trip to hawaii budget

Visiting Hawaii on a budget (2023): 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 :

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 Bishop Museum in Honolulu to receive free admission. We went twice (for free!) and even considered a third visit. It’s the perfect free activity if you’re trying to visit Hawaii with kids on a budget!

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 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 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 (2023): 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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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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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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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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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.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

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• Travel Planning Guide

How much does a trip to Hawaii Cost?

How much money should you budget for your trip to Hawaii?

How much does a weekend trip to hawaii cost.

• How much does a five-day trip to Hawaii cost?
• How much does a one-week trip to Hawaii cost?
• Hostel Prices
• Hotel Prices

The Cost of a Trip to Hawaii

When it comes to exploring Hawaii, travelers typically find themselves budgeting between $128 and $975 per day for solo adventures and $256 to $1,950 if you're traveling as a couple. Now, that's a broad range, but the typical trip, on average, is $342 per person per day. This average cost covers sightseeing, accommodation, meals, and transportation, all from our large repository of travel expenses from previous visitors. Keep in mind, though, your personal spending might vary a bit based on your own level of luxury, travel style, and chosen activities. However, if you're visiting the highlights with some savvy planning, chances are your spending will vibe right around this average cost. For more details, check out the breakdown of expenses by category, plus the breakdown on accommodation and activity prices below.

If you're planning an Independent trip to Hawaii, budget travelers should plan to spend around $128 per day for their trip. This average includes hostels and budget hotels, affordable meal options, local transportation, and activities. If you're on a mid-range budget, plan for around $342 a day which covers the cost of typical hotels, normal restaurants, and a variety of popular attractions. Luxury travelers should allow for $975 a day, which would cover higher-end hotels, nicer restaurants, and more private tour options. All of these price ranges are based on our extensive travel cost data for Hawaii from other travelers, along with hotel and tour data from travel companies.

On average, travelers spend around $1,025 per person during a three-day trip to Hawaii. This average includes expenses for sightseeing, hotels, food, and local transportation. To align with this average price range, consider opting for mid-range hotels and dining at mid-level restaurants, while also allocating funds for entry tickets to popular attractions. For those seeking a more budget-friendly approach, it is possible to find lower-cost accommodations, dine at less expensive restaurants, and explore free activities. Also, many visitors choose to spend a higher travel budget, as Hawaii offers a range of high-end hotels and restaurants for those seeking a more luxurious experience.

How much does a five day trip to Hawaii cost?

With five days in Hawaii, you can expect to spend about $1,708 total, not including transportation to and from the city. It's possible to stay close to this daily average by booking mid-range hotels, eating at normal restaurants, and paying for some entry tickets to popular attractions. It's possible to find lower-cost accommodations, eat at less expenive restaurants, and find more free activities if you want to spent less money.

How much does a one week trip to Hawaii cost?

Most visitors spend between $894 and $6,827 for a one week trip to Hawaii, with the average being $2,391 . This includes sightseeing, local transportation, food, and hotels. One week is enough time to have a more in-depth experience in Hawaii. Also, one week allows you to be more flexible with your time and money, so you can potentially save money on some aspects of your trip while spending more on others.

Hotel Prices in Hawaii

Based on our calculations from available hotels in the Hawaii, the average price for a hotel room is $0 per night. To save money, or if you're planning a more luxurious trip, it's important to look at hotel prices based on the overall star-rating as well as guest reviews. Also, prices can vary by amenities and location. Check out more details from our analysis of hotel prices in Hawaii here , and below is a breakdown of hotel prices by star-rating.

Should you do a tour in Hawaii?

Many visitors enjoy the convenience of booking tours and activities while they visit, and Hawaii has a wide array of things to do. These activities often include knowledgable guides and unique experiences. Tours range in price from $198 for the Maui Nui Luau at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa to $209 for the Myths of Maui Luau Dinner and a Show .

• Private Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tour in Turtle Town, Maui Viator $ 149
• Private Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tour in Turtle Town, Maui: $149
• Complete Island Tour & Sunrise Photo Experience : $170
• Voted #1 on Maui. VIP, Private Road to Hana backstage pass tour: $299
• ETOHI: Exclusive Island Tour - Oahu • Private • Custom • No Rush: $286
• 3 Hour Sunrise Photo Tour with Malasada: $65
• Afternoon Adventure Snorkel from Ka'anapali: $169
• 4 Hour Super-Raft Snorkeling Experience in Kailua-Kona: $141
• Taste of Hawaii: A Maui Farm Tour: $69

More for Hawaii

If you're planning a trip to Hawaii, Hawaii, check out these other informative travel guides.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis. 2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis. For example, the Food 2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment 1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.

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Setting your budget for your Hawaiian Vacation

• Flights: $1,200
• Inter Island Flights: No Entry
• Lodging: $2,040
• Transportation: No Entry
• Activities/Tours: $1,000
• Food: $1,400
• Lei Greeting: No Entry
• Insurance: No Entry
• Shopping: No Entry
• Supplies: No Entry
• Spa: No Entry
• Child Care: No Entry
• Pet Care: No Entry
• Cruise: No Entry

Your Total Budget

When planning your Hawaiian vacation you will probably want to set a budget. But we realize that you really may not know what a good budget would be. This page will help you figure out what things will cost and what not to forget in your budget plans. Once you have your budget you can decide if your dates are feasible, how much you need to save each month, and if you can splurge on that luxury activity when you get there.

Your budget can vary greatly depending on what you do, how far you have to travel there, your mode of travel, what level of experiences you want to have on the islands, whether you want to stay on the beach or just nearby, how long you are staying, and more. We’ll go through each section and help guide you to find the right numbers to add to your budget.

Each section below will take you through all the areas that your most likely to experience on your Hawaiian vacation. We’ll take you through flights, hotels, arrival, transportation, activities, food, and a whole lot of smaller and sometimes optional items for you to consider. Once you’re done you should have a much better idea of what you need to plan for. We look forward to hearing about your Hawaiian Vacation.

One of the 3 largest items in your budget will most likely be your flights. This is the way that almost everyone gets to Hawaii and the only way we recommend doing so. The only other way is by boat, and that means you’ll be at sea for about 3-4 days each way, wasting a week of vacation that could be spent on the islands having fun. To set your budget for your flights, head over to Google Flights and do a quick search from your location to the island that you are thinking about visiting. At this point you are just looking for an idea on the cost. If your dates are too far out and there are no flights for those dates, just pick a date about 4 months out and find the cost for that time.

Next, add at least $25, but possibly $50 for one optional piece of luggage. While it is possible to go completely carry on (and some valid reasons to do so), you will most likely be purchasing souvenirs in Hawaii to bring back, also having 1 checked bag allows you to send all those liquids that you cant get otherwise.

Don’t forget taxes, and any upgrades you may want. For example, if flying by Delta we recommend upgrading at least to the main cabin (cost of $25) so you can sit by your companions while traveling to Hawaii. It’s a long flight to be squished between 2 strangers.

Finally don’t forget any taxes and other fees. Add all this with your cost of the flight for your total flight cost.

We’ve seen round trip flights for as low as $450 from Las Vegas, and about as high as you can imagine. Hawaiian Airlines has some very nice seats that actually recline 180 degrees. If your budget allows, that may be a nice treat so you arrive relaxed in Hawaii.

Accommodations/Lodging

There are several options for how you want to stay. Hotel, Motel, Hostel, Timeshare rental, Home Rental, or even camping.

You could stay in a high end resort, which has many of the amenities like a pool, being close to beaches, etc. but usually do not have things like a kitchen. If you choose this option, your food budget may be a little higher, but a hotel or resort can be exactly what you need. The average price for a 3 star hotel is about $350. We’ve seen some under $200 and for ones with the best features you could be looking at $600 or more. We don’t recommend skimping here, you’ll be spending a lot of time here. We normally recommend finding something for around $300 a night for 2 people. Don’t forget taxes though, that can add another $40 to that cost.

Another option is to purchase a timeshare rental. You can find great options at tug2.net marketplace. You are not required to go to any timeshare presentations with a rental. We’ve done this several times and you get great quality resorts for just a little more than a hotel would cost.

Other options include home or condo rentals. You can get some of these through sites like airbnb.com and the average that we’ve seen is still around $200 a night per couple after fees. This option also allows you to have a kitchen so you can eat breakfast before you leave, and perhaps even pack a lunch to keep your food costs lower.

Finally there are some options for camping. Rules for camping vary so check where you want to go and what those costs may be. This is usually the cheapest option.

Lei Greeting

This is an option that we truly recommend. When you arrive in Hawaii there will be many people who are being greeted and given a flower lei as the way to welcome you to the islands. This stems back for ages, and is something that we really recommend. Other vendors offer other upgrades in the type of lei you’ll receive. Some are flowers, some shells, and some even have nuts (not edible).

Inter Island Flight

This will apply to you if you are planning to visit more than 1 island on your trip. There’s no means of travel between islands other than flights (or chartering your own boat). The only alternative was a ferry that got shut down due to environmental impact on the whales. We certainly do NOT want to cause the whales to go anywhere else so we’ll manage. The cost is fairly inexpensive, between $55 to $120 per flight. You can book a flight with Hawaiian Airlines, Mokulele Airlines, or SouthWest Airlines. However, unlike in the past where you’d normally have to purchase an island flight on all travel outside Oahu, most commercial flights will now have options directly onto the island you are planning on visiting and we recommend that option in most cases. The exceptions are Molokai and Lanai, which are the only two islands that do have a ferry.

• www.southwest.com
• www.hawaiianairlines.com
• www.mokuleleairlines.com

Transportation

You’ll need to get around once you get there. On some trips, if you plan on staying at the hotel other than when you book excursions (who will usually pick you up), you could do without a car at all. However, in our experience this can end up being a more expensive option if you plan on doing very much (even if you plan on being at the beach, are you going to want to do the same beach?).

Our recommendation is to book a car rental. First, it will allow you to do some island tours on your own (we can show you some options), go to multiple beaches, and be able to explore the islands. Vehicle rental competition is brutal on the islands, which is in your favor, it keeps the prices lower. You can rent a small car for about $500-$800 a week (about $200 of this is taxes and fees). You can even rent a convertible for just over $700 which we definitely recommend on some island tours like the Road to Hana, just remember not to heave the top down as it does rain in Hawaii (to keep the islands green). Or a jeep if you plan on going anywhere back country.

See a list of Car Rental companies here

Parking Fees, National Park Fees and Fuel

Along with your car you will have other driving expenses. If you are parking at a resort you may have daily parking fees, and many places around the island will have parking fees as well. If you plan on going into any National Parks you may have entrance fees (usually pretty low). The biggest part of this budget line will be your fuel. Depending on where you are driving to, you could expect an average of about $50 a day in gas. With the other fees, we recommend estimating about $70 a day for this category per vehicle.

Experience and Activities

Your budget could vary widely in this area. Do you plan on taking advantage of all the activities offered? Do you plan on one or more flight tours. We recommend budgeting at least $125 per day per person for things like snorkeling trips, whale watching tours, luaus, bike tours, parasailing, ziplining, and more. You’ll need to increase that if you plan on doing things like helicopter tours or doing more than one thing per day. You can decrease it slightly if you plan on spending a lot of time on the beach (we recommend spending at least a day or two relaxing), or if you plan to go out on your own on driving tours.

You can book tours directly on our site by clicking here

Click here for a list of experiences we recommend on each island

For some of you, you won’t return to the islands for many years and for some not at all (we’re very sorry), so make the most of your trip. We don’t recommend overbooking, so make sure to plan for some downtime, but budget enough to experience much of what the islands have to offer.

The cost of food can vary depending on your lifestyle. However, the cost of food at the grocery store can be high compared to the mainland, so be prepared for expenses regarding your food. If you plan on eating out every meal, we recommend budgeting about $150 a day per person. You can reduce that if you have a kitchen in your place of lodging, so you could have breakfast, and even pack a lunch. We do recommend experiencing some of the island food while you are here. In the case that you prepare some food at home, and taking into account that cost, you would still expect to budget about $50 per person per day. Food at luaus and on other excursions may be covered in your activity costs, so you can take that into consideration as well. We recommend budgeting about $100 a day if you plan to eat out some, but prepare some of your own meals (especially lunches), and perhaps cook some breakfasts at home (we actually bought a toaster on one of our trips and used that each morning).

On our Packing List you’ll find that you will need a few things to bring with you. We recommend purchasing some ahead of time, and some on the island, but either way you need to budget for all the items you do not have. Take a look at the list and note which ones you need to purchase, and put the total of all supplies in this section.

Optional Items

Shopping and souveniers.

We recommend picking up a few things when you first get to the island, such as towels, shirts, hat, etc. (see packing list). Bring money for that. You (or your spouse) may also want to do a little shopping while you are there, and you’ll probably want to pick up an item or two, perhaps ship a few pineapples back home. You should budget at least some for shopping. We’d suggest a minimum of $100 per person, but if you really like to shop, you’d better add a little to that.

Spa Treatments

We recommend at least trying the Lomi Lomi Massage while you are on the islands. Of course this category could vary widely, we recommend starting with $120 per person for 1 massage and going from there.

Whether we like it or not, there are certain financial risks when traveling. These risks vary from the inconvenient, like a delayed suitcase, to something much more substantial, like a hurricane hitting the Hawaiian islands just before your departure. A travel insurance plan can cover losses incurred by your big Hawaiian vacation. The cost can vary depending upon your personal requirements, but usually averages about 5% of your trip cost.

If you are bringing kids to the islands you have the option to have them taken care of by an approved care service. We recommend care.com but the choice is ultimately up to you. If you add child care, expect about $10 an hour per child.

No, we don’t expect you to bring your pets with you, although for some you may. This is to remind you that you may need to get boarding for your pet back home. Again, care.com is a good option. Another option is rover.com. Cost would be roughly $30 a day.

There is an option that can replace your accommodations and food budget (for the most part). That would be to take an inter island cruise. The only cruise we know about is the Pride of America by NCL. You can get a room for about $1,600 for the week (per person), but upgrading to a balcony will allow you to experience the Na Pali Coast on Kauai and the Volcano on Hawaii from your own room. It’s also nice to be able to sit there and listen to the beach. We took this cruise and it was a great way to see all the islands, but it’s not a good way to really interact with them as you only spend 1 or 2 days in each island. When you take into account that you have to pay this per person (so about $3,200) it’s also not the best value option, but it includes housing and food, so it’s not too bad. It does offer a neat perspective of all the islands on one trip. Check it out at https://hawaiianplanner.com/discover/information/details/norwegian-cruise-pride-of-america

Your budget is ultimately up to you, but it can vary widely. Using this guide you can hopefully narrow it down. We also recommending adding a small amount to a contingency fund, for things that go over your estimate and for unforeseen events. A good estimate for a trip for 2 to Hawaii for 7 days, 6 nights would be between $4,000 - $10,000.

Extreme Budget Conscious Sample Budget for 2 for 7 days

Budget with increased activities, Resort accommodations for 2 for 10 days

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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

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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!

1 thought on “Hawaii on a Budget: 20 Tips for a Cheap Hawaii Vacation”

Love these tips – they can be applied to so many trips too!

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Last Updated on July 26, 2021 by Ale

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How Much Does a Trip to Hawaii Cost in 2024? (+Tips to Save)

Home » Blog » U.S.A. » How Much Does a Trip to Hawaii Cost in 2024? (+Tips to Save)

There’s no getting around it, Hawaii is an expensive destination. In this article, we share the exact breakdown of a Hawaii trip cost — from food and hotels to transportation and entertainment. Plus, we’re sharing some of our best money-saving tips so you can travel to Hawaii on a budget!

If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii and find yourself wondering just how much to expect everything to cost, you’re not alone.

When you start looking at price tags, it’s enough to make your eyes water. 

So how much should you expect to budget? And are there any ways to cut costs?

In this article we’ll help you determine the cost of a trip to Hawaii by going over average costs for things like accommodation, food, transportation and activities. We’re also sharing some money-saving tips to help you keep expenses as low as possible.

Hawaii trip costs

Accommodation costs in hawaii.

• Food costs in Hawaii

Rental car costs in Hawaii

Activity costs in hawaii, flights to hawaii.

• Misc costs in Hawaii

Money-saving tips for Hawaii

Is hawaii expensive .

I’m gonna give it to you straight… Yes, Hawaii is expensive .

Accommodation is expensive .

Gas is expensive.

Rental cars are expensive.

Food is expensive.

These aren’t just tourist prices – the cost of living in general is very expensive. With sky-high electric bills, rent costs, and groceries, it’s no wonder that Hawaii is one of the most expensive US states to live in. And most of the prices make sense when you consider how isolated Hawaii is.

Still not swayed away? Good, because despite the high prices, Hawaii is still very much worth visiting. Plus there are some sneaky ways to save money.

If you’re curious about the cost of a trip to Hawaii, or are looking for some money-saving tips to help you stay under budget for your dream Hawaii vacation, we’ve got you covered!

How much does a Hawaii trip cost?

Your budget will vary based on your travel style and the time of year you visit Hawaii. Prices really fluctuate throughout the seasons reflecting peak and low tourist seasons. Plus, your total costs will also vary based on which island(s) you visit. 

So which is the most expensive island?

According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority , the most expensive island to visit is Maui.  

Alternatively, Oahu can be the most affordable due to the amount of hotels and tour operators. (That said, a night in Waikiki Beach can cost a pretty penny!)

Average costs in Hawaii

Below are some average prices for a Hawaii trip on a midrange travel budget so you have an idea of what to expect. You could spend less than these averages, but it wouldn’t be difficult to spend much more as well.

Good to know: Each Hawaiian island varies a bit in pricing. We found the Big Island to be slightly less expensive than Kauai, and we’ve heard that Maui tends to be the most expensive. Oahu can be a bit of a mix, as there’s more competition than the other islands so you can find good deals. However, Waikiki and other parts of Honolulu can be very pricey.

In general on our travels, we try to spend less than $200 per night on accommodations. But this seemed very difficult in Hawaii, especially since we would be staying in these hotels with a baby (which means we have more specific things we look for than when it’s just the two of us). 

For places that were clean, well-located, had great reviews, would accommodate a baby, and were cute (hey, that’s important sometimes too!), we found that the most budget-friendly options were closer to the $250-$300 per night price range, if not higher. 

Note: We were traveling during a higher tourist season. Prices may be lower later in the year.

• $250-$400 per night average (for a family)
• $175-325 per night average (for a couple)

Good to know: Each city and region is slightly different, and the cheapest place we stayed on the Big Island was Volcano, where we paid $180 per night. The most expensive place on the Big Island was in Kona, where we paid around $450 per night.

If you aren’t very concerned with location or how nice your accommodation is, you can certainly lower these averages a bit. But I will also say that it wouldn’t be hard to spend hundreds more per night as well.

For the best chances of a good deal on a decent accommodation, book early.

*It seems that the cost of accommodation has increased in the last couple of years.

Food costs in Hawaii 

Food is expensive! I expected it to be more costly than on the mainland (things have to be shipped over the Pacific, after all!). 

However, even things that are grown on the island, like Hawaiian fruit , were way more expensive than I would have expected. For example, at just about every roadside fruit stand, $10 seemed to be the going rate of a cold coconut. Yikes! 

While the prices can make your eyes water, it’s important to remember that the high cost of living for Hawaiian residents is the driving force here. As a visitor to the islands, expect to pay (much) more for food than you’re used to at home.

Here are some examples of what to expect (based off our personal experience in April 2023):

• $3-5 black coffee 
• $10 smoothie
• $15 – $25 per person for a casual meal
• $30 – $50 per person for a dinner with a drink

Personal experience: We spent an average of $175 – $225 per day for the two of us (and our 16-month-old daughter). We didn’t watch our budget much and ate out for most meals. We got coffee with breakfast, drinks at dinner, snacks along the way, and chose restaurants that had been highly-recommended. You could easily spend less than this, but it wouldn’t be hard to spend much more as well. 

The good news is there are so many ways to save money on food in Hawaii. Jump down here for some money-saving tips!

You can splurge in this category by renting a Jeep (super popular on the islands) or a fun sports car, but this is one area you won’t be able to hack your savings all that much. 

Prices are pretty standard on the islands throughout the year, and even the most budget-friendly rental cars are not exactly cheap (especially compared to other parts of the USA).

• Sedan: $45-60 per day
• SUV: $70-90 per day
• Jeep: $100-120 per day

Note: Prices may vary depending on the time of year and how many days you need.

We break it all down in detail in our guide to renting a car in Hawaii.

Cost of gas

In addition to the vehicle itself, you’ll also need to factor in the price of gas, which tends to be some of the most expensive in the United States.

During our trip to Hawaii (April 2023), the price of gas was roughly $5 in Big Island and $5.25 in Kauai.

Money-saving tips for rental cars in Hawaii

All that said, there are two rental platforms we’d recommend if you’re looking to save as much money as possible.

a) Discount Hawaii Car Rental is an aggregate site that rounds up all the options from the major rental companies on the islands, however, their prices are consistently better than the other aggregates. We saved a grand total of $135.65 compared to RentalCars.com for the same exact car! Definitely do some comparing of your own to find the best price:

• Discount Hawaii Car Rental (this is where we consistently found the best deals for the same exact vehicles)
• Discover Cars
• RentalCars.com

Important Note : Be sure to read this advice before choosing your rental car company. 

b) Turo can be another good option for renting a vehicle in Hawaii. This is a platform where individuals rent out their personal vehicles. Think of it like the “Airbnb of rental cars”.  

Personally, we found there weren’t a ton of vehicles available for our dates, and the pricing was actually quite a bit more expensive than what we found on Discount Hawaii Car Rental . That said, we certainly wouldn’t have had to deal with the lines we did at the car rental company! 

We recommend comparing options and pricing for your dates to the rental car companies to help you make a decision.

There are so many splurge-worthy activities in Hawaii, but the good news is there are also lots of free things to do.

Our advice is to come up with your budget first and choose a few splurges. Then, balance it out with lots of free activities. 

Splurge-worthy experiences

• Scenic helicopter ride : $300 – $500
• Snorkeling with manta rays (Kona): $130
• Scuba diving: $130 – $200
• Zip-lining : $100 – $200

Travel Tip: Prices above are averages. We’d encourage you to look into each company before choosing. Sometimes the cheapest one isn’t the best experience or isn’t the best choice for the environment.

Free or cheap activities:

• Snorkeling (if you bring your own gear it is free, but you can also rent gear)
• Farmers markets
• Picnic 

This can vary quite a bit based on where in the world you’re flying from, so it’s hard to include an average cost here since someone flying from Los Angeles will surely pass less than someone flying from London.

Money-saving tips for flights to Hawaii: 

• Use Google Flights to compare prices of each day on a calendar. 
• Search using a VPN and an incognito window. 
• Set price alerts so that we know when the price drops. 
• Sign up for a newsletter like Thrifty Traveler to get the best deals on airfare.

When is the cheapest time to fly to Hawaii?

According to Hawaiian Airlines , the cheapest time to fly to Hawaii is in the late spring (April & May) and early fall (September & October). Alternatively, the most expensive time to fly to Hawaii is from December – February.

They also suggest flying in and out on weekdays to lower the cost.

Flights between the Hawaiian islands

Getting from one island to another is actually quite affordable. Hawaiian Airlines has the most inter-island flights, and prices tend to be relatively reasonable. 

For example, we paid $68 per person for a flight from Kauai to the Big Island.

Good to know: Many inter-island flights have a connection in Honolulu.

Miscellaneous costs in Hawaii

Plan on buying souvenirs? 

Want to have a night out on the town with as many Mai Tais as you can handle?

You’ll want to have some wiggle room in your budget for those things that don’t quite fit into the other categories.

You’ll also want to factor in the cost of travel insurance and any other things you need to purchase for your trip. 

Hoping to travel Hawaii on a budget? I will tell you that budget travel in Hawaii looks different from budget travel in Thailand, but there are certainly ways to save money!

1. Compare hotels and Airbnbs

Even if you’re typically someone who only books hotels, we’d recommend comparing your options to Airbnbs in Hawaii. 

We personally found Airbnbs to be more affordable than hotels of the same quality standards for our trip.

While there are some excellent hotel options in Hawaii, many of the good ones will cost an arm and a leg. For anyone looking to save some money, this can be a great way to do so. 

Also, there are just some incredibly cool and unique properties in Hawaii. 

From treehouses , to tiny homes (we personally stayed here!) to glamping domes to cozy farm stays (with a private waterfall!) to jungle cottages with dreamy outdoor bath tubs , you’ll find it all! Plus, these are arguably more memorable than a regular hotel room, am I right?!

Psst! Most of those properties we linked above are actually quite affordable!

Budget tips when choosing accommodation in Hawaii:

• Don’t forget to factor in all the costs. For Airbnbs, this means the tax and cleaning fees. For hotels this is the tax and resort fees. All these extra costs can be hidden from the price that is initially displayed, and they can really add up. 
• See what’s included. Some Airbnbs we stayed at offered all the beach gear we needed (cooler, beach umbrella, boogie boards, snorkeling gear, folding chairs, etc.). This was a huge perk, as renting or buying these items can really add up. Some hotels may offer these as well.
• Use our genius tips for booking the best Airbnb . We’ve spent a lot of time over the years staying in Airbnbs and come up with some tips and hacks for booking the best Airbnb possible.

2. Save money on food

Food on the islands ain’t cheap! If you’re looking to cut costs, here are some ways to save on food in Hawaii.

Have lots of picnics: Grab groceries from a supermarket or farmers market and enjoy your meal with a view! Simply pull over wherever you find a good spot and sit on folding chairs or a beach blanket. If you plan to do lots of picnics, you may want to bring a collapsible cooler .

Get a grocery membership: Join Foodland’s Maika’i membership program (it’s free) and get instant savings on your grocery runs. You’ll even get $25 off your first purchase if it hits a certain threshold (which would be a great deal when you do your first grocery run!).

Stock up in bigger cities: We learned the hard way that some of the smaller towns don’t have grocery stores as much as they have general stores. We were staying in one such tiny town and had very little choice in groceries and had to pay at least double what we would have in the larger towns. Lesson learned!

Try grocery store poke: Sounds sketchy, but I promise it’s not! We were told by one person that Foodland (a Hawaiian grocery store chain) has the best poke on the islands. And while we don’t think it was the best we had, it was pretty damn good. Plus, there are so many varieties to choose from.

Insider tip: We asked if we could get one portion of poke but try two different types. The staff member said, “absolutely”. At $7.99 it was a great deal and even though we split the single portion, it was very filling.

Book accommodation with kitchens: If you really want to save, cook some meals for yourself. We find this easiest when we book Airbnbs with kitchens. This makes it easy to have something simple for breakfast, like yogurt and fruit, oatmeal, or eggs. If you make your own breakfasts, have picnic lunches and only eat out for dinner, you’ll save tons!

Make your own coffee: We’re big coffee drinkers, and we always started our day with coffee at our Airbnb. The issue for me was that I was always tempted by cute coffee shops and the famous Kona coffee, so we usually ended up buying one each day as well. But if you’re really serious about saving money, the answer is simple – have more willpower than I did and skip the coffee shops. They do add up.

Pack some snacks from home: Since groceries are so expensive on the islands, we’re glad we brought some of our favorite snacks from home, like Chomps beef jerky, dried mangoes, and protein bars. These all saved us from more than one hangry moment! Additionally, we brought some food for our daughter so we didn’t have to go grocery shopping on day one.

3. Shop around for a rental car deal 

We found Discount Hawaii Car Rental to have the best deals on rental vehicles on the islands. The same exact vehicles were cheaper on this platform than the other aggregates we normally use.

Compare sites for yourself to see where you find the best deal. But also read our cautionary tale before selecting the specific rental company. 

Compare prices:

• Discount Hawaii Car Rental

4. Enjoy lots of free activities

While accommodation, transportation and food are all quite expensive in Hawaii, the good news is there are plenty of free things to do! 

• Spend a day (or many!) relaxing on one of Hawaii’s many beaches 
• Go snorkeling: this can be free if you have your own gear
• Stroll through a farmers market (there are many all around the islands)
• Go hiking! Hawaii has so many incredible hikes.

5. Set a budget & track your expenses

If you’re serious about sticking to a budget, you’ll want to listen up…

Setting boundaries for yourself (that are reasonable) and keeping track of how much you are spending are essential.

There are plenty of apps out there for budget tracking so you won’t come home with a nasty surprise in your bank account!

6. Don’t forget the essentials

Small expenses for forgotten items like a phone charger or rain jacket can add up quickly. Don’t forget any of the essentials when you are packing for your trip!

Be sure to download our  complete packing list for Hawaii !  It’s packed with good suggestions and  insider tips  to help plan your Italy trip. And it’s completely  FREE , so why not!?

Are you planning a trip to Hawaii?

We have lots of resources on travel in Hawaii and destinations around the islands. Check out our  Hawaii Homepage  for everything you need to know, or start by reading some of our favorite Hawaii travel articles to help you plan your dream vacation to the Aloha State:

• Best Time to Visit Hawaii
• Hawaii Trip Planner: Your Dream Hawaiian Vacation Guide
• Best Things to do in Hawaii: Ultimate Bucket List + Tips
• Kalalau Trail: Ultimate Guide to Kauai’s Best Hike

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We want to hear from you!

Do you have more questions about a Hawaii trip cost and how to save money while traveling? Leave your comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!

Comments (1) on “ How Much Does a Trip to Hawaii Cost in 2024? (+Tips to Save) ”

Hello! My sister-in-law, Kari Lohn shared your page with me.

We are leaving for Maui next Wednesday! We plan to be there for 4 days and then off to Kauai for 5 days. We have been to Maui before, but not for almost 15 years. We have never been to Kauai, so we are very excited. I’m looking for a recommendation on a backpack to use for a day of going out and about and doing some hiking. We aren’t intense hikers by any means, but would like to do some! I’m just curious on what you would recommend as a backpack to take along. I’m also curious about the type of shoes you would recommend for that type of activity. Is there a sandal brand/style you prefer? Chaco? Keen?

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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 , 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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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 .

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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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How to Travel to Hawaii on a Budget: 5 Tips for the Budget-Savvy Hawaii Traveler

Budget-friendly hawaiian travel.

Is there such a thing as budget Hawaii travel? Traveling to Hawaii can be expensive, but with a few money-saving tips you’ll find Hawaii is well within your reach, and budget! Keep reading for the best ways to travel to Hawaii on a budget.

Budget Hawaii Travel Tip #1: Plan In Advance

Advance planning is a great for Hawaii budget travel.  You can travel to Hawaii economically, but if you wait until the last minute, you may get stuck paying higher prices for just about everything. Booking your trip ahead of time guarantees you time to shop around for the best deals and find any specials running. You can book our All-Inclusive Hawaii Packages up to three years in advance and they require as little as $225 per person to book! Many of our clients enjoy the ease of booking early and paying on their trip at their own pace.

Tip #2: Have Flexible Travel Dates

Flexible travel dates is a great way to save money on Hawaii travel. Understandably, sometimes you must travel on specific dates, but flexibility = savings. Usually, flights are less expensive if you can avoid traveling on peak days such as weekends and major holidays. Even certain months have lower airfare, such as January, February, May, September and October. Hawaii hotels generally cost more during the summer months, spring break and major holidays.

Tip #3: Affordable Hotels

Did you know there are many budget-friendly hotels in Hawaii? A budget Hawaii hotel doesn’t mean a hostel, either. Hotels that are a couple blocks off the beach are a great money-saving option and offer many of the same amenities that expensive beachfront resorts have. Waikiki has many affordable hotels for the budget Hawaii traveler, and so does Maui, Kauai and the Big Island of Hawaii.

Another budget Hawaii hotel tip is to save on your room category. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you won’t enjoy your hotel if it isn’t beachfront. If an oceanfront hotel is on your wish list, try pricing it out with a “standard” room category instead of an ocean view. Usually, the room is exactly the same, except for the view. In our 40+ years of experience,  most people prefer to be outside soaking in all the beauty of Hawaii, not sitting on their balcony. We take pride in helping our clients find the best hotel and package for their budget, so don’t be afraid to ask us to price a Package several different ways for you!

 Tip #4: Bring Toiletries from Home

Another Hawaii budget travel tip is to bring as many of your toiletries from home as you can. Everything must be flown or shipped to Hawaii, which translates into higher prices. Unless you are staying longer than a month, we recommend you bring your own shampoo, conditioner, soap, reef-friendly sunscreen and dental hygiene products from home. Many people travel to Hawaii on a budget, and then end up spending all the money they previously saved while they’re on their vacation.

Budget Hawaii Travel Tip #5: Book an All-Inclusive Hawaii Affordable Saver Package

Our top recommendation for traveling to Hawaii on a budget is to book one of our popular and affordable All-Inclusive Hawaii Saver or Express Packages . We have budget Hawaii travel packages for Waikiki, Maui and Kauai, and two Hawaii Express Packages for Waikiki. Our Packages give you the ultimate bang for your buck! If you are interested in a Premier Package, but still want to travel as economically as possible, contact us and we will work with you to find the perfect Package in your price range. We use our decades of experience to find you the best hotels, meals, activities and tours at the best price, passing on the savings to you! We organize everything to flow smoothly and to best optimize your time in Hawaii…which is after all – priceless.

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How to visit Hawaii on a budget

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Hawaii on a budget – is it possible?

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 is expensive in Hawaii; food is 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.

Before I was a Travel Agent/blogger, I got this question even more often!

Now, people assume that I visit for free (I don’t), but you can definitely say that I’ve learned the ins and outs of visiting Hawaii on a budget over the last 23 years!

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.

It may not be possible to have a cheap Hawaii vacation, but it is possible to visit Hawaii without blowing your budget.

If you haven’t set a budget yet, check out how much does a Hawaii vacation cost to get an idea of what you’ll spend.

I’ve been traveling to Hawaii for over 22 years, and I’ve spent plenty of time finding free things to do in Hawaii and ways to save money on a Hawaii vacation.

Hawaii on a budget FAQ

There’s a lot to talk about when sharing Hawaii on budget tips; it should be a book! Maybe I’ll write one someday, but for now, here are some FAQs.

What is the cheapest Hawaiian island?

While none of the Hawaiian islands are “cheap,” I find that Oahu can be the cheapest. I really don’t recommend Oahu very often, but you can definitely find the best hotel deals.

This is simply due to there being so much 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.

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 before, 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.

The most expensive times to visit Hawaii are in the summer, Thanksgiving, and Christmas holidays. You can save some 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 that 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 not a 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 to say that the best time to go to Hawaii is any time you can go.

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 also 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 absolutely must visit all of 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 gone over 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-$900 from the mainland US.
• The average hotel in Hawaii costs almost $300 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 a lot more than 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 missed 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 take place in May, June, September, and October, which are 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 know 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 just fine in Oahu but isn’t very 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.

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

A lot of 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. When the airlines started charging for checked bags, I learned how to pack light.

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 probably will) 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, but if you’re trying to visit Hawaii on a budget, you might want to check out Target.

Although some things will be more expensive than 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, Maui, and the Big Island.

8. Shop at Costco

If you have a Costco membership, you can save money on groceries and gas by shopping at Costco in Hawaii.

There are Costco stores 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 a little thing that you forgot, such as sunscreen, you’ll find that and more at the ABC Stores.

These stores are a lot less expensive than drug stores, plus you’ll find some cheap Hawaii souvenirs. Just keep in mind that the souvenirs will likely be made in China and not locally made.

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 some 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 that 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 even drink at home, but when I land in Hawaii, I am ready for a mai tai! 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.)

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, make sure to 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, which will save a ton of space in your luggage.

You can also buy things like beach toys, flip-flops, shampoo, etc. when you arrive in Hawaii. Just don’t be wasteful; make sure to donate your items after you use 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, a lot of 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 Farmers 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.

Fortunately, Hawaii has plenty of condos, villas, and other options with kitchens. If you think that Airbnb is going to be cheap, well, you’re wrong.

Although I don’t particularly recommend Airbnb in Hawaii , it can be a good option to find a place with a kitchen last-minute.

I recommend booking a condo or apartment through something more reputable than Airbnb, such as Expedia .

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 or Booking.com .

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 to never 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. Just 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:

• Big Island Farm Sanctuary
• Magical Creatures of Hamakua
• Leilani Farm Sanctuary

34. Visit Resorts

If you can’t afford to stay in a luxury resort, you can still visit one! Walk around a luxury resort and have a drink (just one-they are pricey) at the bar.

Although it is expensive, you can also choose to dine at the 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, make sure to 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.

More Hawaii on a budget tips

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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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I am a honeymoon travel agent and destination wedding specialist for Hawaii, the Caribbean, and Mexico. I work with busy professionals who just don’t have time to do all of the research needed to pull off the perfect honeymoon or destination wedding.

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Top 5 Tips to Explore Hawaii on a Budget

Are you dreaming of a trip to hawaii but are worried about the cost find out my top 5 tips for visiting hawaii on a budget., this hawaii on a budget post was written by marcie cheung (a hawaii travel expert) 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..

Have you considered taking a much-needed vacation to Hawaii but then thought to yourself, That sounds amazing, but I could never afford it ?

Well, don’t listen to yourself because you’re wrong.

All vacations are financially possible if you do your research and make a solid plan.

The best tip to save you the most money is to travel off-season. This goes for any type of trip, but especially for a hot-spot destination like Hawaii.

The high season for Hawaii is between December and April . This is when mainlanders seek reprieve from the cold winter months and need some UV intervention.

However, the best time to travel to Hawaii is in October , November , or late January .

Below is a list of tips to help you see paradise without busting your budget. Heads up: they all require you to be flexible and open to new adventures.

Why follow my lead? I’ve explored Hawaii more than 40 times, so I’ve got lots of advice!

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

5 Ways to Explore Hawaii on a Budget

1. be flexible in how and when you get there.

One of the more costly purchases of your trip to Hawaii will be your airfare.

First, be flexible with the dates you are available to depart and return. Sometimes even a slight difference in dates can mean saving hundreds of dollars on flights. Find out how to save money on airline tickets to Hawaii .

Try not to be particular about which airline you use. Generally, Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines are cheaper than other major airlines. And Hawaiian Airlines often has really good sales.

Additionally, consider alternative airports, especially on smaller islands. For instance, flying to Kauai or Kona can be cheaper than flying to Honolulu.

Also, use frequent flyer miles . If you’ve got them, use them. Many credit cards have great frequent flyer miles programs. We have an Alaska Airlines credit card that provides a companion fare each year that we use on our trip to Hawaii.

2. Figure Out Where to Stay in Hawaii on a Budget

While Hawaii resorts and Hawaii travel packages are convenient and luxurious, they are not always cost-effective. Plus, if you’re doing Hawaii right, you won’t be spending much time in your hotel room anyway.

Instead, consider an ala carte approach . Try finding a hotel across the street or down the block from the beach instead of a beachfront hotel. You’ll notice prices will drop a bit, allowing you to splurge in other areas of your trip.

Vrbo and Airbnb also offer excellent lodging options. Please read up on the latest legislation regarding short-term vacation rental options in Hawaii. And if you go this route, please check to ensure your Hawaii vacation rental is zoned for short-term rentals.

Either way, finding lodging with a kitchen (or kitchenette ) and laundry on site will give you the quality and value you’re looking for.

As an added bonus, if you have laundry services available, you can cut down on what you pack and maybe even avoid paying a fee for checked baggage!

If you are a bit more adventurous, consider staying in a hostel or camping on Hawaii’s many campgrounds . Or check out how to save money on hotels in Hawaii .

3. Keep an Open Mind with Hawaii Food Options

Hawaii boasts some of the most delectable cuisine and fine dining. However, luxury comes with a hefty price tag because many ingredients have to be imported from the mainland, and that cost is passed on to patrons.

Instead, consider eating at local cafes , food trucks , and farmers markets . This is better for your Hawaii budget and a great way to experience Hawaiian culture and get to know the locals. Hint: locals always know the best (and cheapest) ways to experience Hawaii.

Another option is to get grab-and-go meals from 7-Eleven . They have a fantastic assortment of fresh sushi hand rolls, musubi, sandwiches, and Hawaiian food entrees that are perfect for taking to the beach.

If you decide on a hotel room or other lodging with a kitchenette, you can cook meals with the items purchased at a local grocer, meat market, or farmers market.

When you do decide to dine out, I recommend skimping on breakfast and splurging on lunch or dinner. People rave about their lunch and dinner experiences more than breakfast.

4. Research Hawaii Transportation Options

Many are tempted to rent a car for their entire stay, but you may not need to.

First, consider combining the activities that require a personal vehicle and returning the car when you no longer need it. This will require a little planning ahead of time but will save you money.

Other options are taking the public bus and using airport and hotel shuttles to navigate the islands. Ridesharing can be tricky because there aren’t as many options in Hawaii as on the Mainland.

One final tip: stay on one island . While inter-island flights are cheaper than the airfare you paid to get to Hawaii, it’s still an added expense.

There are plenty of ways to get around Oahu , Maui , and Kauai without renting a car.

5. Plan a Mix of Hawaii Activities

So you’ve made it to Hawaii, found a place to stay, and settled on a method (or methods) of transportation. Next, you need to decide what to do once you arrive.

Hawaii is home to so many beautiful natural wonders that you could explore Hawaii and barely spend a dime.

An essential, almost mandatory, activity tourists seek is an authentic luau. But these can be extremely pricey. If it’s not in your Hawaii budget, don’t sweat it.

There are Hawaiian cultural activities that are either free or budget-friendly. Kuhio Beach, for instance, hosts free hula shows and torch lighting every evening. The Royal Hawaiian Center has an array of free cultural classes like lei making.

Next, take advantage of the many natural attractions . You can hike , snorkel , and swim at a minimal cost to you and your family. Most of the famous beaches in Hawaii are public and therefore free.

The government has added parking/entrance fees for some parks, beaches, and hikes in the past few years. These places include Diamond Head , Hanauma Bay, Waimea Canyon, Waianapanapa State Park, and more. Research where you’d like to go ahead of time so you aren’t surprised by fees.

Hawaii on a Budget FAQs

Yes! Hawaii is pretty amazing any time of year, which is great news for budget travelers. If you have a flexible schedule, try avoiding peak travel seasons (like school breaks) and head to Hawaii during the shoulder seasons (mid-April to June and September to mid-November). There are also plenty of free things to do in Hawaii, including hiking, swimming, sightseeing, and more!

Usually, Oahu is the cheapest. That’s because it has the largest number of accommodations and lots of free and cheap activities. The Big Island is also an option, especially if you stay on the Hilo side.

It depends on where you are flying from and what time of year you visit. On average, solo travelers will spend $2,500, couples will spend $3,000, and families will spend about $5,000.

Budget Hawaii Tips Wrap Up

No matter where you decide to spend your time in Hawaii, there are ways to enjoy your stay, experience luxury, and save money at the same time. Grandeur and a budget do not need to be mutually exclusive.

Chances are you and your family won’t remember the mints on your pillowcases or the opulent meals you ate. But you will remember the experiences you had with the people you love.

You’ll remember how you felt being present and enjoying the beauty that doesn’t even come close to anything manufactured by humans.

I hope you find these tips helpful in planning your vacation to paradise!

Looking for more Hawaii travel resources? Find out the worst time to visit Hawaii , how to plan a budget Hawaii honeymoon , historical places to visit in Hawaii , tips for cheap Hawaii honeymoons , and tips for planning a trip to Hawaii fo the first time .

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Many people dream of exploring the exotic Hawaiian Islands. And, why not? It’s paradise! But because of its physical distance to the American mainland, many people don’t know a lot about Hawaii including how much to budget for a vacation there or if it’s feasible to “do” Hawaii on a budget. I say if you look hard for the best accommodations, the cheapest airfare and go during the right time, Hawaii on a budget is totally possible! I’m planning to go to Hawaii on a budget and decided to share my research so you can plan your own trip to Hawaii on a budget…and Hang Loose!!

What Are The Hawaiian Islands Comprised Of?

Before we get into the cost, let’s review some basic information about Hawaii. The Hawaiin islands are actually made up of 8 islands, but two islands, Niihau and Kahoolawe, are closed to visitors. The other 6 islands that most people are familiar with are: Hawaii (The Big Island), Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, and Lanai.  

Which Islands Are The Best To Visit?

All the islands are worth visiting and all have their own unique appeal. Most first time visitors like to focus on the most familiar of Hawaii islands, which are Maui and Oahu. Maui is known for its beautiful black sand beaches while Oahu is known for iconic Waikiki as well as Pearl Harbor. 

 As far as pricing, Oahu and the Big Island are the most affordable. Maui and Kauai are the least affordable.

What is the Cheapest Time Of Year To Visit Hawaii?

There definitely can be a cost difference in Hawaii based on the time of year you go. The off season in Hawaii is between April and May and then again between September and early December. 

If you go during this timeframe, you’ll save money on everything compared to going in high season or peak season, which is basically mid-December through March and Summer Break. If you want to go to Hawaii on a budget, don’t going during peak travel times which also includes spring break!

How Long To Go To Hawaii?

Hawaii is far from mainland USA. For that reason I think you should go to Hawaii for a minimum of 7 days. Plus there’s so many things to see and do, if you’re not there for at least 7 days, you won’t have time to do as much as you should! And, if you stay for 7+ days in the same place, you’ll most likely get a discount on your lodging!

How Much Does It Cost To Go To Hawaii?

The biggest variables into the cost of a Hawaii vacation are Lodging, airfare and Food. Finding good deals on these items are essential!! If you make the right decisions with these big 3 items, the rest of your trip will fall into place and into budget.

Airfare To Hawaii Costs

When looking at airfare for your Hawaiian vacation, there’s good news and bad news. The good news is that you have a wide variety of airlines to choose from. Go to Google flights to check prices. Google flights definitely is one of my top go-to’s on pricing airfare and finding cheap flights. By entering multiple dates I can always find a lower price on airfare. (I also like Momando and Skyscanner).

The bad news is that the flights to Hawaii aren’t cheap! There’s no getting around the fact that plane tickets to Hawaii are expensive! The cheapest airfare is usually going into Honolulu.

But some people want to island hop and hit a couple of islands. So sometimes it makes sense to fly into Maui then fly home from Honolulu.

In the month of November, the cost of flying from Omaha to Honolulu is around $550 per person round trip. And flying from Omaha to Maui is around $480 per person. So there’s not much of a difference. But then again the $70 difference per ticket could go towards a few bags of groceries for your stay! From Omaha, there are no nonstop flights, unfortunately.

Non Stop Or Not?

But, if you’re travelling from a bigger city like Denver you can choose a nonstop flight BUT it will cost more. If I had the choice, I think I’d do non-stop. It’s a long flight, yes – but there’s no waiting around an airport on the west coast to change planes.

Once you’re in Maui and want to island hop to Oahu (or hop over to any other islands,the quick plane trip will cost you less than $200. Hawaiian Airlines or Southwest Airlines are typically your best bet for the best flight prices.

But the cheapest way to island hop may not involve flying at all. Did you know that you can take a ferry between some of the Hawaiian Islands? Yep! I found that out while researching this article.

Cost Of Accommodations In Hawaii

The biggest dent to your budget will be your lodging costs. But don’t worry. You can still go to Hawaii on a budget. There’s so many types of accommodations to choose from as well as many different areas to stay in Hawaii so you have choices. For this article, I’m focusing on budget choices in both Maui and Honolulu.

Hotel rooms aren’t what they used to be either – most hotel rooms have at least a mini refrigerator these days. So even though you may be staying in a hotel you can still hit one of the local grocery stores and buy some essentials. And if you have points for any hotel stays, now is the time to use them! And you can check out my post on how to get free hotel stays if you don’t have enough points yet!

Budget Lodging: Camping!

Are you a camper? Could you be a camper? Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. If I were to camp, it would be here. I found out you can camp in national parks, state parks and there are also private campgrounds.

Budget Condo Choice In Maui

For the best bang for your buck, you may want to opt for a condo or one of the vacation rentals in Maui. We found many great deals on beautiful Maui condos around Kaanapali Beach in the West Maui area of Lahaina. The Kaanapali area offers beachfront, 2 bed condos that sleep 4, with a full kitchen and a pool starting at only $1300 for 6 nights. Getting a condo is obviously a great way to save as much money as you can on this trip!

Budget Hotel Choice In Oahu

In Honolulu, the Queen Kapiolani is a steal! Check out the room with a view of Diamond Head! And while there’s no view of Diamond Head in some of the lowest priced rooms, at only $180 per night AND only about a block of, Queen Kapiolani is a great option for your budget Hawaii trip to Hawaii. It’s a nice place at a reasonable price. And that can be a rare thing!

Food Costs For Hawaii On A Budget

There’s no doubt that food is more expensive on the islands of Hawaii than on the Mainland. 

Obviously you’ll save money on food if you stay somewhere that has a kitchen. Even if your place only offers a small cooktop and mini-fridge, that’s enough to make breakfast or brunch everyday and save you tons of cash just by making some of your own meals. If you eat out most meals, you’re going to pay a ton and you don’t need those extra costs. Wouldn’t you rather spend that money on doing fun things?!

It’s a fact that any touristy town is known for high-priced restaurant meals. There’s no getting around it. Unless you make a conscious effort to NOT eat out a lot, that is! I like to have coffee for breakfast, then do a brunch, then dinner.

The best way to save money is to eat where the locals do – this will allow you to save money! This will be outside of tourist trap restaurants! You can get coffee in the hotel (obviously!) Or go to a coffee place – if you spend $5 no big deal in the grand scheme of things so don’t feel guilty! It’s your trip to Hawaii, too!

Other Thoughts On Budget Tips For Saving Money On Food

Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island all have a Costco on the island so stock up!

Try hitting one of the food trucks – they usually have good deals!

Farmers markets – hit up the farmers markets for fresh, succulent goodies and dig in!

Extras For A Great Trip To Hawaii On A Budget:

While I didn’t list this as an absolute essential, you might want a car for your vacation in Hawaii. If you’re staying in Waikiki, you can get around using the Waikiki Trolley and Ubers. If you’re going to Maui or another island you’ll probably want to do a rental car. Go to Autoslash to find the best deals on car rentals!

Excursions and Experiences: 

There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Hawaii. You can spend a lot or you can save money by doing a lot of free things on your trip. Again, the choice is yours. Obviously, if you really want to go to Hawaii on a strict budget then you’ll probably opt to skip tours and excursions. There’s so many free activities that you’ll be fine. i know I’m sticking with the cheap and free stuff.

Things like going to the beach and touring some of the national parks and state parks are great things to do that don’t cost a lot of money. In fact, they cost very little money. Hawaii is an outdoor lover’s paradise so take advantage of all the natural beauty that’s absolutely free!

I don’t really need to “do” a lot of the popular attractions when I’m in Hawaii. I just want to take in the scenery and explore the great outdoors. There’s so many naturally beautiful things to see and so many great beaches that I think most of the manufactured things to do wouldn’t measure up anyway!

If you do opt for some iconic Hawaiian experiences like Surfing Lessons, Plantation Tours, Ziplining and Luau’s, each will set you back up to $100 per experience .

And some things will cost more so I wouldn’t do those. Do you really need to do a helicopter tour?

Cheap And Free Things To Do In Hawaii

I’m planning to spend the majority of my time outdoors in Hawaii. Here’s where I want to go:

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – Hawaii

Mauna Kea Mountain – Hawaii

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden – Hawaii

Haleakala National Park – Maui

Road to Hana – Maui

Kaanapali Beach – Maui

Waianapanapa State Park – Maui

Waikiki Beach – Oahu

Pearl Harbor National Memorial – Oahu

Diamond Head – Oahu

Whether you’re on a tight budget or you want to have the ultimate luxurious trip, Hawaii is a place you’ll fall in love with! There’s so much to see and do here and I want to experience it ALL! How About You? What do YOU want to do in Hawaii? Share your thoughts – I’d love to know!

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Hawaii on a Budget

Traveling to hawaii on a budget tips and suggestions.

Hawaii Travel on a Budget

Traveling to Hawaii on a budget is something that sounds impossible. If you know where to look and how to book, then traveling to Hawaii on a budget is no problem for the savvy penny pincher.

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. Below are some of our most popular Hawaii budget articles, tips, and advice.

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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. Generally, these rates should provide a good estimate for any time period between 2024 and early 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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I went to Hawaii for the first time. My trip would've been better if I'd known these 5 things before I left.

• I visited Hawaii for the first time, and there are things I wish I'd known before the trip. 
• Figuring out that there's more than one Leonard's Bakery on Oahu would've saved me some stress.
• I also wish I'd known how easy it would be to get around the island — I could've explored even more.

Well over 1 million people have already visited the Hawaiian Islands this year, and I was lucky enough to be one of them.

I went on a nine-day trip to Oahu that included a stay at Disney's Aulani Resort in Ko Olina.

Because this was my first time visiting Hawaii, I tried to do as much research as possible before my trip. But after arriving, I still wished I'd known a few things.

I thought it would be much harder to get around the island.

Before leaving for Oahu, I'd heard from friends and read on social-media groups that getting around could be difficult. My fears of sitting in traffic for the whole week set in before I even stepped foot off the plane.

In reality, my family and I never got stuck in gridlocked traffic over our six days on the island.

A hotel worker we met said no matter what part of the island you were on, the big secret was to head out after 9 a.m. and try to make your way back either before 3 p.m. or after 6 p.m.

My family and I followed this rule every day of our trip and never had much traffic to deal with while we traveled from Ko Olina to Pearl Harbor and Ko Olina to the North Shore.

We also found the drivers to be much more courteous than we're used to back in Florida. No one weaved in and out of the cars around us.

The kind of sunscreen you pack matters.

My packing list for Hawaii was long, but one of the most important items was sunscreen. Hawaii is close to the equator, so the UV rays are even stronger on the islands.

But I wished I'd known more about the islands' rules around reef-safe sunscreen before I started packing.

Hawaii passed a law banning the sale of sunscreens with the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate that went into effect in 2021. And some counties allow only mineral-based sunscreens.

I ended up using Sun Bum sunscreen throughout my stay, and now that I know more, I'll continue to use it in Florida to help protect coral reefs.

I wish I'd known there's more than one Leonard’s Bakery on the island.

One of the most talked about spots on Oahu is Leonard's Bakery , known for its Portuguese-style doughnuts named malasadas.

The main store is near Honolulu, which was about a 40-minute drive from where we were staying. I'd pretty much accepted that we'd have to budget a few hours one day to try the sugary treats.

But once we landed on Oahu, we noticed a Leonard's Bakery food truck — lovingly named Malasadamobiles — about 10 minutes from the resort.

The truck dished out hot malasadas to order, but it didn't offer the main bakery's extended menu. That was the only real trade-off for us, but it was worth it to save on driving time.

The weather can change depending on what side of the island you’re on.

The weather can be drastically different around Oahu. For instance, when my family left Ko Olina on the western side of the island to drive to the North Shore, the sun was out, and it was very warm.

About an hour into our drive, we passed by Kualoa Ranch (a filming location for "Jurassic Park"), and it was suddenly cooler and cloudy.

Once we got to the North Shore, the sun was back out, and we were able to enjoy our day of beach hopping.

Learning a few key Hawaiian phrases goes a long way with locals.

Knowing some key sayings and phrases in a native language goes a long way with locals, no matter where you're traveling. I knew some basic Hawaiian words — such as "aloha" (hello) and "mahalo" (thank you) — but I wish I'd learned a few more.

While I was there, one new phrase I learned that came in handy was "a hui hou," which means "until we meet again."

We stayed in some spots for a few days, so it was nice to say that to the people we'd connected with on our way out.

• Main content

Hawaii on a Budget: How to Cook While on Vacation in Hawaii

L ooking to save money on your next hawaiian vacation it can be hard eating on a budget while traveling. keep scrolling to find out how to cook in  hawaii on a budget ..

There is no way around it- Hawaii is expensive!

When you factor in the flights, accommodation, and activities, it’s easy to completely forget to factor in food costs to your Hawaii budget.

Eating out for every meal in Hawaii can add up quickly. I’m always sticker shocked when I get the bill for my family of 4.

But, it’s totally possible to save money on food while you travel.

If you have the ability to make your own meals during your stay in Hawaii, here are some tips to help you stick to your vacation budget in Hawaii!

You’ll learn what to cook on vacation in Hawaii, along with a shopping list for Hawaii to help you have an inexpensive Hawaii vacation.

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: 5 tips for saving money on food.

The cost to travel to Hawaii can be quite expensive, so here are a few tips for saving money on the food aspect of your Hawaii vacation.

1. Meal Plan Ahead of Time

Before you leave for your Hawaii vacation, sit down and create a Hawaii vacation meal plan.

Take into account how many people are traveling in your group, how many days you are there, and how many meals you would like to eat out.

Note: it is generally cheaper to eat out for lunch than dinner!

Your vacation meal planning will help you determine how many breakfasts, lunches, and dinners you will need to account for.

When planning your easy meals for vacation, try to make them as simple as possible so that you don’t need many ingredients for each meal.

Overlap the protein used for multiple meals. This will definitely help to keep the cost down when visiting Hawaii!

Many condo complexes have outdoor grills available to use- take advantage of this!

You can buy chicken to grill for multiple days, but change up the marinade or the preparation.

Also, keep in mind when identifying your meals that you may not have the same kitchen tools that you are used to at home!

In general, simplicity is better when meal planning for your Hawaiian vacation. Easy meals to make on vacation are the best way to go.

Finally, create a grocery list for all of your breakfasts, lunches, and dinners that you plan to make during your vacation.

Don’t forget the snacks as well!

This will be useful as you navigate the next four tips.

2. Bring Your Own Spices and Pantry Staples

Often times only a small amount of spice is needed for a recipe. Rather than buying your spices in Hawaii, bring them with you for your easy vacation meals to cook!

Measure out what you think you may need and put each individual spice in a small  snack-sized Ziploc bag .  Find the best prices here.

Remember to label what the spice is on the outside in Sharpie!

Overestimate the amount you need. You can always bring it home if you don’t use it all!

Once you have your grocery list made up, see if there are any pantry items that you can bring from home, such as pasta, flour, rice, popcorn, etc.

We often measure out rice and put it in  Ziploc freezer bags so we don’t have to buy a full bag of rice when we get there.

Remember to individually pack each item and label it.

Avoid liquids unless they are in your checked luggage and properly wrapped so that they don’t break or spill.

If you are planning beach vacation meals for large groups or have a lot of pantry items that you know you will use, it may be more cost beneficial to pack an entire bag with just cooking supplies.

The money you would spend to check that bag in is much cheaper than buying full-sized packages of these items in Hawaii or eating out for multiple days.

Plus, you can use that bag to bring home fun  souvenirs !

Remember to never bring perishables, especially dairy, meat, fruit, and vegetables with you from the mainland.

Hawaii is very strict on the items allowed into the state in order to protect their crops.

If you are traveling to  Hawaii with a baby or toddler , I highly recommend packing your own baby food and toddler snacks.

Those items are extremely expensive on the Hawaiian islands, especially  food pouches .

3. Costco is Your Best Friend

If you have a Costco membership, use it!

Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island all have a Costco on the island. And they have lots of local produce and specialty items.

Costco also has the best deals on snacks. While you can get all kinds of snack foods there, we usually stock up on Hawaiian cookies, Hawaiian-style potato chips, Asian crackers, and Hawaiian candy.

And if you visit Hawaii during the holidays, they have a HUGE range of Hawaiian-style food items in gift packs. We love getting the huge bin of Botan rice candy !

If you don’t have a Costco membership, consider buying one. You can save a considerable amount of money buying the items you need at a Costco on the island than at a Hawaiian supermarket. It will help your Hawaii vacation cost considerably!

Remember, food in general, is more expensive in Hawaii since most items need to be shipped to the Hawaiian islands.

If you do plan on shopping at Costco to visit Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island on a budget, keep this in mind when  renting a car ! Be sure you have room in your rental car to bring all items back to your  condo .

When visiting Hawaii on a budget, shopping at Costco is one of the best budget tips to help you have a cheap Hawaii vacation.

4. Purchase Your Alcohol at a Store Instead of Drinking Out

If you are planning on consuming alcohol on your vacation, it is much cheaper to buy it at a grocery store than purchase individual drinks at a restaurant or hotel bar.

Plan ahead for how much you think you and other members of your vacationing party will drink and factor that into your food budget.

Costco is a great place for buying wine, beer, and spirits for cheap! Plus, they have lots of tropical juices and mixers.

You can also find alcohol at any grocery store or ABC store.

Since there’s so much fresh fruit in Hawaii, you can really get creative when making your own  tropical cocktails !

Or, it’s super easy to add Passion-Orange-Guava juice (known as POG) to just about anything for a yummy mixed drink!

There are also several Hawaiian wineries throughout the islands as well as  Hawaiian beer companies , like Kona Brewing Co.

5. Shop at Local Fruit Stands

Finally, my last tip is to shop at the  local fruit stands  on the island rather than buy the produce at the store.

Hawaii is a prime location for growing pineapple, bananas, mangoes, papayas, avocados, etc., and many farmers set up a small stand in a local town or on the side of a road.

Not only may you get your produce for cheaper, but you are supporting local farmers as well! The fruit also tastes so much fresher!

The farmers markets in Hawaii usually also have a booth that sells yummy treats like mochi, Hawaiian-style cakes, and malasadas!

Easy Meals to Cook on Vacation in Hawaii on a Budget

Whether you are going to Oahu on a budget or any of the other islands, here are a few quick meals while on vacation you can easily make at your vacation rental, condo, or resort that has a kitchen.

Make your own poke bowls as one of your easy beach condo meals! You can easily buy poke from Costco fo a great price. Then, simply make some rice and you are good to go.

Poke bowls are great for lunch, dinner, and even work good for a picnic on the beach!

Rotisserie Chicken

While some things are more expensive when visiting Oahu or any of the islands, the rotisserie chicken at Costco is the same price as the mainland.

So, grab one and enjoy a simple, already prepared meat. Then, just make some rice, get a salad or a pineapple and enjoy!

It will be so much cheaper than anything at the local grocery stores.

Even if you are not staying in one of the vacation rentals with a kitchen, you can still have this meal and enjoy your Hawaii family vacation on a budget!

During your Hawaii vacations, you will want to have Kalua Pork. But, if you don’t want to eat out and get it, you can save money and make on your own to help you visit Hawaii on a budget!

All you need is pork, cabbage, and rice. It is another one of the easy meals to make while on vacation the entire family will love.

Check out this easy Instant Pot Kalua Pork Recipe

Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

After you head to the local farmers markets, get lots of fruits and veggies to make this pineapple chicken stir fry recipe!

You can easily change it up to include all the foods your family likes. All you need to do is cook all your ingredients and add them together, then pour on the stir fry sauce, making it another one of the easy beach vacation dinners for visiting Hawaii!

Check out this easy pineapple stir fry recipe

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Instead of hitting up one of the food trucks for an expensive plate of garlic shrimp, you can easily make your own!

It is one of the best Hawaiian foods to try!

Garlic shrimp is so easy and so delicious to make when you visit Hawaii. It is one of the easy recipes for beach vacation you will definitely want to make.

Check out this easy garlic shrimp recipe

Hawaii on a Budget FAQs

If you want to keep your snacks as fresh as possible at the beach on the Hawaiian islands, try bringing a cooler full of frozen grapes, cut-up veggies, sandwiches, and fresh fruit.

If you plan on bringing food to Hawaii, it’s important to just bring snacks that don’t need to be kept cold. Budget-friendly snack options include trail mix, granola bars, jerky, crackers, and chips.

If you have dietary restrictions, definitely pack any specific food you like to eat that you might not be able to find easily in Hawaii. And if you plan on cooking a lot and are wondering what to take on a trip to Hawaii, bring your own spices, pantry staples, and anything where you just need part of the package.

When visiting Hawaii on a budget, you will want to bring as much as possible so you don’t have to buy anything while you are here. Bring your own sunscreen, bug spray, and beach items if they fit. Also, bringing some snacks and food will help you save money too!

You can’t bring your own fruits and vegetables when you visit Hawaii.

Yes you can bring some food to Hawaii, but you’ll want to check and see what you can and cannot bring. Some foods have to be declared when you arrive and inspected, so it’s best to stick with snacks like granola bars, crackers, chips, and things you find at the airport.

Yes you can bring uncooked rice to Hawaii. You might want to keep it in the package it came in, just in case.

Oahu is one island that is considered cheaper. It is the biggest touristic island, so you can usually find some great Hawaii travel deals to help you visit Hawaii on a budget. From rental cars to cheap flights, and plenty of free events, you can enjoy your visit to Oahu without spending lots of money!

Hawaii Budget Travel Wrap-Up

You can easily visit Hawaii on a budget with these simple cooking and budget tips. From easy meals on vacation to tips to save money while cooking at your vacation rentals, hopefully these budget tips help you visit Oahu, Big Island, Maui, or Kauai on a budget.

Eating local food doesn’t have to be expensive! Thee are great deals at Costco or you can easily make your own meals too so you can still enjoy the Hawaiian culture and food while you visit Hawaii on a budget.

I hope that  these tips  on how to do Hawaii on a budget get you started for planning your meals and help you to stick to your vacation budget while traveling in Hawaii!

Looking for more tight budget tips for visiting Hawaii on a budget? Here are the top things to do in Maui on a budget , best places to stay in Oahu on a budget , how to visit Honolulu on a budget , free things to do in Oahu , cheap places to stay in Kauai , and cheap Big Island hotel deals .

The post Hawaii on a Budget: How to Cook While on Vacation in Hawaii appeared first on Hawaii Travel with Kids .

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Outdoor enthusiasts and tourists seeking a relaxing getaway in paradise head to Hawaii for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, volcanoes and endless natural beauty. That said, it comes at a cost. According to  Collections of Waikik i, the average price for a solo traveler is $4,000 per week, which includes flight, hotel, food and rental car.

As prices continue to climb for accommodations and food due to inflation and over-tourism, you might want to consider a more budget-friendly destination for your vacation. Sure, Hawaii has stunning sunsets and breathtaking views, but so do many other places at an affordable cost. Here are three locations similar to Hawaii but without the hefty price tag.

1. Cancún, Mexico

With its beautiful beaches, turquoise blue seas, and rich history, Cancún has become a favorite destination for travelers. Plus, the year-round tropical weather and many exciting things to do have made the Mexico location a hotspot in recent years. While it’s become a go-to for jet setters, it’s still affordable. Couples can expect to spend an average of $2,000 per week, according to  ChampionTraveler .

2. Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is located in the northeast Caribbean Sea, about 1,000 miles from Miami, and strikes the perfect balance of lively nightlife, tranquil beaches, cascading waterfalls, and beautiful rainforests.  It’s one of the cheapest places in the Caribbean for Americans, and you don’t need a passport. The average cost for seven days for one person is around $1,300; for a couple, it is about $2,300, according to  PuertoRico.com .

Many travelers dream of going Tahiti, but the affordability deters some from visiting the French Polynesia that offers black sand beaches, lagoons, waterfalls, volcanoes and spectacular scenery.

However, there are ways to cut costs, like visiting during the low season from December to late February, when temperatures are still in the 80s, being flexible on your travel dates, and opting for an Airbnb over a hotel, which can range from $60 to $150 per night per  Islands.com . According to the site, you can search for packages that “bundle airfare, airport transfers, accommodations, daily breakfast and even a few dinners into one per-person price (generally starting in the $2,500-$3,500 range for seven nights).”

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• Travel Updates

First of five Bonza planes leaves the country as prospects worsen for budget airline

Bonza plane “Bruce” has flown out from the Sunshine Coast for Honolulu, leaving the futures of Shazza, Malc, Sheila and Bazza uncertain.

Bodies of slain surfers begin journey home

Aussie’s mercy dash home after Fiji stabbing

Major airline enters voluntary liquidation

The first of the five planes once in Bonza’s fleet has made its way overseas following the company’s failure to renegotiate its forced grounding.

The Boeing 737, known lovingly as “Bruce”, departed for Honolulu on Thursday morning under the flight tag of Canada’s budget airline Flair, the aircraft’s co-owner. It left from Sunshine Coast airport shortly after 9am.

According to online flight tracking data, Bruce is set to refuel in Hawaii, but its next port is not yet listed.

Bruce was the newest addition to the Bonza fleet. The four remaining Bonza planes, nicknamed Shazza, Malc, Sheila and Bazza, remain parked at Sunshine Coast airport, Gold Coast airport and Melbourne airport.

Bonza did not immediately reply to comment on what would happen to the remainder of the fleet.

As a co-owned plane split between Flair and Bonza, Bruce sported an unorthodox dual paint job that spotlighted both carriers.

Barrister James Hutton SC, who is acting for the administrators, on Thursday told a hastily convened sitting of the Federal Court that as of Wednesday afternoon, 6242 people had responded to an email address set up for Bonza’s creditors and a further 1160 had replied to an email address set up for out-of-pocket customers.

A further 1444 emails had been received after 4pm on Wednesday, the court was told.

Of those, 1888 creditors had provided a proof of debt, Justice Elizabeth Cheeseman was told.

Mr Hutton said a “significantly lower” number of creditors would be admitted into Friday’s meeting to vote.

The court was previously told that the company had more than 60,000 creditors, including 323 employees who were owed wages and annual leave, 120 trade creditors and 57,933 customers with forward bookings.

Mr Hutton noted that creditors would still be allowed to submit proofs of debt in the future to become eligible to vote at later meetings.

On Tuesday, Bonza announced all flights from May 8 to 14 would be cancelled and staff would remain stood down in the period.

In the same statement, the carrier shared its lenders were seeking to reposition the fleet elsewhere.

Bonza does not own any of the planes in its fleet, instead leasing them.

These agreements were terminated on April 30 after the airline had defaulted on its loans the previous month.

A court hearing previously revealed that almost 60,000 customers had been left without compensation for ticket purchases by the airline.

“The administrators confirm that they are not in a position to process or issue refunds on behalf of (Bonza) at this time,” Tuesday’s statement reads.

“Customers who have had their flights cancelled should contact their financial institution to discuss available options.”

As reported by The Australian, former Virgin Blue pilot Jeremy de Lore has been tasked with transitioning the aircraft between operators.

More Coverage

The entry into administration for the airline has driven a surge of activity in the Facebook group Scum of the Air, established in January for those seeking to troubleshoot complaints against Bonza.

As of writing, membership sits at just below 2200.

“By sharing your experiences and stories, we can collectively raise awareness and hold Bonza Airlines accountable for their actions,” the group’s About page reads.

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The bodies of two Perth brothers who were killed on a surfing trip in Baja California have begun their journey home.

An Australian man is fighting for life in hospital with a stab wound on the day he was supposed to fly home from a Fijian holiday.

Customers have been left stranded after a major airline entered voluntary liquidation, cancelling all flights.