on YouTube)
• Waialeale Blue Hole (don’t do this without a guide)
• Canyon Trail (Waipoo Falls)
• Honopu Trail
• Hanakapiai Falls
• Kalalau Trail

I’ve seen some online misinformation listing the Kalalau Trail as being free, and it is not.

This information is outdated, and you will need either a permit or advanced reservations to access any part of the Kalalau Trail, including Hanakapiai Falls.

Check out  Go Ha’ena  for more details.

77. Visit a Hindu Monastery

Located in Kapa’a, Kauai’s Hindu Monastery welcomes visitors of all faiths. Visitors are welcome to take self-guided tours, but guided tours are also available.

Make sure to check out the  guide for visiting the monastery for the dress code and other guidelines.

78. Visit a Kauai beach

Although Kauai beaches aren’t as famous as Maui, Kauai actually has more beaches around its shoreline than the other islands.

Some of the best beaches in Kauai include:

• Poipu Beach
• Polihale State Park
• Hanalei Bay
• Ke’e Beach
• Tunnels Beach
• Ha’ena State Park

79. Rum Tasting

Located at the Kilohana Plantation in Lihue, the Koloa Rum Company offers premium Hawaiian rums, ready-to-drink cocktails, rum cakes, rum fudge sauce, Hawaiian Kukui Mai Tai Mix, tropical fruit jellies/jams, unique gifts, and more.

80. Kayak the Wailua River

Rent some kayaks or take a tour of the Wailua River. Kauai is unique in that 90% of the island is not navigable by car. Kayaking down the river is just another way to access parts of the island you’d never see otherwise.

81. Kilauea Lighthouse

One of the best things to do in Kauai is visiting Kilauea Lighthouse. Admission is only $5, and kids are free.

82. Check out Waimea Canyon

Known as “The Grand anyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon is a must-see in Kauai. Even if you don’t want to hike, you have to check out some of the lookouts over the canyon.

83. Check out a glass beach

There’s a beach in an industrial area in Kauai that is made entirely of sea glass. As a bonus, you might also see Hawaiian monk seals!

84. Visit Kauai coffee company

I love coffee, particularly Hawaii coffee, and the Kauai Coffee Company  is one of my favorites.

The Kauai Coffee Company offers free tastings and free walking tours. If you’re visiting with children, they also have a free scavenger hunt that takes place every Wednesday.

85. Have lunch at Tiki Taco

Tiki Taco is my favorite lunch spot in Kauai. Located in Kapa’a, Tico Taco offers Mexican food with a Hawaiian flair.

Their tacos are only $7, and they are amazing. There are vegetarian and vegan options. As a bonus, everything is gluten-free. However, if you eat gluten, you won’t feel like you’re missing out!

Hawaii on a budget: Cheap things to do on the Big Island

86. visit kilauea volcano.

Kilauea Volcano is one of the biggest draws to the Big Island. If you’re visiting the Big Island, it’s a must-see and an inexpensive day!

If you love to hike, I recommend the Kilauea Iki Trail. Make sure to bring reef-safe sunscreen and lots of water. You’ll need both!

87. Visit Akaka Falls

Akaka Falls is one of the most familiar sites on the “Hilo side” of the Big Island. This 442-foot tall waterfall about 11-miles north of town.

There is an entry fee of $5 per car or $1/per person for pedestrians making this waterfall a cheap Big Island activity.

88. Hike into Pololu Valley

Waipio Valley is the most famous valley on the Big Island, but Pololu Valley is easier to access and is beautiful too.

You can park and hike down to Pololu, whereas with Waipio, you’ll have to (very carefully) drive down in your 4-wheel drive or take a tour.

Pololu Valley has a beautiful black sand beach and stunning views. Although the hike is short, it’s steep and is considered a “moderate” hike.

89. Visit the City of Refuge

The  Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park or the City of Refuge is a must-see on the Big Island.

The Pu’uhonua protected the kapu breaker, defeated warriors, as well as civilians during the times of battle. Take care to be respectful and observe all posted rules and regulations.

As a bonus, the City of Refuge is right next to Two-Step.

90. Snorkel at Two-Step

Although I love snorkel tours at Kealakekua Bay , Two-Step is another great snorkeling spot on the Big Island.

It’s right next to the City of Refuge, so make sure to check them out at the same time. Makes sure to bring your own gear.

91. Visit black, green, and white sand beaches

The Big Island is home to over 100 beaches, and all of them are open to the public.

Some of the best beaches on the Big Island:

• Kekaha Kai State Park (just north of the Kona airport)
• Hapuna Beach
• Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
• Waialea Beach (Beach 69)
• Punalu’u Black Sand Beach

Punalu’u Black sand Beach is also one of the best places to find sea turtles on the Big Island . It’s a great stop on the way to Volcanos National Park.

92. Check out the Petroglyph fields

Petroglyphs offer a unique view of the history of Hawaii.

Development of the island has sadly destroyed many of them, but a few remain. As always, please be respectful and do not walk in the fields.

Make sure to check out either Pukao Petroglyph Field or Waikoloa Petroglyph Field on your trip to the Big Island.

93. Visit a Farmers Market

The Big Island is full of Farmers Markets.  Some of the markets on the west side of the island include:

• Kona Farmers Market
• Kona Village Farmers Market
• Ali’i Garden Market Place
• Keauhou Farmers Market
• Captain Cook Farmers Market
• South Kona Fruit Stand
• Ho’oulu Community Farmers Market

94. Take a tour of Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm

One of the best things to do on the Big Island, and the most unique, is to take a tour of Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm . The farm is an excellent tour for families.

Pricing for tours is $69 for adults and $59 for children, but there are many discounts available.

95. Tour a Kona Coffee Farm

One of the best things to do on the Big Island on a budget is to take a tour of a Kona Coffee Farm. There are plenty of coffee farms offering free tours.

I recommend Heavenly Hawaiian,  Thunder Mountain Kona Coffee , or  Kona Joe . Make sure to call and check availability before showing up, as it can vary.

96. Check out the southernmost point in the US

Ka Lae, known as South Point, is the southernmost point in the United States. It is registered as a National Historic Landmark District.

It is believed that Ka Lae is the first place where the Polynesians came to shore when they reached the Hawaiian islands.

97. Tour Hamakua Macadamia Nut factory

All macadamia nuts from the  Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company  are grown by local farmers on the Big Island.

You can take a tour of the factory, try free samples, free coffee, and purchase gifts to bring home in the gift shop.

There are even more macadamia nut farms in Hawaii  that you can visit.

98. Mokupāpapa Discovery Center

Located in Hilo, the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center features a 3,500-gallon saltwater aquarium, interactive educational exhibits, lifesize models of wildlife found in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, and artwork inspired by those islands and Hawaiian culture.

Best of all – it’s free! Find more fun things to do in Hilo here.

99. Drive to the top of Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in Hawaii at 14,000 feet from sea level. From the base to the top, it’s even taller than Mount Everest.

You will need to stop at the visitor center to acclimate to the elevation. Keep in mind that you’ll need a 4-wheel drive. You might even find snow on Mauna Kea in the winter.

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You can also find more Hawaii travel tips right here on this blog. I have hundreds of posts with things to do in Hawaii, where to stay in Hawaii, and more. Here are some of my best Hawaii travel tips:

• 20 things you should never do in Hawaii
• 10 things to know before going to Hawaii
• Is Hawaii safe?
• Maui vs. Kauai
• 50 things to do in Maui
• 100 things to do in Hawaii
• 25 things to do on Kauai
• 25 best things to do in Kona
• What is the best luau in Hawaii?
• First Timer’s Guide to Hawaii

Book your Hawaii vacation with a Hawaii Travel Specialist

Although I am a Hawaii Travel Agent, I am only taking on a few clients for 2021. You can contact me if you’d like more information.

I would recommend starting with my Hawaii travel guide if you plan to DIY your vacation!

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Hawaii on a Budget: Oahu Guide

Hawaii is a tropical island that is on many traveller’s must-visit list. From lush jungles with hidden waterfalls and wildlife to soft, sandy beaches. Colourful coral reefs teeming with marine life and powerful volcanoes. Hawaii is an island paradise. Unfortunately, a visit to these islands also tends to come with a hefty price tag. However, after spending some time in Oahu, I found a few ways to save some cash. So for those looking for tips, here’s how to explore Hawaii on a budget.

Hawaii on a Budget: Avoid Travel During High Season

Hawaii is a year round destination, but it’s definitely more expensive to visit at certain times over others. Normally, these times coincide with holidays and school vacations. When I was planning my trip I looked at arriving either the end of August or early September. A quick look at both flight prices and accommodation quickly allowed me to decide to push my visit to September. That one-week difference (before and after Labour Day) made a big difference in costs and, I imagine, crowds as well.

Hawaii on a Budget: Keep Your Eye out for Seat Sales

One of the easiest ways to start your trip to Hawaii on a budget is to book your tickets when there is a seat sale. Thankfully, this seems to happen quite a lot. I’m Canadian and have signed up for both Air Canada and West Jet emails and I get notifications that flights to Hawaii are on sale a few times every year. Both times I’ve been to Hawaii I’ve ended up getting round trip tickets from Ottawa  for under $600 CAD which is a pretty sweet deal for such a long flight, but I have seen them go for even cheaper.

The best way to keep an eye out for these deals is to sign up for the airline emails. Often the sales are a few months out allowing you to either take advantage of a last minute deal or plan ahead. 

Hawaii on a Budget: Book Accommodation Well in Advance 

If you read my article on solo travel in Hawaii, you’ll remember that I disliked the hostel I stayed in so much that I spent my last 2 nights in Hawaii in a hotel (the Surfjack Hotel – which was pretty cool!). While I don’t regret making that decision, I do regret not making it sooner. I did look at hotel prices when I first booked my trip and while they were still pricey, they were much cheaper than I ended up paying when I booked a week before. I also didn’t have as many options since Hawaii is so popular, places book up pretty quickly. I kicked myself a little bit for that poor planning on my part.

Hotels in Waikiki definitely aren’t cheap, so if you are looking for something more affordable take a look at places that have a kitchen so you can cook and prepare your own meals. Food is also expensive in Hawaii (more on that later) so being able to buy groceries and prepare your own meals will definitely help those trying to experience Hawaii on a budget.  

Hawaii on a Budget: Focus on the Free Stuff

Hawaii has so much to see and do, especially in Oahu. However, with so many tour options it’s easy to be sucked into believing you need to hire a guide or jump on a tour bus for the day to see and do things that are, in fact, free or extremely cheap.

For example, you don’t need to drop $100 on a tour to go snorkeling. Hop on the local bus in Waikiki and head up the coast to Hanauma Bay where, for a small fee, you can have access to a stunning beach area with some great snorkeling opportunities.

Love hiking? Then head to Coco Crater or Diamond Head, both of which will reward you with stunning views of the island.

Love museums? Pearl Harbour is free to visit- you don’t need to take a tour. You just need to sign up online ahead of time (I believe there is a $1 credit card fee for this reservation, but it also means you won’t arrive and be turned away because they are full up for the day).

As for those famous Friday night fireworks in Honolulu? You don’t need to be on a boat out in the water to see them! Check online to see the best viewing spots on the beach and head there so you can see them for free.

Take the time to research the activities you want to see and do first, and you’ll be able to save some money. By doing these types of activities on your own, you can then afford to splurge on other activities that you do need to join a tour for such as  whale watching , or taking a full day circle island tour.

Hawaii on a Budget: ABC Stores & Food Trucks are Your Best Friends

Hawaii has lots of amazing food to try. From fresh fruits to poke bowls to shave ice but sometimes these things come with a pretty hefty price tag. However, there are some great food finds for those travelling to Hawaii on a budget.

One of my favourite things to do was stock up on snacks from the ABC convenience stores. They had bananas, apples, granola bars, yogurt, dried fruit and nuts, and even sandwiches and sushi rolls for sale. I stuck with the snack-type options to throw in my bag and take with me to the beach. Personally, I don’t tend to eat as much when it’s hot anyways (and it was HOT when I visited) so I was good with snacking throughout the day instead of going to a restaurant for a big lunch. It also helped curb my guilt when I got really hot and splurged on a rainbow shave ice. Which I did daily. When in Hawaii, right?

As for dinner, food trucks and quick-food type spots were my favourite picks.  Food trucks offered everything from fresh seafood (mahi mahi is delicious), to Thai dishes, Indian plates, and more. A quick google search will show you where to find the top rated food trucks in the area or ask at your accommodation. During my first visit, there was a temporary food truck park set up a couple blocks away where there were a couple dozen stands and trucks serving up delicious fresh food for half the price that you would pay in a restaurant.

One of my favourite cheap food finds in Waikiki was a place called the Poke Bar. It’s basically like the Subway version of Poke bowls. Pick your bowl size, the type of rice, your proteins, your veggies, and your sauce. You can take it to go or grab a seat on a stool and eat there. I ate here three days in a row and have been craving it since.

The best part? These are the types of places where the locals go so I actually felt that I was getting the real Waikiki experience, not the tourist one. A definite bonus considering my goal was to visit Hawaii on a budget.

Hawaii on a Budget: Stick to One Island

As you already know Hawaii isn’t just one island, it’s a chain of islands and each one has something different and unique to offer. When I first planned on visiting I considered doing a bit of island hopping, but upon doing some more research I quickly realized that was not a good idea for someone trying to visit Hawaii on a budget. My first time, I only had 1 week in Hawaii , so it made sense to just spend more time exploring Oahu rather than jumping around to see a little bit of multiple islands. If you have more time Hawaii, then it may be worth your while but for one week or less, I recommend picking one island and sticking to it.

Hawaii on a Budget: Come Prepared

One of the easiest ways to save money is to make sure you come prepared with the little things. You can easily eliminate a lot of costs by packing properly and making sure you bring what you need. Some of the best examples are:

• A reusable water bottle: Tap water in Hawaii is safe to drink (and pretty good too) plus a lot of places have water fountains (including by the beach). So cut down on plastic, save some money, and bring a reusable water bottle with you. Don’t have one? Try this one.
• Sunscreen: Lots of it. Trust me, you’ll need it. Keep in mind that Hawaii is banning sunscreens with chemicals and ingredients that can harm the coral and marine life, so you want to make sure that you bring an ocean-safe sunscreen. I recommend this brand which has been tried and tested.
• Snorkel gear: Whether you plan on scuba diving in Hawaii, or just snorkeling, you’ll need some gear. Sure, you can rent it but, let’s be honest, sharing snorkels is kinda gross. I recommend you bring your own to save yourself a few bucks and ensure that you have good equipment. I use a TUSA mask that I love and comes with me everywhere. But even if you aren’t a diver like I am you can find a good mask and snorkel kit for a decent price here.
• Drybag: Whether you are headed to the beach or maybe going out on a boat, a dry bag will come in very handy during your trip to Hawaii. Buy one here.

Hawaii may not be a cheap destination, but it doesn’t have to be as expensive as you think either. By following the tips and advice I’ve given above on how to explore Hawaii on a budget you can definitely cut down on your expected vacation costs.

A Note on Travel Insurance in Hawaii

Please, do NOT travel without travel insurance! I’ve had to rely on mine multiple times. While the cost may seem annoying and better spent elsewhere, trust me when I say you’ll be sorry if you don’t have it. For just a couple bucks a day, you can save yourself a whole lot of stress and money. I like to recommend SafetyWing for travel medical insurance as they are one of the most affordable options I’ve found, plus, they are who I use and I have had great experiences with them. Learn more about the importance of travel insurance here.

Ready to Book Your Trip?

Don’t forget travel insurance!

Please do not travel without travel insurance! I’ve had to use it multiple times throughout my travels and it has saved me thousands of dollars. You can learn more about travel insurance  here . If you are looking for a provider I love and recommend  SafetyWing . For Canadian readers, take a look at  SoNomad.

Book your accommodation

I love and recommend  booking.com  for accommodation. They have a range of hostels, guesthouses, hotels, and resorts. Plus, the platform has a great loyalty program that means the more you book, the more you can save. 

Book your tours

My go-to tour provider that I love to recommend is  GetYourGuide . They have options all over the world and partner with local companies for everything from day trips to food experiences and even airport transfers. 

Get connected

If you want to have data while travelling for online maps or any other needs, an esim is one of the easiest solutions. I’m a big fan of Airalo and have used their sim cards around the world from Brazil to Uzbekistan, Greece to the USA. It’s really easy- you download the app, pick what country you want an esim for, and after you purchase it follow the installation instructions. You can use promo code HANNAH3326 to save $3USD on your next esim purchase. 

Not sure what to pack?

I have destination-specific guides for some countries but you can also check my  travel essentials  and  camera gear  if you are looking for some ideas. 

Looking for a travel buddy?

Check out my group trips!

[…] Pssst. Looking to save money on your vacation? Check out my article on how to explore Hawaii on a budget. […]

[…] Village: A budget option ideal for solo travellers looking to meet others or those just visiting Oahu on a budget. It’s a basic place to stay but a great location for beach lovers with the added bonus of free […]

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The Best Ways To Save Money While Traveling To Maui On A Tight Budget

T here's no question that Maui, Hawaii, is an idyllic tropical escape. Within its five regions, visitors will find an abundance of beaches and natural wonders, including Napili Bay Beach and Haleakala Crater, amongst many others. Simply put, a Maui vacation is a bucket-list experience. Perhaps the only drawback is that Maui, the second largest island in Hawaii, is notoriously expensive. The locale is known for its astronomical cost of living; however, high prices affect not only its citizens but the tourists as well, as accommodation prices have seen a sharp increase since 2021.

Unsurprisingly, this was a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, in August 2023, the Maui Wildfires devastated the island, economically and otherwise. Consequently, accommodation prices decreased from 2023 but remained costly, according to  Maui Now . Case in point: Several of Maui's resorts, such as the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua or Hyatt Regency Maui Resort And Spa, cost upwards of more than $400 per night.

This is all to say that a vacation to Maui won't come cheap. Coupled with inflation, which is affecting all travel prices, your trip could ultimately break the bank. Nevertheless, it is possible to experience a Maui getaway on a limited budget, like some of the more affordable island destinations around the world . Although it will take plenty of planning, your wallet will thank you for it in the long run.

Read more: 25 Gorgeous Islands For Vacationing That Won't Break The Bank

Travel To Maui In The Off-Season

Three million tourists visit Maui annually (via NPR ). No doubt, visitors flock to this destination during the island's busiest seasons: winter and summer. Unfortunately, those who travel to Maui at this time can expect every aspect of their vacation, including airfare, car rentals, and more, to come with a higher price tag. Hence, if you have a small budget, travel in spring or fall, Maui's off-seasons. Yes, the Hawaiian island is an unexpectedly perfect fall destination . Temperatures are in the 70s year round, which means you can have a beach day any time, including in April or October. Most importantly, planning your vacation during either of these seasons means overall lower prices. There's less of a demand, thus, there's more supply.

In a 2023 article for Business Insider , writer Teaghan Skulszki documented her experience traveling to Maui in the fall and the advantages that came with this decision. She revealed that she only paid $300 for roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles to Maui. In addition, Skulszki emphasized that the island and its many popular eateries and attractions, including Haleakalā National Park, were uncongested. Ultimately, she stated that this allowed her to have a more authentic travel experience. On that note, if you know you want to travel to Maui in the spring or fall, purchase your airfare months in advance to get even more bang for your buck.

Opt For Low-Priced Attractions In Maui

When visiting any island in Hawaii, skip the tourist traps , but this is especially the case in Maui. This will ultimately prove cost effective. For instance, luaus, snorkeling excursions, and farm tours can all cost hundreds of dollars, especially if you're traveling with family. Instead, enjoy many of Maui's budget-friendly attractions. For example,  Maui Walking Tours  offers free tours of Kihei and Wailuku. Dates vary for this educational experience and reservations can be made online. Moreover, beaches like Kaanapali Beach, Napili Bay Beach, and Ho'okipa Beach Park are not only breathtaking but free to visit.

If you have a rental car, driving the 64-mile Road to Hana is a must. Think of this drive as a self-guided tour. There are several scenic stops along the way, including Ho'okipa Beach Park. In addition, there are other free attractions to discover, like Ke'anae Arboretum and Hamoa Beach. Twin Falls is another popular destination on the Road to Hana. This gorgeous waterfall is also a swimming spot. Bear in mind that there is a small parking fee to access Twin Falls. Likewise, there are a variety of things to do in Maui for $30 or less, such as visiting Wai'anapanapa State Park or Haleakalā National Park. Given this, it is entirely possible to have a vacation of a lifetime in this coastal utopia with limited funds.

Stay At A Hostel Or Camp In Maui

Maui is synonymous with beachside resorts, the best of which are ultra-luxe . These can cost a pretty penny. If you need economical lodgings, consider a hostel. The Aloha Surf Hostel (pictured) in Paia features shared dorms and private rooms that can accommodate up to three people. You can expect to pay under $200 per night, excluding taxes. Of course, staying in a shared dorm is the cheapest option. Complimentary breakfast is provided. In addition, Aloha Surf Hostel offers guests free tours and transportations around Maui, including to the Road to Hana and Makena Beach State Park. Another option is Howzit Hostels in Wailuku. It's similar in price and amenities. This includes shared dorms (including a females-only dorm), private rooms, and free tours. Free breakfast is also provided. 

However, if you're on a tighter budget, you can camp on Maui. Waiʻānapanapa State Park, for example, offers cabin rentals. This will set visitors back $100 per night. Tripadvisor reviewers say you must pack your own food, bedding, and other necessities for your stay at these no-frills cabins. But don't let this deter you. As one Tripadvisor reviewer explained, "Fantastic camping experience! Staying here enabled us to really take our time with the Hana sights! Cabin was clean and spacious — it's not a hotel, but I'm not sure I would categorize it as rustic when it has a microwave!"

Dine At Maui's Food Trucks Or Small, Locally-Owned Eateries

In addition to its mesmerizing natural beauty, Maui is acclaimed for its local cuisine. Although there are several upscale restaurants, you don't have to spend a lot of money to eat well. Maui has food trucks throughout the island offering affordable and delicious meals. Thai Mee Up is an award-winning food truck with pad thai, green curry, and more. Happy Belly Food Truck serves Asian-fusion dishes like sliders, udon drunken noodles, and pork belly bao. Visitors can eat at either mobile eatery for under $20.

Beyond food trucks, Maui has various low-cost eateries for quick bites. At 808 Deli, you can get sandwiches, paninis, salads, and hot dogs for under $20. Although slightly more expensive, South Maui Fish Company is renowned for its tacos and received a Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice award in 2023. As for dessert, you can't go wrong with Island Cream Co.

Note that if you plan on eating at a food truck or making a to-go order in Maui, the island is plastic free. Therefore, it's unlikely you will receive disposable cutlery. Make sure to add a portable utensil set to your packing list. These are widely available online for under $10.

Take Advantage Of Maui's Public Transportation

If you want to explore Maui and drive the Road to Hana or Kahekili Highway, a dangerous but stunning scenic road , renting a car would be best. Of course, this won't come cheap and can cost hundreds of dollars. If you can't include this in your budget, no problem — there is public transportation. The Maui Bus public transit service is only $2 for a single ride or $4 for a daily pass. Although opting out of a car rental may limit what you can see and do in Maui, there are 12 bus routes that can transport you throughout the island. Notably, the Maui Bus can take travelers to and from Kahului Airport. 

Keep in mind that there are luggage restrictions. Simply put, the more compact the better: It must fit on your lap or underneath the bus seat. If it's too big, you will not be allowed on. That said, Tripadvisor reviewers say that the Maui Bus is stringent when it comes to this rule. However, others commend it. "We were very impressed with Maui Bus as the buses were clean and air-conditioned. The bus was always on schedule and not crowded," said one individual, who referred to it as "A good economical alternative." For those who plan on using the Maui bus, there is an app available on iOS and Android that can aid in finding routes and more.

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Travel + Leisure Readers' 20 Favorite Resorts in Hawaii of 2024

Readers dialed into the natural beauty at Hawaii’s resorts in our annual “World’s Best Awards” survey for 2024.

How Voting Works

What readers loved, the full list.

Travel + Leisure readers found beauty, culture, and adventure on five different islands in this year’s World’s Best Awards survey, proving, yet again, that this archipelago is one of the most diverse and adaptable vacation destinations in the world. From Oahu to Lanai , they weighed in on their top resort experiences. 

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Over 186,000 T+L readers completed the 2024 survey. A total of more than 700,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below:

• Rooms/facilities

For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.

Michelle Mishina Kunz

T+L readers found Hawaiian resort favorites on the islands of Maui, Oahu, Hawaii, Lanai, and Kauai.

Plenty of perennial Oahu favorites made the list, like Turtle Bay Resort, Halekulani, and Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina. Last year’s No. 20 pick, The Kahala Hotel & Resort, has risen precipitously to No. 3. “My favorite hotel in Hawaii, and I’ve been to all the islands,” one T+L reader raved. On the island of Hawaii, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai returns at No. 17 (down from No. 14), as does the Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection (up from No. 4 to No. 6).

On Maui, Hotel Wailea continues to impress, earning the No. 2 spot (down one spot from last year’s coveted No. 1 pick), with praise from readers: “This hotel is a dream,” wrote one. But this year’s top pick goes to the much-discussed Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, an 81-acre oceanfront property that opened in the 1960s and had been in a state of disrepair since a 2011 tsunami struck; Rosewood reopened it in 2023.

Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort: Island of Hawaii, Hawaii

In 1965, Johnno and Helen Jackson founded a much-beloved resort known as Kona Village. It was destroyed in a 2011 tsunami that struck the property, and, until 2023, remained the stuff of legends. That’s when Rosewood reinvented the iconic property as Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort . Is it as incredible as the original? T+L readers seem to think so. “One of the most special places on earth, and I appreciate Rosewood and the construction and finance teams for all they have done to restore this wonderful resort,” wrote one reader. Another deemed Kona Village the “best in Hawaii.” Known since inception for its hospitality, the resort has not lost its sense of self with new ownership. “The care and concern for guests is evident throughout the resort by everyone from check-in to checkout” wrote one surveyor.

One of the most special places on earth, and I appreciate Rosewood and the construction and finance teams for all they have done to restore this wonderful resort.

1. Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort : Island of Hawaii

Reader Score: 97.29

2. Hotel Wailea : Maui

Reader Score: 96.91

3. The Kahala Hotel & Resort : Oahu

Reader Score: 96.67

4. Kaimana Beach Hotel : Oahu

Reader Score: 95.64

5. Montage Kapalua Bay : Maui

Reader Score: 94.53

6. Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection : Island of Hawaii

Reader Score: 93.59

7. Ko'a Kea Resort on Po'ipu Beach : Kauai

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 93.47

8. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea : Maui

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 93:08

9. Four Seasons Resort Lanai : Lanai

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 93.05

10. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach : Oahu

Reader Score: 92.42

11. Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui : Maui

Reader Score: 92.23

12. Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii : Island of Hawaii

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 91.86

13. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay : Kauai

Reader Score: 91.82

14. Hanalei Colony Resort : Kauai

Reader Score: 91.43

15. The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort : Island of Hawaii

Reader Score: 91.11

16. Turtle Bay Resort : Oahu

Reader Score: 90.77

17. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai : Island of Hawaii

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 90.71

18. Halekulani : Oahu

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 90.46

19. Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina : Oahu

Reader Score: 90.25

20. Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui : Maui

Reader Score: 89.81

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Personal Finance

How to travel on a budget: 12 tips from our expert.

Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.

Most people want to travel. Too few people pull the trigger—often because they assume that their bucket list dreamcation is too pricey.

The truth is that Instagram influencers have ruined the idea of travel. You don’t have to stay in an overwater villa with a two-story water slide to have a fulfilling trip. Abide by a few practical tricks, and you can travel without spending a small fortune. Let’s look at 12 ways to travel on a budget.

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Disclosures:, 12 best money-saving travel tips, 1. let the deals guide you.

Did you know that tools exist to help you find the cheapest travel to anywhere from your home airport? If you don’t have a firm destination in mind, sites such as Google Flights and Skyscanner allow you to leave your destination airport blank. You can then sort your search results by the cheapest fares and choose a destination that fits your budget. You’ll be surprised how far you can get for a ticket under $50 each way.

2. Book airfare from hubs when traveling internationally

If your travel aspirations lie outside the U.S., your best tactic to save money is searching for flights from major U.S. gateways to your destination—instead of from your home airport.

For example, if you live in Punta Gorda, Florida, you’re less likely to find a screaming deal to Europe from your home airport of Punta Gorda (PGD) than from Miami (MIA) or Orlando (MCO). Driving the 2.5 hours to either of these airports could save you $500+ per ticket. It could even be worth flying to a hub airport just to catch the cheaper transatlantic flight.

Similarly, try to be flexible with your destination airport. If you’d like to visit Paris, take a look at other European airports, such as Frankfurt (FRA), Dublin (DUB), Madrid (MAD), etc. If you find a fare several hundred dollars cheaper, you can book an inexpensive hop from that city to Paris fand save some serious money.

3. Earn a credit card welcome bonus

It’s the golden age of credit cards intro offers. There are currently many welcome bonuses that reward you with potentially more than $1,000 in travel after meeting minimum spending requirements.

For example, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card currently offers 75,000 miles if you spend $4,000 in the first three months after you open the account. They are worth $750 when you book travel through Capital One’s travel portal—and potentially more through using its convert-rewards option with partners. Check the airfare and other prices to be sure you’re getting the best value.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. You can cash out these points for a $600 check, or you can redeem them through Chase Travel at a rate of 1.25 cents each toward airfare, hotels, cruises, and more (a value of $750). You can also transfer these points to airline and hotel programs for an even greater value. Read the TIME Stamped guide to Chase transfer partners for more details.

Compare these two cards here.

4. Eat like a local

If your idea of vacation is lounging on a beach chair with a bottomless tequila sour cup in your hand, you’re probably going to spend a lot of money. But if you can pull yourself away from the large resort properties that pride themselves on sequestering guests from local culture, you’ll save money and eat better food.

Whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, try to eat where the locals eat. You’ll find cheaper prices and deliciously authentic food.

5. Book an Airbnb (or even a hostel)

Nowadays, it’s hard to find a room at a hotel—a respectable one, anyway—for under $100 per night. You can do significantly better than this by booking an Airbnb, particularly for extended stays. Many hosts offer steep discounts for bookings of at least a week. And if for some reason you’re staying a month or more, you’ll sometimes find whopping 50% discounts.

Depending on your travel style, you may also consider staying with a host family. Airbnb offers the option to rent a room in someone’s house instead of the entire home. This can be incredibly cheap, and also gives you a chance to better understand the local culture.

Another alternative to hotels is hostelling. It gets sort of a bad rap for being a bit seedy and communal, but there are some excellent hostels out there that you can reserve for a fraction of the price of even an Airbnb. If you’re willing to pay slightly more, you can even reserve your own room instead of the standard dormitory setup.

6. Buy your own alcohol when staying at a resort

Alcohol can be a crippling expense at resorts—sometimes as much as $30 per mixed drink, depending on the class of property you visit. If you expect alcohol to be a meaningful expense during your trip, pop over to the local supermarket or liquor store and buy your own stash. You’ll likely be able to get a full 750ml bottle for the price of a single drink from the overpriced bar.

True, it won’t be quite as magical as ordering the property’s signature drinks, but isn’t it worth saving potentially hundreds of dollars during your stay?

7. Book a room with a kitchen

Whether you rent a hotel room, an Airbnb, or otherwise, you can save big by choosing a space with a kitchen. Extended-stay properties like Home2 Suites by Hilton, Hyatt House, or Candlewood Suites have full kitchens that you can use to buy groceries and cook your own meals as opposed to eating out every single day. Not only is it cost-effective, but you’ll probably end up eating healthier.

8. Hold (and use) the right credit card

Airline and hotel credit cards often come with benefits that can lower your out-of-pocket in a powerful way.

For example, airline credit cards such as the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offer a free checked bag for you and other travelers on your reservation. Because checked bags typically cost $35 each way, this could save you and a travel buddy $140 during a single trip. If you travel with a large family, you’ll save even more.

Many hotel credit cards, such as the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card , confer automatic Gold Status that comes with benefits like breakfast privileges during your stay. This benefit alone can save you hundreds of dollars during a stay, depending on the hotel.

Also, some premium travel rewards credit cards, like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card , offer complimentary airport lounge access to over 1,400 lounges worldwide. You’ll often find free food and alcohol inside a lounge, saving you from having to pay exorbitant airport restaurant food prices.

Just note that many travel credit cards incur annual fees, so be sure to examine all benefits of the card to decide if it’s worth the investment.

9. Book a destination where your dollar goes further

If you’re looking to save money during your travels, don’t pick a location like St. Barths or Monaco. Find a place where the U.S. dollar is strong.

Southeast Asia is a perfect example where, as long as you stay away from tourist traps, you can find great food and accommodation for a small fraction of what you’d pay for a domestic trip. If you can spring for the flight to a country like Thailand or the Philippines, you’ll be astonished at the favorable exchange rate.

10. Avoid tour groups

There are innumerable benefits to traveling solo as opposed to booking a tour group. Yes, you’ll forfeit a few interesting tidbits about the area relayed by a tour guide. But you’ll gain complete freedom over your schedule and by extension, the ability to avoid massive crowds.

And, of course, you’ll be able to eat where you want instead of inevitably being shepherded into a random gift shop/diner in the middle of nowhere with outrageous prices.

11. Stay inland

The beach is the quintessential “vacation,” and hotels capitalize on that. Plan a vacation away from the beach, or at least stay a mile or two away from the sand to avoid the surcharge that comes with the privilege of a 10-second walk to the ocean.

12. Choose areas that are rich in scenery

The best budget vacations are those that involve the outdoors. Hiking, swimming, even strolling through stunning scenery is often completely free (or reasonably priced, if a park pass is required). The prettier your destination, the less you’ll spend to entertain yourself.

TIME Stamp: Being flexible will save you big on your next trip

There’s no such thing as a free lunch. But using a handful of these strategies can take potentially thousands of dollars off your travel bill.

Most important is flexibility. Stay open minded enough to follow the cheap deals—though you may end up in a place you wouldn’t have otherwise chosen, you may discover your new favorite destination.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is a reasonable travel budget.

A reasonable travel budget is impossible to pinpoint, as everyone’s idea of “budget” is different. That said, many experts recommend sticking to between 5% and 10% of your annual income for your travels.

How much money do you realistically need to travel?

The amount you need to travel depends on many factors, such as whether you’re flying, where you’re going, the size of your party, the length of your stay, and the quality of your accommodations. But no matter your budget, you can craft a vacation that fits your financial restraints. Just try not to go into debt for it.

How can I travel for little money?

Collecting airline miles and hotel points through credit card welcome bonuses and everyday spending is the best way to travel for little money. With a single intro bonus, you could earn enough rewards for a week’s stay at a hotel or a round-trip flight to Europe.

What is the most cost effective way to travel?

Staying at hostels or with host families during your trip is an excellent way to travel for little money. Also keep an eye on travel deals that pop up and allow them to dictate your destination.

The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.

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Budget Hawaiian Vacation Tips

Planning your hawaiian island trip.

Many people are quick to write off the idea of a Hawaiian vacation for fear of breaking the bank. But the truth is that everybody deserves some time off from their usual routine to enjoy a change of scenery, and Hawaii is the perfect place to catch up on some much-needed R&R.

And if your Hawaii vacation budget isn't exactly as high as you'd like it, don't worry... you really can enjoy a Hawaiian vacation while still saving some cash. 

Check out these money-saving tips:

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2024-2025 Hawaii Budget Calculator

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Aloha, guest readers can calculate five (5) trip cost estimates for Hawaii each day. Rates included within this calculator are based on projected 2024-2025 rates aggregated from current OTA pricing. Rates will be updated regularly.

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Calculator overview.

This calculator is designed to provide both a comprehensive and regularly updated budget estimate for planning a trip to Hawaii. Currently, rates are applicable for 2024-2025. Generally, these rates should provide a good estimate for any time period between 2024 and mid 2025.

This budget tool considers all of the following:

• Hawaii Flight Costs including airfare from various destinations, baggage fees, etc.
• Hawaii Accommodation Costs including different lodging types, Hawaii's now roughly 18% accommodation tax, parking fees (if applicable), which island you're staying on, etc.
• Hawaii Vehicle Rental Costs including various types of vehicles, fuel costs, and number of miles driven daily.
• Additional Costs including dining + gratuity, visitor fees to parks, etc., and Hawaii Tours and Activity costs.

Hawaii Flight Costs

First, consider your flight costs to Hawaii. Select your departure location, update the number of travelers (if applicable), and check whether you expect to pay baggage fees, below.

Hawaii Accommodation Costs

Next, let us know which island you'll be visiting (select the primary island if you're visiting more than one), select a lodging type/classification, update the number of nights (default is set to a week), update the number or rooms (if applicable), and check whether you expect to pay parking fees (common in more densely populated areas on Oahu and/or Maui).

Statewide Rate : 18%

Hawaii Car Rental Costs

Now, let's consider your vehicle rental costs (if applicable). If you're not renting a car, select 'No Car,' but for most visitors, we highly recommend a rental. Update the number of days (which will default to +1 day more than you selected in accommodation nights) and choose an estimate for your mileage each day. If you're not sure, we recommend you leave the default option selected.

If you select 'No Car' this will be zeroed out by default!

Other Hawaii Costs

Finally, consider a few last potential costs and fees for your trip. There's dining (we've included gratuity in the estimates), and we've selected all three meal options by default. Then, there are potential fees for parks and other attractions, which are a relatively new factor to now consider when estimating a Hawaii budget; select the applicable options below. Finally, select the amount, if any, you expect to spend on Hawaii Tours and/or commercial Activities. Be sure to update the number of people dining and people the fees/tours apply to if applicable; these numbers will default to the same number of people you selected previously for this trip estimate.

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Deciding a date.

You’re likely to find the best bargains on airfares and hotels during the spring, starting from mid-April to mid-June. Planning your vacation during this time of year will not only allow you to save some money but will also give you the opportunity to enjoy Hawaii’s best weather.

Avoiding planning a trip to Hawaii around any major holiday, as hotel and airfare prices tend to increase; sometimes dramatically so. 

Food on the Cheap 

Eating out in Hawaii doesn’t have to be expensive. Sure, you can splurge a bit if you want to, but if you'd rather save your vacation dollars for other things, check out some of Hawaii's incredible food trucks. These roving gems of deliciousness can be easily spotted in busy places (think lots of foot traffic) and serve delicious food at reasonable prices. In fact, many people report their best meal in Hawaii was eaten at a food truck! 

You'll want to avoid restaurants in very touristy locations, as these establishments tend to cost quite a bit more than in non-touristy areas.  If you’re staying at a rented condo or apartment with a kitchen, prepare your own meals for even bigger savings. 

Planning your meals ahead is key. Find the best and cheapest places to eat where you'll be staying and don't forget to ask the locals for recommendations. 

Plan Activities in Advance

Plan your tours and  activities  well in advance to save yourself both time and money. Many outdoor activities like hiking, snorkeling, or simply walking along a gorgeous beach are free (or nearly free) and are a great way enjoy the fresh air, get some exercise, and have an up-close-and-personal Hawaiian adventure. 

Also, check out the visitor information station at the airport. You can often find all sorts of coupons and discounts that might save you big bucks. Also, keep an eye out for feature articles, maps, dining reviews, and shopping directories as you browse tourist websites and magazines. These resources tend to contain loads of useful money-saving tips and information.

Additionally, many rental car agencies offer their clients discount coupons for meals and activities, so be sure to ask when renting a vehicle. 

Stick to One Island

Here’s something that many Hawaiian vacation first-timers don’t fully appreciate: inter-island flights can be expensive. If you’re on a tight budget, pick your favorite island and explore that island to your heart's content. Resisting the urge to puddle-jump can save you a lot of cash. 

If you’re looking for opportunities to save , Oahu may be your best option, as the island has the largest number of budget accommodations as well the most well-developed public transportation system.

Use Public Transportation

To save money on airfare and rental cars, consider choosing public transportation whenever possible. However, please note that in many areas of Hawaii public transportation can be very limited or even nonexistent. By far, the best island for getting around without a car is Oahu, so if taking the bus is important to you, you may want to consider Oahu as your primary destination. 

Remember: with a little bit of research and planning, enjoying a Hawaiian vacation on a budget really is possible. 

About the Author

Rachael Everly is an undergraduate information and technology student who loves to write on topics related to business, finance, technology, and education. Currently, she is associated with Equip Enterprises LLC . Follow her on Twitter or Facebook .

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Southwest sale: 40% off flights to Hawaii

Southwest Airlines is offering 40% off flights to Hawaii for travel through much of 2024.

Use the code "HAWAII40" and book your flight by July 11.

Deal basics

Airline : Southwest Airlines

Routes : Valid for select flights from the continental U.S. to and from Hawaii, excluding John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Santa Ana, California

How to book : Directly with Southwest Airlines using the promo code "HAWAII40"

Travel dates : From Aug. 13 through Dec. 17, 2024

Book by : July 11 at 11:59 p.m. PDT

Blackout dates (depending on the route) :

• Aug. 29 through Sept. 3
• Nov. 21 through Nov. 25
• Nov. 29 through Dec. 3

Sale fares are limited based on availability and applicable to nonstop travel (when available) or a single connecting service. The discount does not cover the $5.60 in taxes and fees that will be charged each way.

Sample flights

Because Southwest generally does not disclose its sale routes, the quickest way to take advantage of this deal is by using the carrier's Low Fare Calendar to search for your desired route with the promo code "HAWAII40" as shown below.

For example, in late August, you could book round-trip tickets from Chicago's Midway International Airport (MDW) to Kahului Airport (OGG) on Maui for less than $500. A green price tag and banner at the top will indicate sale fares.

Southwest's Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares are both on sale, giving travelers two checked bags at no extra cost as well as one carry-on and one personal item. These tiers also include free inflight entertainment and messaging.

Fares can be changed or canceled up to 10 minutes before departure. However, if you cancel a Wanna Get Away trip, you will receive a flight credit in lieu of a refund.

Maximize your purchase

If you book this deal, use a credit card that earns bonus points on airfare purchases, such as:

• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card : 2 points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card : 3 points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases
• American Express® Gold Card : 3 points per dollar spent on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel
• The Platinum Card® from American Express : 5 points per dollar spent on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel (on up to $500,000 of these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar)
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : 3 points per dollar spent on airfare
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : 2 points per dollar spent on travel

Bottom line

This sale applies to both cash and points bookings on Southwest flights and is valid for travel to Hawaii until Dec. 17. Book by July 11 to save.

Related reading:

• How to redeem your points with the Southwest Rapid Rewards program
• How to snag the best seats on Southwest Airlines
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Card review: Enough perks for $99?
• How to earn and use the Southwest Companion Pass
• Southwest Performance Business card review: Solid benefits for a manageable annual fee
• How to qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass with one credit card sign-up bonus
• Best-ever Southwest offers: Earn up to 120,000 points with a business credit card