trip to hawaii cost for 6

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

How Much Does a Trip to Hawaii Cost?

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

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®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Cost of a Trip to Hawaii & the Cheapest Time to Visit Hawaii

The average price of a 7-day trip to Hawaii is $2,023 for a solo traveler, $2,986 for a couple, and $4,371 for a family of 4 . Hawaii hotels range from $96 to $433 per night with an average of $177, while most vacation rentals will cost $270 to $810 per night for the entire home. Average worldwide flight costs to Hawaii (from all airports) are between $968 and $1,580 per person for economy flights and $3,040 to $4,961 for first class. Depending on activities, we recommend budgeting $74 to $150 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.

See below for average , budget , and luxury trip costs. You can also look up flight costs from your airport for more tailored flight pricing.

The Cheapest Times to Visit Hawaii

On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to Hawaii and stay in a Hawaii hotel:

• January 8th to March 4th
• August 13th to December 9th (except the week of November 19th)

The absolute cheapest time to take a vacation in Hawaii is usually early September .

Average Hawaii Trip Costs

Average solo traveler.

The average cost for one person to visit Hawaii for a week is $1,783-$3,849 ($255-$550 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $74 to $150 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $545 to $1,347 for economy

Lodging : $120 to $169 per night for one 2 or 3-star hotel room

or $198 to $242 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Average Couple’s Trip

The average cost for a couple to visit Hawaii for a week is $2,845-$6,246 ($406-$892 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $148 to $300 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,089 to $2,694 for economy

Average Family Vacation

The average cost for 4 people to visit Hawaii for a week is $5,691-$11,772 ($813-$1,682 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $296 to $600 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $2,179 to $5,388 for economy

Lodging : $240 to $339 per night for two 2 or 3-star hotel rooms

or $298 to $364 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Traveling Cheap to Hawaii

How cheap can you make a vacation to Hawaii? The cheapest trip to Hawaii is about $185 per person per day for travelers willing to take standby flights, deal with inconvenience, and otherwise limit travel expenses. About 1% of rentals are available in the $0 to $100 range for an entire place, and vacation rentals can be booked for as low as $20 per night. These inexpensive rentals must be booked as early as possible and may not be in the most desirable areas. 1-star hotels are more likely to be available, with rooms starting at around $82.

Even cheaper trips are possible depending on where you live and whether you can drive. Check the cheapest times to fly for more saving ideas.

Budget Solo Traveler

The lowest cost for one person to visit Hawaii for a week is $1,296-$2,950 ($185-$421 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $37 to $73 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Lodging : $82 to $96 per night for one 1-star hotel room

or $151 to $182 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Budget Couple’s Trip

The lowest cost for a couple to visit Hawaii for a week is $2,092-$4,815 ($299-$688 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $73 to $147 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Budget Family Vacation

The lowest cost for 4 people to visit Hawaii for a week is $4,192-$9,095 ($599-$1,299 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $147 to $293 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Lodging : $164 to $192 per night for two 1-star hotel rooms

or $227 to $276 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Overall it is very difficult to travel to Hawaii cheaply.

The Cost of a Luxury Hawaii Trip

There is no true ceiling on the cost of a luxury trip, so our estimates are based on what most people do in Hawaii.

Luxury Solo Traveler

The high-end price for one person to visit Hawaii for a week is $3,863-$14,748 ($552-$2,107 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $151 to $298 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,360 to $3,308 for first class

Lodging : $241 to $433 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room

or $794 to $1,559 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Luxury Couple’s Trip

The high-end price for a couple to visit Hawaii for a week is $6,280-$20,135 ($897-$2,876 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $302 to $595 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $2,720 to $6,616 for first class

Luxury Family Vacation

The high-end price for 4 people to visit Hawaii for a week is $12,559-$35,512 ($1,794-$5,073 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $604 to $1,190 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $5,439 to $13,232 for first class

Lodging : $482 to $866 per night for two 4 or 5-star hotel rooms

or $1,191 to $2,325 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Hawaii Hotel Prices

The cost of staying in Hawaii is much higher than the average city. On average hotels are less expensive than vacation rentals. Luxury vacation rentals are more expensive in Hawaii due to very high property costs. The graphs below show how much cost can vary depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.

Hawaii Lodging Cost by Star Status

The average price for the class of hotel is on the (y) axis. The hotel class (out of 5 stars) is on the (x) axis.

Prices are based on Hawaii hotel averages and may not reflect current prices. In some cases, we extrapolate prices to estimate costs, and hotels with your desired star rating may not be available.

Vacation Rental Prices

The percent of vacation rentals in the price range is on the left (y) axis. Price range is on the bottom (x) axis.

There are a healthy amount of vacation rentals serving all budgets in Hawaii.

Flight Costs to Hawaii

Averaging flights around the world, prices go from a high of $1,580 average in late December to a low of $968 in early September. Median flight price is $963. These prices are based on millions of flights. For Hawaii our data includes hundreds of originating airports, and dozens of airlines. The area has more variance in price compared with other locations.

Average Flight Cost by Season

Average flight cost by day of week.

The cheapest day to fly in is typically Tuesday, and the cheapest day to fly back is usually Tuesday. Click here to see data for the cost of flights from your airport. In Hawaii, the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive week is about $612, so you can easily save about 63% simply by using our free flight guides and booking in advance.

Daily Expenses Budget

Daily vacation expenses vary more based on what you’re interested in doing. A fine dining restaurant with drinks around Hawaii can easily cost $551 per person or more, while a standard nice meal might be about $37 per person. Private tours can cost $1100 per day, but self-guided tours to see the outdoor sights can be free. Costs vary wildly, so recommendations are made based on the cost of living and averages we see for this type of vacation.

Other Hawaii Guides

Travel costs nearby.

• Lanai, HI, US
• Lanai City, HI, US
• Molokai, HI, US
• Maunaloa, HI, US
• Kaunakakai, HI, US
• Lahaina, HI, US
• Downtown Lahaina, HI, US
• Kahoolawe, the United States
• Wailuku, HI, US
• Maalaea, HI, US

Travel Costs in Popular Places

• Kyoto, Japan
• Taitung, Taiwan
• Phan Thiet, Vietnam

• 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
• ETOHI: Exclusive Island Tour - Oahu • Private • Custom • No Rush: $286
• Native Hawaiian Circle Island Tour: $130
• 3 Hour Sunrise Photo Tour with Malasada: $65
• Afternoon Adventure Snorkel from Ka'anapali: $169
• Bee Farm Ecotour and Honey Tasting in Waialua, North Shore Oahu: $135
• Kayak Whale Watching Tour (7am-10am): $125

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 .

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Coupons and discounts! Travel tips!

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.

• You are welcome to reference or display our travel costs on your website as long as you provide a link back to this page .
• For a basic link, you can copy and paste the HTML link code, or this page's address. Address Link HTML Hawaii Travel Costs " disabled />

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.

• Privacy / Terms of Use
• Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

• Last Updated On
• August 21, 2023

Hawaii Travel Cost: A Budget-Friendly Guide

Are you dreaming of sandy beaches, aqua-blue water, and a laid-back island vibe?

Considering a getaway to Hawaii but not quite sure about the travel costs?

Understanding your Hawaii travel cost can be simpler than learning to hula.

It’s not just about dollar signs – it’s about making informed choices that let you soak in paradise without a fiscal hangover.

Whether it’s exploring the majestic Hawaiian landscapes or relaxing in tropical accommodations, your vacation should feel like a slice of heaven, right?

Just remember, every paradise comes with a price tag.

But here’s the good news: with a pinch of planning and a dash of savvy budgeting, you can ease into your island adventure with confidence.

So, are you ready for a vacation that’s as chill as Hawaiian shave ice?

Let’s unravel that budget mystery, shall we?

Key Takeaways

• Understand accommodation options and typical costs to make informed decisions
• Explore transportation choices and set realistic expectations for getting around the islands
• Learn about local activities, dining experiences, and savvy ways to save money in Hawaii

Hawaii Travel Cost: An Overview of the islands

The beautiful Hawaiian Islands, each with their own unique charm, are your go-to destination for unforgettable family vacations.

But with so many options, which islands should you visit?

Let’s take a quick look at the highlights of Hawaii’s major islands.

Oahu : The gathering place.

Oahu is the most populated island and where you’ll find Honolulu, the state capital.

Popular attractions here include Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, and the iconic surf town of Haleiwa.

This island is a perfect mix of city life, beaches , and tropical nature escapes.

Maui : The Valley Isle.

Famous for its picturesque landscapes, Maui is home to the breathtaking Haleakala National Park and the scenic Road to Hana.

Families love Maui’s gorgeous beaches , top-notch snorkeling, and whale-watching opportunities.

Lahaina, a historic whaling town, is a must-visit for shopping and dining .

Kauai : The Garden Isle.

Kauai is all about natural beauty, known for its lush mountains, waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs along the Na Pali Coast.

Its laid-back atmosphere is perfect for families looking for a more relaxed vacation.

Highlights include Waimea Canyon, Hanalei Bay, and the quaint town of Kapa’a.

Big Island : The Island of Adventure.

The Big Island, officially named Hawaii, is the largest and most diverse of the islands.

Home to active volcanoes like Kilauea, this island packs plenty of adventure.

Must-see places include Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, incredible stargazing on Mauna Kea, and beautiful waterfalls in Hilo.

Each island has its own unique vibe, and deciding which ones to visit will depend on your family’s preferences and activities.

Accommodation Costs

Finding the right hotel for your Hawaiian vacation can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time.

But don’t worry, I’ve got your back.

Whether you’re staying in Waikiki or Honolulu, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

Hawaii’s hotel prices vary greatly, but you can expect to find a comfy three-star hotel for around $240 to $339 per night.

Make sure to consider parking fees when booking, as some hotels may charge additional fees for it.

Here’s a quick list to guide you:

• Budget-friendly hotels : $100 – $200 per night
• Mid-range hotels : $200 – $400 per night
• Luxury hotels : $400 and above per night

Vacation Rentals

If you’re looking for more space and a home-away-from-home vibe, vacation rentals are an excellent option.

Feel free to cook your own meals and enjoy more privacy than a regular hotel room.

You can find vacation rentals in popular locations like Lahaina and across the Hawaiian islands.

Typical vacation rental prices may vary based on the location and amenities:

• Standard vacation rentals : $150 – $350 per night
• Premium vacation rentals : $350 – $600 per night

Airbnb and Others

Airbnb is another popular option for accommodations in Hawaii.

It offers unique stays, ranging from budget rooms to luxurious villas.

The platform’s user-friendly interface allows you to filter your search based on preferences, making it easy to find the perfect accommodation for your Hawaiian getaway.

Don’t forget to check other platforms like Vrbo and Booking.com as well.

Hawaii prices can fluctuate, so shopping around can help you find the best deals on the best hotels in Hawaii .

• Budget Airbnb : $75 – $150 per night
• Mid-range Airbnb : $150 – $300 per night
• Luxury Airbnb : $300 and above per night

Transportation Expenses

When planning your family vacation to Hawaii, it’s essential to take into consideration all your transportation expenses.

In this section, we’ll cover three main aspects of transportation costs for your trip: Airfare, Car Rentals, and Additional Transportation Fees.

So, you’re wondering how much it’ll cost to fly your family to Hawaii?

Well, let’s talk about average forecasted flight prices.

The expected costs for flights to Hawaii are:

Of course, ticket prices can still vary, so it’s essential to keep an eye on deals and discounts to save some extra cash.

Car Rentals

Now that you’ve got the whole family in Hawaii, you’ll need a way to get around.

A rental car can be a great option.

The cost of renting a car in Hawaii can vary depending on factors like your drop-off location, the type of vehicle you choose, and the duration of your rental.

To save on vehicle rental costs, consider booking your car in advance and keep an eye out for special offers, discounts, or coupons.

You might also want to compare prices among different rental agencies.

Additional Transportation Fees

Aside from your car rental, there may be some additional transportation expenses you’ll need to account for.

For instance, local transportation in Hawaii can cost an average of $37 per day.

This includes bus fares, taxis, and rideshare services.

But exploring Hawaii by bus can be a budget-friendly way to sightsee and experience the local culture.

Also, don’t forget about parking fees that may apply at certain attractions or accommodations.

Be sure to research ahead and find out if your lodging offers complimentary parking.

Activities and Attractions

Outdoor adventures.

Hawaii offers a wide range of outdoor adventures that cater to every interest.

Hiking is one of the best things to do in Hawaii , with numerous trails for all skill levels.

Explore the majestic scenery of Waikiki Beach or challenge yourself with a hike up the famous Diamond Head volcanic crater.

If golfing is more your style, Hawaii is home to some world-class courses.

Tee off with views of the Pacific Ocean or play a round on the lush greens of the various Hawaiian islands.

Historical Sites

Hawaii has a rich history and offers plenty of opportunities to explore the past.

A visit to Pearl Harbor is a must, where you can learn about the tragic events of December 7, 1941, and the significant impact they had on the United States’ entry into World War II.

Aside from Pearl Harbor, there are several other historical sites and parks worth visiting.

Learn about the fascinating culture of ancient Hawaiians, or explore the former homes of monarchs and missionaries.

Water Activities

With Hawaii’s crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, it’s no surprise that water activities are popular.

Whether you’re interested in surfing, swimming, or scuba diving, there’s something for everyone.

For an unforgettable experience, book a sunset dinner cruise along the coast, complete with a Polynesian show.

If you prefer to stay on land, consider attending one of the island’s famous luaus for an evening of entertainment and delicious food.

Dining and Eating Out

Hawaii is a paradise for food lovers, and you’re in for a tropical treat.

Whether you’re an early riser who loves breakfast or someone who enjoys exploring new places to eat out, Hawaii will definitely impress your palate.

Let’s talk about some dining essentials that will help make your Hawaiian vacation a delightful culinary experience.

First things first: breakfast.

You might wonder, what’s on the menu for breakfast in Hawaii?

Expect traditional island fare like ‘loco moco’ – a hearty dish of rice topped with a hamburger patty, fried egg, and gravy – or fresh tropical fruits, such as papayas, pineapple, and mango.

But don’t worry, you’ll find familiar items like pancakes, bacon, and eggs too.

Some great spots to start your day include hotel buffets or local cafes and diners.

When you think about eating out in Hawaii, imagine the mouthwatering flavors from an array of culturally diverse cuisines.

Hawaii’s culinary scene showcases a wonderful blend of Polynesian, American, Asian, and European influences.

So when venturing out to discover the restaurants in Hawaii, you’ll have your choice of everything from upscale eateries and cozy seafood shacks to eclectic food trucks and farmers’ markets.

As you dine out, remember to factor in gratuity when budgeting your Hawaii vacation.

Tipping is customary in the United States, and Hawaii is no exception.

It’s standard to leave a tip of 15–20% of your pre-tax bill at restaurants and bars.

Whether your service is exceptional or just satisfying, be generous and consider the hard work of the staff behind your pleasurable dining experience.

Budgeting and Saving Money

Best time to visit.

Hold on to your sun hats – one great tip for saving money on your Hawaii vacation is choosing the right time to go.

Generally, the most budget-friendly times are during the shoulder seasons, which run from April to May and September to October.

During these months, you’ll not only find better deals on accommodations and attractions, but you’re likely to avoid those pesky peak-season crowds too.

Travel Deals

Listen up, deal-seekers.

There are numerous ways to find the best deals for your trip to Hawaii.

Keep an eye out for Hawaii vacation packages that bundle airfare, accommodations, and sometimes even activities.

These bundles can save you a chunk of change compared to finding everything a la carte.

Don’t shy away from checking out different travel websites, like Lonely Planet, to score some insider secrets on scoring amazing deals.

And, of course, be open to planning in advance – you’ll be more likely to find better prices the earlier you book.

Money-Saving Tips

Remember, expensive doesn’t always equal better.

Here’s a list of tried-and-true tips to help you cut back on some notorious Hawaii vacation costs:

• Lodging : Instead of luxury hotels, consider alternatives like vacation rentals, condos, or even camping. These options can provide a cost-effective (and sometimes more authentic) stay.
• Food : Save money on meals by hitting up local grocery stores for snacks, breakfast items, and meal ingredients. Don’t forget to try some reasonably priced local eateries and food trucks for a taste of Hawaii without breaking the bank.
• Transportation : While exploring the islands, renting a car may be convenient, but be ready for additional costs like parking and gas. Check out local public transportation, ride-sharing apps, or rent a bike for more budget-friendly options.
• Attractions : Some attractions in Hawaii may come with visitor fees or attraction parking fees. Do your research ahead of time and consider if these activities are worth the expense for your family.

Don’t forget there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to entertain every age group, like hiking, beach hopping, and local festivals.

Hawaii Travel Tips

If you’re planning a family trip to Hawaii, it’s essential to consider a few factors to make the most out of your vacation without breaking the bank.

We know you want to enjoy your time in paradise, so we’ve compiled some top tips for you.

Weather Considerations

The weather in Hawaii is pretty consistent throughout the year, with temperatures usually ranging between 75°F and 85°F.

Be prepared for the Pacific Ocean winds, which bring in sudden showers.

Don’t forget to pack sunblock, as the UV index in Hawaii typically reaches 14+ during the spring, summer, and fall.

It’s always a good idea to bring a light jacket and some rain gear for passing showers, especially if you plan on exploring the island.

Peak and Off-Peak Seasons

Some planning around peak and off-peak seasons can make a significant difference in your Hawaii trip costs.

Peak travel seasons include December through April, and June through August.

During these times, you’ll find higher prices for accommodations and airfare.

Alternatively, scheduling your visit during the off-peak seasons—May, September, and October—can save you money and ensure a more relaxed experience, as tourist attractions will be less crowded.

Important Information for Tourists

Let’s talk about your options for accommodations, tours, and fun activities.

The cost of living in Hawaii is generally higher than in cities like New York, London, or Vancouver, so you’ll need to consider how to cut costs without sacrificing enjoyment.

When it comes to accommodations, vacation rentals and condos are often more affordable than hotels, especially for longer stays.

Don’t forget to factor in resort fees, which can range from $25 to $50 per night, depending on the property.

As for exploring, renting a car is the most convenient way to get around and see everything Hawaii has to offer.

Keep an eye out for deals when booking your rental to further reduce costs.

Now, the fun part: activities.

Hawaii is an outdoor lover’s paradise and has many affordable or even free activities.

From snorkeling and surfing to hiking and exploring the island’s beautiful landscapes, there’s no shortage of adventure.

Don’t be shy to ask locals for their favorite spots—they love to share their hidden gems.

Lastly, in my own experience venturing through Hawaii with my family, we discovered some delicious local food trucks, which not only saved us money on dining but also allowed us to immerse ourselves in Hawaiian culture.

Parting Words

So, you’ve got a grasp on the Hawaii travel cost and what to expect during your family vacation.

Now, it’s time to make your dreams a reality and start planning that unforgettable trip.

Remember, preparation is key, and by simply knowing the cost, you’re already one step ahead.

While exploring the idyllic islands of Hawaii with your loved ones, don’t forget to indulge in the mouth-watering food and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

It’s crucial for any savvy traveler to maintain a balance between maximizing the experience and staying within budget.

So, make sure to allocate your resources wisely, and most importantly, have a fabulous time.

Rest assured, your carefully planned Hawaiian escape will thank you for your attention to detail and leave you with memories that last a lifetime.

Related: What To Buy In Hawaii

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a 7-day trip to hawaii.

A 7-day trip to Hawaii can vary in cost, depending on your choice of accommodations and activities. On average, you can expect to spend around $1,500 to $2,000 per person, including flights, hotels, food, and activities. Remember, your actual spending will depend on your preferences and budget.

What Is The Cost Of An All-Inclusive Trip To Hawaii For Two?

All-inclusive vacation packages for Hawaii can range from $3,000 to $7,000 for a couple. These packages typically include airfare, accommodation, meals, and selected activities. Be sure to compare different packages and read the fine print to make sure they offer the experience you want.

What Is The Average Budget For A 5-Day Hawaii Vacation?

For a 5-day vacation in Hawaii, you can expect to spend around $1,200 to $1,800 per person. This budget includes flights, hotels, food, and activities. Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on your choice of accommodations, the time of year you travel, and the activities you participate in.

How Much Should I Budget For Food For A Week In Hawaii?

The average food budget for a week in Hawaii is about $60 to $100 per day, per person. This can vary depending on whether you plan to dine at upscale restaurants or opt for more casual, local dining options. To save on food costs, consider cooking at your rental or condo, or visiting local farmers’ markets and grocery stores.

What Is The Cost Of An Average Flight To Hawaii?

The average cost of a round-trip flight to Hawaii can range between $400 and $800 per person. Flight prices can vary widely based on your departure city, the time of year, and how far in advance you book. To get the best deal, be flexible with your travel dates and consider booking your flights during off-peak travel seasons.

Are Hawaiian Vacations Expensive?

Hawaiian vacations can be pricey, but they don’t have to break the bank. With some planning and budget-conscious choices, you can enjoy the beauty and culture of the islands without overspending. Consider traveling during the off-peak season, staying in budget accommodations, and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities to keep your vacation costs manageable.

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

We use cookies in the delivery of our online services.

To learn about the cookies we use and information about your preferences and opt-out choices, please review our Privacy Policy here . Our Terms and Conditions, which contain an arbitration provision, may be viewed here . By using our application you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy , including the transfer of your personal data to the United States from your country of residence (if different).

Already have an account?

Sign up for free account.

Login with Facebook or Google

Don't have an account?

Welcome back sign in to hawaiian planner.

Login with Facebook

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Budget Assumptions

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

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

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

Cost of Airfare to Hawaii

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Total airfare cost: $3,840

Cost of Accommodations in Hawaii

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Total Accommodation Cost: $7,000 for 10 nights

Transportation costs in Hawaii

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

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

Check car rental prices on Kayak

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

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

Total Car Rental/Transportation Cost: $950

Food Costs in Hawaii

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

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

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

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

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

Total Food Cost: $2,500

Tours and Activity Costs

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

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

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

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

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

Total Activity Cost: $2,400

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

Total Cost for a 10-day Trip to Hawaii

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

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

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

Let’s recap the Hawaii budget breakdown:

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

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

PIN THIS FOR LATER

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

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

Find this useful? Share it!

Publish Date: November 27, 2023

Comments are closed.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER & RECEIVE A FAMILY VACATION PLANNING KIT!

We3Travel.com will use the information you provide on this form to send you newsletters. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting [email protected] . By clicking below, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms.

Start typing and press enter to search

How to Become an Au Pair – Requirements You Should Know

What Is A Travel Enthusiast? – Secrets You Should Know About It

Capital One VentureOne Vs. Quicksilver – Can I Have Both?

Is Cartagena Safe to Visit in 2023 – What to Pay Attention to

Is Dubai Expensive to Visit – Everything You Should Know

Hawaii travel cost – find the cheapest time to visit hawaii.

• January 10, 2023
• Destinations Travel Tips

You will discover how to accurately estimate the cost of your Hawaii vacation in this guide.

Additionally, we’ll go over the most cost-effective strategies for visiting Hawaii, such as how to find low-cost flights, cut back on lodging expenses, and find inexpensive restaurants.

Table of Contents

Average Trip to Hawaii Cost

A trip to Hawaii typically costs around $4000 for 7 days.

This total average cost breaks down as follows:

• Average Accommodation Costs: $275/ night (~ $2000 )
• Average Roundtrip Airfare: $1000
• Food and Drink: $80/ day (~ $550 )
• Tours & Activities: $150/ tour ( $300 for 2)
• Car Rental: $35/ day (~ $250 )
• Total Average Cost = $4100

These costs are only averages, as will be further explained, and some—particularly lodging—get cheaper as the number of people increases. Others, like meals and travel expenses, have a direct linear correlation with group size.

The amount you need to set aside for travel expenses will also be greatly influenced by the time of year you go and how flexible you are with your travel dates. Your vacation expenses may literally increase by over $1000 depending on the flight and hotel costs in peak vs. off-peak season.

Hawaii Travel Costs ($460 to $875)

Flights to Hawaii typically cost between $460 and $875. For obvious reasons (fuel and cargo costs), flights from west coast cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco are significantly less expensive than flights from east coast cities like New York City.

Here’s the estimated cost to fly to Hawaii round trip, depending on where you’re coming from:

• East Coast to Hawaii – $875 per person
• Mid-West – $725 per person
• West Coast – $460 per person

Remember that these are only estimates! Check out the section below on money-saving advice to assist you in saving on your flight.

There are other options besides flying to Hawaii; you can also take a cruise there! But the cost is much higher. The average cruise starts at $1,400 and includes food and beverages.

Accommodation ($50 to $500 Per Night)

The Hawaii Tourism Authority reports that in 2018, the average nightly rate for hotels in Hawaii was $264. However, the cost of a hotel in Hawaii can range from $150 to $580 per night, depending on whether you prefer cheap or luxurious lodging.

Since the pandemic, there has been an increase in hotel prices in Hawaii, with Maui experiencing the biggest overall increase. Big Island is second in terms of hotel rates. It’s also possible that Waikiki will cost more than usual. A different island might be a better option for you to stay on if you’re trying to cut costs.

Alternatively, you can rent an Airbnb in most of the There are some really cool rental properties available in the Hawaiian islands, and prices range from $65 to $500 per night, depending on where you stay. Of course, renting an entire apartment with a group will be less expensive than booking a fancy hotel. And lower is good!

Renting an RV or camper van in Hawaii is your third choice. The price for the majority of them ranges from $150 to $200 per night. You can avoid paying for a rental car if you rent a camper van, and you can stay in some really cool places, like cliffside accommodations with ocean views.

Pro tip: The Big Island, Maui, or the island of Oahu are the best Hawaiian islands for RVing.

Rental Cars & Parking Fees ($70 to $100 Per Day)

Mopeds, golf carts, bicycles, and even foot travel are options for getting around the majority of the island. But if you aren’t keen on being slowed down or not having a set of wheels, you’ll need a rental car in Hawaii .

Car rentals should cost no more than $50 per day. Paying for parking should also be included in your budget, though! Parking costs anywhere between $20 and $45 per day on almost all Hawaiian islands.

You should expect to pay an additional $224 to $525 for a 7-day trip. Oh, and do not overlook the need for gas!

Food and Drink ($50 to $200 Per Day Per Person)

It will be difficult for you to visit Hawaii without blowing a sizable portion of your budget on food!

There are many fantastic dining options. Depending on the restaurant and the number of drinks you order, you can anticipate paying between $50 and $100 per person.

However, you can eat reasonably cheaply if you bring microwaveable food with you to the hotel or if you cook in your RV or Airbnb.

Recommended food and drink budget: $50-$200 per day per person.

Cost of Hawaiian Vacation Activities

Hawaii offers an almost limitless number of activities. There’s hiking and sightseeing (hello, volcano!), fire dancers, swimming and surfing, biking, sunbathing, chilling in a hammock, clubs, kayaking, fishing, scuba diving, and so much more! A few of these amazing black sand beaches are also worth checking out!

Nevertheless, if you’re not careful, it’s simple to quickly go over your budget.

Here are some average costs of various Hawaii activities:

• Oahu: Majestic Full-Day Circle Island Tour – $104
• Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage – $99.47
• Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaiian Fun Water Park Day Pass – $52.36
• Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise – $103.67
• Maui: Eco-Friendly Molokini and Turtle Town Tour with Lunch – $138

Attraction Parking Fees

Parking costs apply to the majority of Hawaiian attractions. Parking for attractions typically costs around $3 but can vary depending on the attraction. Thankfully, there are frequently a few free parking spots close by the attraction, but you’ll need to walk a little and arrive early.

A typical parking fee near any attraction is $3, which entitles you to a full day of parking there. However, you can avoid paying any fees by conducting a quick Google search for any free parking lots close to the attraction. The only drawback is that getting to the attraction from the parking lot might require some walking. Positively, walking might allow you to see more of the island than you would by using a vehicle.

To make sure you’re prepared, it’s advised to research any parking fees the attraction charges before making a reservation. A shuttle or bus may even pick you up from your hotel or vacation rental and drive you home at the end of the day at some excursion attractions. If you want to completely avoid paying for a vehicle and parking, this option may be advantageous.

The Cheapest Times to Visit Hawaii

On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to Hawaii and stay in a Hawaii hotel:

• January 8th to March 4th
• August 13th to December 9th (except the week of November 19th)

The absolute cheapest time to take a vacation in Hawaii is usually early September .

5 Tips to Save Money on Your Hawaiian Vacation

Want to save money but are eager to travel to Hawaii? Here are some travel tips to stretch your wallet:

Go During the Best Time of Year

Almost anytime is the ideal time of year to visit Hawaii. Since they are so close to the equator, the weather is always lovely.

If you want to save money and stay away from the crowds, there are a few occasions when you should steer clear of Hawaii. Specifically, the worst times to go to Hawaii are:

• Feb. 24–April 8 (Spring Break, Easter)
• July 1–July 31 (Summer Vacation)
• Nov. 16–Nov. 26 (Thanksgiving)
• Dec. 19–Jan. 6 (Christmas and New Year’s)

However, for the best prices and weather, May and September are the best months to travel. Both the end of April and the entire month of October are fantastic times to travel!

Compare Flight Costs

Hawaiian Airlines, Delta, and numerous other carriers offer flights to Hawaii. We strongly suggest using Cheap Air and Airfare Watchdog to compare prices.

Do Free Activities & Create Your Own DIY Tours

The Hawaiian Islands are home to a large number of tours and sightseeing excursions. In all honesty, you can simply explore the islands on your own!

For instance, many people go on tours to see the Punchbowl and USS Arizona. But you’re welcome to visit both of these places at no cost!

Go Visit Hawaii has several guides to free things to do on each island:

• Islands of Oahu

Some suggestions include going to the state and national parks, renting snorkeling gear on the island, and having a picnic at dusk on the beach instead of going on a snorkeling tour!

You’d be surprised at how many people decide to travel to Hawaii at the last minute, despite the fact that this one seems obvious.

If you prepare in advance, you can compare hotel and flight prices, reserve your accommodations and activities in advance, and think of free activities to avoid overspending on entertainment.

Check Discount Sites

Discount websites like Travelzoo, LivingSocial, and Groupon can help you score some incredible savings. In order to make your money go a little further, look for any package deals that include restaurant and tour discounts.

While you’re at it, be sure to book your activities online . Because they are aware that customers will pay more for last-minute activities while visiting Hawaii, many businesses in Hawaii charge more at the door than they do for online reservations. However, online customers are searching for the best deals.

Parting Advice on Hawaii Vacations

If you’re willing to take on the challenge, there are other ways you can save money. For campers with an adventurous spirit, tent camping can always be an interesting experience. Another excellent way to reduce costs is to divide an AirBnB apartment with a kitchen. While traveling, cooking your own food will save you a ton of money.

But the numbers we gave in this guide should answer the general question “What is the price of a trip to Hawaii?” Your estimated costs are now somewhat clear to you.

Having said that, you can spend whatever amount you want to! You can choose to travel in complete luxury or make significant sacrifices and pinch pennies. Whatever you decide to do, make sure to make your Hawaii travel fantasies a reality. It’s SO worth it.

Final Thoughts

Budgeting for a Hawaiian vacation involves a lot of expenses. However, making as many preparations as you can in advance can greatly reduce stress and help you make the most of an amazing trip.

Hawaii is a lovely place to visit, and although it is expensive, it is undoubtedly possible to do so for less. You can cut your travel expenses by preparing your own meals, being selective about where you stay, or limiting eating out. Another excellent way to make your money go further while getting a deeper understanding of a place is to travel slowly.

It is absolutely possible to visit Hawaii on a tight budget; you just need to decide what is most important to you and make compromises on everything else. You could also save money by traveling during the off-season and avoiding school holidays. The sky’s the limit if you want to treat yourself or live on the luxurious end of the scale.

Average Rating

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• May 9, 2023

Working as foreign nannies for children abroad, au pairs typically live with the family and assist with minor household chores. You need to be enthusiastic and open-minded to make a great au pair.

• April 6, 2023

Travelers can go to Cartagena with confidence. Each year, millions of tourists arrive to explore the stunning walled city. The common yellow taxi cab is the most reliable and safest form of transportation.

• April 3, 2023

Dubai is equally as expensive as other global metropolises like New York, London, and Paris. Dubai can be as inexpensive or as expensive as you like; it all depends on you.

Find cheap flights to Hawaii from $107

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from the united states to hawaii departing on 5/10. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to hawaii.

Save 22% or more Compare multiple travel sites with one search.

Track prices Not ready to book? Create a price alert for when prices drop.

Filter your deals Choose cabin class, free Wi-Fi and more.

Bundle and save Save money when you bundle your flight + hotel.

Best Hawaii Flight Deals

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Good to know

Faqs - booking hawaii flights, i’m traveling to big island. which airport should i choose when booking flights to hawaii.

The best airport for passengers traveling to Big Island will probably depend on the reason for your trip. If you’re going mainly for the resorts and beaches on the West Kona side, then the best airport is Kona International Airport. If you’re going for the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, then the best airport is Hilo International Airport.

I want to hike in Hawaii. Which island should I travel to?

Kauai, Big Island, Molokai, Oahu, and Maui are the best islands in Hawaii for hiking. Big Island, Oahu, and Maui are all served by major international airports with nonstop flights from the continent. Kauai and Molokai also have airports, but travelers from the States will need to travel to Honolulu (in Oahu) first, and then take an inter-island flight to their final destination.

How can I travel from the Honolulu airport to Waikiki beach?

Waikiki Beach is less than 20 min from the Honolulu Airport. You can travel by private shuttle ($18 per person on average), taxi ($30 per ride on average), or you can use a rideshare service ($23-30 per ride on average). If you’re planning on exploring the island beyond Waikiki, you can rent a car at the airport. You’ll find offices for Avis, Budget, Hertz, National, and Enterprise at the baggage claim area.

Which airports in Hawaii are closer to the beach?

The airports in Hawaii closest to the beach are Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu on Oahu island (13 min to Ala Moana Beach Park), Kona International Airport on Big Island (7 min to Wawaloli Beach Park), and Kahului Airport on Maui island (6 min to Kanaha Beach Park).

How long is the flight to Hawaii?

An average nonstop flight from the United States to Hawaii takes 7h 42m, covering a distance of 3341 miles. The most popular route is Los Angeles - Honolulu with an average flight time of 5h 35m.

What is the cheapest flight to Hawaii?

The cheapest ticket to Hawaii from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $51 one-way, and $213 round-trip. The most popular route is from Los Angeles to Honolulu and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $260.

Which airlines fly to Hawaii?

Hawaiian Airlines, Korean Air & United Airlines fly the most frequently from the United States to Hawaii.

What are the most popular destinations in Hawaii?

Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Honolulu (57% of total searches to Hawaii). The next most popular destinations are Kahului (17%) and Kailua-Kona (12%). Searches for flights to Lihue (11%), to Hilo (1%) and to Kapalua (0.7%) are also popular.

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Hawaii

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Hawaii flight deals.
• If you’re looking for beach- and family-friendly destinations when booking your flights to Hawaii, look for flights into the islands of Kauai, Big Island, Maui, and Oahu. They are served by Lihue Airport (LIH), Kona International Airport (KOA) and Hilo International Airport (ITO), Kahului Airport (OGG), and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), respectively.
• If you want to take your time exploring the islands, you can fly from the mainland into Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu on Oahu island, and then take domestic flights to the other islands. Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest are two of the companies that operate inter-island flights.
• Most first-time travelers to Hawaii choose Maui as their destination, but keep in mind that there are fewer nonstop flights from the continental US landing at Maui’s Kahului Airport. Most flights from the mainland connect via the Honolulu airport on Oahu island.
• If you’re planning to go on whale-watching tours, look for flights to Hawaii on the island of Kauai. Although practically every island is excellent for whale-watching activities, Kauai has a greater range of possible spotting locations.
• For golfers, Hawaii means golf courses that are as gorgeous as they are high-quality. If you don’t know where to start, consider traveling to the airport of Oahu. With 37 golf clubs, it’s the island with the most golf courses in America’s 50th state.

Top 5 airlines flying to Hawaii

Great. Loved that there was WiFi on flight to keep in touch and excellent service of beverages and snacks.

Business class is great. New airplane, very comfortable, better than some of the major airlines I am used to

Terrible. Flight was cancelled due to the weather in the east and sout east(florida). Did not get any compesation of any kind. According to them, it was not under their control so I lost all the money paid for the 2 fairs from Raleigh, NC to Orlando, Fl.

great flight. Pilot was communicative, flight attendants were excellent. Really nice experience except my tv didn’t work.

Overall, the flight was better than the flight I took to go to Florida, which had a bunch of problems. The crew is really nice and the plane was new so it had a small problem when we were on the runway, but the flight itself was great. They even made some time back up, which is always a good thing.

There were multiple delays but JetBlue tried to make the boarding and departure process as quick and efficient as possible. The crew was as detached from reality as could be, meaning: not very friendly and just doing things by the numbers.

I had back trouble prior to my flight and everyone was great about helping me.

40 minute delay before take off after boarding flight. Bright lights throughout night flight due Issues with light panels. In flight Entertainment nonfunctional

Everything was good except for deplaning in NY. Took way too long!!

Jet Blue keeps getting iit wrong. 4 hour mechanical delay followed by terrible boarding experience. This is my third horrific jet blue flight in 2024. I am going to try to avoid this loser in the sky

So so. Terrible aircraft choice for that leg of the flight.

Due to one crew member not showing up to work, our flight was significantly delayed causing us to miss our connecting flight in Houston to Mississippi causing us to be delayed by more than 6 hours and missing our event all together. Very disappointing. All because ONE crew member called in sick. United did grant us a $15 meal voucher, which was a small but appreciated concession that I wasn’t able to use because I ordered my lunch and paid for it before applying the concession, and the staff said it was too late to use it. Ugh! We also had a TWO delay coming back from Mississippi, but that was on American Airlines and it was due to weather, so not their fault. Anyway, not at all impressed with United’s handling of our flight and the HUGE disappointment of missing our important family event for our 90 year old mother. All that money and all that stress and emotions for nothing. Having to wait the hour to bring an employee from LAX seemed like something that should not have happened. Why don’t you have a local back-up? Santa Ana is not a little airport in a rural area.

Flight delayed from Cape Town to Washington then got diverted to miami and in miami we had to fend for ourselves , im still trying to get to Shreveport now

delay several times and wait extra long to board. no entertainment service because there are problem for some rows. always encounter some delays for the last flight of the day.

I just wrote a text which was supposed to be for the flight from Denver to spokane not Frankfurt to Denver.

On time every leg of the journey and exceptional staff at counter, gate, and on board. I haven’t travelled in US for a long time and was genuinely surprised how pleasant this was.

The delays (5 hrs) were a comedy of errors, and the multiple safety issues encountered were very concerning.

flight delays, staff only communicating when pushed, food service lasting a grand total of 7 minutes, stuck in seat from 45mins into flight until landing

Crew was great and did their best to make us comfortable and captain came out at the beginning to announce why the flight was delayed, weather situation up ahead, and kept us updated throughout the flight.

they made me check my carryon. There was space in the overhead bins.

This flight is frequently delayed. The connections seemingly are more frequently delayed. I’ve missed connections as a result twice on the same route to charlotte then Charleston. Final destination arrival has been the next day, twice in a row. No pilots, no crew. Too many excuses. Unfortunately, my days with American are over.

Entertainment was okay not because anything was wrong but it is a short flight so having no wifi is annoying but understandable. Crew was outstanding as usual

Those seats were way too narrow. I had the middle seat, one person was a very skinny person and we still couldn’t avoid touching each other anytime one of us moved. The other person was larger and we were basically sitting in each others lap the entire flight. There was zero entertainment. The flight was long enough to justify tvs, but no. Gotta sit there in your infant seat and twiddle your thumbs.

The Flight attendant had an attitude and didn't allow anyone any time to prepare for landing despite being absent throughout the entire trip

Flight boarded without pilots. Sat on plane for 3 hrs. after over an hour late boarding. Plane never took off. Had to deplane near midnight. Line for rebooking was 3 hours + long. I had to leave.

The flight was great but board was a nightmare. The gate was changed 4 times during the layover period

The experience was great and much better than the flight going out. of course I was in first class but the service was excellent

Cold air blew constantly on my legs almost making me numb.

Missed the flight because of them and up geting a rental car

Delayd flight out of atl as always miss my conection in dfw no flight untill next day

Not much seat room, but that was unexpected. But the seat headrest was very uncomfortable.

First the good, everyone was friendly and efficient. Flight was smooth and plane was very clean and new. Now the bad, seats have almost no padding on your behind. I was in exit row so I had tons of leg room for a 6' 2" bean pole with long legs. Everything was extra - water, soda, snacks everything besides oxygen. Ya get what you pay for, and my flight was cheap as you could ever want it, so no worries.

First the good, everyone was friendly and efficient. Flight was smooth and plane was very clean and new. Now the bad, seats have almost no padding on your behind. I was in exit row so I had tons of leg room for a 6' 2" bean pole with long legs. Everything was extra - water, soda, snacks everything besides oxygen. Ya get what you pay for, and my flight was cheap as you could ever want it, so no worries. They dont really bother you about carry-on size, I brought a descent sized backpack and they didnt even check.

Spirit canceled the flight in March and never notified me!

Seats suck, not enough room, overcrowded planes, hectic situation all together.

Pretty good. Would’ve been excellent if we would have left on time and the crew wasn’t late.

I do not like the customer service, I had an emergency and needed to cancel a pet reservation right after I had booked it and they would not do anything but issue a credit. I haven't flown in years as I have 7 kids and don't have spare time. I want my $125 back on my card please

Spirit airline tries to screw you at every opportunity. Spirit wanted 65$ for an extra pound in the suitcase Made me open the suitcase at the counter to remove 1 pound. Staff very cold and rude Will never fly spirit again and will recommend same to family and friends

Delayed..4 times...completely disorganized boarding. After 5 hours they scrambled to move ppl off plane bc they overbooked. Then they didn't have a cabin crew. WiFi on plane didn't work. Zero amenities. Once we boarded we sat on tarmac for an hour. Explore all alternate options including purchasing a pair of hiking boots and walking to your destination instead of flying spirit.

what I like about Spirit is that the pilot and crew are good communicators. The plane itself - well, its a budget airline and you get what is expected, But I generally just feel safer, somehow, when I know more about what is going on - and Spirit has always done a good job of telling me what is going on: why the delay, why the turbulence, why this and that... and that means a lot to me.

I purchased a carry on bag online…was supposed to cost $72 but after a whole slew of bs charges, the total was over $175.00. Because of these hidden charges, I will not even consider flying Frontier ever again. It’s just not worth the hassle. I’m scratching this company off my list forever.

Flight was OK. Seats were good no cell phone charges on the plane no TVs or entertainment.

There were 3 leg for the trip and each leg was delayed by 90 minutes or more. The boarding process takes forever with people waiting on the jetway even though most folks do not have carry-on. The whole process is poorly managed.

Flight cancelled and was told by a rude gate agent that they don’t accommodate on other airlines. Had to wait 5 hours for a connecting flight that had a 7 hour layover. Would not allow bags to be checked early so we couldn’t go through security .Had to rent a car for the afternoon to store bags and get a meal. Also incurred a hotel fee. No apology or reason given for the cancellation- just rudeness.

They cancelled the flight then did nothing to help us rebook. It was awful - I won’t fly with them again

The process of buying the ticket and navigating all the hidden charges that Frontier throws at you was a terrible experience. The actual airport experience and flying was fine.

The truck that was refueling the plane drove away with the hose still connected to the plane and ripped part of the plane off with it

Not have to pay for every single item to take a flight. Seating and delays sucked.

Flight was cancelled and I had to spend the night in the airport lugging my suitcase around

If you don’t check in 24 hours in advance, they will charge you $110 to check your bag instead of the $30. I did not get an email with this information and did not check in. In addition, my flight home was cancelled at layover and I had to spend the night in the airport, and then have another layover at another airport before making it home. Will not fly frontier again.

Book Cheap Hawaii Plane Tickets

Recent round-trip flight deals, search by stops, search by airline, search by price, recent one-way flight deals, last minute flights to hawaii, last minute flight, train and bus deals, flights to hawaii, return flight deals:.

Hawaii - United States

Cabin classes:

Browse origins:.

• Flights  » 
• United States

Browse destinations:

• Worldwide  » 
• North America  » 
• United States  » 

• First Time to Hawaii
• Rental Car Advice
• Saving Money

How much for a trip to Hawaii in 2024? (Hawaii vacation budget calculator)

• 8 minute read

52 comments

Table of contents hide, hawaii vacation flight budget , hawaii vacation accommodation budget, hawaii vacation rental car budget, hawaii vacation dining budget , national and state park entrance fees, example budget for a couple traveling to hawaii from the east coast for a week, other expenses to consider, final thoughts.

You’ve seen ads for Hawaii featuring photos of beautiful beaches lined with palm trees and the bluest of blue water. Now you want to go, but you have no idea how much a trip to Hawaii costs. Where do you start? Good news, you’ve found the right place to help you estimate a Hawaii vacation budget!

In this article, I’m providing you with the easy-to-use estimates to calculate your personal Hawaii trip budget. It can’t be exact, but it will give you a rough idea of how much to start budgeting for a Hawaii vacation.

Before we jump to the calculator, it’s worthwhile to discuss why there’s not an easy answer when it comes to determining a Hawaii vacation budget. The challenges are that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer since multiple factors influence the budget.

Let’s look at some of the main factors that influence a Hawaii vacation budget:

• When you go to Hawaii. Some dates/times are cheaper than others. When demand is down, so are the price of flights and hotels. See my post on the best time to go to Hawaii for tips.
• How far you’re flying. For example, West Coast flights are usually cheaper than Midwest or East Coast flights because there is less distance, i.e. less fuel and cost.
• Whether you typically prefer budget, mid-range or luxury hotels
• The length of your stay
• Whether you prefer fine dining or eating on the cheap.
• Whether you want to go on guided tours or you’re willing to sightsee on your own.

Though we can’t wave a magic want to determine your perfect budget for a Hawaii trip, you can review the following numbers to generate your budget to Hawaii. Just remember, these are rough numbers that can vary from city to city, island to island, etc.

I recommend that you print out this page to follow along for estimating your cost to visit Hawaii. At the bottom of this post, you will see an icon to generate a printer-friendly version of this page.

• East Coast to Hawaii – $900 per person (Note: we fly from the East Coast to Hawaii. Over our many trips to Hawaii, we’ve spent as little as $575 and as much as $1250 per person.)
• Midwest – $750 per person
• West Coast – $475 per person (We’ve seen round-trip fares as low as $124 on a fare sale, but those are rare to find.)

To estimate your flight costs:

______ cost per person   x  ______ number of travelers   = ______ estimated cost of flights

The cost of accommodations mostly vary based on the type of property – budget to luxury. (In our many trips to Hawaii, we’ve paid as little as $150 per night to as much as $525 and up.) In 2023, the average daily hotel rate was $378 per night per data reported by the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

You can find hotels and condos that are fairly nice and clean for less than the average — especially if you are willing to book a room or condo without an ocean view. (See our article for advice on saving money on Hawaii accommodations .) You can also spend significantly more if you’re aiming for a luxury Hawaii vacation.

In addition to the hotel rate, there are more accommodation costs to add, unfortunately. Those costs are taxes and resort fees. You can’t avoid taxes, but you might be able to avoid resort fees for your Hawaii hotel .

Let’s start with taxes. Though taxes can vary slightly by island, as for 2023, plan on spending roughly 18% in taxes.

The next cost to include in your budget is resort fees. We hate these fees, but unfortunately, they’ve become the norm rather than the exception in Hawaii. Resort fees can vary significantly from resort to resort and statewide data is not tracked for these fees. Our best estimate based on our knowledge and experience would be a nightly rate of $35.

So, if we tack on taxes (18%) and resort fees (approximately $35) to the average daily rate of $378, the total comes to $481 per night. To estimate your cost for lodging using the statewide average follow this formula:

$481 (avg cost/night)   x  ______ number of nights   x ______number of rooms you need = _______ estimated cost of accommodations

(Of course you can spend more or less than $481 per night, but that gives you a starting point to estimate the cost to stay in Hawaii.)

You will most likely want a rental car for Hawaii sightseeing adventures. If you are staying on Lanai or in Waikiki, you might not need a rental car, but for all other Hawaii destinations, I highly recommend getting a rental car. (See more about where we advise renting a car in Hawaii .)

Depending on what you rent and which method of booking, rental car rates will vary. See our tips for saving money on rental cars in Hawaii .

Prior to the 2021 rental car shortage, including taxes, you could have expected to use a rough number of $40 per day for an economy or mid-sized car. When the demand for rental cars bottomed out in 2020, rental car companies sold off much of their fleets. Then in 2021, when more people started traveling, rental cars became difficult to find and extremely expensive in Hawaii . Though the rental car companies have increased their fleets since the 2021 shortage, prices are still much higher than before. If you can get a rate for under $75 per day with taxes, you’ve probably found a good deal. Pricing varies significantly by island and by demand. For our budgeting calculations, let’s estimate $75 per day with taxes.

To estimate your cost for renting a car, use this formula:

$75 per day   x  _______ number of days =  _______ estimated cost of rental car

Estimating the cost to dine in Hawaii is yet another one of those factors that can range from a little to a lot.  As a rough round number, I think estimating $80 per person per day is doable without skimping too much or overdoing it. (See our tips for saving money on dining and meals in Hawaii .) That would be $20 for breakfast, $20 for lunch, and $40 for dinner. (By the way, it’s not unheard of to drop $45 or more for breakfast or lunch at high-end Hawaii resorts.)

To estimate your budget for meals, use this formula:

$80 per person per day x _______ number of people x _______ number of nights =   ________ estimated cost for meals

Up until 2020, very few Hawaii state and national parks charged an entrance fee. Unfortunately, new fees have gone into effect across the islands in 2021. As such, we recommend planning some of your vacation budget spends. Each park has a different fee structure, so, again, there’s not a one-size-fits-all estimate. Some have a per-car entry fee while others have a reservation fee, plus parking fee, plus a per person entrance fee. For budgeting purposes, we recommend an estimate of $50 per person for the entire trip.

$50 per person per trip x _______ number of people = ________ estimated cost for entry fees

Total Budget for Your Hawaii Vacation

Now, add up each of the four estimates to get your budget.

Estimated cost of flights _______

Estimated cost of accommodations _______

Estimated cost of rental car _______

Estimated cost for meals ________

Estimated cost for park entry fees _________

==================================

______________ = Your rough budget to vacation in Hawaii

Now, using the numbers above, I calculated the following for a 7-night Hawaii vacation for two people flying from the East Coast.

Flights = $900 per person x 2 people = $1,800

Accommodations = $481 per night  x 7 nights = $3,367

Rental car = $75 per day x 8 days = $600 (I use eight days instead of seven since most times the return hour is later than pick up.)

Dining = $80 per person per day x 2 people x 7 days = $1,120

Park entry fees = $50 per person per trip x 2 people = $100

The grand total for this example is $6,987 .

These estimates do not include:

• Guided tours, such as helicopter tours, guided hikes, snorkeling excursions, etc. Hawaii offers many free and inexpensive things to see and do. Check out our post with advice on saving money on Hawaii vacation tours and activities .
• Parking fees which some hotels charge while others don’t. Be sure to determine parking costs as you consider your accommodation options.   Parking fees in Waikiki and Ko Olina on Oahu and Kaanapali and Wailea on Maui can be particularly expensive. If you choose a VRBO condo option, you are less likely to pay a parking fee. For an estimate on parking fees, plan for an average of $30 per night.
• Rental car refueling costs. Gas costs depend on the length of your stay and how much you plan to explore by car. Just one word of caution, Hawaii’s gas prices are higher than the US Mainland.
• Island hopping in Hawaii via ferry or plane

I want to reiterate that your exact costs depend on your preferences and a bit of luck. You might catch an airfare sale and save $100 to $300 per person. You might find a hotel deal that includes breakfast. I could go on and on.

If you have a Costco membership, look at their vacation packages that include hotel and car. We have often found deals through Costco Travel that include room, breakfast, resort fees and car that are significantly less than what we find anywhere else.

You can definitely spend less in each of the main categories. On the flip side, you can certainly spend more – a lot more. It’s all up to you. I just wanted to provide rough numbers that are, in my opinion, realistic, middle of the road costs.

How much money do you budget when you go to Hawaii? What is your length of stay with that budget?

When we find extraordinary deals, we let our readers know. If you’re not already receiving our free email subscriptions, carefully enter your email address at this link .

Sheila Beal

Sheila Beal is the founder and editor of Go Visit Hawaii. You can connect with Sheila Beal on Twitter , Go Visit Hawaii on Facebook , or Instagram .

Thanks! This was helpful!!

Glad to hear it’s helpful, Dawne. Thanks for the kind feedback.

Informative post, Sheila! I would also add gratuity to the list of expenses. That can add up depending on how generous you want to be for housekeeping and the wait staff when dining out.

For my upcoming Hawaii trip, I actually factored in my award miles that I’ve accrued over the last couple years. Luckily, I was able to use my miles to book my roundtrip airfare…saving up to $650 if I had paid for it.

Thanks for your comment, Michael.

I did have gratuities in mind for the dining estimates.

Very helpful, thanks for this. I think people underestimate how much things will cost and it’s important to sit down and go through a detailed list – including the little things you mention that they might not originally think of like souvenirs, tours, etc.

True, Josh. As I started to calculate the expenses for flights, hotel, car, and dining, I was surprised at how quickly it added up.

its really helpful. Will let my friends know about it.

Hey for the airfare cost the estimated flying cost you came up with is that for a round trip? or only to Hawii? I would love to know a how much I need for in a couple years Im planning to flyout there with my boyfriend!

The airfare cost is for round trip tickets.

Very useful post, thanks!

I just booked a trip to Kauai, HI for April, 2013 for 8 nights and 9 days. Roundtrip airfair, hotel and rental car, i even included resort fees, rental car taxes, and parking at the airport in my home state (Colorado). There are two of us going and NOT including meals,gas for rental car and souviners. Total was $3415.00. That is only $1707.74 a person. SO you can do alot cheaper if you look. My advice is find a reputable travel agent. They know of discounts that we cant find.. Have fun.!!

Random. We live in Colorado and are planning our first trip to Hawaii in September of this year. I’d love to know who you worked with to get you those great prices!

U did awesome. I need a lesson . did u look this up or did u have a travel agent?

Hi thank you for the great information. Will you happen to know if Nov is a good time to go to Hawaii? I know flights look like they go for cheaper, but I have no idea on the weather. Most likely to visit Maui. Thank you

Alex – See this post that provides more details on the best times to visit Hawaii – https://www.govisithawaii.com/2007/10/15/the-best-times-to-visit-hawaii/

Just starting our “three 50 year old gals” trip to Hawaii planning. Need all the advice we can get! this site is helpful for sure. Thanks so much.

Hello everyone, I NEED HELP!!!! My cousin has invited me to visit her in Honolulu. I always thought I would visit her in the fall so I would always check for airfare flying from san diego to honolulu in the fall, but it looks like i wont be able to visit her until March 2015…. I had not researched tickets during sprink break in Hawaii and have no idea what the average decent price to pay is. Right now im looking at Hawaiian airlines $634 per person ..is this a good price to pay as they were as cheap as $350 during fall season just last year

Laura – there’s no way to know if airfare will increase or decrease. Our guess is that it will most likely decrease. Read this article that provides strategies for finding the lowest airfare to Hawaii: https://www.govisithawaii.com/2010/05/10/strategies-for-finding-lowest-airfare-to-hawaii/

Sheila thank you for responding sooo quickly. I understand prices can go up or down, another family member went to honolulu from san diego for $900 last March and I really didnt believe it but then again he got his tickets 2 weeks before so I guess you never know right?

Firstly…for first timers to Hawaii found this site superb. My better I/2 and I leave next week for 7 days on Oahu (Waikiki) followed by a week on Maui (Lahania). With business class flights there and back using airmiles ($7500 Cdn for $380 round trip). Hotel in Waikki with breakfast, $1248 taxes in, and Maui same price no breakfast. Airport transfers are the $23 (Oahu) bucks and 58 (Maui). Inter island flight 55 bucks. Plan travelling on bus tours/trolley bus etc…no plans to rent a car this time around. I have just retired at 52…and hope to get to know the islands well in the years ahead. Including via a cruise. Thanks again for putting the site together. It’s solidly bookmarked!

Kev – thanks for the kind words and for sharing the costs for your upcoming trip to Oahu and Maui. Enjoy!

Dear Shelia, I have a question. I need to find three airlines that match 3600 dollars, as there are 4 people in my family. Your post was very helpful, and so I thought maybe you were the person who could find hotels that match 3600 dollars. Can you please do this for me? Thanks, Lily.

Hi Lily – a travel agent would be glad to assist you with that. (We aren’t travel agents.)

Just finished planning and budgeting our first trip to Hawaii. It’ll only be a few days, and I’m going to take the cheapest route possible, if only to serve as a reference point for our next trip.

With the flight/ hotel package, we’re paying 600 a person, leaving from California. Including meals, that brings us to about 1650. ( I don’t plan on skimping the meal budget, there has to be a limit to my frugality) I may rent a scooter to sight see or necessary travel, but I’m really hoping to not drive around too much, thus negating the rental car cost. This keeps us under 2,000 dollars. I’m still going to budget for 3,000, as I don’t want this trip to sour in the interest of saving money.

Rick – hope you beat your budget. Come back and tell us how it works out after your trip to Hawaii.

Thanks for this post! I think this is a really good starting point when planning for a Hawaii trip. These are pretty typical middle of the road budgets. My husband and I just got back from a trip this month and saved significantly by using points for flights, renting a well equipped guest house in Kona (Big Island) for $110 a night and cooking all but 3 of our dinners over 10 days (2 travel days). Our actual amount spent for the full 10 days (including travel days) was: Flights: $20 House Rental 8 nights (with cleaning and taxes): $1150 Rental Car: $241 Other Travel (airport parking + rental car gas): $180 Food: $463 Activities and Shopping (fishing charter, manta ray snorkel, tour, spa, tips, gifts: $1153 Grand Total: $3207

We intentionally saved significantly by getting groceries (and gas) at Costco and cooking our own dinners primary as well as staying in a rental guest house instead of a resort so we could splurge more on activities. I like the idea of using the numbers above to plan as a baseline with the idea that you can save if you are intentionally thrifty in some areas. I agree $50-$70 per person per day is very typical if you plan to eat every meal out. We spent $60 one night that we want out for sushi (without drinks) and even the really casual places like Pizza Hut are more expensive there (around $35 for 2 people including sodas).

Tiffany – thanks for adding your actually Hawaii trip cost numbers.

My husband and I took our honeymoon in Hawaii about a year ago and ended up spending over 7100$ between everything for 8 days. Your calculator is a great tool for a base estimate with the exception of excursion costs. If you plan on doing any excursions/sightseeing/surf lessons/pearl harbor/luaus… those can add up as quickly as food, especially if you do any helicopter rides (which avg 60$ per 10min). We split our time in Honolulu exploring Ohau and in Maui and spent probably and avg of 275$ (between us) a day on excursions alone, although I would estimate that 150-200$ a day is a more normal estimate for a couple, or 75-100$ per day per person.

Rebecca – yes, excursions do quickly add up! Thanks for adding your estimate for what you spent on tours. We do note in the article that tours are an extra expense to consider when budgeting a trip to Hawaii. However, many people don’t like going on guided tours, so including tour costs is not a Hawaii trip requirement/necessity. There are a ton of amazing things to see and do in Hawaii without ever going on paid tours. For example, seeing Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial is absolutely free, so there’s no need to pay a tour company to go to Pearl Harbor.

Regarding luaus, it’s worth noting that a luau includes dinner, so in budgeting, either budget in a dinner or a luau, but not both.

Sheila, I would like your input on a matter. I have never been to Hawaii, but have always longed to since a child. I would like to plan a trip there in the future, but I am not sure where to go. You see I am more interested in the more primitive parts of the land, as opposed to the more “touristy” part. I love the idea of the volcanos and wonderful hiking trails and being close to the naturalistic aspect of the country. But I still would like to be near some nice beaches. If you’ve seen enough of Hawaii maybe you can give me some input. Thanks!

Jasmine – check out our article that’s designed to pick the perfect island(s) for your Hawaii vacation: https://www.govisithawaii.com/2010/06/28/how-to-pick-the-best-hawaiian-islands-for-your-vacation/ You can download free guides and there are lots of resources. Almost every island suits your interests, but if you review the resources, it should help you hone in on the islands that seem to resonate with you the most. I will add that our favorite island for hiking is Kauai.

Thanks, for the value information.

Thanks for this information! We are travelling from New Zealand to Hawaii early 2016 and have absolutely no idea how much to expect to pay in terms of food, accommodation etc. Are all islands similar in price? We are looking at heading to Oahu and Big Island for 7 days each. I am amazed at how realistic traveling to Hawaii is for us – flights are only $1000NZD return(approx. $690USD) the biggest cost seems to be accommodation

Leah – that’s an amazing deal on flights! It costs many folks on the US mainland more than that!

The average accommodation price on Maui is higher than the other islands. Restaurant prices on Oahu seem to be a tad lower compared to the other islands. Also, you can usually get a better deal on a luau on Oahu.

My boyfriend and I went to Kauai this last October for a week and are planning for another trip in a year or two. We saved significantly on flights by using frequent flyer points. Our costs were: flight: free (would be around $800-$900 per person from the mid-west), hotel: $800 (“garden” facing room and a discount after switching from another hotel), rental car: $250, food: (estimate) $100 per day, we did spend a significant amount at Walmart on things like snacks, cases of water, and beach towels (which were nowhere to be found in Kansas in October). We did a lot of free activities, but did pay $60 to Kayak Kauai for a really stellar kayak trip and bought a lot of souvenirs (tshirts, rum, coffee, etc). We spent somewhere around $2,000 for the week. We saved huge on flights and are pretty darn cheap in most other aspects. That being said, we had a great time and plan to again! You don’t have to spend a lot to really enjoy yourself 🙂

Our daughter is serving as a camp counselor in Oahu North Shore this summer, so we (five of us) are planning to visit in late June for her birthday. Does anyone know the cost to visit the Big Island from Oahu? This might be my closest shot at seeing the Mauna Kea summit.

Brett –

You can find guided day tours to the Big Island from Oahu. They include everything like flights, ground transportation and guided tour.

A cheaper method is to plan your own trip. Use the resources on this post to price out the cost of inter-island flights: https://www.govisithawaii.com/2009/03/24/a-guide-to-inter-island-travel-in-hawaii/ You’d need a rental car as well. See our page on saving money on rental cars: https://www.govisithawaii.com/2011/01/19/7-hawaii-car-rental-money-saving-ideas/

This is very informative. We will be taking our first trip in May 2017 and this helped me a lot in knowing what to expect financially speaking.

I am planning a trip to Hawaii around jan,Feb of 2018, approximately 8 people. I’m wondering how much it might cost to fly round trip?

Look at the Flights section of the above article. It has all the resources for you to estimate your own costs.

My husband and I are planning our honeymoon to Maui in the first week of December. We would love to stay at a nice resort like the Sheraton/ Westin/ grand wailea and I’ve found good deals for this time of year but I’ve read that these get really crowded. Being that it’s an off season time do you think the beach and pools will be more quiet?

See this post about a December vacation in Hawaii: https://www.govisithawaii.com/2014/11/05/is-december-a-good-month-for-vacation-in-hawaii/ which indicates that early December is a very quiet time to visit Hawaii. If the hotels are busy depends on if there is a convention going on. Call the hotels directly to find out.

We are planning our first trip to Hawaii in Jun of 2018. The wife and I turn 50, it’s our 20th Anniversary, and it’s our son’s HS graduation. It’s our “Once in a Lifetime” trip! I’ve been saving for about 3 years and we’ve saved about $10K for our family of four. Our dates are just now opening up to book for June of ’18 and it’s been a bit of a shock! Looks like I’m gonna need to save at least another $3-4K before next year. The one option we may decide to use is AirBNB rather than staying in hotel/restorts. I hate the idea of my kids having to sleep on a sleeper sofa when they can sleep in an actual bed. I also hate the idea of all those resort fees and parking fees. Anyways, thanks for some great articles and tips. As much as I hate “procrastinating”, we might need to wait a little bit to see if the airfares drop more since the sweet spot recommendation for lower prices is about 5-6 months out.

Yay! I am so glad I found this article because when it comes to planning for a trip… my mind is all over the place! This made it so simpler! Like really easy and small and really the only thing I’ll have to figure costs for is the places I want to check out which should be easy to book online. Hawaii will be my second oversees trip and it is going to be with significant other and it will be our first trip so I wanted it to be fun and he wants to go too. Thank you for this article because it made it so more easier for me!

sheila your calculator is very helpful you do a great job my wife &i are planing a trip to celebrate our 54th wed aniv. oct 2018 i belive most estim. are spot on but do not forget travel insur. unless you are a big gambler many thanks for all you do

Great article! I’m planning a 10 day trip to Oahu and Big Island in May 2018. From my research and bookings this seems like pretty good estimates except for the rental car estimates. I think this was posted a few years ago. I’m finding the lowest prices on rental cars run about 75.00 per day for economy and then up into the 80.00’s for midsize and full size.

thank you so much so helpful I’m levying to night

Love this thank u so much it is helping me buget for 4 people when we go next year

The two of us just did 8 nights (4 in Kauai, 4 in Maui) for $3002 (or $1501 each) for just the flights, lodging and rental car. However, if we had just stayed in Maui, rather than flying to Kauai too, it would have only been $2502… but I was dead set on hopping over to Kauai, and it was more than worth it!. After including all other expenses like food, parking, gas, and activities (sunset catamaran, doors-off helicopter, a luau, and snorkeling), it came to $4432, or $2216 each. It helped that our flights to Maui from Austin were only $247 round trip since we purchased during the Southwest deal. Our round trip inter-island flights from Maui to Kauai actually cost more than getting to Hawaii in the first place! We also used Hotwire to get our lodging at the last minute (2 days before for each location), so we were able to get condos that are normally $300/nt for less than $150/nt. For the rental cars we used Discount Hawaii Car Rental to book them and kept checking prices up until the date of the trip to rebook if prices declined (which they did more than once, including just 2 days beforehand, so keep checking!). We booked a jeep for both locations so we could have the top down and have 4 wheel drive, but if you rent a smaller car, your rental car would be half what ours was (ours was about $475 total, both islands). Our food total was less than $200 for the entire trip, but two of our activities also provided food (dinner catamaran and luau). We only ate at sit down restaurants twice, and most of our meals (including the very best ones!) were from small markets and food trucks. The best poke we had was from Ishihara market and cost only $5 bucks for a container plus a side of rice! Our activities total was $1257. We got a military discount on many of the activities so if you are military/veteran always ask if they have one! We splurged for a private doors-off helicopter (which i absolutely recommend over doors-on, its totally worth it!) @ $310 each. $112 each for the Old Lahaina Luau, and $148 each for sunset Na Pali catamaran w/surf & turf dinner and open bar included. For snorkeling, we just rented snorkeling gear in each location and went at our leisure to various spots on the islands. We did some free activities which were just as exciting and memorable, if not more than, some of the expensive ones. These included hiking the Awa’awapuhi, Pihea & Alakai swamp trails, seeing Waimea canyon, and driving the Road to Hana (and all the fun stops along the way of course). The views on the Kauai trails and swimming in the waterfalls/beaches along the Road to Hana were unforgettable and absolute highlights of our trip, so it’s definitely possible to spend $0 on activities in Hawaii and not regret it.

Hope this info helps. We loved it so much there, we are already tentatively planning our next trip!

Been to Hawaii 5 times, recent as August this year. Probably not any more. The Australian dollar is crap, the hotel prices, drinks and costs are going through the roof. Shame as we love it.

Is there any all inclusive resorts in Hawaii? I maybe Maui

Not really — see this article about the lack of all-inclusive resorts in Hawaii: https://www.govisithawaii.com/2012/03/28/should-you-look-for-an-all-inclusive-hawaii-vacation/ As you will read, Hawaii doesn’t really need all-inclusive resorts.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

You May Also Like

Hawaii tourist advice: lock your car doors.

• August 7, 2018
• Giveaways & Sweepstakes
• 2 minute read
• No comments

Hawaii travel news: Oahu vacation sweepstakes, coupon books on sale & more

• June 9, 2021
• 10 comments

Top Tips for Saving Money on Your Hawaii Vacation

• September 15, 2013
• Where to Stay
• 6 minute read
• 15 comments

Save Money on Hawaii Vacation Accommodations

• June 13, 2023

Hawaii Vacation Deals & News Roundup – April 24, 2009

• April 24, 2009

Hawaii Entertainment Coupon Books – Worth the price?

• February 23, 2023
• General Hawaii
• Tips & Tricks
• 3 minute read

When is the worst time to visit Hawaii on vacation?

• September 18, 2019

Do you plan Hawaii vacation activities before your trip or just book them when you get there?

• March 26, 2024

Advice for driving and parking in Waikiki Beach

• September 2, 2023
• 5 minute read

How many islands should you visit during your Hawaii vacation?

• March 27, 2024

Hawaii Top Things to Know Explore Now →

Kauai Guide

Big island guide, essential travel tips.

• Which Island to Visit? →
• Best Time to Visit →
• Hawaii Must See & Do →
• Hawaii Itineraries →

Travel Information

• Hawaii Weather →
• What to Pack? →
• Best Hawaii Island to Visit →
• Hawaii Safety Tips →

Hawaii Resources

• Hawaii Airports & Terminals →
• Hawaii Maps →
• Hawaii Travel News & Blog →
• Hawaii Visitor FAQ →

View our Hawaii Visitor Guides →

Hawaii Accommodations →

Lodging by island.

• Oahu Lodging
• Maui Lodging
• Big Island Lodging
• Kauai Lodging

Where to Stay

• Where to stay on Oahu →
• Where to stay on Maui →
• Where to stay on Big Island →
• Where to stay on Kauai →

When to Visit

• Best Time to Visit Oahu →
• Best Time to Visit Maui →
• Best Time to Visit the Big Island →
• Best Time to Visit Kauai →

Explore Hawaii Hotel Deals & Specials Search Now

• Hawaii Things to See & Do →

Tours by Island

• Big Island Tours
• Kauai Tours

Hawaii Attractions

• Oahu Attractions →
• Maui Attractions →
• Big Island Attractions →
• Kauai Attractions →

Hawaii Must See & Do

• Oahu Must See & Do →
• Maui Must See & Do →
• Big Island Must See & Do →
• Kauai Must See & Do →

Explore all Hawaii Tours Search Now

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.

— article continued below —

2024 Hawaii Visitor Guides

Visiting Hawaii soon? Be sure to grab a copy of one of our updated Hawaii Visitor Guides .

~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~

2024 Hawaii Budget Calculator

Estimate the cost of your hawaii vacation.

Aloha, guest readers can calculate five (5) trip cost estimates for Hawaii each day. Rates included within this calculator are based on projected 2024 rates aggregated from current OTA pricing. Rates will be updated regularly.

HawaiiGuide Premium members can submit unlimited trip estimates each day.

Aloha, as a HawaiiGuide Premium member you can calculate unlimited Hawaii trip cost estimates each day. Mahalo for being a HawaiiGuide Premium member!

Currently, you have

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.

Email + Expected Travel Dates

We'll email you a copy of your results to this email address for your records.

You may not have exact dates yet, but provide a rough guess or estimate below. This will help us refine the calculator and provide more accurate data throughout the year. Mahalo!

Final Question

If you're visiting another island, please let us know below. This will not affect the estimate or rate you're provided. This is for research and calculator improvement purposes only. Mahalo!

- Click To Estimate Trip Cost -

Budget tips & suggestions, budget activities & tours, budget accommodations, recommended hawaii tours, terms of use & disclosures.

This website's use is your expressly conditioned acceptance of the terms, conditions, and disclaimers found within our Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability page without any modifications. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms , conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures . For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. Mahalo!

Download our Hawaii Map Packet

Includes most major attractions, all major routes, airports, and a chart with estimated driving times for each respective island..

Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included.

Download your copy of our... 2024 Hawaii Travel Guide

Hawaii-Guide.com has been featured in...

Hawaii Visitor Information...

Try out our new AI Powered Search & Chatbot →

Plus & Premium Benefits

Donate and remove ALL the ads

Mahalo for your support!

By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms . Mahalo!

• How much does a trip to Hawaii cost? Price and estimated budget

Hawaii is a dream destination, and with good reason! It's a safe bet that you'll fall in love with the islands of Hawaii at first sight , but you might as well be warned from the outset: Hawaii is an expensive destination , especially if you want to enjoy local activities or stay in one of the beautiful resorts by the ocean. To give you an idea, the state of Hawaii is the one with the highest cost of living in the USA . So to succumb to Hawaii's charms, you'll need to put your hand in your wallet . But to what extent? 

To give you an idea of the price of a trip to Hawaii and help you prepare your budget , we're going to detail the different types of expenditure and the budget to allow for each of them, not forgetting our tips for bringing the bill down . Prices are voluntarily mostly given in $USD so as not to be impacted by the regularly fluctuating exchange rate.

1 The average price of a trip to Hawaii

2 price of a plane ticket to hawaii, 3 price of domestic flights in hawaii, 4 budget accommodation in hawaii, 5 the budget for food in hawaii, 6 budget for getting around hawaii, 7 prices for activities and visits in hawaii.

On average, for a 3-week trip to Hawaii , you'll need to budget between $4,000 to $5,000/person (based on a 2-person stay) , price including flights, accommodation (mid-range condo rental), domestic flights , car rental for each island and meals . To this budget should be added any excursions, the price of parking lots or pay parks. On a daily basis, this comes to around 220$/person/day.  

But beware, this is an average price, as the price of your trip to Hawaii will depend greatly on the length of your stay and the level of services of the accommodation/transportation you choose. You may also consider that this budget will be larger if you plan to travel during the high season (mid-June to mid-August and Christmas/New Year) when the price of domestic flights, hotels and car rentals will be higher. You can also largely reduce this average cost if you opt for the camping solution and do your daily shopping at the supermarket to avoid expensive restaurants.

If you want to go through a travel agency , you should know that the price of a trip prepared by a professional will be higher than if you make your itinerary and reservations yourself. For example, count on around $6,000/person for a 3-week trip in 3-star hotels, bearing in mind that you'll need to add flights and meals and some optional activities. In the end, the bill can quickly approach $8,000 for an all-inclusive package tour for two people.

Hawaii is an easily accessible and remotely bookable destination. So if your budget is limited, I encourage you to take the time to prepare and book your stay yourself . And that's just as well, because here you'll find a comprehensive guide and hundreds of articles to help you plan the trip of your dreams :-) 

Contrary to what you might think, your airfare to Hawaii won't be your biggest expense. If you plan well enough in advance and scan the promotions , you'll be able to find a very attractively priced ticket. Finally, overall, airfares to Hawaii are back to pre-Covid levels. I haven't seen any major increases or decreases since tourism picked up again, although ticket prices still tend to rise in line with inflation.

From Canada or the USA

Several Low Cost airlines operate flights from the USA (mainland) to Hawaii. As a result, it's possible to regularly find affordable fares especially since the arrival of Southwest on the Hawaiian market. Expect prices from $270 return from a few west coast cities and $500 return for the east coast, excepting Toronto which benefits from very attractive prices to Hawaii. Occasionally, some promos get tickets as low as $200 roundtrip for the West Coast and $400 roundtrip for the East Coast.

From Canada , promotions at $500 roundtrip happen a few times a year from Montreal. From Vancouver , prices sometimes drop to $300 .

As an example, we paid $400/person for the multi-destination trip Seattle - Kona (Big Island) - Los Angeles from August 12 to 24, 2022, and purchased only 15 days before from Hawaiian Airlines and United .

From Europe

On average, prices for a flight to Hawaii from Europe are in the 900€ return range. This can rise into the 1200€ range or even higher during the traditional summer school vacations and Christmas celebrations. However it's not uncommon for airlines to promote to Hawaii during the middle and low seasons. For example, if you look at the prices, you can find flights in the €750 range from Europe, with prices as low as €400 return on special offers from airlines like Condor.

Our tip for lower prices

It's possible to buy 2 separate tickets : the first to a city on the west coast of the USA or Canada (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oackland, San Jose, Seattle, Vancouver...), then a second to Hawaii . This could save you a nice sum on your round trip, especially since Southwest is serving Hawaii with very affordable fares and baggage included, departing from a few cities in California at the moment. So with this combination, count on fares in the 600€-700€ roundtrip range from Europe.

But beware , in the case of tickets purchased separately, the connection is no longer guaranteed between your flights. If your first flight is delayed, you won't be reimbursed if you miss the next one. This means that you need to allow enough time for your stopover to be completed safely, or even spend a night on site.

The price of domestic flights is an expense to consider when traveling to Hawaii. Chances are you'll have to travel from island to island, and the more islands you do, the higher the bill. The average is around 3 islands on a 2-3 week trip, but it's not uncommon to visit all 4 main islands on a trip of 3 weeks or more.

Overall prices are stable all year round. Expect to pay between $29 and $80 for each domestic flight with the exception of the end-of-year holidays when prices tend to double (mid-December to early January). Note also that a flight between Kauai and Big Island is bound to be more expensive than a flight between Oahu and Maui.

Our tips for saving money on domestic flights

• If you're planning to visit several islands, consider taking a multi-destination flight when you come to the archipelago, which will save you a domestic flight. Their prices are generally the same as classic round-trip flights, and the 4 main islands all have international airports .
• If you choose to travel with Southwest , the posted price includes free of charge 2 checked baggage items. Finally, prices sometimes tend to fluctuate with promotional operations at discounted prices several times a year. If you find a weekday one-way ticket for $29 or $39, don't delay in booking!
• If you choose to travel with Hawaiian Airlines , be aware that prices on domestic routes tend to rise rather than fluctuate. For this reason, remember to book your flights as soon as possible . You can benefit from a $10 discount on your checked baggage if you consider subscribing before you check in to the Hawaiian Miles loyalty program, membership of which is free (not to be confused with the payment card. It is possible to associate your membership number with your reservation after ticket purchase, as long as check-in has not been completed. Please note that the purchase of hold baggage is only possible once at the airport on the automatic kiosks (it is not possible to include it when purchasing tickets online).

Accommodation-wise, expect relatively high prices compared to the rest of the USA and especially since COVID! In fact, the health crisis has strongly impacted the islands of the archipelago and accommodation prices have almost doubled since 2019 (except on Oahu, where the increase has been more reasonable) . This increase concerns all types of accommodation , so unfortunately you won't escape it, and knowing that property prices have followed suit with a dizzying rise, there's not much chance of prices returning to their former levels , even if I think a slight drop remains conceivable in the months/years to come. 

As the range of accommodation on the islands is so varied, prices fall within a very wide range depending on the type of accommodation and the level of comfort required. In other words, the more atypical your accommodation, the higher the potential price. But let me reassure you, there are ways to lower the bill, such as renting a condo.

Hotel prices in Hawaii

For a classic, unpretentious stay in a 2-star hotel (sometimes without air-conditioning or shared bathroom), prices start at around $130 /night on Big Island (on the Hilo side), followed by Oahu (from $150 /night), then Kauai (from $190 /night) and climb to Maui, where it'll be tough to get in.strong>$150/night), then Kauai (from $190 /night) and climb to Maui, where it will be difficult to find accommodation for less than $230 without going through another type of accommodation. 

More generally, for one night (double room) in a 2 or even 3-star hotel, count $160 on Honolulu (where you'll most likely have to add parking fees), $270 on Big Island (around Kona), $300 on Kauai and $320 on Maui.

For a luxury stay , honeymoon-style, prices can explode, because in Hawaii, luxury comes with a hefty price tag. For 4-star hotels and above , prices start from $350 per night for the cheapest, with an average around $500 per night, not forgetting to add taxes to be paid locally . In some very high-end establishments, prices soar beyond $1000 a night! You've been warned!

Youth hostels and Airbnb

If you're on a smaller budget or you're traveling alone , you can push open the door to youth hostels, which are pretty welcoming , but still very expensive, starting at $100 /night for one person in a dormitory. Yes, you read that right! Here are some of the hostels in Hawaii.

On the Airbnb side, it's better but still very expensive (private individuals have adopted hotel prices) and you systematically have to add cleaning costs , which are substantial for short stays. Prices are extremely disparate and it's impossible to give a range here. Service charges are of the order of 15% . However, this may be profitable for multi-day stays (3 days and more).

You can also find vans at over $200/day , shared rooms at $80/night or single accommodations at slightly lower rates than hotels, but you're still in for some very expensive stuff.

The price of camping in Hawaii

For tight budgets, you can opt for camping . Expect to pay around $30/night for a pitch in State Parks . If you don't feel like bringing your camping gear, some people rent vehicles with all the necessary camping equipment for around $150/day .

Note that wild camping is strictly forbidden in Hawaii. Also take care to choose your campsites carefully , as some are unfortunately not all very well frequented . Choose campsites far from towns for greater peace and quiet. Most campsites are generally situated by the sea .

Note that to obtain permission to camp in State Parks or County Parks , you'll need to acquire a permit from the County knowing that each island has its own regulations. Permit applications must be made in advance via forms depending on the area where the campsite is located. The system is explained on each island's official website . There are also private campsites located outside the parks, but there are quite few of these.

The right plan: rent a condo in Hawaii

What's a condo? They are small apartments or houses in condominiums , made available by their owners. They come in all sizes, from the small studio room economy to the 3-bedroom house . It's an excellent alternative to hotels and a great choice for staying within a budget I'd call "reasonable" . Condos are comfortable with nice amenities (garden, pool, close ocean, beach and picnic equipment...) and are usually managed by a janitor company who looks after maintenance and security. This is the solution we have chosen for our stays in 2018, 2019 and 2022. 

The big advantage of renting a condo is that you'll always have a kitchen , or at the very least a fridge and microwave . This way you can cook at home and lower your budget (restaurants are very expensive in Hawaii). In most cases, a parking space is allocated with the rental and it can also happen that owners leave all their beach equipment (towels, games, fins and masks, cooler, chairs...) which is still super convenient, especially for kids!

And what's the price of a condo in Hawaii? Prices start around $120/night and remain lower than hotels. A rental is generally worthwhile from 3 days and even more so if you're staying longer or with your family . Below 3 nights, it's pretty unlikely to be rented to you and the end-of-stay cleaning fee won't be advantageous. Of course, all linen, towels and toiletries are provided.

During our last stay in Hawaii of 12 days in August 2022 , we were thus able to rent a condo for 4 people in Kona, 100m from the sea with ocean view , one bedroom with a King Size, a living room with sofa bed, a state-of-the-art, fully equipped kitchen , a large covered balcony (lanai) with sea view , a parking space and a sea-facing pool for $166/night . That's still a budget, but given the amenities, it's completely worth the price! For this, we went through Kona Vacation Rentals and were very pleased with the service. If there are only 2 of you, or with a small child, renting a small studio will be much cheaper (from $100/night ).

To find a condo, you can visit VRBO , Booking or go through local rental agencies because the prices charged are generally lower  (you'll find plenty by searching for "Hawaii vacation rentals" in your favorite search engine).

Here's a factor not to be overlooked: the cost of food is very expensive in Hawaii , which is mainly due to the fact that the archipelago is located right in the middle of the Pacific and the supply of the majority of foodstuffs has to be done by plane or boat .

Restaurant prices are very high in Hawaii, bearing in mind that you'll need to add between 15 and 20% tip depending on the quality of service. On average count $50 for a restaurant meal with service bearing in mind that prices can vary from simple to triple depending on the restaurant you go to.

But fortunately there are plenty of small snacks or trucks where you can eat for less (on average $15-20 dish + drink) usually served in cardboard trays.

For ice cream lovers, also count on average $5 to $8 for a Shave Ice , the unavoidable Hawaiian flavored crushed ice .

Our tip for eating local and cheap in Hawaii 

For fans of raw fish, be aware that you can buy Ahi bowls (bowls of hot rice topped with marinated raw fish), a Hawaiian specialty for around $10 a bowl at supermarkets like Safeway, Big Save or Foodland . 

To do this, head to the back of the store, where you'll discover an entire shelf of fish (salmon or tuna) in a variety of flavors. You can choose either to order a "bowl", or take rice and fish separately.

Shopping at the market or supermarket

If you want to reduce the price of your trip to Hawaii we recommend shopping in markets and supermarkets . The market option is the first to go if you want to eat good local produce but not necessarily cheaper than in a supermarket. These markets are called "farmers markets" because local growers come there to sell their fruit. Some are very popular, like the farmers market in Hilo on Big Island . Count $5 to $6 for a pineapple, which will give you an idea of local prices... (fruit prices have also doubled since 2019...)

At the supermarket prices will be higher than on the mainland . Some products are even overpriced there, like milk, packets of potato chips, cakes... basically all the products that can't be made locally. You'll have to completely rethink your diet if you want to stay within a decent budget. Chicken remains a good option.

Finally, we noticed that supermarket prices varied from island to island, with Kauai being the most expensive .

Our tips for saving money when shopping

• Some stores have preferential prices for certain types of product: For example, we found a gallon of mineral water at $1.25 at Big Save Market, while the same brand sold for $2.50 at Foodland and $3.50 at Safeway. Another example is pineapples, at $0.89 a pound at Safeway and often much more expensive elsewhere. In some cases, we even found huge discrepancies for certain products, ranging from simple to double depending on the store.
• Take dishes whose date is about to expire . There's usually -30% to -50% on them.
• Supermarket chains such as Safeway or Foodland have a loyalty card system that will enable you to get very substantial discounts on certain products. Don't hesitate to ask for the loyalty card at the checkout on your first visit, it's free .

Except on the island of Oahu where it's possible to use the bus network as long as you stay in town, we strongly recommend renting a car to get around the islands . 

The price of a car rental in Hawaii 

Surprisingly, car rental prices in Hawaii have largely  dropped since the Covid crisis to 2019 levels. Rates start at $35-50/day for the rental of a small city car off-season and increase according to the type of vehicle chosen, the period, the rental company or intermediary chosen. The average price of a car rental in Hawaii is around $65/day in low and mid-season , and approaches $80/day during summer and the holiday season .

Our tip for cheaper car hire

To find a cheap car rental in Hawaii , don't hesitate to take a tour of Discount Hawaii Car Rental . This is a very reliable reservation center that was founded in 1999. Thanks to their local history, their prices are probably the most competitive in the archipelago. We systematically rent our cars with them every time you return to Hawaii, and we've never found a professional rental company cheaper.

Gas prices in Hawaii

Expect to pay more for fuel than on the mainland . To give you an idea, gasoline costs around $5 a gallon (October 2022 rate). As with many things, prices vary by island and area. To find the cheapest gas, don't hesitate to check out the GasBuddy website or app.

It's hard to go to Hawaii without enjoying some activities in the archipelago. You may want to take a helicopter flight , take a boat trip , attend a Luau or do one of the many sporting activities available in the Hawaiian Islands.

But having fun in Hawaii comes at a price, because when you say Hawaii, you say expensive! So expect to put your hand in your wallet if you decide to indulge in a little excursion or activity, and all the more so since here too, prices have sometimes doubled since 2019 ...

It's hard to put a price list here, such is the sheer number of activities and excursions. But by way of information, you should know that helicopter tours start at $350 ($170 if you prefer a small plane of the Cessna/Air Van type). To see Manta rays it will be from $160 and renting a kayak will cost you in the $100 per person for the day. You'll have understood that the bill will rise quickly, while not forgetting that tipping is recommended for supervised excursions .

But fortunately, the vast majority of State Parks and County Parks located in the archipelago are free , even if the trend since last year has been towards pay parking . In fact, more and more payment terminals are springing up on the various State Park parking lots (which sometimes include beaches), generally at $15 a day ticket. 

As for the 3 National Parks , they are paying:

• Volcanoes NP: $30 , 7-day pass for 1 vehicle
• Haleakala NP: $30 , 3-day pass for 1 vehicle
• Pu'uhonua o Honaunau Historical Park: $20 , 7-day pass for 1 vehicle

If you plan to visit all 3 parks , the annual Hawaii Tri-park pass is sold for $55 at the entrances to each park, and which will allow you unlimited access for 1 year in the 3 National Parks listed above. Note that the America the beautiful pass is accepted in Hawaii's National Parks and will be very useful if you combine visiting Hawaii with other mainland parks .

There are also many paying spots on Oahu , a victim of its crowds. By way of example:

• Hanauma Bay State Park (Oahu): $25 per adult + $3 parking fee
• Diamond Head State Monument (Oahu): $5 per person or $10 per car
• Waimea Valley (Oahu): $25 per adult / $14 per child
• Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden (Big Island): $25 per adult / $12 per child
• Pearl Harbor (Oahu): access to the memorial is free, but admission to tours and museums ranges from $22 to $30 . There are many passes available, see our dedicated article: Pearl Harbor: everything you need to know to organize your visit .

We hope this article has been useful to you! Don't hesitate to share your feedback with us in the comments !

Did Smartrippers help you? Do you know that you can thank us by making some of your reservations directly from our links (activities, hotels...)? This sometimes allows us to earn a small commission without changing the price for you. Don't forget that with Smartrippers everything is free, no advertising, no placement of links at the request of brands... Every little click makes us so happy! Thank you so much!

We are Sandrine and Flo, French thirty-somethings. In 2019 we quit everything to live our dream, become nomads and travel around the world. We left with our baby, Lena, who was only 5 months old at the time. After a first trip around the Pacific Ocean by plane and a long 3 months stay in Hawaii, we left to discover Iceland for 3 months on board our 4WD pickup truck and truck camper. Then we continued our adventure in North America.

Today, if we can continue this adventure, it is above all thanks to our blog, Smartrippers! We created it one day in 2016, with the desire to share our good travel tips, without thinking that it would lead us there! We have developed it a lot over the years and have become experts on our 3 favorite destinations: Hawaii, Iceland and the American West. We now guide you to these destinations to help you plan the trip of your dreams!

Follow our adventures!

• On Facebook

Lists by Lukiih 🍀

Practical travel guides with less fluff

• 💰 My 2024 Hawaii Trip Cost: A Budget Breakdown

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

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

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

Hawaii Trip Planner

Lists By Lukiih is readers-supported. When you buy with my affiliate link, I may earn a small commission. Thanks!

Is Hawaii Expensive To Travel To?

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

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

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

🏝️ Is Hawaii Cheaper Than Puerto Rico for Vacation?

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

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

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

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

How Much Is a Trip to Hawaii?

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

🎒 Budget Traveler – Hawaii Trip Cost

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

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

Traveling Hawaii on a Budget

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

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

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

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

💰 Mid-Range Budget Traveler – Hawaii Trip Cost

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

About My Hawaii Trip

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

• Maui : 8 days
• Big Island : 4 days

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Trip’s Total Cost: $2,761

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

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

💰 Cost Breakdown for Hawaii

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

🗓️ Daily Budget in Hawaii: $209

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

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

✈️ Flight Cost to Hawaii: $225

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

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

🏠 Accommodation Cost in Hawaii: $1,667

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

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

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

🍛 Food Cost in Hawaii: $315

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

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

Cheapest Meals in Hawaii

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

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

Most Expensive Meals in Hawaii

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

🚙 Transportation Cost in Hawaii: $508

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

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

Expected Costs of Transportation in Hawaii

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

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

🤿 Entertainment Cost in Hawaii: $46

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

Costs of Activities and Attractions in Hawaii

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

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

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

Free Things To Do in Hawaii

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

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

🏝️ Free Things To Do on Maui

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

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

🐢 Free Things To Do on the Big Island

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Island in Hawaii

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

🏖️ Maui Trip’s Total Cost: $1,890

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

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

See great things to do on Maui .

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

🤿 Big Island Trip’s Total Cost: $862

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

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

Check out great things to do on the Big Island .

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

Do You Need Cash in Hawaii?

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

Below are tips on bringing and using cash in Hawaii.

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

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

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

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

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

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

💰 3. Tipping is customary in Hawaii.

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

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

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

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

Thoughts? Questions? Leave a comment below .

Hawaii Travel Guides

• 🏝️ Maui Amazing 5-Day Itinerary + Great Things To Do
• 🌋 Big Island: 3-4 Day Itinerary + 10 Great Things To Do
• ☀️ Haleakalā Sunrise On Your Own: How To & Firsthand Tips
• 🚗 Road to Hana Guide: Map, Great Stops + Is it Dangerous?
• 🤿 Hiking Captain Cook to Snorkel in Kealakekua Bay Guide
• 🎒 Complete Maui Packing List: Tips + What To Bring

Lists by Lukiih is Readers-Supported

If you find my travel tips helpful, say thanks with a bubble tea 🧋!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Hawaii Vacation Packages

We are proud to offer exclusive vacation packages, most with rates under $1,000. These packages include airfare, car rental, and hotel stay for six to eight days. Visiting different islands, or "island-hopping" as we call it, is highly recommended because each island has its own distinct "personality."

• Rental Cars

Tips on Finding Hawaii Vacation Deals

Save time and money by booking your rental car, hotel room, and airfare together and make planning your vacation easier.

How to Find the Cheapest Vacation Packages

Understanding Hawaii’s travel seasons will make it easy for you to book an affordable trip to the Rainbow State. With summer and winter being peak travel times for the islands, you can find vacation deals by booking during the “shoulder” seasons—spring and fall. Fortunately, Hawaii is just as beautiful and magnificent during fall and spring as it is in summer and winter, so aside from the cost of travel, nothing will change about your trip to Hawaii.

Should You Book an All-Inclusive Package?

Planning a trip is, what we call in Hawaii slang “humbug.” It’s a bother, a nuisance—even stressful. But it doesn’t have to be. By booking an all-inclusive vacation package, the hard work is done for you. Cars are rented, hotel rooms are booked and it can be cheaper to book a package versus booking everything ala carte.

Best Areas to Stay on Each Island

While there are no bad choices for places to stay in the islands—you are in Hawaii after all—there are some areas that are very well suited for travelers. Waikiki on Oahu has a variety of accommodations, malls and restaurants all dotting the golden shores of Waikiki Beach. On Kauai, Hanalei and Poipu are perfect for visitors who want to be close to the beach during their island stay—and in a similar vein, Kaanapali on Maui is a perfect blend of resort luxury and island living that will truly make visitors feel like they’re in paradise. On Hawaii Island, also referred to as the Big Island, both Kona and Hilo will provide travelers with convenient accommodations, activities and dining options.

The Top 3 Hotels and Resorts on Each Island

• Hilton Hawaiian Village
• Turtle Bay Resort
• Grand Wailea
• Kaanapali Beach Hotel
• Fairmont Kea Lani
• 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
• Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
• Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
• Fairmont Orchid
• Hilton Waikoloa Village

On Oahu, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, Turtle Bay Resort and the Halekulani reign supreme. Maui’s Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, Kaanapali Beach Hotel and Fairmont Kea Lani are popular choices amongst travelers. For Kauai, the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, The ISO and the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa are stunning accommodations that will make it hard to even leave your room—while on the Big Island you can’t go wrong staying at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection, Fairmont Orchid and Hilton Waikoloa Village.

Which Hawaii Island is Best for You?

Kauai’s picturesque Na Pali Coast.

For nature lovers and those who seek adventure, Kauai is a primordial playground full of epic hikes, stunning beaches and botanical gardens—it is the Garden Isle after all.

Sunrise over Na Mokulua islands from Lanikai Beach on Oahu.

Oahu has a great mix of everything a visitor could want and is perfect for families with young children as there are more keiki (kid) friendly activities on the island.

Waianapanapa State Park, Maui.

Maui & the Big Island

Both Maui and the Big Island are great places for travelers looking to escape from their worldly distractions. Instead of waking up to traffic and city noise, on these islands, the soft sounds of birdsong and crashing waves will serve as your natural alarm clock.

Hawaii Travel Tips

You’ll want to hit the ground running—presumably to the beach!—once you’ve landed. Also be sure to pack a few jackets or hoodies along with your beachwear, as the islands typically has “passing showers” from time to time due to its tropical climate. Another major travel tip to remember is that, unless you’re staying on Oahu, you will absolutely need to rent a car to fully enjoy the best of each island, as public transportation options are limited on the out islands.

• Maui Tourism
• Maui Hotels
• Maui Bed and Breakfast
• Maui Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Maui
• Maui Restaurants
• Things to Do in Maui
• Maui Travel Forum
• Maui Photos
• All Maui Hotels
• Maui Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in Maui
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

OUTRIGGER Ka'anapali Beach Resort vs hyatt regency - Maui Forum

• United States    
• Hawaii (HI)    
• Maui    

OUTRIGGER Ka'anapali Beach Resort vs hyatt regency

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Hawaii forums

I wonder which resort would be best to stay at between: OUTRIGGER Ka'anapali Beach Resort vs hyatt regency

Hyatt regency costs almost double than Outrigger, I understand they're not same in terms of hotel class 4 vs 3 (outrigger) however they both seem to be in same area so I wonder if Hyatt is worth the extra cost?

4 replies to this topic

You didn't ask about others, but the Marriott Maui Ocean Club next to the Hyatt has warm pools and a cute pirate ship.

thanks! yeah, I am definitely looking for good overall experience and inclined towards Hyatt but wasn't sure if it's worth double the money.

Agree with Seeni 100%. Outrigger Kaanapali offer hotel rooms, and a small pool shaped like a whale. They have a casual brewery restaurant

If you want to find more affordable then I would be looking at South Maui’s Kihei as we believe their accommodation prices have not been so boosted by the West Maui fire victims needing accommodation. Today this was confirmed on the morning news revenue statistic and occupancy .

Keep asking questions. There are lots of readers on this forum and lots of future travellers reading your posts.

Trip Advisors review section is an excellent resource of photos and reviews of recent guests experiences.

Practice aloha

The getaways

• Happy 151st Birthday Lahaina Banyan Tree 3:55 am
• Star Noodle update Front Lahaina 10:40 pm
• Golf for beginners in Maui 9:18 pm
• Ok to visit Honua Kai? 8:09 pm
• Are you driving to Hana? 6:53 pm
• Wednesday May 1st is Lei Day 6:17 pm
• Music on Maui. John Cruz. Your favorite music finds? 5:34 pm
• Car rental company/ type of vehicle 5:26 pm
• Potential STR Ban update yesterday
• Makawao Forest loop trail temporary closure yesterday
• Lahaina Shores Update April 2024 yesterday
• NHL playoffs yesterday
• OUTRIGGER Ka'anapali Beach Resort vs hyatt regency yesterday
• Haleakala and then MACC at night- what's in between yesterday
• Best area of Maui to stay in?? 11 replies
• which of the 3 Maui airports to fly into? 2 replies
• Just Go with It Hawaii Scenes Filmed mostly at Grand Wailea 39 replies
• Hawaii in February, How's the Weather and How's Tourism? 6 replies
• Maui vs Oahu 19 replies
• When is the best time to go to Maui? 15 replies
• Best Pools On Maui?? 8 replies
• Discount coupons for Old Lahaina Luau 7 replies
• Maui in October 18 replies
• First trip to Hawaii! Looking for grass huts... & advice!!! 19 replies

Maui Hotels and Places to Stay

• What are some good things to know about traveling to Maui?
• Staying safe in Hawai`i
• Travelers with Disabilities
• What About the Weather?
• Information about VOG (Volcanic Fog) Events on Maui
• Where do I find information about ocean safety?
• What are rules and info on Haleakala Sunrise Reservations 2020
• NEW Ahihi-Kina'u Map and Snorkel Info, October 2018
• Whale and Snorkel Trip Reports with Pictures
• What is reef etiquette?
• Respecting Wildlife
• What are the different ways to Book a Maui vacation?
• Why not to swim with dolphins?
• Gluten Free Dining
• How To Tell If A Rental Might Be A SCAM
• What are some alternatives to VRBO?
• Good Maps of Maui?
• What about Rental car contracts and driving beyond Hana or beyond Nakalele?
• Where do I eat in Hana?
• Stops Along The Road To Hana And Beyond
• Where Can I Hike on Maui?
• Camping on Maui
• Golfing on Maui
• Getting married on Maui?
• Does Maui Call to You?
• How not to be That Guy or That Gal
• Dreaming of Moving to Maui? Read this first!
• Old Photos of Hawaii's Past
• Unique Activities for folks who have been many time.

6 Affordable Tropical Retirement Locations — And How Much They Cost Compared to Hawaii

W hen you imagine your dream retirement , your mind may conjure up images of one of the most enchanting places around: Hawaii. How wonderful would it be to spend your days kicking back at the beach, soaking in the sun, gallivanting in the waves and not having a care in the world? 

Except there is one major care when it comes to Hawaii — the cost!

Retirement Savings: How Much Money You Need for Every Year Past Age 65

Learn: 3 Ways To Recession-Proof Your Retirement

Hawaii is the most expensive place to live in the U.S. The cost of living in Honolulu, for example, is 84% higher than the national average, according to PayScale . Much of the reason behind why Hawaii is so expensive lies in the fact that, as a remote island state, it relies heavily on imports — which are pricey. So, if your heart is set on Hawaiian vibes but your retirement savings can’t stretch far enough to cover the incredibly high cost of living there, it may be in your best interest to consider another tropical location.

Let’s look at six tropical locations that are quite similar to Hawaii, but are far more affordable for retirees .

Sponsored: Open a new checking account and earn early paycheck access; up to 2 days early with Discover® Cashback Debit with Early Pay

Bali, Indonesia 

“The other day as my wife and I were enjoying a $2.25 beer, and finishing a club sandwich that cost us less than $4.00, I said to my wife, ‘This is SO much like Hawaii, but a fraction of the cost,'” said Norman Bour, owner of Travel Younger .

The place Bour and his wife were enjoying is the small island of Nusa Lembongan, which is about a 2-minute ferry ride from the mainland of Bali in Indonesia. In Bali, the average cost of living for a single person is around $522 without rent, and around $1,892 for a family of four, according to Expatriate Group . Rent in Bali can be anywhere from $300 to $1,145 a month.

Suze Orman: 5 Social Security Facts Every Soon-To-Be Retiree Must Know  

Puerto Rico 

If you’re seeking an affordable tropical oasis for your retirement, consider Puerto Rico, which offers a tropical setting that closely mirrors Hawaii.

According to Numbeo , the monthly costs for a single person in Puerto Rico is $1,053.7, without rent. For a family of four, approximate monthly costs are $3,674.6, also without rent. And rent is considerably lower here — 45.6% lower than the national average in the U.S, while the cost of living as a whole is 14.0% lower.

Also appealing is the fact that Puerto Rico boasts attractive tax incentives for retirees, including lower local taxes, a 0% tax rate on capital gains and federal income tax exemptions for eligible residents.

Pensacola, Florida 

“I would say that Pensacola, [Florida] is most like Hawaii if you are wanting to stick to the U.S,” said Brittany Betts, marketing manager at StaySense . “You get the island feel, ocean and beach bars like Hawaii, but the cost of living is substantially cheaper.” 

The cost of living in Pensacola is 5% lower than the national average, according to RentCafe . This city may be deemed especially attractive to retirees because healthcare services, including doctor check-ups and dentistry, cost 10% less here compared to the U.S. average [ 7 ]. 

The Florida Keys 

Ritesh Raj, COO and CPO of CuddlyNest and a self-described globetrotter who has visited over 120 countries, finds that the Florida Keys has a similar vibe to Hawaii, but at a much more affordable price. 

“With its stunning beaches, vibrant marine life and laid-back lifestyle, it’s a fantastic choice for retirees,” Raj said. “The Keys offer a variety of outdoor activities, from fishing and boating to snorkeling and diving, much like Hawaii. Plus, the cost of living is significantly lower, making it a great alternative for those on a budget.”

In the Florida Keys — specifically Key West — the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment rental is $2,500 per month and the average cost of utilities is $239.40 per month, according to Zumper . This is by no means a cheap location, but it’s certainly cheaper than Hawaii.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta is another city that boasts the tropical charms and beachside perks reminiscent of Hawaii, but without the heavy financial burdens. This is another spot Raj recommends. 

Here, monthly costs for a single person are an estimated $698, without rent, according to Numbeo. A family of four has estimated monthly costs of $2,481, also without rent. Rent isn’t too steep in Puerto Vallarta either. For example, it’s 64% lower than in Seattle, according to Numbeo.  

Penang, Malaysia

“This island state offers not only stunning beaches and scenic beauty but also a compelling blend of Asian cultures,” said Raj. “Penang, with its affordable living costs, ensures retirees can enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, rich with cultural experiences, tropical climates and diverse culinary adventures — all while being light on the pocket.”

The cost of living here certainly is light on the pocket. A single person’s monthly costs without rent are $509, according to Numbeo, while monthly costs for a family of four are $1,822.90. Rent is downright cheap, too — 86.6% lower than in Seattle, for instance.

More From GOBankingRates

• You Can Get These 3 Debts Canceled Forever
• Never Pay These 8 Bills With Cash or a Check
• 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000
• How to Earn an Extra $500 a Year on Your Savings

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : 6 Affordable Tropical Retirement Locations — And How Much They Cost Compared to Hawaii

Wheel of Misfortune: Boynton woman in good spirits after vowel slip-up costs her Hawaii trip

Boynton beach's kim weisenberg meant to say one letter in an effort to solve the 'wheel of fortune' puzzle. somehow, she said another..

Boynton Beach resident Kim Weisenberg had grand visions going into her once-in-a-lifetime shot on the television game show "Wheel of Fortune."

Spinning the wheel and landing on that coveted million-dollar wedge, solving puzzles and winning big to help her parents pay off debt, pay off her own student loans and take her family on vacation were all part of the dream scenario.

It didn't exactly work out that way and although she ended up with one of the more heartbreaking moments in the show's history, she did win a chunk of money, a trip and wound up with a lifetime of great memories.

'Wheel of Fortune' contestant from Boynton Beach started strong, then stumbled

Weisenberg, who is a yoga instructor, started out on fire, winning a total of $12,000 in cash and prizes —$4,000 for solving two puzzles including a “Toss Up” — and a trip to San Antonio, Texas, valued at $8,000.

Then came the fifth puzzle, which was a prize puzzle with a category of "Place." Weisenberg was in great position to strike it big after accumulating $17,550 in wheel spins. Her first guess alone earned her a whopping $14,000 by landing on the $3,500 wedge and correctly guessing four T's.

After several successful turns, only three letters were missing with the puzzle reading THE ENTRANCE T_ A CA_T_E.

This is when things took a surprising twist for Weisenberg. She wasn't sure what the last word was, but she figured the first four words were "THE ENTRANCE TO A" so she decided to buy a vowel, specifically an "O" to help solve the puzzle.

"I would either see that there was still another vowel, or I would see that there were no more vowels,” she said of her strategy.

The only problem: her brain thought the letter "O" and what came out of her mouth was the letter "U."

Silence. Then the dreaded buzzer and a gasp from the crowd.

REALITY TV: Why a North Palm woman self-eliminated herself from 'Farmer Wants a Wife'

The camera then panned to Chicago public school instructional coach Takyra Garner, who was the contestant next to Weisenberg. Host Pat Sajak told Garner she could solve the puzzle if she wanted.

"The entrance to a castle," Garner said, winning a trip to Hawaii worth $8,299 along with $11,000 in her earnings.

"Yeah, that's it!" Sajak responded.

But Sajak wanted to take a moment to console Weisenberg.

"I know the game can be brutal sometimes," the host said to Weisenberg. "Sometimes you have a word that just doesn't want to come into focus. Don't beat yourself up."

Weisenberg said she had applied her yoga breathing and mindfulness techniques to stay calm and help fellow contestants do the same. However, that all went out the window when she had her costly hiccup.

“I intended to say ‘O’ and somehow ‘U’ slipped out," she explained. "I literally fell over. You don’t see that on the show, but I fell over. If I had said ‘O,’ I would have gotten it.

"You have to make a decision so fast, or they move on from your turn. When you’re up there, it’s so different than playing on your couch. There were a million things going on in my mind. I tried to focus so hard. That word ‘castle’ wouldn’t come to me.”

AMERICAN IDOL: Delray performer only wanted to play piano, but wound up with golden ticket

Boynton Beach mon of two prepped by playing hangman with her kids

Weisenberg, who is married with two boys Everett, 10, and Finley, 5, said she grew up watching "Wheel of Fortune" and "Jeopardy."

“I have always been a fan since I was a little girl," she said. "I wanted to be Vanna White growing up. There was a contest where they had people try out to be Vanna and they did a show to be her. I didn’t get selected for that, but when I got to be a contestant, I felt like I was a bottle of champagne that was shaken up. I was so excited.”

SHARK TANK: Despite the product 'dork factor', Boca man gets a Shark Tank deal with Mr. Wonderful

Weisenberg said Everett spotted her knack at solving puzzles and encouraged her to apply four years ago. It wasn’t until last July that she heard back from producers and went through the casting process. To prepare, she played a lot of puzzles in her spare time.

“I have those old-school variety puzzle games. I play 'Hangman' when I’m out to dinner with my kids and we need to keep them entertained and off technology,” she said. “There’s a 'Wheel of Fortune' app that I play. I am in a book club. I do audio, so I don’t see the actual word, but I hear it, so I’m wondering if that helped a little bit too.”

'Wheel of Fortune' host Pat Sajak had nice words during commercial break

Weisenberg filmed her episode on Feb. 22, just in time to appear on one of longtime host Pat Sajack’s last episodes before he retires. After 41 years, Sajak, 77, will take his final bow on the June 7 episode and will be replaced by Ryan Seacrest next season. Vanna White renewed her contract as the letter flipper through the 2025-2026 season.

“I adore (Pat). I think he’s the sweetest guy. Even on that puzzle that I messed up on, he was like, ‘Don’t beat yourself up.’

"Afterward, during a commercial break, he was like, ‘It happens to everybody. Don’t worry about it,’ ” she said. “He seems like the nicest person, the classic game show host. I couldn’t be more grateful to have both of them be the hosts when I was there. (Vanna) is as American as apple pie.”

Weisenberg’s dad accompanied her on her first trip to California when she flew out to Los Angeles to film "Wheel." During their brief visit, they squeezed in some sightseeing. The daddy-daughter duo shared on Instagram their trip to the Santa Monica Pier, a long walk to Venice and back and a drive up the Pacific Coast Highway to the oceanfront seafood restaurant Duke’s in Malibu where she enjoyed watching the waves crash on rocks and sunset during dinner.

How Much Does a Trip to Hawaii Cost for Two People? (2024)

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read about our affiliate policies here .

Share with your friends!

Hawaii has always been a popular vacation destination with the price tags to match. With stunning landscapes, excellent snorkeling, and a general paradisiacal vibe, you’d probably expect costs to be high. 

Prices have only increased in recent years with factors like a post-COVID travel boom and inflation fueling hikes in prices. There’s also the simple fact that Hawaii is an isolated chain of islands, making everything naturally more expensive. 

2024 is still expected to be a busy year for tourism in Hawaii, with millions of visitors expected, despite the devastating fires on Maui .

Here’s what a trip to Hawaii costs for two people in 2024. 

We have a bunch of great budget resources for your Hawaii vacation: We have a full list of coupon codes to help you save on tours, our itineraries , and more! Learn about booking your vacation using points to save hundreds, even thousands on your trip! We almost always use Discount Hawaii Car Rental to book rental cars – they have the best rates, no prepayment, and free cancellation! Plus check out how we book our travel , and tips on getting a cheap flight to Hawaii !

How Much Does a Trip to Hawaii Cost for Two People?

It’s no secret that a trip to Hawaii can be expensive. A little bit of research and choosing where to go wisely can make a difference of thousands of dollars for your trip. After doing our own research and a recent getaway to the islands, we have the first hand knowledge to give you an estimate of how much you can expect to spend on a Hawaiian vacation for two.

On average, a 10-day trip for two people to Hawaii will cost around $8,000. 

Ultimately, this number depends on how many activities you want to do, where you’re flying from, and what city or island you’ll be based on for your trip to Hawaii. We factored in variables like flying from the East Coast to help give a better perspective on what your trip might cost, while also using the least expensive Hawaiian island of Oahu for most expenses.

Cost of Airfare

Flights to Hawaii might not be as expensive as you think, especially if you’re flying from large cities on the West Coast. 

After doing some research and averaging the price of flights, we estimate that the typical cost of airfare for two people flying to Hawaii is around $1,600.

Roundtrip flights from Los Angeles to Honolulu (HNL) for mid-January (as of October 2023) per person are…

• Alaska Airlines $783
• Hawaiian Airlines $612
• Southwest (reservations open 6 months prior to departure)
• United Airlines $828
• Delta Airlines $1,120

Factors like where you’re traveling from in the United States (or if you’re coming from even further afield) and what Hawaiian island you’re traveling to can affect pricing. As a rule, Oahu is the least expensive hub to fly into. 

Low-cost carriers to Hawaii include Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines. United and Delta, while they do have non-stop flight options, are typically much more expensive. Of all the options, Hawaiian Airlines is our favorite because it feels like you’re on a Hawaiian vacation as soon as you step aboard. They really go above and beyond to make passengers feel special and get them excited for their Hawaii travels.

Check out our guide for more information on how to snag the cheapest airfare to Hawaii.

Cost of a Hotel Stay

Lodging is going to be your biggest cost on a trip to Hawaii which makes finding inexpensive hotels or resorts ideal. Considering that most visitors to Hawaii choose to stay in a hotel, we’ve based our estimates off of some of the more popular hotel options on Oahu. Oahu is the least expensive place to visit in Hawaii and your best option for a budget-friendly trip.

Here are some nightly prices for Oahu hotels in January…

• Hilton Hawaiian Village $297 
• Queen Kapi’olani Hotel $270
• Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger $268 per night 
• The Laylow, Autograph Collection $346 per night

Resort fees ranged from $30-$55 a night, depending on which hotel or resort you choose. It’s almost impossible to escape these sneaky fees which makes it important to factor them into your budget.

Cost of a Rental Car

When renting a car in Hawaii, the best way to go is through locally owned, discount rental companies. One of our favorites is Discount Hawaii Car Rental .

We have typically saved around $60-$75 per week on car rentals when we book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental. During the busiest time of year, between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, you can easily save hundreds of dollars!

The estimated price for a 10-day, standard-size car rental through Discount Hawaii Car Rental on Oahu in mid-January was $411. This includes 2 drivers, an automatic car, and unlimited miles. You can also cancel for free at any time.

Estimating that gas will cost around $100, give or take a bit, and including parking fees at hotels in Waikiki, which are around $35 a night, you can guess that both fuel and parking will cost around $450.

Gas prices vary depending on which island you’re visiting , with Oahu being the least expensive and Kauai being the most expensive.

Cost of Food

Eating out in Hawaii can get really pricey, really quick!

For two adults on a trip to Hawaii, you’ll most likely spend around $150 a day on food with a comfortable budget.

We estimated that the average adult will spend about $75 a day on food. Visitors should expect the typical dinner to cost somewhere between $50-$100 per person. This number will fluctuate depending on what kind of restaurant you’ll be dining at and how many beverages you order.

This is where staying in a vacation rental and cooking can really lower your overall food costs. Seeking out grocery stores can also be a great way to save money by grabbing a picnic lunch or even to try out an inexpensive poke bowl to go. 

Seeking out hotels with an included breakfast option is another trick that will save you money in the long run. The convenience is an added bonus! Some resorts and hotels even offer special deals on happy hour drinks that can really help keep costs down if you know you’ll want to indulge in a few cocktails. 

Cost of Activities

Many of Hawaii’s best activities are completely free! Snorkeling along the abundant reefs, swimming in lagoons, hiking along cliff faces, and evening stopping by sights like the Pearl Harbor Memorial are all examples of free – and exciting – experiences. 

Depending on what you’re looking to get out of your Hawaii vacation you can spend next to nothing on tours and activities, go wild and break the bank, or find a happy medium somewhere in between.

Here are a few examples of some of Oahu’s best tours and what they cost for two to give you an idea of what you might spend…

• Kualoa Ranch’s UTV Jurassic Valley Tour : $304
• Polynesian Cultural Center Ali’i Luau Package : $380
• Ko Olina Adventure Snorkel & Sailing Tour : $378 

The total cost for these three activities for two people comes out to $1,062 (gratuity not included). You’ll want to factor in a tip of $10 to $20 per person for any guided tour.

Be sure to book your tours and activities for your Hawaiian vacation in advance, especially in the busy season. Popular tours, like the UTV Jurassic Valley Tour , can sell out quickly.

Check out more of our favorite, can’t miss activities and tours : Our Favorite Molokini Crater Snorkel Tour from Wailea (sunrise and mid-morning tours) The Best Whale Watching Tour from Waikiki Mountain Tubing Adventure

How to Cut Costs on Your Trip Without Sacrificing the Fun

With a bit of preparation and know-how it’s easy to cut costs for your trip to Hawaii. Here are a few hints on how to save money on your vacation to the “Aloha State”.

Stay in a Vacation Rental

Choosing to stay in a vacation rental over a resort or fancy hotel is one of the best ways to save money on your trip to Hawaii. Accommodations will most likely be the biggest cost of your trip, as it is with any holiday. Finding less expensive vacation rentals can save you hundreds of dollars and can be a great option if you like a more laid back experience, without sacrificing amenities like pools and beach access.

Staying in a vacation rental can also help you penny pinch because it allows you to cook at home and often park for free. These are both big money saving considerations as eating out can get really expensive in Hawaii and parking costs add up quickly. Finding a vacation rental with free parking can easily save you over $300 in fees.

We have narrowed down some of the best vacation rentals across the islands The Best North Shore Oahu Hotels and Vacation Rentals Where to Stay on Maui: Hotels and Vacation Rentals for a Range of Budgets Where to Stay on the Big Island: best areas, hotels, and vacation rentals

Use Points for Your Accommodations

Ever heard of using credit card miles and points to book accommodations and flights for free ? Depending on what credit card you use, you can also get free nights or stays at hotels that you’re loyal to, for instance, Hilton or Marriott. Sounds pretty incredible, right?

Using points to book your Hawaii vacation can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, and get you access to luxury resorts or even business class flights at a fraction of their normal cost – or better yet, for free! We use points and miles on a regular basis to lower the cost of our frequent trips to Hawaii. Check out our guide on booking travel to Hawaii for more tips on using points and miles.

Visit During the Shoulder Season

The best time to visit Hawaii is during one of the shoulder seasons, from Labor Day to Thanksgiving (September to November) and April to May. Not only are costs for everything, from accommodations to tours down, but crowds are at an all time low. These months typically have good weather too, although Oahu sees the most rain in November and January. A cheaper vacation and getting the beaches all to ourselves? Count us in!

Enjoy Food Trucks

Not every meal has to be at the resort or a fancy restaurant. In fact, Hawaii’s food trucks offer up local fare and are legendarily delicious! Mixing in meals from food trucks while also sneaking in a few special meals at nice restaurants will go a long way towards your budget without sacrificing any opportunities to try local grindz. 

Some of the best food trucks to check out on Oahu are Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck , Haleiwa Bowls , and Leonard’s Bakery Malasada Truck . Another great option for an inexpensive meal on Oahu is the Maui Brewing Co. in downtown Waikiki. If you’re planning a trip to one of the other islands, check out our food truck guides for Maui and Kauai .

Choose Your Tours Wisely

Try not to fill up your already busy trip with too many tours. Choosing one or two will help balance not only your schedule but also your pocketbook – and leave you with lasting memories. Most visitors will want to book classic experiences like a luau or snorkeling excursion, which both make for great options if you’re only choosing a few tours. 

Check out our favorite snorkeling tours on Oahu and Maui .

If we haven’t already made it obvious, Oahu is the cheapest to visit of the Hawaiian Islands. Your vacation budget will stretch much further than other areas of this tropical archipelago. Save the more expensive islands, like Maui, for a second trip if you’re wanting to visit Hawaii on a budget this time around. Oahu has all the charms of a picture-perfect Hawaiian vacation, like luaus, stunning scenery, and snorkeling, without the huge price tag that other islands can incur.

Our Oahu guide will help you get your trip planning started right.

Cheat Sheets and Even More Insider Tips

Get fast facts and the best beaches, local grindz (eats), and must do activities for each island with our free Hawaiian island cheat sheets .

By grabbing our cheat sheets, you’ll join our growing community of Hawaii travel enthusiasts. We make most of our recommendations from personal experience traveling to Hawaii countess times and living on Oahu and Maui. We also love hearing from our newsletter readers about what made their Hawaii vacation unforgettable.

Our newsletter goes out twice a month and is packed with current need-to-know info, insider tips and tricks, personal stories, and more!

Love your newsletters Jordan!! Been going to Maui for 25 years and you always have something new I didn’t know about in it!! Holly F.

Free Download!

Hawaiian island cheat sheets.

Sign up & we’ll send you our island cheat sheets so you can get to know the islands like the back of your hand!

We’ll share 4 can’t-miss activities on each island, a map with the main sights in town, & famous local grindz (eats)!

where should we send your free Island Cheat Sheets?

By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy . We hate spam and promise to keep your email safe. Unsubscribe at any time.

I'm the co-founder, with my husband Jordan, of The Hawaii Vacation Guide. We have lived on Maui and Oahu and continue to travel, experience, and learn about the Hawaiian Islands. We travel with our kids, Henry and Edith. I am a planner! I love to plan trips from the mainland and island-hopping adventures, excursion days, and everything in-between. I spend a lot of my time in Hawai'i on a SUP and my favorite time of year in Hawai'i is whale season!

Similar Posts

Baby Beach Lahaina, Maui: the best beach for families

The Best Hawaiian Island to Visit: Don’t Get It Wrong

The 59 Best Things to Do in Hawaii: Your Ultimate Bucket List (2024)

How to Choose The Best Car to Rent in Maui

Lanai or Molokini: What Has Better Snorkeling?

The 7 Best Luxury Hotels on Oahu (2023)

This is the most comprehensive Hawaii vacation planning resource on the internet!

TOP RESOURCES

• Join Our Newsletter
• Hawaii Itineraries
• Tours & Activities
• Top Travel Gear
• Discount Car Rentals

ISLAND GUIDES

• Planning A Trip To Hawaii
• Oahu Island Guide
• Maui Island Guide
• Hawai’i (Big Island) Guide
• Kauai Island Guide

Your use of the information provided in our Content, Itineraries, Site, and Services is for your informational purposes only and is subject to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Your use of the information described in, your participation in activities presented in, and/or your engagement of any Travel Service Providers presented in our Content, Itineraries, Site, and/or Services may carry the risk of illness, bodily injury, disability, death, or property damage. You voluntarily and freely assume all risks and dangers that may occur pursuant to your access, use, purchase, or participation in any information, activity, good, or service described in our Content, Itineraries, Site, and Services or provided by any Travel Service Providers.

Don’t start planning without our cheat sheets

You’ll get:

• 4 can’t-miss activities on each island,
• a map with the main sights in town,
• and famous local grindz (eats)!

Review Cart

No products in the cart.

These Are The Best Airlines To Fly This Year

WalletHub's report on the best airlines in 2024 makes it easier to choose which airlines to fly with on that next vacation!

• SkyWest Airlines ranks second overall in the US among the best airlines, known for exceptional service, reliability, and an extensive route network for major carriers.
• Spirit Airlines is recognized as one of the safest low-cost airlines, making advancements in safety while still offering reasonable prices.
• Alaska Airlines has reclaimed the top spot as the best airline in the US, excelling in affordability, in-flight comfort, safety, and overall performance metrics.

Getting ready for that next trip but indecisive about which airline to take? No worries! A report by WalletHub is ready to help. It evaluated major US airlines based on 13 criteria divided into three major categories: in-flight comfort and cost, baggage and departures, and safety. As for the metrics, they include cancelation rates, delays, mishandled baggage, denied boarding, in-flight amenities, price, and safety records.

Airlines were scored based on specific criteria for each metric. The detailed scoring framework is provided, emphasizing factors like flight cancelations, legroom, entertainment options, Wi-Fi availability, complimentary refreshments, price competitiveness, and others.

In a time when airlines will now owe money to passengers for mistakes , such as cancelations, delays, and lost baggage, among others, there's never been a better time for them to improve their services and impress. According to WalletHub's findings, these are the best airlines to fly this year that have done precisely that and more, having flown above and beyond.

These Are The Airlines With The Happiest Pilots

7 hawaiian airlines, score: 48.30.

Hawaiian Airlines has won several awards throughout the years, including being recognized by the US Department of Transportation as the airline with the best punctuality every year since 2004 .

This airline is well-known in Hawaii for having a significant impact on the development and current history of the state. It is the biggest and most established airline in the state , and in 2029 it will celebrate its centenary.

Hawaiian Airlines provides nonstop service to ten overseas locations in Asia and the South Pacific, in addition to several cities in North America and all the major Hawaiian Islands. Island-hopping travelers will board a Boeing 717, which is intended for short-haul travel.

6 JetBlue Airways

Score: 51.60.

JetBlue Airlines, one of the best airlines in the US, offers three classes of service: economy, Even More Space, and Mint, each with various amenities. Boarding occurs in 10 groups, prioritizing disabilities and loyalty status. Its loyalty program, TrueBlue, offers multiple tiers for frequent flyers. JetBlue primarily serves the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America, with some transatlantic routes.

While it's not part of a major alliance, it partners with several airlines. Pricing is competitive, and points can be earned through flights and partners. Safety ratings are high, but operational reliability varies. Travelers are recommended to consider JetBlue if they prioritize affordability, comfort, and connectivity, but they should note its route limitations and operational performance.

According To Flight Attendants: These Are The Strictest Airlines To Work For

5 united airlines, score: 51.96.

Offering an extensive and constantly expanding network of worldwide destinations, the Chicago-based carrier, United Airlines, has eight hubs around the United States and connects travelers to hundreds of international destinations.

In fact, three island locations that have historically proven difficult to reach from the United States are among the recent additions to its destination roster. These are the Azores, Mallorca, and the Canary Islands.

In recent years, the airline has added 270 more Boeing and Airbus aircraft to its fleet. In addition to being more luxurious and technologically advanced, the new aircraft is anticipated to save carbon emissions by 17 to 20 percent per seat when compared to earlier models, making it more appealing and one of the best airlines to fly with this year.

Environmentally focused travelers may be interested in knowing more about going green when traveling .

The Best Low-Cost Airline In Europe For 2024

4 delta air lines, score: 61.56.

High honors are still given to Delta for the caliber of its in-flight services and its on-ground amenities, which include luxurious Sky Clubs at major American airports. An example of this can be found at the airline's magnificent new $4 billion terminal at the renovated LaGuardia Airport in New York , which features high ceilings, wood and marble accents, and eye-catching works by regional artists.

Additionally, Delta is attempting to make flying as easy as possible with its high-tech advances during boarding and check-in. Additionally, free text messaging and comfortable Delta One business class suites on its new Airbus A350 jetliners and other wide-body aircraft are appreciated by passengers as in-flight amenities.

Travelers will be able to take advantage of these benefits on travels to even farther-flung locations, such as Tahiti and Cape Town, because of an increasing route map.

3 Spirit Airlines

Score: 65.69.

Spirit Airlines has the third position among the top-rated airlines in the US to fly this year in WalletHub's report. Spirit Airlines is typically seen as low-cost travel and might not always be seen as a competitor when it comes to overall service quality. However, it appears that Spirit has advanced significantly in areas like safety that go beyond price.

Travelers are beginning to value the airline more and more, as seen by its ranking as one of the safest low-cost airlines in 2024 . Spirit Airlines' exceptional record in several safety criteria, such as incident and accident rates, has earned it the title of the safest airline . Additionally, Spirit Airlines is said to be the least expensive airline in 2024 , providing flights at reasonable prices.

These 10 Airlines Are Putting Sustainability At The Forefront (& Why It Matters)

2 skywest airlines, score: 65.96.

SkyWest Airlines is the second-best airline in the United States according to WalletHub , renowned for its exceptional service and reliability. Operating as a regional airline for major carriers like Delta, United, American, and Alaska Airlines, SkyWest maintains an impressive fleet and an extensive route network across North America. It is known for its safety record and consistently earns high marks for on-time performance and customer satisfaction.

SkyWest's commitment to quality extends to its fleet, featuring modern aircraft equipped with the latest amenities and technology. Moreover, its professional and courteous staff ensures passengers receive top-notch service throughout their journey. With a focus on safety, reliability, and customer service, SkyWest Airlines continues to excel as one of the best airlines in the US, earning the trust and loyalty of travelers nationwide.

1 Alaska Airlines

Score: 68.07.

Alaska Airlines knocked over Delta Air Lines, which was placed first as the best airline in 2023 and 2022 , to be named the top airline in the United States according to this year's study, which had the highest WalletHub score. Alaska Airlines has been named #1 in several previous WalletHub rankings, including those from 2021, 2019, 2018, and 2017 .

Relentless performance and a dedication to customer satisfaction vaulted Alaska Airlines back to the top of the rankings. The best airline has reclaimed the number one spot because of its outstanding and steady performance on several different criteria. The airline has surpassed expectations in terms of affordability and comfort for in-flight entertainment, offering free beverages, lots of legroom, and a variety of entertainment selections.

It has also shown to have strong safety protocols, as seen by its top position in safety-related metrics, including the number of injuries sustained in aviation mishaps and incidents.

The airline's return to the top spot has been facilitated by its balanced performance across many aviation-related metrics. Furthermore, it is not unexpected that its route map, which stretches from Hawaii to New York and from the Pacific Northwest to Mexico and Latin America, has surpassed the geographical boundaries of its name.