budget travel in hawaii

Visiting Hawaii on a budget (2023): all the tricks and tips you need to know

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

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

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

Finding the cheapest way to go to Hawaii

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

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

Find the cheapest airfare for cash payment

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

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

Look for special deals

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

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

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

❗ Learn more: How to get the Southwest companion pass

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

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

Book with frequent flyer miles

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

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

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

United Airlines – 45,000

Delta Airlines – 45,000

Alaska Airlines – 40,000

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

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

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

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

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

Redeem Chase Ultimate Reward Points

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vacation Rentals in Hawaii

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

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

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

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

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

Hotels in Hawaii

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Home Exchange in Hawaii

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

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

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

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

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

Camping in Hawaii and RV in Hawaii

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Go Oahu Card

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

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

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

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

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

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

Entertainment Book

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

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

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

Check out more awesome things to do on Oahu with kids

Admission to National Parks in Hawaii

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

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

Groupon and Living Social

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

Use your memberships

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

And if you are a member of a science center back home that participates in the ASTC Passport program, bring your card to the wonderful Bishop Museum in Honolulu to receive free admission. We went twice (for free!) and even considered a third visit. It’s the perfect free activity if you’re trying to visit Hawaii with kids on a budget!

Military discounts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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13 thoughts on “visiting hawaii on a budget (2023): all the tricks and tips you need to know”.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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When deciding where to travel, Hawaii checks all the boxes for many tourists. The islands’ lush, tropical landscape provides a contrast from two years of mostly staying at home. It’s a far-off getaway that doesn't require a passport, and there’s no shortage of luxury.

Within the first two weeks of Hawaii's announcement to lift travel restrictions, Expedia says it saw a nearly 30% increase in searches for spring and summer trips to Hawaii’s major ports. Domestic travelers no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to enter Hawaii as of March 26, 2022.

Demand in some of the top destinations in Hawaii is outpacing pre-pandemic levels. Expedia says it’s already seeing six times more bookings for hotels on Hawaii’s Big Island for September 2022 than it did in September 2019. Oahu — which Expedia says is one of the most popular destinations — is seeing double digit-percentage increases in demand this summer versus 2019.

But while Hawaii might have a laid-back, low-stress vibe, the rules of supply and demand still apply. Couple that with rising travel costs everywhere due to rapid inflation , and a trip to Hawaii this year likely won’t be cheap.

However, you can still save money on a Hawaiian vacation. Here’s how to travel to Hawaii on a budget.

Save on airfare to Hawaii

If you’ve accumulated a stash of points and miles, flights to Hawaii can prove a good way to spend them. There are many ways to book cheap Hawaii flights with points and miles , especially if you’re willing to transfer miles between partner airlines. Among the biggest airlines flying to Hawaii are Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines.

If you can earn a Southwest Airlines Companion Pass and you’d like to save on flights to Hawaii, this is an excellent opportunity to use it. The pass is essentially a buy-one-get-one deal on your Southwest flight, where you book a flight with cash or points, and you can book another at no cost aside from taxes and fees (typically just $5.60 per one-way trip).

If you can’t choose just one island, island-hopping in Hawaii is fairly convenient, as most flights between islands take less than an hour. The key when island-hopping: flexibility. Most of the best interisland deals are for flights through Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, so consider placing Oahu in the middle of your itinerary to take advantage of its interisland availability.

Be flexible on dates, too. Southwest has plenty of interisland airfares for just $45 — but if you’re married to a specific flight time or book last-minute, realize that some flights cost more than $200.

Use hotel points or free night certificates to save on lodging

Most of the major hotel brands have a strong presence in Hawaii, which can be handy if you have hotel points or free night certificates.

Hilton is an especially big player in Hawaii , and its lodging runs the gamut from affordable to opulent. If you have a Hilton free night certificate , which can be earned through certain Hilton credit cards , head to Maui. There you’ll find the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. One of Hilton’s most grandiose resorts, the Grand Wailea hosts a 2,000-foot-long pool complete with waterfalls and slides. Standard nightly room rates can easily run more than $1,500, but free night certificates can cover it.

If you’re traveling as a family or with a group, consider booking a vacation rental through a service like Airbnb or Vrbo . They are sometimes cheaper than hotels and typically don’t require you to pay resort fees, which are otherwise common. They also often have driveways and kitchens, so you can avoid expensive hotel parking and the cost of dining out.

Other ways to visit Hawaii on a budget

Dine out strategically.

Speaking of dining out, it can certainly be part of the Hawaiian experience. But it can also eat up a huge chunk of your budget. Understand when you’re paying for mediocre food but a stellar view. If you’re up for adventure, head to a convenience store for fresh poke and Spam musubi, then find a beach (there’s no shortage of them) for a free, oceanfront dinner view.

Sidestep the paid luau

As far as entertainment, you can certainly pay hundreds of dollars for your group to experience a luau. While the array of entertainment and buffet food can be worth it for some travelers, there are plenty of free ways to watch hula, hear Hawaiian music and learn about the culture. Many major malls in Hawaii, such as Waikiki’s Royal Hawaiian Center mall, offer free shows and classes in lei making, hula, ukulele, lauhala weaving and more. On the Big Island, free coffee farm tours are abundant.

Some hotels also make their entertainment available to the public. Head to Marriott’s Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa to watch the nightly lele kawa (cliff jumping).

(Photo courtesy of Sheraton Maui Resort)

Swap ticketed activities for cheaper counterparts

Some major, ticketed tourist attractions offer some components of their tours for free. At the Maui Tropical Plantation, you might pay $25 for a tram tour, but you can still explore a good chunk of the grounds, including its market, craft studios and cafe, at no cost. On Oahu, Dole Plantation tours start at $7.75 per person, but purchasing a ticket might not be necessary. Admission to the grounds is free, and there you can typically find no-cost activities like pineapple-cutting and chocolate-making demonstrations, as well as a fish feeding pond.

The bottom line

Travel to Hawaii was always popular — and all signs point to its popularity growing. According to a February 2022 NerdWallet survey , 28% of Americans who say the way they travel has chanced since the beginning of the pandemic say they have stopped going on international trips and only travel domestically. Meanwhile, 16% only travel to destinations that don’t require COVID-19 testing or proof of vaccination. For tourists from the continental U.S., Hawaii checks both of those boxes, and a lot more. The Aloha State might be one of the best places to travel to this year — just have a plan for how you’ll pay for it.

How to maximize your rewards

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

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Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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10 ways to see Hawaii on a budget

Nov 11, 2023 • 9 min read

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

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

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

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

Plan a fall or spring vacation

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

Be smart about island-hopping...

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

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

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

...Or simply stay on one island

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

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

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

Keep your car-rental period short

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

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

Use local ridesharing services and rentals

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

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

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

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

Take public transportation

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

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

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

Get around by bike

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eat affordable local dishes: bento boxes and poke bowls 

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

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

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

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

Find free and low-cost activities and tours

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

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

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

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

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

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

A guide to daily costs in Hawaii

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

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

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Complete Guide: How To Visit Hawaii On A Budget

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

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

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

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Check Prices

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

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

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

Finding Cheap Flights To Hawaii

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

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

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

Finding Cheap Accommodation In Hawaii

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hostels in Oahu:

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

Mid-Range Hotels in Oahu:

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

Luxury Hotels in Oahu:

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

Find more accommodation options in Oahu here .

Mid-Range Hotels in Kauai:

• Hotel Coral Reef
• Banyan Harbor
• Kauai Shores Hotel

Luxury Hotels in Kauai:

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

Find more accommodation options in Kauai here .

Hostels in Maui:

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

Mid-Range Hotels in Maui:

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

Luxury Hotels in Maui:

• Hyatt Residence Club
• Hotel Wailea
• Four Seasons Resort

Find more accommodation options in Maui here .

Hostels on the Big Island:

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

Mid-Range Hotels on the Big Island:

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

Luxury Hotels on the Big Island:

• Fairmont Orchid
• Aston Kona by the Sea

Find more accommodation options in Big Island here .

Getting Around Hawaii On A Budget

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

Getting Around Hawaii By Bus

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

Fare for a one-way ticket: $2.75

Fare for a day pass: $5.50

Getting Around Hawaii By moped

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

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

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

Getting Around Hawaii By Car

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

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

Finding Cheap Restaurants In Hawaii

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Finding Cheap Activities In Hawaii

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

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

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

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

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

Find more budget activities in Hawaii here .

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

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

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

Is Hawaii expensive? Let’s see!

Total Spent on Flights | Budget Travel Hawaii

My flight from Osaka to Honolulu was $195.

My flight from Honolulu to Ottawa was $231.

The total was then $426.

Total Spent In Hawaii | Budget Travel Hawaii

I spent $822 which includes the following:

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

This would be about $102 per day.

Total Spent In Hawaii + Flights

Big total for flights and the trip: $1248

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

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

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

What To Pack For Hawaii

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

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

Do You Need A Visa To Visit Hawaii?

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

Travel Insurance In Hawaii

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

Final Thoughts On Hawaii On A Budget

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

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

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

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• Best Business Hotels in Hawaii
• Is Hawaii Expensive?
• How much does a trip to Hawaii cost?
• The Northeast
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• New York City
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• How much does it cost to travel to Hawaii? (Average Daily Cost)
• Hawaii trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

Is Hawaii expensive to visit?

• How much do I need for a trip to Hawaii?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to Hawaii?

You should plan to spend around $342 per day on your vacation in Hawaii. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $77 on meals
• $37 on local transportation
• $427 on hotels

A one week trip to Hawaii for two people costs, on average, $4,782 . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 342
• One Week Per person $ 2,391
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 4,782
• One Month Per person $ 10,248
• One Week For a couple $ 4,782
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 9,565
• One Month For a couple $ 20,495

Are You an Experienced Traveler?

Help other travelers! Answer a quick question about your past travels. Click here: let's do it!

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Hawaii cost?

A one week trip to Hawaii usually costs around $2,391 for one person and $4,782 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Hawaii on average costs around $4,782 for one person and $9,565 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Hawaii will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Hawaii on average costs around $10,248 for one person and $20,495 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently to Hawaii has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Hawaii is a somewhat more expensive place to visit. Located in the United States of America, which is a moderately priced country, visitors will need to plan for the extra expenses of this destination. It is in the top 25% of cities in the country for its overall travel expenses. When visiting, expect to pay somewhat higher prices for accommodation, food, and activities.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Hawaii is a somewhat more expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in North America for its travel costs. While some cities in the region are more expensive, Hawaii is generally more expensive than most.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Hawaii Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Hawaii?

The average Hawaii trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Hawaii travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Hawaii

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Hawaii is $214. For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Hawaii is $427. This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 214
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 427

Hotel Prices in Hawaii

Looking for a hotel in Hawaii? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Transportation Budget in Hawaii

The cost of a taxi ride in Hawaii is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $37 per person, per day, on local transportation in Hawaii.

• Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 37

Recommended Services

• Honolulu Airport & Waikiki Hotels Private Transfer by Luxury SUV(up to 5… Viator $ 130
• Honolulu Private transfer to Airport/Port/Hotel (1-12 Passengers) Viator $ 129

Flights to Hawaii

Rental cars in hawaii, food budget in hawaii.

While meal prices in Hawaii can vary, the average cost of food in Hawaii is $77 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Hawaii should cost around $31 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Hawaii is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 77

Recommended

• Private Sunset Dinner Horseback Ride Viator $ 251
• Farm to Taco: A Farm to Table Cooking Class Viator $ 149

Entertainment Budget in Hawaii

Entertainment and activities in Hawaii typically cost an average of $38 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 38

The Go City Oahu Pass offers great discounts on attractions in Oahu. With the Go City Explorer pass, you can choose to visit specific sights and attractions at a discount. Or, you can visit as many included attractions as you like with a multi-day All-Inclusive Pass. The average visitor saves 30% off of the regular admission prices.

Recommended Activities

• Private Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tour in Turtle Town, Maui Viator $ 149
• Complete Island Tour & Sunrise Photo Experience Viator $ 170

Tips and Handouts Budget in Hawaii

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Hawaii is $12 per day. The usual amount for a tip in Hawaii is 10% - 20% .

• Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 12

Alcohol Budget in Hawaii

The average person spends about $19 on alcoholic beverages in Hawaii per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 19
• Maui Farm Distillery and local craft experience Full-Day Tour Viator $ 224
• Whiskey Tour - Koʻolau Distillery - Kailua, Hawai'i 96734 Viator $ 25

Water Budget in Hawaii

On average, people spend $15 on bottled water in Hawaii per day. The public water in Hawaii is considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 15

Hawaii On a Budget

Food and Dining

Transportation.

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

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How to visit Hawaii on a budget

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Hawaii on a budget – is it possible?

Can you visit Hawaii on a budget? First things first: Hawaii is expensive. There is no getting around it. It is expensive to fly to Hawaii; it is expensive to stay in Hawaii.

Gas is expensive in Hawaii; food is expensive in Hawaii, you get the point!

That said, visiting Hawaii on a budget is possible. I’m asked (a lot) how I’m able to visit Hawaii so often.

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

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

First, let’s understand what “Hawaii on a budget” means. Everyone has a budget.

Whether it’s $5,000, or $10,000, or $70,000. This blog post aims to show you how to stick to a budget during a Hawaii vacation and how to save money on a Hawaii vacation.

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

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

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

Hawaii on a budget FAQ

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

What is the cheapest Hawaiian island?

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

This is simply due to there being so much competition in Oahu. I’ve heard some people say that Oahu flights are the cheapest, but I don’t find this to be the case.

In general, flights to the four major islands (Maui, the Big Island, Kauai, and Oahu) tend to be about the same price.

Prices by island depend on which airport you’re coming from, so make sure to check and see if one island is a lot less expensive out of your airport.

When is the cheapest time to fly to Hawaii?

You’ve probably heard me say this before, the cheapest time to visit Hawaii is the “shoulder season.” There is no true “off-season” in Hawaii, but the shoulder season is March-May and September-October.

The most expensive times to visit Hawaii are in the summer, Thanksgiving, and Christmas holidays. You can save some money by booking hotels early during busy times, but the flights will likely be higher than during the shoulder season.

When is the best time to go to Hawaii?

Don’t let anyone tell you that there is a bad time to go to Hawaii. They don’t know what they are talking about. Yes, it rains a little more in the winter in some areas .

This is probably my biggest pet peeve about Hawaii travel. So-and-so’s aunt Gertrude went to Hawaii 20 years ago and said it rained in November, so don’t go in November.

First, the resorts are generally located in areas that get very little rain. The people who built the multi-million dollar resorts had a plan!

Second, even in the areas that get more rain, it tends to rain the most at night.

Even when it rains during the day, it’s usually for a short time. Then, you see beautiful rainbows.

There is not a bad time to visit Hawaii, period. Hawaii is, for the most part, protected from hurricanes. Yes, it’s possible that a hurricane could hit Hawaii, but there is no hurricane season like Florida or the Caribbean.

I go into even further detail in my post, “ is there a worst time to go to Hawaii ?” but suffice to say that the best time to go to Hawaii is any time you can go.

So while the weather in Hawaii shouldn’t be a problem, you’ll avoid crowds but avoiding summer or holiday visits. 

How many days should I stay in Hawaii?

If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, you’ll want to visit Hawaii for at least a week.

Most hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals offer price breaks after one week. Occasiocally it can be 5 days but is usually a week.

With flights to Hawaii being so long, it really doesn’t make sense to spend only visit for 2-3 days. Additionally, Hawaii offers so much that it’s easy to spend a week on each island.

There will still be so much more that you don’t see! 

How many islands in Hawaii should I visit?

If you have one week, you should visit one island. This is one of my best tips for visiting Hawaii on a budget. Each island in Hawaii has so much to explore that one week won’t be enough!

I’ve been visiting Hawaii since I was 11 years old, and there is still so much that I haven’t seen!

While traveling between islands sounds easy enough, it really is not. Traveling between islands takes money and valuable time.

While the flights might only be 45 minutes, you’ll have to drive to/from the airport, wait at the airport, etc. If you split one week between two islands, you also won’t see a nightly price break.

Also, those interisland flights  can add up if you have multiple travelers.

I understand wanting to visit multiple islands, but I recommend one island per week to get the most out of your Hawaii vacation.

If you absolutely must visit all of the islands, keep reading because a Hawaii cruise might be right for you.

Should I rent a car in Hawaii?

I have an entire blog post about why you need a rental car in Hawaii. The short answer is: yes! While it might seem counterproductive to spend money renting a car and then spend money on parking, it can save money to have a car.

Renting a car allows you to explore the island you’re visiting fully. Tours such as Haleakala sunrise can be done on your own, but only if you have a rental car.

If you’re looking for the best way to rent a car in Hawaii, I recommend  Discount Hawaii Car Rental . You’ll find the best deals on any of the Hawaiian Islands.

You don’t have to pay for your car until arrival, so you can always cancel and re-book if you find a better deal. Discount Hawaii Car Rental is so much cheaper than renting at the airport, and it’s using the exact same companies!

Tips for visiting Hawaii on a budget

Okay, now that we’ve gone over some Hawaii on a budget FAQs, let’s get to the tips for visiting Hawaii on a budget.

I have over 100 tips for saving money in Hawaii, so no matter your budget, you’re sure to find something that will help you!

1. Research, research, research

I have many people contact me that have literally no idea what it costs to visit Hawaii. I’m a Hawaii Travel Agent , so that’s okay. It’s my job to guide them through the process.

However, I know that there are plenty of people out there who aren’t working with a Travel Advisor who also have no idea what they are doing! That’s scary.

In order to save money on a Hawaii vacation, you need to know what you’re getting into. You have to do your research and find out what a Hawaii vacation will cost.

Here are some examples:

• Depending on your location, flights to Hawaii tend to be anywhere from $350-$900 from the mainland US.
• The average hotel in Hawaii costs almost $300 per night. Yes, average. This is not the Four Seasons.
• There are only a certain number of rental cars in Hawai. During the busy times, the most popular car-types can do and sell out. Then, prices are raised on the remaining cars. 
• Gas in Hawaii costs a lot more than the mainland; prepare for that expense when looking at your Hawaii vacation budget.
• Food in Hawaii costs more than on the mainland. If you plan to make your own meals to save money but have to have bread or eggs, just know that these items (and others) are very costly in Hawaii.

2. Visit Hawaii during the slower season

As I mentioned earlier, there is no “off-season” in Hawaii. However, you can save quite a bit on flights, hotels, and more by visiting during the shoulder season.

Avoid the summer and any school holidays if possible. I know this is difficult with kids, but it’s one of the best tips for visiting Hawaii on a budget.

My kids are homeschooled now, but I would pull them out of school for vacations when they were in a public school.

Most kids take sick days, but my kids are very healthy and never missed days due to being sick. We just took vacation days instead. 😉

If you’re planning a honeymoon, babymoon, or anniversary, try to plan around visiting during the slower times. I know, that can be harder with a babymoon!

Fortunately, many weddings take place in May, June, September, and October, which are all good times to visit Hawaii. That works out well for honeymoon couples.

3. Visit only one island

I know you want to visit as many islands as possible, and I know blame you. However, you’re here for the best Hawaii on a budget tip, and this is one of them.

Visiting one island in Hawaii is one of the best ways to save money on a Hawaii vacation. If you’re struggling to figure out which island to visit, check out my post about the best Hawaii island to visit .

4. Rent a car

I mentioned this already, but I’ll repeat it. You need to rent a car to explore Hawaii fully.

Renting a car is an extra cost, but if you don’t rent a car, you’ll either be stuck or have to rely on public transportation.

Public transportation is just fine in Oahu but isn’t very reliable on any other island. Even if you are visiting Oahu, you’ll want to get out and explore. You’ll likely never see the North Shore of Oahu without a rental car.

Again, I recommend  Discount Hawaii Car Rental . You’ll save a lot of money by renting before you arrive in Hawaii. You’ll pay “tourist prices” at the airport.

5. Travel with a group

Surprisingly, or maybe not surprisingly, traveling with friends and family is a great way to visit Hawaii on a budget.

Although flights are expensive, you can definitely save by splitting a condo, villa, vacation rental, or suite with family members or friends.

Renting and splitting a larger vehicle is another way to save money when traveling with a group.

It’s important to note that it is hard to find actual homes in Hawaii that are rentals. They exist, but they tend to be very expensive.

You can offset the cost by traveling with a larger group, but condos or villas tend to be less expensive than renting a house.

This is surprising to groups who are used to traveling to Florida, or say, Branson, Missouri, or really anywhere where homes are easy to find and rent.

6. Pack light

A lot of people don’t want to hear this, but packing in a carry-on only is a great way to save money on a Hawaii vacation.

Those pesky luggage fees add up! And, you’ll have to pay the fees both ways.

I’ve never, ever paid for baggage fees on a major airline. When the airlines started charging for checked bags, I learned how to pack light.

I took a bunch of photography gear to photograph a Maui wedding , and I only had a carry-on and a backpack. And, I was gone for 10 days!

I should probably write a blog post about how to pack light (and I probably will) but for now, just know that packing light is one of the best ways to visit Hawaii on a budget.

Warm weather clothes don’t take that much space, and you can always wear your hiking shoes, jacket, etc., on the plane. Check out what to pack for Hawaii to find out what you’ll need during your vacation.

7. Shop at Target

I think it’s important to shop local, but if you’re trying to visit Hawaii on a budget, you might want to check out Target.

Although some things will be more expensive than the mainland, Target is one of the cheapest places to shop in Hawaii.

You can also save 5% if you have a RedCard. You’ll find Target stores on Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island.

8. Shop at Costco

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

There are Costco stores in Maui, Kauai, the Big Island, and Oahu!

9. Check out the ABC Stores

ABC Stores are everywhere in Hawaii. If you need a drink, snack, or a little thing that you forgot, such as sunscreen, you’ll find that and more at the ABC Stores.

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

10. Hang out with a shelter dog

This is – by far – one of the best things I’ve ever done in Hawaii. The Kauai Humane Society offers a “Field Trips for Shelter Dogs” program.

Big Island Humane Society and Maui Humane Society have similar programs.

This is Ellen, and she was such a good girl!

If you are a dog lover or missing your animals, this is a great way to spend some time with a shelter dog.

Field Trips for Shelter Dogs is a great program because the shelter dogs get to get out and practice their manners. They also wear harnesses letting other visitors know that they are available for adoption.

We took our shelter dog for a hike at Wailua Arboretum. Other places you can take a shelter dog in Kauai include:

• Kalapaki Beach
• Sleeping Giant
• Koke’e State Park
• and many more!

Ask the Kauai Humane Society for suggestions if you aren’t sure where to go.

You should also check out  Wailua Shave Ice to get a special treat for your shelter pup. Warning, you might come home with a dog. The shelters in Hawaii adopt a lot of dogs to mainland visitors.

11. Hawaii on a budget tip: Take advantage of Happy Hour

I don’t even drink at home, but when I land in Hawaii, I am ready for a mai tai! One of the best ways to save money on a Hawaii vacation is to buy drinks during Happy Hour.

You can also get great deals on appetizers and other food during Happy Hour. I have a blog post about the best Happy Hour in Kona (on the Big Island.)

Let me know in the comments if you’d like to see Happy Hour posts for every island!

12. Eat your main meal of the day at lunchtime

This money-saving tip is similar to taking advantage of Happy Hour. Choose to eat your main meal at lunch instead of dinner.

Most restaurants offer better lunch prices, so eating a larger lunch and a smaller dinner can be a significant saving.

13. Use a Safeway Club Card

Safeway is one of the main grocery stores in Hawaii. If you have a Safeway at home, make sure to bring your Safeway Club Card.

14. Buy what you need when you arrive

This goes back to #6 (packing light), but you can save money by purchasing certain things upon arrival. Bulky items, such as diapers, can be purchased after you arrive, which will save a ton of space in your luggage.

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

Another traveling family (or a local family) would probably love to pick up your beach toys secondhand.

15. Check out thrift stores

You had to see this coming. Yes, a lot of people buy things like beach toys, boogie boards, etc., and then donate them. You can save a lot by picking them up secondhand. When you’re done, donate them!

It will likely be cheaper than renting anyway. I noticed in Florida how easy it was to get secondhand beach items, and sure enough, it’s the same way in Hawaii.

16. Look for companion deals on airfare

A companion fare or ticket is a one-time pass for a companion to join you on a flight either free of charge or for a small fee. It’s essentially a 2-for-1 deal.

Airlines that fly to Hawaii and offer companion fares include:

• Alaska Airline
• Southwest airlines
• Delta Airlines

This is a great way to visit Hawaii on a budget, but make sure to compare prices to ensure you’re getting the best deals. 

17. Hit the beaches

I’ll list some specific beaches on each island, but make sure to hit the beaches while you’re in Hawaii. This is one of the best things to do in Hawaii on a budget because beaches in Hawaii are completely free!

18. Take a hike

Another great activity to do in Hawaii on a budget is hiking. Again, I’ll list specific hikes on each island later on this list.

You might also enjoy my post about the best hikes in Kauai.

19. Enjoy some local food

I get a lot of questions about how much it costs to eat in Hawaii. It varies way too much to answer that question!

The good news is, you can save a lot by eating local food instead of dining at the resort restaurants.

Try a plate lunch or poke bowl, which tends to be very affordable.

You can also find local Hawaiian fruit at Farmer Markets for great prices. If you’ve never tried certain fruits (such as papaya) that weren’t imported, you’re in for a treat!

20. Food trucks

Food trucks deserve a spot of their own. Another way to save money is by choosing food trucks over dining in a restaurant. You can find just about any kind of food imaginable!

Food trucks typically have lower prices since their costs are lower than a typical restaurant.

Food trucks are great if you’re with a group and can’t decide where to eat since there are typically lots of food trucks together. 

21. Shop at Farmers Markets

Hawaii has so many Farmers Markets; you can find one almost every day of the week! Farmers’ markets are a great way to save money on local produce.

You can also purchase locally made goods at many of the farmer’s markets.

22. Find deals on flights

Even if you can’t use companion air deals, there are ways to save money on flights to Hawaii.

Flights to Hawaii are expensive, and it’s something that everyone has to have. Use Skyscanner or Google Flights to find the best deals on Hawaii flights.

I like to set an alert in Google flights and grab a flight if the price drops.

23. Cook some of your own meals

If you’re traveling to Hawaii on a budget or have food allergies, you might want to cook some of your own meals.

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

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

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

24. Travel hacking with Credit cards

Travel hacking with credit cards is not for the faint of heart. Even if you’re not ready for full-on travel hacking, you can at least pay for your trip using a good card that provides great rewards.

Of course, you should never go into debt to pay for a vacation. I only recommend using credit cards to pay for travel if you have the funds to pay them off immediately.

If you pay for the “big” stuff with a good credit card, you might have enough points to cover some of your fun activities like a helicopter ride .

25. Purchase Trip Insurance

Purchasing trip insurance sounds like it will cost more – and it does – but it provides peace of mind that is priceless.

If you need to cancel and do not have insurance, you can potentially lose money and pay a lot in fees.

26. Fly out of a larger airport

Compare the cost of driving to a larger airport vs. flying out of your home airport. It’s often substantially cheaper to fly out of a larger airport vs. a regional airport.

27. Consider a Hawaiian Island cruise

If you really want to see all of the islands, consider a 7-day cruise with Norwegian Cruiselines.

If you aren’t sure if cruising in Hawaii is right for you, check out t he pros and cons of a Hawaii cruise.

28. Skip the ocean view

While I would never actually recommend skipping the ocean view, it is a great way to save money on a Hawaii vacation.

29. Book a package deal

Prices on Hawaii vacations are often cheapest when booked as a package. Check package prices on websites like Expedia or Booking.com .

When I work with clients, I find that package deals offer the best prices 99% of the time. 

One exception to this rule is that hotels offer the best prices far in advance. However, flights are often priced best 2-4 months prior to the trip. 

So while it can be less expensive to book your hotel/car first and flights later, you’re also gambling that the flight and seats you want will be available later.

Is it worth risking losing a good flight over saving a few dollars? That depends on your and your budget. 

30. Rent the smallest car possible

It’s fun to rent a Jeep, but if you’re trying to visit Hawaii on a budget, consider a compact or economy car.

Remember, Discount Hawaii rental car offers the best prices on rental cars in Hawaii. Occasionally, you’ll find that a large car is even cheaper but remember to factor in gas prices when deciding.

31. Don’t fall for the rental upgrade scams

Economy cars often sell out first. Rental car agencies will often offer you an “upgrade,” but what they won’t tell you is that it is because they don’t have the car you paid for!

I have this happen all the time and I roll my eyes and tell them to save their time because I travel often and hear this story a lot. 

They are obligated to give you the price you paid, even if they have to give you the free upgrade. Always say no to the upgrade if you’re trying to save money.

The agency may have to give you a better car anyway! Just remember to never be rude to the rental agents. It’s their job to try to scam talk you into an upgrade and they are only doing their job. Just politely say no. 

32. Always return your car rental with a full tank of gas

This applies to any vacation, but make sure to return your car full of gas to avoid a much higher price if the car rental agency fills it.

I like to find a gas station near the airport right after arrival and stop there on the way back to the airport.

33. Tour an animal sanctuary

We’ve already talked about field trips for shelter dogs. If you love animals, you can also tour a Hawaii animal sanctuary.

This is an inexpensive way to support local rescue animals, and it’s a lot of fun! For information on tours, check out:

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

34. Visit Resorts

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

Although it is expensive, you can also choose to dine at the luxury resorts without being a guest. 

To learn more about the 5-star resorts in Hawaii, check out:

• The best 5-star resorts on Maui
• The 7 Best Luxury Resorts on Oahu
• The Best Luxury Resorts Big Island

35. Visit a museum

If you love museums, you’re in luck! Hawaii has some really great museums! Most had inexpensive admission, and it could be free if you are a member of certain museums.

Make sure to check out:

• Bishop Museum
• ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii.
• Kauai Community Science Center
• Maui Science Center

36. Go to a National Park

If you’re visiting the Big Island, you’re no doubt planning to visit Hawaii Volcanos National Park.

If you’re planning to visit Maui, make sure to visit Haleakala National Park too.

37. Find a nene goose

The Nene goose is the state bird of Hawaii. It is also an endangered animal and a rare sight.

One of the best places to spot a nene goose is the grounds of the Grand Hyatt in Kauai . I’ve also seen them from time to time on the Big Island.

Make sure to check out the ultimate guide to Hawaiian animals to learn more about the Nene goose and other animals in Hawaii.

38. Go shelling

You can spend hours finding beautiful shells in Hawaii – and it’s free!

While you’re allowed to bring small amounts of shells, sand, or dead coral home, make sure to leave any lava rocks where they are.

39. Compare interisland flights

No ferries or bridges are connecting the islands; the only way to travel between the major islands is to fly.

There are currently three airlines flying inter-island in Hawaii:

• Southwest Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Mokulele Airlines

Make sure to check the pricing for the different airlines as they sometimes have specials. Southwest occasionally has a deal for $39 interisland flights, and Hawaiian Airlines tends to match it when they do.

Mokulele Airlines is another experience entirely, and these 10-seater planes are my favorite way to travel interisland.

40. Book tours with food included

Some of the most popular tours such as Molokini Crater or a sunset dinner sail include food. This might be obvious, but it’s nice not to have to worry about some of your meals.

For example, most Molokini Crater tours include breakfast and lunch! That makes the price seem a lot more reasonable when you get a great tour, breakfast, and lunch (and drinks!)

41. Book tours with drinks included

There are several cocktail sailing tours that (obviously) include drinks. Resort drinks add up fast (don’t forget about the happy hour tip), so it’s nice to have drinks included.

As a bonus, you’ll often see ocean life and even whales on some of these tours!

42. Work with a Travel Agent

The value in working with a Travel Agent is really having someone who is experienced in a destination and can guide you through the process. Also, you have someone to go to if something goes wrong.

That said, working with a Travel Agent can save money, especially if you book early.

Even if you don’t save money, working with a Travel Advisor can help you stay on budget.

A Travel Agent will also tell you if your expectations are unrealistic. Trust me; I do it all the time. 😉  You won’t find a 5-star oceanfront villa for 2 people, all-inclusive, for a week, for $2000. Sorry!

43. No all-inclusive

This is an add-on to #82, but Hawaii does not have all-inclusive resorts. Again, being realistic with your expectations is the best way to visit Hawaii on a budget.

If you think Hawaii is going to be like Mexico, it’s not. If you find someone offering “all-inclusive” options in Hawaii, just know that the prices are probably very inflated because there are no true all-inclusive resorts in Hawaii.

44. Arrange activities ahead of time

Waiting until you arrive in Hawaii to book activities is a no-no when you’re visiting Hawaii on a budget. Popular activities are often sold out, and you’ll get the best prices by booking in advance.

I recommend Viator . Viator is the #1 company that I use for tours and excursions. They offer the best price guarantee, and most tours are fully refundable up until 24 hours in advance.

Many travelers end up rescheduling tours due to plans changing, sunburns, flights delayed, etc., so it’s nice to have that option.

45. Use Groupon to save on Hawaii tours

Sites like Groupon are not like they used to be, but you can still find some deals on tours and activities.

46. Use Flytographer to save on family photos

You’re visiting Hawaii, why not have family photos taken with some of the most beautiful backgrounds in the world?

You can save a lot by using Flytographer. As a former professional photographer, I can tell you that Flytographer offers AMAZING rates!

Make sure to book your family photos in advance, as the best photographers have full calendars for most of the year.

47. Take a driving tour

All of the islands have a main road that more or less circles the island. Take a driving tour and stop when you see something interesting.

Hawaii on a budget: Cheap things to do in Maui

Now let’s get to some island-specific tips for visiting Hawaii on a budget. There are plenty of cheap and free things to do in Hawaii .

We will start with Maui and move on to the other main islands for island-specific money savings tips.

48. Drive the Road to Hana

You can take a guided tour  or a  Hana helicopter tour. But driving the Road to Hana is definitely the most budget-friendly option. The good news is that it’s completely free, other than gas.

Remember how I said you should rent a car? This is just one of the reasons why.

If you aren’t comfortable driving, you can take a tour, but it’s something that I recommend doing on your own for most visitors.

49. Visit MauiWine

If you’re feeling adventurous and decide to drive the back road from Hana, you’ll drive right by  MauiWine .

You can also visit MauiWine by taking Highway 37 south out of Kahului if the “back” way from Hana is too much for you.

50. Whale Watch

If you’re visiting Maui during whale season, you might be lucky enough to watch whales off of your lanai.

If you plan to visit in the winter, I recommend staying in the Ka’anapali area and choosing an ocean view room with a lanai.

You will likely be able to spot whales off your balcony (maybe while sipping some MauiWine?) Of course, you can also take a  whale watching tour , but if you want to visit Hawaii on a budget, you can pick a location where you’re likely to spot them on your own.

51. Enjoy the sunset

Enjoying the sunset is absolutely free! West Maui is one of my favorite places to watch the sunset, but there are plenty of amazing sunset locations all over Hawaii.

52. Free Hula Lessons

Do you want to learn to hula? You can try a free one-hour hula lesson at Lahaina Cannery Mall at 5 PM every Thursday.

53. Keiki Hula Show

The Lahaina Cannery Mall also offers a free Keiki Hula Show at 1 PM on the weekends. Keiki means “children,” so you know that this hula show is extra cute.

54. Watch the Cliff Diver at Black Rock

If you’re staying on Ka’anapali Beach, you will want to check out the cliff diving ritual at Black Rock every evening.

Speaking of Black Rock, this is one of my favorite snorkeling spots on Maui that doesn’t require a tour.

55. Maui Friday Town Parties

If you are in Maui on a Friday, there will likely be a party – and it will be free! The County of Maui sponsors Friday Town Parties.

There is no admission fee, and the parties have live entertainment, local food for purchase, and plenty of local vendors.

56. Go to the beach

You already know that Maui has some of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii. That might even be one reason that you chose Maui!

Visiting beaches is one of the best cheap things to do in Maui. Maui beaches are free and open to the public, so make sure to visit as many beaches as possible.

You can check out black and white sand beaches, although I recommend skipping the red sand beach for safety purposes and to avoid trespassing. Some of my favorite beaches on Maui are:

• Makena State Park (Big Beach)
• Baldwin Beach Park (Paia)
• Hamoa Beach (just past Hana)
• Wai’anapanapa State Park (located in Hana, you’ll now need a reservation)
• Honolua Bay (black sand)

if you’re not able to get a reservation at Wai’anapanapa State Park – don’t worry. I have a blog post with all of the black sand beaches in Maui .

You’ll find hikes in Maui for every age and skill level. Some of the best Maui hikes include:

• ‘Iao Valley State Park
• Sliding Sands Trail -Haleakala (This sounds like a Mario level)
• Waihee Ridge Trail
• Pipiwai Trail – Oheo Gulch
• Waihou Spring Trail Loop
• Halemauu Trail – Haleakala
• Kings Gardens Waterfall Hike

As with any hike in Hawaii, make sure to check availability and weather before you head out. Also, never hike alone and let someone know where you’ll be. Weather in Hawaii can change at any time.

58. Stay on the West Side during whale season

I’m often asked if the “south” side of Maui (Wailea, Kihei) or the “west” side of Maui (Kaanapali/Lahaina) is better. The truth is, there’s not a bad place to stay in Maui!

That said, if you stay on the west side during whale season, you might be lucky enough to see whales off your own lanai! You can’t beat that.

59. The Banyan Tree in Lahaina

The Lahaina Banyan Tree has 12 significant trunks and looks like several trees, but it’s just one!

While you’re there, make sure to check out the community events happening in Lahaina.

60. Kealia Pond National Wildlife Rescue.

Located between Ma’alalea and Kihei, this free, 2200-foot boardwalk offers self-guided exhibits with local wildlife information.

Hawaii on a budget: Cheap things to do in Oahu

61. visit the north shore.

No Oahu vacation is complete until you visit the North Shore. Waikiki may be famous, but the North Shore is beautiful and completely different.

Check out 25 things to do in Haleiwa for even more ideas.

62. Go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay

Although I prefer the Big Island or Maui for snorkeling, Hanauma Bay is one of the best places to snorkel in Hawaii.

You can also check out the best Oahu snorkeling for more snorkeling locations.

63. Watch surfers at Banzai Pipeline

For a free and fun activity, pack a lunch and watch surfers at the Banzi Pipeline. The Banzai Pipeline is a surf reef break located off Ehukai Beach Park in Pupukea.

In the summer, you might be able to swim or snorkel at the Banzai Pipeline, but don’t even think about it in the winter. I’ve seen 40-foot waves in the winter; they are no joke!

64. Visit the Dole Plantation

Visiting the Dole Plantation is one of the best things to do in Hawaii on a budget.

Admission to the Dole Plantation is free. You can also take a tour of the Plantation Garden for an additional fee of $7.25 for adults and $6.50 for children. Children under 4 are free.

I have a blog post about t he best pineapple farms to visit in Hawaii , and Dole Plantation definitely made the list!

A must-do is to get a Dole Whip at Dole Plantation. Yes, the famous Disney Dole Whip. This dairy-free soft-serve is perfect for cooling down on a hot day.

65. Find sea turtles at Turtle Beach

Laniakea Beach, aka Turtle Beach, is one of the best places to see turtles in Oahu.

66. Go hiking

One of the best things to do for free in Hawaii is to go hiking. Some of the best hikes in Oahu include:

• Diamond Head Hike
• Koko crater Trail
• Lanikai Pillbox Hike
• Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail
• Pu’u Piei Trail

Do not attempt to hike the Haiku Stairs, aka the Stairway to Heaven. It is illegal , regardless of what “influencers” say.

And yes, the “back way” is also illegal, and it is trespassing. You can get a fine and even have to appear in court. Yes, in Hawaii, weeks later.

Just because some people do it and don’t get caught does not mean that it’s okay or that you won’t get caught. If you’re trying to visit Hawaii on a budget, you might want to avoid that $5000 fine. 😉

67. Check out the beaches

There are so many amazing beaches in Oahu. Waikiki Beach might get the most attention, but it’s crowded. Check out Waikiki Beach to say you’ve been there, and then check out these other beaches:

• Lanikai Beach
• Kailua Beach Park
• Sunset Beach
• Ala Moana Beach Park
• Nanakuli Beach Park
• Kahana Bay Beach Park
• Waimanalo Bay Beach Park

68. Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor is the #1 attraction in Oahu for a lot of people. Whether you’re a military family, history buff, or just want to see this popular attraction, make sure to check it out.

You can do a guided tour  if you want to, but you can also visit Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial for free.

The best way to get a free ticket to the USS Arizona Memorial is to show up when the park opens at 7 AM. Here is a hint, plan to go earlier on your trip. You’ll be awake. 😉

69. Get a “Go Oahu” card

The Go Oahu Card can be a great way to make the most of your trip. Make sure to check out all of the details, though, as many activities need to be booked in advance.

70. Watch Fireworks at the Hilton Hawaiian Village

The Hilton Hawaiian Village hosts a firework show every Friday at 7:45 PM. The fireworks are part of a resort show, but anyone can see the fireworks from the beach.

All Hawaii beaches are open to the public, so you can bring chairs or a towel and sit on the beach to watch the show.

71. Learn to hula, play the Ukelele, and more

The Royal Hawaiian Center offers complimentary classes from Monday-Saturday. You can learn Hawaiian such as ‘ukulele playing, hula dancing, lauhala making, and lei making.

72. Check out the swap meet at the Aloha Stadium

Walk around the swap meet at the Aloha Stadium. Although you’ll find some cheesy, made-in-China tourist items, you can also find local goods and produce.

Hawaii on a budget: Cheap things to do in Kauai

73. bike ke ala hele makalae.

The Ke Ala Hele Makalae (“the path that goes by the coast”) bike path is a must-do in Kaua. Whether you walk or bike this path, you’ll love checking out the views.

It’s completely free to walk to the path, and some resorts like The ISO Kauai have free bikes that you can use if you are a resort guest.

Bike rentals are also fairly cheap, so this is a great activity for anyone visiting Hawaii on a budget.

74. Walk or bike the Koloa Heritage Trail

The Koloa Heritage Trail  is a 10-mile self-guided trail that you can walk or bike. Most of the stops are also accessible by car if you don’t feel like walking or biking.

Stops include Spouting Horn, Koloa Landing, Poipu Beach Park, Koloa Joda Mission (A Buddhist Temple), Koloa Missionary Church, and more.

This is a must-do if you love history and culture and visit Hawaii on a budget.

75. Wailua Falls

Kauai is full of beautiful waterfalls. Sadly, many are not accessible by car. Did you know that 90% of Kauai is inaccessible by car?

Fortunately, there are several that are easy to access, including Wailua Falls. You can drive right up to the falls and take photos on the overlook.

To see some of the other beautiful waterfalls, such as Jurassic Falls, you’ll have to take a helicopter tour . A helicopter tour is definitely a splurge, but I would highly recommend it if it works within your budget.

76. Go hiking

When you think of things to do in Hawaii on a budget, hiking might come to mind. Kauai is easily the best island for visitors who love hiking.

You can check out the  best hikes in Kauai post for more of my favorite hikes. If you are a bullet-list kind of person, here they are:

• Nounou East Trail (Sleeping Giant)
• Kalepa Ridge Trail
• Kuilau Ridge Trail
• Awa’awapuhi Trail (I have a video of this one on YouTube)
• Waialeale Blue Hole (don’t do this without a guide)
• Canyon Trail (Waipoo Falls)
• Honopu Trail
• Hanakapiai Falls
• Kalalau Trail

I’ve seen some online misinformation listing the Kalalau Trail as being free, and it is not.

This information is outdated, and you will need either a permit or advanced reservations to access any part of the Kalalau Trail, including Hanakapiai Falls.

Check out  Go Ha’ena  for more details.

77. Visit a Hindu Monastery

Located in Kapa’a, Kauai’s Hindu Monastery welcomes visitors of all faiths. Visitors are welcome to take self-guided tours, but guided tours are also available.

Make sure to check out the  guide for visiting the monastery for the dress code and other guidelines.

78. Visit a Kauai beach

Although Kauai beaches aren’t as famous as Maui, Kauai actually has more beaches around its shoreline than the other islands.

Some of the best beaches in Kauai include:

• Poipu Beach
• Polihale State Park
• Hanalei Bay
• Ke’e Beach
• Tunnels Beach
• Ha’ena State Park

79. Rum Tasting

Located at the Kilohana Plantation in Lihue, the Koloa Rum Company offers premium Hawaiian rums, ready-to-drink cocktails, rum cakes, rum fudge sauce, Hawaiian Kukui Mai Tai Mix, tropical fruit jellies/jams, unique gifts, and more.

80. Kayak the Wailua River

Rent some kayaks or take a tour of the Wailua River. Kauai is unique in that 90% of the island is not navigable by car. Kayaking down the river is just another way to access parts of the island you’d never see otherwise.

81. Kilauea Lighthouse

One of the best things to do in Kauai is visiting Kilauea Lighthouse. Admission is only $5, and kids are free.

82. Check out Waimea Canyon

Known as “The Grand anyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon is a must-see in Kauai. Even if you don’t want to hike, you have to check out some of the lookouts over the canyon.

83. Check out a glass beach

There’s a beach in an industrial area in Kauai that is made entirely of sea glass. As a bonus, you might also see Hawaiian monk seals!

84. Visit Kauai coffee company

I love coffee, particularly Hawaii coffee, and the Kauai Coffee Company  is one of my favorites.

The Kauai Coffee Company offers free tastings and free walking tours. If you’re visiting with children, they also have a free scavenger hunt that takes place every Wednesday.

85. Have lunch at Tiki Taco

Tiki Taco is my favorite lunch spot in Kauai. Located in Kapa’a, Tico Taco offers Mexican food with a Hawaiian flair.

Their tacos are only $7, and they are amazing. There are vegetarian and vegan options. As a bonus, everything is gluten-free. However, if you eat gluten, you won’t feel like you’re missing out!

Hawaii on a budget: Cheap things to do on the Big Island

86. visit kilauea volcano.

Kilauea Volcano is one of the biggest draws to the Big Island. If you’re visiting the Big Island, it’s a must-see and an inexpensive day!

If you love to hike, I recommend the Kilauea Iki Trail. Make sure to bring reef-safe sunscreen and lots of water. You’ll need both!

87. Visit Akaka Falls

Akaka Falls is one of the most familiar sites on the “Hilo side” of the Big Island. This 442-foot tall waterfall about 11-miles north of town.

There is an entry fee of $5 per car or $1/per person for pedestrians making this waterfall a cheap Big Island activity.

88. Hike into Pololu Valley

Waipio Valley is the most famous valley on the Big Island, but Pololu Valley is easier to access and is beautiful too.

You can park and hike down to Pololu, whereas with Waipio, you’ll have to (very carefully) drive down in your 4-wheel drive or take a tour.

Pololu Valley has a beautiful black sand beach and stunning views. Although the hike is short, it’s steep and is considered a “moderate” hike.

89. Visit the City of Refuge

The  Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park or the City of Refuge is a must-see on the Big Island.

The Pu’uhonua protected the kapu breaker, defeated warriors, as well as civilians during the times of battle. Take care to be respectful and observe all posted rules and regulations.

As a bonus, the City of Refuge is right next to Two-Step.

90. Snorkel at Two-Step

Although I love snorkel tours at Kealakekua Bay , Two-Step is another great snorkeling spot on the Big Island.

It’s right next to the City of Refuge, so make sure to check them out at the same time. Makes sure to bring your own gear.

91. Visit black, green, and white sand beaches

The Big Island is home to over 100 beaches, and all of them are open to the public.

Some of the best beaches on the Big Island:

• Kekaha Kai State Park (just north of the Kona airport)
• Hapuna Beach
• Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
• Waialea Beach (Beach 69)
• Punalu’u Black Sand Beach

Punalu’u Black sand Beach is also one of the best places to find sea turtles on the Big Island . It’s a great stop on the way to Volcanos National Park.

92. Check out the Petroglyph fields

Petroglyphs offer a unique view of the history of Hawaii.

Development of the island has sadly destroyed many of them, but a few remain. As always, please be respectful and do not walk in the fields.

Make sure to check out either Pukao Petroglyph Field or Waikoloa Petroglyph Field on your trip to the Big Island.

93. Visit a Farmers Market

The Big Island is full of Farmers Markets.  Some of the markets on the west side of the island include:

• Kona Farmers Market
• Kona Village Farmers Market
• Ali’i Garden Market Place
• Keauhou Farmers Market
• Captain Cook Farmers Market
• South Kona Fruit Stand
• Ho’oulu Community Farmers Market

94. Take a tour of Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm

One of the best things to do on the Big Island, and the most unique, is to take a tour of Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm . The farm is an excellent tour for families.

Pricing for tours is $69 for adults and $59 for children, but there are many discounts available.

95. Tour a Kona Coffee Farm

One of the best things to do on the Big Island on a budget is to take a tour of a Kona Coffee Farm. There are plenty of coffee farms offering free tours.

I recommend Heavenly Hawaiian,  Thunder Mountain Kona Coffee , or  Kona Joe . Make sure to call and check availability before showing up, as it can vary.

96. Check out the southernmost point in the US

Ka Lae, known as South Point, is the southernmost point in the United States. It is registered as a National Historic Landmark District.

It is believed that Ka Lae is the first place where the Polynesians came to shore when they reached the Hawaiian islands.

97. Tour Hamakua Macadamia Nut factory

All macadamia nuts from the  Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company  are grown by local farmers on the Big Island.

You can take a tour of the factory, try free samples, free coffee, and purchase gifts to bring home in the gift shop.

There are even more macadamia nut farms in Hawaii  that you can visit.

98. Mokupāpapa Discovery Center

Located in Hilo, the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center features a 3,500-gallon saltwater aquarium, interactive educational exhibits, lifesize models of wildlife found in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, and artwork inspired by those islands and Hawaiian culture.

Best of all – it’s free! Find more fun things to do in Hilo here.

99. Drive to the top of Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in Hawaii at 14,000 feet from sea level. From the base to the top, it’s even taller than Mount Everest.

You will need to stop at the visitor center to acclimate to the elevation. Keep in mind that you’ll need a 4-wheel drive. You might even find snow on Mauna Kea in the winter.

More Hawaii on a budget tips

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You can also find more Hawaii travel tips right here on this blog. I have hundreds of posts with things to do in Hawaii, where to stay in Hawaii, and more. Here are some of my best Hawaii travel tips:

• 20 things you should never do in Hawaii
• 10 things to know before going to Hawaii
• Is Hawaii safe?
• Maui vs. Kauai
• 50 things to do in Maui
• 100 things to do in Hawaii
• 25 things to do on Kauai
• 25 best things to do in Kona
• What is the best luau in Hawaii?
• First Timer’s Guide to Hawaii

Book your Hawaii vacation with a Hawaii Travel Specialist

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

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

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

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

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

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

You’ll be able to to plan a trip to Hawaii on a budget for your dream, affordable and budget friendly Hawaii vacation trip that won’t break the bank!

1. Pick the Right Time to Travel to Visit Hawaii on a Budget

2. pick the right island for your hawaii vacation, 3. try travel hacking , 4. don’t stay at a resort for a budget hawaii vacation, 5. hit up the grocery store , 6. save money on a rental car , 7. don’t pay for rental car insurance , 8. go snorkeling on your own , 9. go hiking for a beautiful budget hawaii vacation, 10. plan your splurges , 11. create a travel budget in advance, 12. check out groupon for local deals, 13. use discounted gift cards , 14. check for cash back rewards before you buy, 15. bring a reusable water bottle , 16. buy discounted tickets through costco , 17. check for aaa discounts , 18. skip the souvenirs for hawaii on a budget, 19. bring cash to use during your budget hawaii vacation, 20. find happy hour specials , ready to plan a trip to visit hawaii on a budget, pin this for later.

As we get closer to December and the weather starts getting colder and colder, nothing sounds better than sitting on a beach in Hawaii with a Mai Tai in hand. Don’t you agree? He’s the thing, so does everyone else! Prices on plane tickets to Hawaii SKYROCKET during the cold winter months and during the summer holiday when everyone’s on vacation. 

Here’s a cheap Hawaii vacation tip: you can save some money (and beat the crowds while you’re at it) if you plan your Hawaii vacation for the shoulder-season.

The Hawaii shoulder season generally runs from February-May and again from late August to early October. It you’re trying to find cheap flights to travel to Hawaii on a budget, these are the months you’ll be wanting to look at.

Finding cheap flights to Hawaii doesn’t have to be difficult, by the way! I recommend you play around with the calendar feature in google flights to find the cheapest dates to fly. Once you find them, book directly with the airline.

Not all Hawaiian islands are created equal when it comes to how much money you’ll shell out when visiting them.  While I would love to spend my entire holiday on the secluded island of Lanai, it would cost a pretty penny since there aren’t many hotels or condos. 

So if you want to save money, pick a more populated island – this is absolutely key to doing Hawaii on a budget!

Oahu, Maui and the Big Island are all great. They’re more populated and have more visitors, meaning you’re much more likely to find deals on flights and hotels/condos. You can always get cheap inter-island flights if you want to island hop while you’re there!

Tip : Oahu is one of the easiest islands to visit on a budget in Hawaii. Looking for things to do while you’re there? Use this Oahu itinerary to take the stress out of your trip planning!

To recap this cheap Hawaii vacation tip: a good way to save some money on your Hawaii trip is to be flexible with which island you’ll go to.

Use google flights again and play with the destination location/calendar setting to see what the cheapest island for you to visit actually is. 

Have you seen those posts that talk about people scoring free flights and hotels to Hawaii? Do you struggle to believe them? I know I totally did. That’s until I started learning about how to leverage credit card rewards to get free flights to Hawaii. Needless to say, I was hooked! 

I decided to try travel hacking out for myself and spent a grand total of $11.20 for a round trip flight flight to Maui, talk about a steal!

 If you’re curious about how it’s possible to score free flights and hotel nights in the Hawaiian islands, check out this post for a detailed step-by-step guide to travel hacking your way to a dream tropical vacation.  Read through it completely for a full understanding of how to travel to Hawaii for super cheap while on a budget!

I’m the first to admit, I love a good resort hotel. The convenience, location and amenities that they provide are just so luxurious. But this is a post about budget Hawaii travel, so I’m going to recommend that you avoid resort hotels if you can.

UNLESS you’re getting them for super cheap or with points through travel hacking. In fact, using points is my favorite way for a couple to travel to Hawaii. Wouldn’t it be great to honeymoon in Hawaii on a budget, anyone?

Why should you avoid resorts? Because quite honestly, they’re overpriced. I don’t know about you, but I’m not tryingt to spend $400 PER NIGHT on a room alone.

Not to mention all the hidden fees, like the infamous additional resort fee, charges for parking, and so many other things I’m likely to splurge on if I stay at a resort. 

Instead, rent a house or a condo. Not only is it often cheaper, but you will have more space to spread out, access to a kitchen (hello saving money on food!), and it may even come with umbrellas, beach toys and a cooler (perfect for those beach trips). 

This is by far my favorite tip for to do Hawaii family vacations on a budget because the money saving potential is so huge!

Making a trip to the grocery store is an absolute must for saving money on your Hawaii vacation. Think about all the expenses that start adding up when you don’t access to a kitchen: buying snacks at gas stations, eating all of your meals out, paying for expensive alcoholic drinks, and so much more. 

One of the first things I do when I travel anywhere is to make a trip to the grocery store. Consider it a holy grail Hawaii vacation tip.

In Maui, for example, we visited the local grocery store to buy snacks for our road trips and beach adventures (nuts, chips, etc.) We also bought our favorite beer and ciders so we didn’t have to pay $10 for a beer. 

Having groceries available also allows you to cook one of your meals at your condo. I like easy breakfast options like a carton of eggs and orange juice.

Or plan to make one of your dinners at home with easy frozen meals. Pizza after a long day out in the sun sounds delicious, doesn’t it?

While I would love to tell you that you don’t need a car for your Hawaii trip, chances are you most likely do. There are so many great, cheap activities to do in Hawaii, including going to the beach, going for a hike, or doing a beautiful drive that require a car. 

To save money when renting a car, make sure that you do some comparison shopping by using a third party site like Kayak or Expedia . Make sure though that you’re not booking a non-refundable car.

I like to book refundable rentals so I can monitor the price – once there’s a price drop, I’ll cancel my original reservation and rebook it at the lower rate!

Speaking of rental cars, a great way for you to save money is by saying no to the rental car insurance that they try to sell you. Since I have a credit card that comes with rental car insurance coverage, Im able to save some cash by skipping this expense.

Double check the terms of your credit cards to see if they have any perks like this. Finally, make sure you fully understand all the terms so you’re able to make an informed decision.

There are a TON of great snorkeling spots in Hawaii . You can book some amazing snorkeling tours, but the truth is you don’t really need to.

If you bring your own snorkeling set, you can find your own snorkeling spots without having to pay the high price of tours. I have this snorkeling set and love it.

It works great, is pretty affordable, wasn’t bulky, and most importantly allowed us to snorkel at the beach without having to rent a snorkeling set (which probably would have been as expensive in the long run as buying our own!)

Note : If you plan to snorkel in Hawaii, or get in the water for that matter, make sure you buy reef safe sunscreen . Not only is it required by state law, it’ll help ensure that the coral reefs stay beautiful and are able to be enjoyed for years to come.

I love visiting beautiful places because of their natural beauty. The beaches, mountains, and tropical lushness of Hawaii are all reasons why I’m constantly dreaming of my next Hawaii trip. Also, it helps that enjoying this natural splendor is often FREE.

An excellent (free) way to see more of the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands is to go for a hike. There’s great hiking to be found in almost any island you visit, with trails perfect for beginners.

If you do plan a hike, make sure you bring a reusable water bottle , sturdy shoes , and plenty of sunscreen. It gets hot in Hawaii, so be prepared!

Planning your splurges can seem like a counterintuitive way to save money in Hawaii. Here’s the thing though, if you sit down and decide that you’re going to allow yourself to buy a helicopter tour, it won’t show up later as a budget busting expense.

By planning for what you’ll splurge in advance, you won’t feel deprived when you have to say no to some other, unexpected potential splurges.

For example, I allowed myself to splurge on a trip to Molokini on my trip to Maui. Because of that, I wasn’t tempted to book a ton of other snorkeling tours and was able to go snorkeling on my own.

Had I not planned this in advance, I would have felt deprived and could have possibly overspent when a “cheap” tour option came up!

Having a budget for anything and everything is SO IMPORTANT. Creating a budget is the very first thing I do when I’m planning a trip anywhere, specially to Hawaii.

I will admit, it takes some work and planning to do this, but having a set budget in advance will allow you to not have to worry about how you’re paying for things when you’re on vacation.

No more overspending, or going into debt, because everything’s already been budgeted and saved for.

 If you haven’t used Groupon before, you’re missing out. There’s so many deals to be had for cheap, it’s a great place to start your search if you’re looking for cheap things to do in Hawaii.

You can find discounts on snorkeling tours, parasailing adventures, and much more. A great way to maximize your savings is to buy your groupon through an app like Ibotta or Rakuten – often you’ll find cash back deals when you buy the groupon through their portal. Talk about stacking savings!

Discounted gift cards are a little secret that a lot of people don’t take advantage of. Nowadays, you can find gift cards for things like plane tickets or hotels selling through discount gift card sites like Raise.com.

When you’re booking your Hawaii trip, look for discounted gift cards that you can use for the thing you’re already planning on buying. Are you buying plane tickets through Southwest? Search for a gift card. Buying a cute swimsuit through Amazon? Look for a gift card!

Bonus points if you buy your discounted gift card then buy your items through a cash back portal like Rakuten or Ibotta . Gotta stack those savings!

The very first thing I do before I press buy on anything is to search for any cash back offers. I know that I can get cash back for buying something I was already planning on by simply checking for credit card cash back offers (Chase offers these right in their app).

Additionally, I always always always check Rakuten , Ibotta and Swagbucks. Chances are, someone’s going to have a cash back offer I can take advantage of.

Are you noticing a theme? When you’re looking to save some money, you have to maximize your savings potential, and stacking promotions is a great way to do so.

Buying bottled water is not only terrible for the environment, it also costs a pretty penny.

Have you ever been at the airport and forced to buy an overpriced $5 bottle of water? Or have you been on a road trip only to stop at a gas station and buy yet another bottle of water? Yeah, I hate that!

A great way to save some money on that is to bring a reusable water bottle. You can bring an (empty) water bottle through TSA and fill it up at a water fountain once you clear security.

Same thing if you’re going hiking or to the beach. Bring your own water bottle and save some money.

There’s a ton of reasons why I love Costco, one of them being for the discounted tickets you can buy through them.

One of the splurges I planned on my last Hawaii trip was a romantic Maui helicopter tour (which would be a perfect thing to do on a Hawaii honeymoon vacation!). I was able to save some money on that by buying it through Costco. They offer discounted Hawaii helicopter tour tickets , snorkeling tours , and several other options.

Moral of the story? Don’t pay full price for things when you can avoid it.

If you have a AAA membership, chances are that there are Hawaii travel discounts already available to you.

You can often use your AAA membership to save an extra 10%-15% on car rentals, hotel stays, and much more.

Check out the AAA travel page when you start to plan your Hawaii trip to see how you can save some money by being a AAA member.

P.S. They also have experienced travel agents that can help you book your vacation and get you some cool perks like free breakfast or extra tours included for free.

I know, I know. It’s fun to buy souvenirs. But you know what, those souvenirs are often cheap, overpriced, and you probably won’t use them much once you get back home.

Not to mention, they can take up valuable real estate in your luggage, possibly causing you to spend even more money trying to get them home.

When I travel, the only souvenir I buy are postcards. They’re cheap, thoughtful, and I can mail them directly from where I’m at.

So do yourself a favor and try to avoid souvenirs. Your wallets will thank you.

Do you know what I hate with a passion? Paying for ATM fees. I absolutely detest it. But what can you do when you’re in a different state (or country) and don’t have access to your banks’ ATM?

Avoid the situation by bringing some cash with you for your next Hawaii trip. You’ll save money on potential ATM fees, and be likely to spend less. A sneaky benefit of using cash is that it makes it harder for us to spend money, so give it a try.

I love a good happy hour, and Hawaii has plenty of them. If you’re planning to go out to eat for dinner, try to plan it so it happens when restaurants are having happy hours.

This way you’ll be able to enjoy a nice evening meal out, but still save money by not paying the high dinner prices. Check yelp and follow local Hawaiian restaurants on social media to see when they run their specials.

So there you have it! I hope you’re able to use some of the above tips to save some money on your next Hawaii trip. By now you should have seen that with a little bit of planning, you’ll be able to make that Hawaiian tropical vacation a little bit more affordable than you initially though.

Recommended reading : check out this amazing resource for the ultimate guide to save money traveling, no matter where you’re going!

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Last Updated on July 26, 2021 by Ale

What is the Cheapest Hawaiian Island to Visit? (plus 4 ways to save)

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When Jordan and I moved to Maui we were convinced that this was the most expensive of all the Hawaiian islands. When our friends and family come to visit, they’re paying an astronomical amount for hotel rooms. We soon started to wonder, if we think Maui is the most expensive, what is the cheapest Hawaiian island to visit?

Using data from Skyscanner.com, The Hawaii Tourism Authority , and Discount Hawaii Car Rental, the cheapest island to visit is Oahu. Airfare, hotel, and rental car for two people for a week costs $3,319 on Oahu. The most expensive Hawaiian island to visit is Maui, where the same average costs for a week are $5,321. 

How did we get this number? We break down the data below and show you how to save money regardless of what island you visit.  

Note : Prices quoted in this article are from March 2024 using average hotel pricing for July 2023 ( Hawaii Tourism Authority ) since hotel rates can vary wildly depending on the type of accommodations chosen. For updated pricing, see our annual series on the cost of a family of four to visit Hawaii .

We know you came here for the savings, so here are some quick links to keep it cheap: 1. Airfare: read our travel tips for buying plane tickets. 2. Lodging: the best way you can save BIG on a trip is with your lodging. We show you exactly how we’ve been booking resorts *for almost free* for years now . 3. Rental car: see our recommendations for tried and true methods. 4. Plan activities and save on spontaneously booking a tour through your hotel.

What is the Cheapest Hawaiian Island to Visit? Our Research Shows…

To determine which island was actually the cheapest to visit we looked at three different costs: airfare, lodging (hotels and vacation rentals), and rental car. 

Using these averages, we calculated the cost for a trip for two to each island for a week.

Here is what we found. 

Airfare to Hawaii

Ok, so you already know that our research shows that Oahu is the cheapest. Surprisingly though, it didn’t have the cheapest average airfare cost. Using Skyscanner, we looked up the average fare from LAX to each island for July 2024. 

We found that the cheapest airfare was actually to Kona on the Big Island, at $439 for a roundtrip ticket.

Data for the islands include:

• Big Island (Kona): $439 roundtrip
• Maui: $464 roundtrip
• Oahu: $527 roundtrip
• Kauai: $691 roundtrip

July is not the cheapest time to visit Hawaii , but it is a popular time. No matter when you go, find out how to get a cheap ticket to Hawaii

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Lodging in Hawaii:

Staying in Hawaii can be expensive. Yes, there are plenty of options — hotels, rentals, and timeshares — but budget accommodations are few and far between. 

To get the average rate, we used data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, which tracks average daily rates for hotels, vacation rentals, and timeshares. 

Yes, you could camp on the beach or sleep in your car and save a bundle of money. If that’s your plan, you can omit this from your personal calculation. But for the rest of us, here’s how the average hotel and vacation rental costs break down:

July 2023 average daily rate for hotel rooms:

• Oahu: $ 306
• Big Island: $442
• Kauai: $ 458
• Maui: $ 656

Source: The Hawaii Tourism Authority

July 2023 average daily rate for vacation rentals:

• Big Island: $ 236
• Oahu: $ 247
• Maui: $ 359
• Kauai: $ 386

Basically, when it comes to lodging, the Big Island and Oahu are the cheapest option, which Kauai and Maui really firmly plant themselves in the most expensive category.

Like most people, we love a good luxury hotel, but not the luxury price tag. With all of our travel through Hawaii, we’ve perfected the strategy for getting hotels *for almost free* . We show you exactly you can do the same and how to save thousands on your Hawaii Vacation when it’s Booked With Points.

Related reads: Oahu vs Big Island: Pick The Right Island for Your Trip Hotel vs Airbnb: How to Decide What is Best for Your Hawaii Vacation

Rental Car in Hawaii

Our final input is the rental car. We used Discount Hawaii Car Rental for these estimates . You can check out our other car rental recommendations here .

• Oahu: $61 per day
• Maui: $65 per day
• Big Island, Kona: $65 per day
• Kauai: $66 per day

These rates are shockingly close, in previous years the difference between the most and least expensive island to rent a car on is around $20 per day.

Be mindful when booking your rental car as most people rent an intermediate car when visiting Kona and Maui. It’s likely because visitors want to drive to the volcanoes on each island or on the Road to Hana on Maui. 

If you choose Maui for the Road to Hana, we have some great resources for you: – Is the Road to Hana Worth It? Here’s How to Decide – 5 Routes for the Road to Hana: Choose Your Road to Hana Adventure – Road to Hana Etiquette: 7 Tips for First-Time Visitors – The 6 Best Road to Hana Tours: Find Your Perfect Guide

The Cheapest Hawaiian Island to Visit and the Most Expensive

Of course, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to put all of these costs together and get the real answer for which Hawaiian island is the cheapest and which is the most expensive to visit. 

Using a trip for two from LAX for seven days and six nights, this is the average cost when staying at a hotel:

Oahu is the cheapest Hawaiian island to visit, with a total cost of $ 3,319 .  

Maui is the most expensive island to visit , coming in at $2,000 more expensive, with a total cost of $5,321. 

Doing the same calculation but inputting vacation rental costs , rather than a hotel shows us that the Big Island pulls ahead slightly as the cheapest island to visit, and now Kauai is the most expensive.

Cheapest Hawaiian Island Video

In case you are a visual learner or you want to see some beautiful footage of Oahu and Maui, check out our video on The Cheapest Hawaiian Island to Vacation below. Jordan and I break down the costs and share four tips on how to save money on your Hawaii vacation.

Feel free to add a comment with your thoughts or counterarguments on the cheapest Hawaiian island.

How to Save Money on Your Trip to Hawaii, No Matter What Island You Visit

While the differences in average price can be significant, what will impact the total cost of your trip more is how you plan it. There are money-saving tips that you can implement, regardless of what island you decide to visit. 

Book Your Trip With Points

You don’t need to be a frequent flier or spend an absurd amount to get a few free nights at a luxury hotel in Hawaii. We’ve found the sweet spot of using welcome bonuses to offset the cost of our hotel stays.

Whether you’re looking to book just a few nights at a luxury resort for free or you want to stretch your points for a full 10 day escape we show you the hotels to book and exactly how to earn the points with welcome bonuses over at Booked With Points .

This is my favorite points example: The Grand Hyatt Kauai can be over $1,000 per night! We can get four or five nights for free with these two strategic welcome offers .

Time it Right

If you can be flexible with your vacation schedule, you can save hundreds (or thousands) on your trip to Hawaii. You’ll get the same experience as someone paying double just by traveling during cheaper months.

According to Skyscanner , the cheapest time to fly to Hawaii is January . Data from f are detective shows that the cheapest time to fly to Hawaii is April . Looking for a flight during those two months can mean that you are paying hundreds less for the same flight another person is taking just a few months later.

Saving money on a flight is great. Saving money on your accommodation can really take a significant bite out of your budget. 

We looked through data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority and found that the cheapest months to book a hotel room in Hawaii are April , May , September , October , and November (aside from Thanksgiving week). 

The cheapest months to book a vacation rental are April , May , June , September , October , and November . The most expensive time to book a place to stay are during summer months (specifically July and August ) and the winter months . 

Related article: How to Book the Cheapest Flight to Hawaii

Stay at a Vacation Rental

On all but three islands, the cost of a vacation rental is cheaper than the cost of a hotel. Kauai is the only island where vacation rental costs are actually on par with hotel costs. 

That aside, it’s probably still going to be better on your budget to choose a vacation rental. The average daily rate of a hotel room doesn’t take into account two very expensive fees you may encounter in Hawaii: resort fee and parking fee. 

For example, at the Koloa Landing Resort on Kauai, the resort fee is $35 per day. Hotels in Waikiki charge as much as $55 per day for self-parking. These extra fees can really add up.

You’ll also save money at a vacation rental by eating in. Eating out for every meal in Hawaii can really add up quickly. Renting a place with a kitchen can help you cut back on the costs.

Related articles: The Ultimate Kauai Food Truck Guide (find the best cheap eats) 5 Best Maui Food Truck Parks Hotels vs. Airbnb. How to decide what’s best for your Hawaiian vacation

Plan Out Your Activities

When you get to Hawaii, it’s easy to get sucked into wanting to do everything and wanting to do it right now! But one of the greatest things about visiting Hawaii is there is so much you can do for free or low cost if you get out and explore what the island has to offer. 

Hiking, scenic drives, waterfalls, snorkeling from the beach, and more. 

Related article: The 14 Best Things to Do on Maui on a Budget

But there will undoubtedly be other things that you want to do while you’re here. Plan and research these things before you go and pick based on value. 

For example, we always advise our friends to pick the best luau on Maui , regardless of the price. You’ll feel satisfied by doing a few great activities rather than doing a few mediocre, cheaper options.

And if you’re planning your activities out a little ahead of time, you can look for the best deals. For example, we go whale watching a number of times during the season. These trips can add up but by looking ahead and booking the early bird morning cruise, we can save 25% or more on each trip we do. 

Related article: The Guide to Seeing Humpback Whales on Maui

Living here (and having made 50+ trips to the islands before moving) we have tested some of the best activities on the island. Don’t go it alone when it comes to picking the best activities. We’ve included the best of the best for you on our activity recommendation page . 

More activities by Island: 31 of the BEST Things To Do On Maui 40 Things to Do on Oahu, Hawaii (we will surprise you!) 35 Best Things to Do on Kauai 21 Incredible Things to Do on the Big Island

To Rent a Car or Not?

While a rental car is the smallest of the three costs we looked at, you may wonder if a rental car is right for your trip. From what we’ve heard, more visitors are ditching the rental and preferring to take a ride-sharing service when they want to get around. And we certainly saw plenty of people arriving at the Diamond Head hike via a taxi. 

The decision whether to rent a car or not comes down to what you want to do on your vacation. Do you expect to hang around the resort and maybe take a trip or two out? A rental car might not be the best choice for you. Or are you planning to do plenty of sightseeing and grocery shopping? The cost of a rental car might be well worth it. 

Taking the time to decide whether to book a rental car could save you hundreds. 

If you do decide to rent a car, check out our recommended rental car booking tool . Booking with them saved us $300 over our New Year’s trip to the Big Island and $70 on our most recent trip to Oahu. Yes, their prices are that good. 

Related articles: Should I Rent a Car on Maui? How to Get Around Without a Rental Car on Oahu (and when you need one) The Best 7 Day Oahu, Hawaii Itinerary Without a Rental Car

Ready to Plan Your Trip to Hawaii?

We’re here to make your planning easy. Whether it’s picking an island, a hotel, or an activity, you’ll find the best information on our Hawaii recommendations page . 

We’re your local guide here to help you make your trip to the islands the best it can possibly be. 

Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary

Maui Wayfinder Itinerary

Kauai Wayfinder Itinerary

Cruising Hawaii Guide

Big Island Wayfinder Itinerary

Find this comparison helpful? Pin it and follow us on Pinterest for more!

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!

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Traveling to Hawaii on a Budget [2024]: Tips on How to Do it!

Aloha! Arrayed with awe-worthy beaches, lush tropical scenery, and mighty volcanoes, Hawaii is a landscape like no other. This bucket list destination is a must, but how can it be done on a budget?

Framed by its fruitful foodie scene, killer waves, and rich natural splendor,  Hawaii  is a travel lover’s oasis. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, an adrenaline fanatic, or a beach babe, these islands have much to offer.

Bursting with things to do, squeezing your Hawaiian bucket list into one itinerary can be challenging. If you’re on a tight budget, you probably wonder if a Hawaii trip is possible. Just because you’re on a wallet-friendly mission doesn’t mean you must miss out!

Whether on a mountain-climbing mission or a spontaneous surfing trip, budget travel in Hawaii is more than possible. Save these tried-and-tested tips for your upcoming Hawaii adventure!

Travel in the Low Season

With endless activities on the crashing coastline and the adventurous terrain, Hawaii is a year-round destination. That being said, certain months are more expensive than others, and in December and January, prices tend to skyrocket.

If you’re set on budget travel in Hawaii, plan your trip during the off-peak periods. The best time to visit Hawaii is during the late winter months of February and March, when the prices are more affordable. A little bit of flexibility can go a long way!

Plan a Travel Budget

Budgeting isn’t always fun, but it’s crucial to being a spending-conscious traveler. If you’re wondering how much to budget for a trip to Hawaii, here’s a basic breakdown:

• Accommodation: $150 - $600 per night
• Flights: $400 - $1200 per person
• Food: $20 - $50 per day

Book Your Flight Beforehand

Flying is never affordable unless you’re in Europe... but this is Hawaii we’re talking about! Flights to this lush landscape can put a serious dent in your wallet, so it’s best to prepare in advance. When booking flights to Hawaii, ensure you’re organized months in advance.

The least expensive Hawaiian Islands are Oahu and the Hilo side of the Big Island. As a general rule of thumb, always compare the flights and airlines you find on websites. To make the most out of your budget, save this guide on  how to find cheap flights  for later.

Book a Budget-Friendly Place to Stay

When you think of Hawaii, ravishing resorts and infinity pools come to mind. However, that might be outside the cards for your low-budget excursion. Hawaii’s accommodation scene has many options if you’re seeking a more authentic experience.

With everything from backpacker-based hostels to affordable Airbnb’s, finding budget accommodation in Hawaii is more than possible. If you want to travel to Hawaii cost-effectively, this part can play a significant role.

Choose Public Transport

Although renting a car in Hawaii can be convenient, it’s not the most wallet-friendly option. The good news is that the major tourist spots are all accessible by public transportation. Buses and shuttles spread around the islands, making your budget trip all the more feasible.

One thing to note is that while it may be cheaper, buses can be very time-consuming. So be sure to factor that into your itinerary before you go!

Opt to Eat Local

You may feel tempted by the string of eateries in the main tourist spots… If you’re trying to stick to a budget, splurging on high-priced food isn’t the best move. Just because you’re watching your pennies doesn’t mean you need to miss out on mouth-watering cuisine.

Hawaii is home to a hefty handful of local dining options. Whether it’s a local restaurant inland or a traveling food truck, you’ll surely find something tasty. When budget traveling in Hawaii, purchase fresh fruit and vegetables from local markets. This helps support the local community and can make for a fantastic picnic too!

Participate in Free Activities

Budget travel in Hawaii doesn’t mean you have to miss out on exciting adventures. In fact, a lot of activities can be done for free! Head on a hike, spend a day at the beach or stroll around a park to experience Hawaii’s rich splendor.

Hiking in Honolulu: Best Hiking Trails

Undoubtedly, Hawaii is home to myriad mountain tops and lush tropics. So what better way to explore the landscape than by heading out on a hike? Better yet, you don’t have to break the bank on an experience like this!

Immerse yourself in the contrasts of the Diamond Head Trail and see the soaring sights on the Makapu’u Lighthouse hike. Honolulu is packed with enticing options whether you want a casual stroll or a sweat-filled trek.

Save this  hiking in Honolulu  guide for your upcoming trip!

What to Pack for a Trip to Hawaii

If you’re a seasoned traveler, you know that preparation is critical. There’s nothing like arriving at a new destination only to find out you’ve forgotten something important. Like your underwear! Hey, it can happen to anyone, right? And if you’re on a budget, packing troubles are the last thing you need.

Get prepped for your next getaway with a list to set you up for success. If you’re wondering  what to pack for Hawaii , you’re in luck! This in-depth guide has everything you need for sports, adventure, beach, and basics too. Bazinga!

How to Plan a Trip to Hawaii

If you’re dabbling in the delights of Hawaii, you’re probably noticing just how much there is to do. Legit volcanoes, cultural activities, a wealth of watersports… you name it, you can find it here!

With so much to see, spontaneity isn’t all that feasible, especially if you’re a budget-conscious traveler. That’s where the planning process comes in. The more time you put in beforehand, the more you’ll thank yourself later.

In this extensive guide on  planning a trip to Hawaii , we’ll cover everything from which island to visit what time is best. Topped with tips on accommodation, transport, and activities, you’ve got everything you need at the click of a button.

Why Visit Hawaii?

As a traveler’s haven, Hawaii harbors a fascinating mix of attractions and untouched nature. Sitting in the Pacific Ocean, this piece of paradise offers adventure, leisure, and full relaxation tied into one. There are many reasons to visit Hawaii, and your budget doesn’t have to stop you!

Lush Tropics, Striking Landscapes, and Beyond!

Whatever type of vacation you’re after, you can find something in Hawaii that’s suited for you. And better yet, your budget doesn’t have to be a setback! Budget travel in Hawaii is not overly known, but it’s more than possible! Dive into the planning process with Pilot and start the countdown to the trip of your dreams!

Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

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

Budget-friendly hawaiian travel.

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

Budget Hawaii Travel Tip #1: Plan In Advance

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

Tip #2: Have Flexible Travel Dates

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

Tip #3: Affordable Hotels

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

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

 Tip #4: Bring Toiletries from Home

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

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

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

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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

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Top 5 Tips to Explore Hawaii on a Budget

Are you dreaming of a trip to hawaii but are worried about the cost find out my top 5 tips for visiting hawaii on a budget., this hawaii on a budget post was written by marcie cheung (a hawaii travel expert) and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5 Ways to Explore Hawaii on a Budget

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Keep an Open Mind with Hawaii Food Options

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

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

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

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

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

4. Research Hawaii Transportation Options

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

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

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

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

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

5. Plan a Mix of Hawaii Activities

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii on a Budget FAQs

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

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

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

Budget Hawaii Tips Wrap Up

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

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

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

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

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

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READY TO PLAN YOUR TRIP TO HAWAII?

This Step-by-Step Workbook & Journal Will Help!

Setting your budget for your Hawaiian Vacation

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

Your Total Budget

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Accommodations/Lodging

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

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

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

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

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

Lei Greeting

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

Inter Island Flight

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

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

Transportation

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

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

See a list of Car Rental companies here

Parking Fees, National Park Fees and Fuel

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

Experience and Activities

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

You can book tours directly on our site by clicking here

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

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

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

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

Optional Items

Shopping and souveniers.

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

Spa Treatments

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

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

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

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

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

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

Extreme Budget Conscious Sample Budget for 2 for 7 days

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

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Tips For Budget Travel In Hawaii

Are you dreaming of a tropical vacation in Hawaii but are worried about the costs? Well, you’re not alone.

We all know that Hawaii is a popular travel destination, known for its stunning beaches, lush greenery, and vibrant culture. However, with high-priced accommodations, flights, and activities, it can be challenging to plan a budget-friendly trip. 

But fret not, because we’ve got you covered! 

In this article, we’ll share some insider Tips For Budget Travel In Hawaii and tricks to help you plan an affordable trip to Hawaii without breaking the bank. From finding affordable accommodations to enjoying free activities, and everything in between, we’ll guide you through the best ways to make your Hawaiian dream vacation a reality despite being on a budget! 

Seasonal Impact On Hawaii’s Prices

Hawaii is a popular vacation destination throughout the year, but the prices of accommodations, flights, and activities can vary depending on the season. 

There are two main seasons in Hawaii: the peak season and the off-season.

The peak season in Hawaii falls between mid-December to mid-April, which is also the holiday season for many people. During this time, prices for accommodations, flights, and activities are generally higher due to the high demand. The peak season is also when the weather is at its best, with little to no rainfall and warm temperatures, making it a prime time to enjoy outdoor activities and attractions.

The off-season in Hawaii falls between mid-April to mid-December. During this time, prices for accommodations, Low-cost Hawaii flights , and activities are generally lower due to the decreased demand. The off-season is also when the weather is more variable, with more rainfall and the potential for hurricanes, which may limit outdoor activities.

It’s important to note that some specific events can affect Hawaii’s prices. For example, the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, which takes place in April, can cause a surge in prices due to the high demand for accommodations and flights.

To save money on your Hawaii trip, consider traveling during the off-season or shoulder season, which falls in between the peak and off-season. This way, you can still enjoy good weather and avoid crowds while also getting the best deals on accommodations, flights, and activities.

• 5 Tips For Budget Travel In Hawaii

Traveling to Hawaii on a budget may seem daunting, but with these five Tips For Budget Travel In Hawaii , you’ll be able to explore the islands without breaking the bank: 

Affordable Accommodations

When it comes to budget travel in Hawaii, finding affordable accommodations is key. There are a variety of options available to suit different budgets, from hostels and camping sites to budget hotels and vacation rentals . 

Hostels are a great option for solo travelers or those on a tight budget, as they offer shared dorm rooms or private rooms at a lower cost than hotels. Camping is also a popular option, with many state parks and private campgrounds offering affordable rates. Budget hotels can be found throughout Hawaii, especially in the more touristy areas, and often offer basic amenities like free breakfast and Wi-Fi. Vacation rentals like Hawaiian Beach Rental can also be a cost-effective option for families or larger groups.

It’s important to note that the location of your accommodations can also impact the cost. 

Staying in less touristy areas or on neighboring islands, like Maui or Lanai, can often be more affordable than staying in popular spots like Waikiki or Honolulu. Additionally, booking in advance and looking for deals or promotions can also help save money on accommodations during your Hawaii trip.

Take Advantage Of Hawaii Travel Deals

Hawaii travel deals can help you save money on your trip. These deals can include discounts on flights, accommodations, and activities, which is why keep an eye out for deals on travel websites, social media, and email newsletters.

Most of the time, these deals come through during the off-season. And by booking your trip during this period, you may be able to take advantage of lower rates and better deals. Additionally, booking your flight and accommodation together can often lead to amazing Hawaii travel deals .

When planning your itinerary, consider looking for free activities and attractions, such as hiking trails, public beaches, and cultural events. Many hotels and resorts also offer free activities for their guests, such as yoga classes, hula dancing lessons, and lei-making workshops.

With a little bit of research and flexibility, you can find great deals and enjoy a budget-friendly trip to Hawaii.

Know The Free Things To Do in Hawaii

Hawaii is a paradise with plenty of free activities to offer. Take advantage of these opportunities to save money while exploring the islands. Here are some of the best free things to do in Hawaii:

Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches, and the good news is that most of them are free to access. Some of the best free beaches in Hawaii include Waikiki Beach, Hanauma Bay, and Lanikai Beach.

Hiking Trails

The islands of Hawaii have some of the best hiking trails in the world. Thanks to them, you can enjoy stunning views of the islands’ natural beauty while burning some calories. Some of the best free hiking trails include Diamond Head on Oahu, Koko Head on Oahu, and the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail on Oahu.

State Parks

Hawaii is home to many state parks that offer free entry. These parks offer a chance to explore Hawaii’s natural beauty. Some of the best state parks include Wailua River State Park on Kauai, Akaka Falls State Park on the Big Island, and Polihale State Park on Kauai.

This American state is mainly known for its vibrant culture, and there are many festivals that you can attend for free. Some of the best festivals include the Honolulu Festival, the Aloha Festival, and the Merrie Monarch Festival.

By taking advantage of these free things to do in Hawaii, you can save a lot of money on your trip. 

However, it’s important to note that some of these activities may require additional costs, such as equipment rentals or transportation. Be sure to research beforehand and plan accordingly to make the most out of your budget.

Off-Season Travelling

Hawaii off-season travel refers to visiting Hawaii during periods when tourism is low, and consequently, prices are generally lower. The low season typically falls during the months of April to May and September to November. 

During this time, airlines, hotels, and tour operators offer discounts and promotions to attract more visitors.

Traveling to Hawaii during the low season can save you a considerable amount of money, and you’ll enjoy fewer crowds, and more relaxed and peaceful environments. You’ll also find cheaper accommodations and airfares, as well as discounted activities, tours, and attractions. 

So if you’re planning a budget trip, booking during the off-season is an excellent way to save money while enjoying all that Hawaii has to offer.

However, keep in mind that certain activities or attractions may have limited operating hours or may even be closed during this period. It is always best to check beforehand to ensure that you can still do the things you want to do during your trip.

Look At Your Food Options

While Hawaii is known for its high-end restaurants and fancy dining experiences, there are still plenty of options available for budget-conscious travelers. One of the ways to save money during a trip to Hawaii is to look for budget-friendly food options. 

An amazing way to save money on food in Hawaii is to explore the local food trucks and markets. These places offer a wide variety of delicious meals and snacks at a fraction of the cost of a sit-down restaurant. Some popular food trucks, which are amazing for Hawaii budget food options , include the Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck on Oahu’s North Shore, the Maui Fresh Streatery on Maui, and the Fish Express food truck on the Big Island.

Another way to save money on food is to stock up on groceries and cook your own meals. Many hotels and vacation rentals in Hawaii come equipped with kitchens, making it easy to prepare meals and snacks for yourself. This can be a great way to save money while still enjoying fresh, local ingredients.

Lastly, be sure to look for happy hour specials and early bird specials at local restaurants. These deals can often offer significant discounts on food and drinks and can be a great way to enjoy a meal without breaking the bank.

These are just some of the many things that you can do to enjoy every single bit of Hawaii despite being on a budget. 

Public Transport In Hawaii 

Using public transportation in Hawaii can be an excellent way to explore the islands on a budget. 

The bus system in Hawaii, known as TheBus, covers all major cities and towns and is a reliable and affordable way to get around. One-way fares are as low as $2.75, and a 4-day pass costs only $35, making it a great option for those who plan to use public transportation frequently during their trip.

Another option for budget-conscious travelers is to rent a bicycle or scooter. Many bike and scooter rental shops can be found on the islands, and rates are usually very reasonable. Renting a bike or scooter can provide an affordable way to explore the islands while enjoying the beautiful scenery and fresh air.

Carpooling is also an option for those who want to save money on transportation. Many local websites and Facebook groups exist for ride-sharing, which can be a great way to split costs and meet new people. This can be especially useful for longer trips or for exploring more remote areas of the islands.

To save even more money on transportation, consider walking or hiking. Hawaii has an abundance of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging treks. Many of these hikes offer stunning views of the islands and provide an excellent opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Hawaii.

What Are The Best Free Things To Do On Each Major Island In Hawaii? 

Hawaii is a beautiful destination with plenty of things to see and do, but it can also be expensive. Luckily, there are plenty of free things to do in Hawaii to do on each of the islands that won’t break the bank. Here are some of the best free things to do on each island:

Hawaii Island

• Visit the Kilauea Iki Crater in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• Take a dip at the popular Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
• Explore the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
• Hike to the top of Mauna Kea for stunning views
• Watch the sunrise or sunset at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
• Take a scenic drive on the Road to Hana
• Visit the Iao Valley State Park
• Watch the surfers at Ho’okipa Beach Park
• Go for a hike at Haleakala National Park
• Check out the Lahaina Banyan Court Park
• Take a stroll through the Honolulu Zoo
• Check out the art at the Honolulu Museum of Art
• Visit the Iolani Palace and learn about Hawaiian history
• Take a hike up to the Diamond Head State Monument
• Watch the surfers at Waikiki Beach
• Explore the stunning Waimea Canyon State Park
• Visit the historic Kilohana Plantation
• Check out the Kauai Coffee Estate for free tastings
• Take a dip at the Hanalei Bay Beach
• Hike the Kalalau Trail for breathtaking views
• Take a hike to the Halawa Valley Waterfall
• Visit the Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove
• Take a stroll through the Molokai Museum and Cultural Center
• Check out the Kalaupapa National Historical Park
• Take a scenic drive along the island’s east side
• Visit the Lanai Culture and Heritage Center
• Take a stroll through the historic Dole Park
• Explore the Puu Pehe rock formation
• Check out the stunning views from the Garden of the Gods
• Take a dip at the Hulopoe Beach

There are limited free activities available on Niihau, as it is a private island owned by a family. However, some tours offer a view of the island from a distance, and visitors can enjoy snorkeling or diving in the surrounding waters.

Similar to Niihau, there are limited free activities available on Kahoolawe as it is uninhabited. However, visitors can take a guided hike to learn about the island’s history and conservation efforts.

By taking advantage of these free activities, you can enjoy the beauty of Hawaii without spending a lot of money.

Hawaii can be an expensive destination, but with the right strategies and a little bit of planning, you can make the most of your budget and still have an amazing time. From finding affordable accommodations to exploring the islands on a budget, there are many tips and tricks that can help you stretch your dollar and experience the beauty, culture, and adventure that Hawaii has to offer.

Remember to research and compare your options, be flexible with your travel dates and itinerary, and consider alternative activities and dining options that fit your budget. Whether you’re backpacking, camping, or taking advantage of off-season travel, there are many ways to save money while still enjoying the sights and sounds of Hawaii.

Additionally, don’t forget to take advantage of discounts and deals on flights, tours, and activities, and to look for free or low-cost events and attractions. With a little bit of creativity and planning, you can make the most of your trip to Hawaii without breaking the bank.

So go ahead and start planning your budget-friendly adventure to Hawaii. You’ll be surprised at how far you can stretch your budget and how many unforgettable experiences you can have on the islands. Aloha!

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Table of contents

• Seasonal Impact On Hawaii's Prices
• Public Transport In Hawaii
• What Are The Best Free Things To Do On Each Major Island In Hawaii?

Tips for Exploring Oahu on a Budget

Is your daydream of breezy Polynesian afternoons sipping Mai Tai’s in nearly nude leisure 2,000+ miles away from home just that? 

Have you ever sat in your living room in sweats watching Hawaii 5-0 only to look out at brown and gray skeletons of wilderness outside and long to catch surf on the infamous North Shore? 

Rumors abound : Hawaii is expensive. Indeed, The Gathering Place comes with a hefty cost. But, there are a few sneaky ways to keep your costs down, Oahu on a budget is possible.

If Oahu is on your bucket list, here are some tips to cut down expenses, even on a proletariat budget. 

Oahu on a Budget

Here are a few tips and tricks to explore Oahu on a budget.

Don’t Come In The Summer

Oahu weather is pleasant year-round. With countless sunny days and average temperatures ranging 76-84 degrees F Jan-Dec, why wait till summer to visit? Sept-Feb roundtrip flights range $450-$800PP West Coast, US and $550-$930PP East Coast, US. Beginning March and continuing through the summer, rates double and triple rapidly.

Check out expedia.com  for aggregating travel search engines and a flexible search format that allows you to search up to an entire year for the best prices. Remember that rates will be higher in December for holiday travel and surfers hoping to catch the North Shore’s 25-30ft winter waves.

Consider Renting a Vacation Home/Condo 

Paradise leisure need not break the bank. Hotels vary $145-$750 per night from basic lodging to luxury fittings. However, many people rent out their condos, homes, and timeshares for more nominal fees. The result, come pleasant amenities like private patios, on site laundry, and well-working kitchens.

Many anticipate the bustle of designer shops, landmark dining, and roadside beaches in Waikiki. Kailua Beach, Hawaii Kai, and Haleiwa (North Shore) present local feels and world-famous sights for those looking to get away from saturated tourism. 

The Oahu map shows that locations east of Honolulu are more popular. One might also enjoy the Leeward (West) side of the island, but locations north of Ko Olina and west of Haleiwa are remote.

Related Read: Guide to Renting a Holiday Home

You can find some great apartments on Booking, search below:

Rent a Car or Moped and Do Your Own Thing

Depending on the time of the year, an economy or compact car rents for barely over $200 per week. It will also buy you sweet abandon. You then have the flexibility to move on your schedule, stay somewhere other than Waikiki, get groceries for your kitchen and dine where the locals do, go island adventure seeking, witness contrasting beaches on the island, and freedom from wallet-sucking establishments for susceptible (and mostly sunburned) tourists. However, always give yourself extra time and cash for parking, which is a commodity depending on where you go. 

Expedia is a great place to book your wheels. If you aren’t planning on going far from your place of stay and don’t mind rocking the unsexy Pokeman ball-head look, consider renting a moped.

It is also important to research the beaches in the area of where you wish to stay. Some beaches like Sandy Beach, Waimea, and Pipeline are unsafe for amateur or small swimmers, especially during winter.

Eat Like a Local!

There is a general rule of thumb regarding food in Hawaii: It’s only expensive when you try to eat like you are on the mainland where cows, chickens, and farms are readily available.

Come to Hawaii with an open mind for fusions of island and Asian cuisines. Most Hawaiian dishes consist of at least one meat, two scoops of rice (usually white), and a scoop of macaroni salad.

There are many types of fish and poke available for eating, some of the freshest tastes you will ever find! Fish, fried meats, and starches are plentiful and cheap eats. The North Shore furnishes scattered varieties of food trucks for cheap ingesting. All over the island, there are tiny ugly Hawaiian Barbecues, bento counters, and sushi houses with Ono island vittles awaiting your consumption and not the bottom of your wallet.

Try something new! Consult  StreetGrindz  for a list of local food events happening across the island for an opportunity that will make your inner foodie hula.

Must Eat On the Cheap in Oahu

Looking for cheap food in Oahu? Here’s where to go:

• Nico’s Pier 38
• KOA Pancake House
• Side Street Inn
• Helena’s Hawaiian Foods
• Dim Sum Sunflower Cafe
• Halekulani’s House Without a Key
• Fatty’s Chinese Kitchen
• Thai Lao Restaurant

If you are still craving familiarities like milk, eggs, and potatoes, some mainland chains scatter throughout the island and average $2.30 – $4.80 more per meal.

Cheap Things To Do in Oahu on budget

When doing Oahu on a budget, you need to find cheap things to do. Here are a few options to keep you busy while sticking to your travel budget.

Ko Olina Lagoons

These manmade lagoons are the perfect place for families with young children seeking calm water by Disney’s Aulani Resort. Parking and access is free, but prepare to wait 15+ minutes for an available spot. Resort quality, bathhouse, grass, outdoor showers. No personal umbrellas or tents allowed.

Nu’uanu Pali Lookout

If you want to see what sets Hawaii apart from other tropical destinations, you will find it here. $3.00 and you witness one of the most breathtaking scenes on the island overlooking the entire windward side and the commanding Ko’olau mountain range crashing into the Pacific Ocean. Oh, and wild chickens in the parking lot.

Historic Chinatown

If you want stories and insight to an influential part of Oahu, checkout Chinatown. Adventure is the word of the day as you push, shove, and advert eye contact while wondering where the dim sum that dingy-fish-star anise-urine smell emits from. Herbal medicines, lei shops, and the best d*** produce markets on the island are here.

Interesting varieties, people watching, and seemingly endless supplies of bubble drinks. Walk by the old Wo Fat building of where the Hawaii 5-0 character is named. 

Buy the trendy and cheap, cheap, cheap clothing and hot knock-offs that question their endurance to stay on your body for more than one wear.

Stop by the Hawaii Heritage Center on Smith St. and for $1, hear about how the Asian families risked their lives and family relationships to work the plantations, the two fires that almost wiped out the area, and the bubonic plague that caused them. Peruse around the markets and buy dragon fruit and rambutan. Here you will experience the unfamiliar. Then, go back to your room and scrub your feet with bleach.

Honu Watching at Turtle Beach

Turtle Beach on the North Shore is a nice place to sit on some big onyx-colored pointy rocks and watch the turtles or “honu”. One of the best sunset locations on the island and in the summer, turtles will come on the sand to lay their eggs. Easy beach access with free parking.

Souvenir Shopping at the International Marketplace and the Aloha Stadium Swap

Both exhibit the best in variety and cheap souvenirs. Easily stock up on souvenirs at either place for $30 or less if done right. Remember to negotiate prices slightly(too low is just insulting)and don’t let someone charge you $4.00+ for a sandwich bag of pineapple or sugar cane.

• International Marketplace Pros : great finds, beautiful area in the heart of Waikiki, shaded, near shops

Cons : In the heart of Waikiki, parking is expensive and almost ridiculous

• Aloha Stadium Swap Pros : great finds, expansive variety that goes on and on, flea market finds, very cheap prices, $1 entry includes parking, parking is straightforward to find

Cons : lack of shade, besides shaved ice – limited concessions, blazing sun rubbing your face

Byodo-In Temple

Halcyon temple placed in the foreground of the awe-inspiring Ko’olau mountainside. Admission is $3 per adult, $2 for seniors, and $1 per child. Featured on Hawaii 5-0, Magnum P.I., and the ABC Series,  Lost.

Additional Tips for Experiencing Oahu on a budget

• Pack sunscreen.  Otherwise, you might find yourself paying up to $28 for a regular tube in Waikiki… or in some serious pain.
• Bring or Buy Your Own Snorkel Gear
• Pack Sunglasses
• Carry cash . Many places outside of Waikiki do not accept credit cards.

See? Your Mai-Tai-coconut-bra-wearing-lau-dancing fantasies in Oahu can be your reality.

With earnest planning, even the biggest haoles can exploit an adventure of a lifetime. Get out your pencil and scratch paper, buy an ugly floral shirt, and pack a sun visor the size of a fishing trolley. Just think, you will be referring to every one as “Brah” and shaking your okole to the ukulele in no time.

Visiting Hawaii? Check Out:

• Adventure Itinerary: Six Days in Maui, Hawaii
• Paradise Cove: One of the Best Luau on Oahu, Hawaii
• Top 5 Kauai Tourist Attractions You Can’t Miss

I'm sure you've had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You're in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.

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Hawaii Trip Costs

Hawaii budget calculator & cheapest times to visit.

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2024 hawaii budget calculator & cheapest times to visit.

The first step toward planning a great vacation is to budget for it. That way, you can ensure that you have enough to spend to make the vacation worthwhile and possibly save some money in the process. There are many things to budget for any vacation, and Hawaii is no different.

You will have to budget everything from airfare to food costs for a Hawaii vacation. There are also some essential things that you will need to budget for, such as attractions and where you will stay.

The following article is a detailed description of everything you need to know when budgeting for a trip to Hawaii. It covers everything from when you leave for the airport the morning of the trip to returning home once it is over.

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Hawaii Trip Costs Summary

This article has the general expenses for planning a trip to the Hawaiian islands. It also has a calculator to help you with an estimated total cost amount.

Click any topic link below to drop to that section on this page.

How Much Airport Expenses Cost

How much accommodation expenses cost, how much vacation activities cost.

• Hawaii Budget Calculator - Trip Cost Estimator

Airport expenses can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what airline you choose and if you purchase any snacks or meals. There are also parking fees and baggage fees to consider.

Airport expenses are one of the most expensive things to budget for on a trip to Hawaii, aside from the hotel or vacation home you decide to stay at. Since there are multiple airlines to choose from, it’s difficult to pinpoint precisely how much airport expenses will cost.

The main things to consider when budgeting for the airport are:

• The plane tickets
• The baggage fees
• Any snacks or meals
• Parking fees

There are also ways to save money on each of these expenses.

Plane Tickets

The average forecasted prices for flights to Hawaii in 2023 are:

• $925 for the East Coast 
• $490 for the West Coast
• $810 for the Midwest
• $1,120 for international flights

However, ticket prices can still vary depending on multiple factors.

When planning a trip to Hawaii, the first thing you should purchase is airplane tickets. Purchasing them two or three months in advance will save you a significant amount of money and ensure you have a flight when you plan to go.

If you are traveling from anywhere on the East Coast of the United States, tickets usually cost about $925 per person for a round-trip flight. If you are traveling from the West Coast or the Midwest, they are slightly less expensive. Flying from the West Coast costs about $490 per person round trip, while Midwest flights cost about $810 per person round trip.

Landing an Inexpensive Flight

The highest flight prices are for those traveling internationally to Hawaii. If you are traveling to Hawaii from somewhere outside of the United States, then the average cost of round-trip airfare is about $1,120 per person. However, ticket prices can fluctuate depending on two main things, the airline you purchase from and when you purchase the tickets.

The majority of inexpensive flights to Hawaii land in Honolulu or Maui. As for which cities have the most affordable flights heading toward Hawaii, California, and other West Coast states, they are the ones to go for. If you want to save money, you could drive to California and fly to Honolulu or Maui. It’s also recommended to search multiple airline websites for ticket prices to find those that fit your budget.

The other main factor that can help you save money on plane tickets is the time you buy them. It is recommended to buy them at least two months before you plan to leave, but there are also certain times of the year that are better for a Hawaii vacation than others. The worst and most expensive times to go to Hawaii are during its peak seasons during the summer months and major United States holidays.

Everything is much more expensive during the peak seasons, not just airfare tickets. To save money and time, the best times to fly to Hawaii include the following:

• Late summer
• After the winter holidays
• Before Thanksgiving

Not only will you have a higher chance of booking a flight for a reasonable price, but you will also be able to save money and time on other vacation expenses.

Baggage Fees

The average cost of airport baggage fees is around $50 per bag. These fees must be paid if you have bags that exceed a specific weight limit or have more than two bags. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid paying this fee or save money on the cost if you need extra bags.

If you have a bag over a specific weight limit or more than two bags, you will need to pay an airport baggage fee. The average cost of airport baggage fees is about $50, but it can vary depending on how heavy your bag is or how many you have.

The best way to avoid paying this fee is to pack light. Having a personal item with you at your seat and a small carry-on bag that can fit in the overhead compartment is the best way to ensure you don’t have to pay for baggage fees. You can also include more items in your bag to avoid having to check a bag if it’s over a certain weight.

If you need to check a bag, there are a few ways to make it less expensive. One way is to check the bag at the airport gate rather than check in for your flight. The airline might offer a free bag check to ensure everyone’s luggage gets on if your flight is full. This method isn’t guaranteed, but it’s worth a shot as long as your bag fits the weight requirements instituted by the airline.

Another way to avoid paying the full baggage fee is to get a discount. Whether a military discount or a discount through elite flight status, any deal can make a considerable cost difference in the long run.

Meals and Drinks

The price of snacks and meals at the airport varies depending on how much you purchase. The average price of snacks and meals is around ten dollars, which can add up fast if you buy a significant amount.

Snacks, meals, and drinks from the airport usually cost about ten dollars. Some airlines offer free snacks on flights, but you still have to pay for meals, drinks, and snack packs. The cost of meals and snacks can rack up fast. Fortunately, there are ways to save money at the airport.

The primary way to avoid buying meals and drinks at the airport is to bring your food. Most small snacks can get past security, such as fruits and vegetables, and having small snacks available will make you less tempted to purchase snacks from the airport and save you money.

Another great way to stay full and save money on snacks is to eat lots of protein-filled snacks, such as protein bars. Protein will help you feel full for an extended time, lessening your chances of getting hungry and buying food at the airport. If you need to stop at a layover, it’s recommended to pack snacks that can keep over time. The most popular snacks include nutrition bars and trail mix since they are filling and can last for days in a backpack.

Parking Fees

Parking at an airport isn’t ideal if you’re on a budget, but it’s doable with a few money-saving tips. The average cost for parking at an airport is anywhere from $42 to $273 for one week, and the prices vary depending on the airport and how long you want to park your car there.

It’s recommended that someone drive you to the airport or take a taxi to avoid airport parking fees altogether. But if you do need to park your car at the airport, you can expect to pay around $42 to $273 for one week of parking. The prices might be a little more or less expensive depending on the airport and how long you park there, but there are ways to save money on parking for any circumstance.

The best ways to save money on airport parking are to book parking in advance and look for coupons. Reserving a long-term parking spot a month or so before your flight can save you significant money. You should contact the airport you plan to fly from to check advanced scheduling versus drive-up rates.

Another way to save money on airport parking is to look online for coupons. Even a Google search with the name of the airline you plan to park at and the word “coupons” after it can turn up some unexpected finds.

When you get to Hawaii after your flight, the next step is to find somewhere to stay. Hotels and vacation rentals are popular, but you also have to determine which one works best for your budget when including parking and food costs.

Getting to Hawaii is half the battle, but booking accommodations for when you get there is also essential for budgeting your stay. The primary things that need to be budgeted for accommodations include the following:

• Hotels or Resorts and/or Vacation rentals
• Parking and rental car expenses

There are multiple ways to configure accommodations that can work for your budget.

Hotels and Resorts

Hotel and resort prices vary depending on how many stars they are rated. The average cost of a three-star hotel is about $350 a night, while a four-star resort is about $455 a night. Lastly, most bed-and-breakfast inns are about $190 a night.

Hawaii is famous for having beautiful hotels and resorts that are steps away from beaches and other island attractions. However, their price varies depending on their star ratings and how much they offer their guests. For example, the average cost of a room at a four-star resort is about $455 a night, but you will also likely be right next to a beach and other attractions.

A three-star hotel in Hawaii may also be near a beach and is less expensive at $350 a night. However, you might not have access to other attractions or amenities. If you decide to stay at a standard bed and breakfast inn, this is the least expensive option at $190 a night. But a traditional inn likely won’t be near a beach, and you’ll only have access to a room and one meal.

For budgeting purposes - the average statewide cost of a hotel room in Hawaii is roughly $375/night  as of this writing. Each island has a price modifier to help further estimate costs by island. The price modifiers are as follows:

• Oahu - Price is approximately 68.55% of the statewide average 
• Maui - Price is approximately 163.22% of the statewide average
• Kauai - Price is approximately 98.63% of the statewide average
• Big Island - Price is approximately 105.90% of the statewide average

 These modifiers are based on average hotel rates in Hawaii, so they might differ if you park and stay at a rental home.

Hawaii Statewide Hotel & Vacation Rental prices in 2022

Vacation Rental Homes

Renting a vacation home has become trendy over the last few years. The average rent per night for a Hawaii vacation home is $170, and there is also an average tax rate of 18% on rental houses.

Renting a vacation home can be a great way to save money on accommodations. But the prices fluctuate depending on where the rental home is located and which type of home you select. If you choose an average rental home, the average rate is about $170 a night, much less expensive than a hotel or resort room. But if you rent a luxury home, the price can increase to over $1,000 per night.

It’s also important to note that the average tax rate is about 18% on rental homes in Hawaii, so it’s recommended to factor that in when choosing which one to stay at.

If you’re still undecided on where to stay during your vacation, you can expect a statewide average of about $335 in shelter costs. The island modifiers we discussed above are also applicable to vacation rentals.

Parking and Rental Car Fees

You will likely have to rent a car to get around the island, and parking and gas fees come with that additional accommodation cost. The average is about $30 per night for rental car parking.

The best way to get around the island is to purchase a rental car. In addition to how much you pay for the rental car, there are also parking and gas fees to worry about. The first step is to determine what kind of rental car you want. The average rental car prices in Hawaii include the following:

• $70 per day for a regular car
• $110 per day for an SUV
• $125 per day for a convertible
• $150 per day for a luxury car

Once you know which car you want, you must figure out parking and gas fees. The average cost of gas in Hawaii is about $4.95 - $5.15 per gallon, so you can expect to spend about $75-$100 on gas alone. Your rental vehicle's fuel efficiency and the total miles driven during your visit will determine the total amount.

Even if you're staying somewhere with restaurants close by or accessible continental breakfasts, you will likely have to purchase and cook most of your food. The average cost for ​​breakfast is $15 per person, lunch is $25 per person, and dinner is $45 per person.

Food in Hawaii is expensive, even if you don’t go to a restaurant for each meal. The average cost of food per person per day is about $61, but it can fluctuate depending on where you eat and how many people you go with. Fortunately, there are also some ways to save money on food costs during your vacation.

Planning your meals ahead of time and how much they will cost can give you a good idea of what to buy and cook and which restaurants you want to visit. It can help you plan out which ingredients to use in multiple meals and is the most cost-effective way to try everything the island offers. You can also bring any spices or pantry staples you already have to avoid buying them there.

For anything you need to buy fresh there, such as fruit or vegetables, it’s recommended to shop at local stands. They are usually much less expensive than supermarkets or chain stores, and you also get to experience Hawaiian culture while at it.

The last piece of budgeting for your Hawaii vacation is figuring out fun activities while you’re there. There are so many different activities for you, ranging from island tours to exploring local souvenir shops.

While the beach is part of an excellent Hawaiian vacation, you can do plenty of other activities while you’re there. Each island has beautiful tours and excursion experiences, not to mention all of the local shops and attractions you can explore. The average price for attraction fees is about $45 per person, but it fluctuates depending on what attractions you do.

Guided Tours and Excursions

The average cost for guided tours and excursions is about $50 to $100 per person, and the price fluctuates depending on what is included in the tour or excursion. If you want to explore state or national parks on your own, you can expect to pay about $35 per person.

Hawaii offers a wide variety of tours and excursions for you to choose from. Tours usually include a guided tour of the island's most beautiful and historical parts. You can ride on a bus or other mode of transportation and listen as a guide tells you about the stories behind different island sites.

On the other hand, you can do excursions while exploring the island. They usually include scuba diving, hiking, and other activities that explore the island, along with a guide. The islands also have state and national parks that you can explore independently. Each of these activities is optional, but it’s highly recommended to budget for a few so you can experience everything Hawaii offers.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Shopping and souvenirs are also optional, but it’s highly recommended to budget for them just in case. The price of shopping and souvenirs depends on how much you’re willing to spend, so deciding on a number that’s comfortable for you is the best practice.

There are multiple places to shop for souvenirs and other keepsakes on any Hawaiian island. Since their price highly depends on the shop and how much you’re willing to spend, it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly how much shopping and souvenirs will cost.

The best practice is to come up with a number you’re comfortable with plus a little extra. This will give you some breathing room when deciding how much to spend.

Attraction Parking Fees

The majority of Hawaiian attractions also have parking fees. They vary depending on the attraction, but the average cost of attraction parking is about $3. Fortunately, there are usually a few free parking areas near the attraction, but you’ll have to walk a bit and get there early.

Parking lots close to any attraction usually have a fee of about $3, allowing you to park there for a full day. However, a quick google search about any free parking lots near the attraction can save you from paying any fee. The only downside is that you’ll likely have to walk a bit from the parking lot to the attraction. On the plus side, you might get to see more of the island by walking than if you did while driving.

It’s recommended to look up any parking fees the attraction has before you book it to be sure that you’re prepared. Some excursion attractions even have an option where a shuttle or bus will pick you up from your hotel or rental home and then drive you back at the end of the day. This option can be beneficial if you’re trying to avoid car and parking costs altogether.

Final Thoughts

There is a lot to budget for when planning a Hawaiian vacation. But planning out everything you can in advance can make the entire experience much less stressful and help you make the most of an incredible trip.

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.

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Calculator overview.

This calculator is designed to provide both a comprehensive and regularly updated budget estimate for planning a trip to Hawaii. Currently, rates are applicable for 2024. Generally, these rates should provide a good estimate for any time period between 2024 and early 2025.

This budget tool considers all of the following:

• Hawaii Flight Costs including airfare from various destinations, baggage fees, etc.
• Hawaii Accommodation Costs including different lodging types, Hawaii's now roughly 18% accommodation tax, parking fees (if applicable), which island you're staying on, etc.
• Hawaii Vehicle Rental Costs including various types of vehicles, fuel costs, and number of miles driven daily.
• Additional Costs including dining + gratuity, visitor fees to parks, etc., and Hawaii Tours and Activity costs.

Hawaii Flight Costs

First, consider your flight costs to Hawaii. Select your departure location, update the number of travelers (if applicable), and check whether you expect to pay baggage fees, below.

Hawaii Accommodation Costs

Next, let us know which island you'll be visiting (select the primary island if you're visiting more than one), select a lodging type/classification, update the number of nights (default is set to a week), update the number or rooms (if applicable), and check whether you expect to pay parking fees (common in more densely populated areas on Oahu and/or Maui).

Statewide Rate : 18%

Hawaii Car Rental Costs

Now, let's consider your vehicle rental costs (if applicable). If you're not renting a car, select 'No Car,' but for most visitors, we highly recommend a rental. Update the number of days (which will default to +1 day more than you selected in accommodation nights) and choose an estimate for your mileage each day. If you're not sure, we recommend you leave the default option selected.

If you select 'No Car' this will be zeroed out by default!

Other Hawaii Costs

Finally, consider a few last potential costs and fees for your trip. There's dining (we've included gratuity in the estimates), and we've selected all three meal options by default. Then, there are potential fees for parks and other attractions, which are a relatively new factor to now consider when estimating a Hawaii budget; select the applicable options below. Finally, select the amount, if any, you expect to spend on Hawaii Tours and/or commercial Activities. Be sure to update the number of people dining and people the fees/tours apply to if applicable; these numbers will default to the same number of people you selected previously for this trip estimate.

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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 -

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An Oahu Budget Guide with 27 Free Things to Do in Oahu!

For many people, Hawaii is their ultimate idea of a dream vacation- the place they hope they will get to one of these days, but never start planning it because of the expense. We felt the same way for many years, until we went to Oahu. We will certainly never say that Oahu is a cheap destination, but we will say there are tons of free things to do in Oahu. We created this Oahu budget guide to give you some tips for visiting Oahu on budget as well as all of those free things to do in Oahu, and a few cheap things to do in Oahu. And, most of them are right in in Honolulu and Waikiki, with a sprinkle across the rest of the island.

The truth is, you could spend almost all of your time on the Oahu doing free things, for an entire vacation, even right in the heart of the tourist territory, because there are a lot. Obviously, you have to get to the island, have somewhere to sleep, eat, and get around, and those things do cost money. But, we have some Oahu budget tips for all of these necessities. Couple that with all of the free things to do in Oahu, and it really is possible to visit Oahu on a budget!

This Oahu budget guide includes-

Saving on your flight to oahu, guest houses, condos and airbnb, getting around in oahu on a budget, buy groceries, farmers markets, restaurants where you can get a meal for under $10, restaurants where you can get a meal for under $15, soak up the sun on the world class beaches, let yourself be enveloped in fragrance in a botanical garden., chase down the stunning waterfalls., be awed by some of the stunning look-outs on the island., explore the melancholy magic lighthouses of oahu., visit the most iconic building on the island, aloha tower., be wowed by traditional hula dancing., learn to hula dance, or make a lei., feel the spirit, and the spirit of aloha – kawaiaha’o church, watch free fireworks from the beach., come face to face with the hawaiian royalty., pay your respects to the royal family., discover the ancient history., take a walking tour of historic downtown honolulu., tour the royal and gubernatorial residence., enjoy the sounds of the royal hawaiian band., walk the waikiki historic trail., explore some of the unique honolulu museums., cheer on the yacht races., explore the sweet history of pineapple processing., learn the history of japanese citizens in hawaii., make history fun at the brewseum., get your art love on., get a bit raucous., learn the secrets of hawaiian military history., pay your respects to hawaiian soldiers., visit pearl harbor., explore diamond head, the iconic landmark of oahu., feel the spirit of peace at the byodo-in temple, meander through lyon arboretum, discover hanauma bay, take a scenic ride on thebus., you really can visit oahu on a budget.

If you are thinking about Hawaii, and you want to check out the other islands, start with our Big Island Budget Guide , Big Island 5 Day Itinerary, and our Big Island 3 Day Road Trip, our Maui 5 Day Itinerary , or our Scooter Cruising in Kauai . If you are considering Oahu, and budget is not your main concern, you may want to check out our Oahu 7 Day Itinerary, or our Amazing Things to do in Oahu North Shore. But if you are still considering that budget, read on!

The simple truth is that there are very few cheap flights to Oahu. The islands are one of the most remote destinations on the planet, literally sitting out in the middle of Pacific Ocean by themselves. It is a long way to anywhere. However, when Southwest began flying to Hawaii, it was a game changer for US residents. While you may have never considered flying to Sacramento or San Jose, a stopover in one of these cities can save hundreds, as Southwest offers flights to Hawaii from these 2 cities, as well as Oakland and San Diego, often for less than $100.

After quite a bit of research, it seems that the lowest priced flights into Honolulu on other airlines consistently come from San Diego and San Francisco in the US, Vancouver in Canada, and Sydney in Australia. So, for travelers in those 3 countries it is often cheaper to get a continental flight to those cities through a budget airline, then fly to Oahu. It also appears that booking them separately can account for $50 to $150 in savings on your flight.

We also suggest using a discount flight search engine to find the best deals on both flights, and to easily book them separately. We like Skyscanner, which you can check through the link below.

Lodging on a Budget in Oahu

As with anywhere else in the western world, the most affordable lodging in Oahu is camping. While that may seem impossible in a location that you are flying 3,000 miles to get to, it is possible. If you check a bag, you may be able to fit your small tent into your regular sized suitcase. And, it would still save tons of money to head to Walmart upon your arrival in Oahu, and purchase an appropriate sized tent for you and your group. Then when you were ready to depart, donate it to Goodwill, or pack it up and mail it home.

If you want to be adventurous, this is an option to consider. There are numerous campgrounds across Oahu , including Sand Island State Park, actually in Oahu. State Parks in Oahu actually do not allow camping on Wednesday nights and Thursday nights, and Sand Island in particular is only open on weekend nights. State run campgrounds run at $18 a night for non-residents, and $3 per night for each additional person, with a maximum cost of $30 per night. City and County run campsites run at flat fees of $32 for 3 nights, and $52 for 5 nights. So, the savings potential is HUGE, if camping is within your travel repertoire.

Hostels are available in Oahu, but centered only around the Waikiki area, and the University of Hawaii area. On a plus note, that puts them in the area of most of the free things to do in Oahu.

I have not used this option in Oahu, but honestly, it appears to be the best lodging choice for the budget. When I return to the island, it is the option I will most likely choose, as we paid quite a hefty price for a mediocre hotel room. Typically this will not put you right on the beach, but almost anywhere in Waikiki or Ala Moana you are within walking distance of beautiful white sand.

Rooms start as low as $30 and range to $200, but a significant portion of them appear to be in the $50 to $90 range. Although on the surface this does not appear to be cheaper than the hostels, this is a per room price, not a per person price, and most rooms allow 2 or 4 guests. The majority of properties are apartments or condominiums, although there are a few of the in home options that are expected with AirBNB.

You can start looking, and even reserve a private guest house in Honolulu now. Private vacation apartments are much more plentiful, and come at a better price. You can find a Honolulu apartment you like, and even reserve, right now.

Almost all hotels on the island come at an island price, so even names that are typically associated with economy really don’t. If a hotel is your preference, the only budget tips we can suggest is to go with an option for which you have accumulated points that will account for a reduced price or a fourth night free type of deal, or cash in your travel service points for a free night. If you are not aware, points that you accumulate in services such as Expedia do eventually add up and can be used for hotel stays. We did not do this in Oahu, but we used the points we built in our Hawaii stay, for a luxury hotel in Belfast, Ireland.

The most economical way is the use of the City and County of Honolulu public transit, referred to as TheBus. A 1 day pass for 24 hours of unlimited use is $5.50, so you can get around for a full week for less than $40 per person. If you are staying two weeks or more, you may want to purchase the monthly pass for $70.

Full maps, routes and schedules are available on the website. TheBus goes as far west as Pearl Harbor and as far north as Kailua, covering the windward coast. The downside is that it does not go into the central mountains or to the north shore.

Another option is the Waikiki Trolley, which essentially can be used as a hop on hop off service. There are 6 different lines, each with a different focus. All stop at certain Waikiki hotels for pickups. A 7 day pass is $75.

By far, the easiest and fastest way to get around the island is to rent a car, but obviously this is also the priciest option.

Eating on a Budget in Oahu

Like everything else, eating can be quite expensive in Hawaii. Certainly you want to eat out a few times, because experiencing that delicious island cuisine is an important part of the experience. Eating out on Oahu for 3 meals a day will probably run at least $60 a person, on the very low end of the spectrum, without alcohol. That makes for a pricey trip, even if you do nothing other than the free things to do in Oahu.

You can cut that back by finding lodging that provides breakfast, or happy hour snacks, although that is less common in the high traffic areas. Many people opt to skip a meal every day, having only breakfast and dinner, for example. But there are other ways to save.

I am sure none of us really want to spend our time in a tropical paradise grocery shopping, but the simple fact is, if you want to visit Oahu on a budget, it can add up to HUGE savings. I can pick up groceries for two people for $100-125 for a week. That would save $700 compared to eating in restaurants.

The downside of that obviously is having to cook for almost every meal. However, if saving the dollars is the biggest goal, you can make it happen. There are 2 Sam’s Clubs, 3 Costcos and 7 Walmarts on Oahu, so there is most likely one near your lodging. Four of these are in the downtown Honolulu or Waikiki area. There are also a number of Safeways and Foodland Farm options across the island.

For those who love farmers markets, Oahu may be the mother lode. There are farmers markets across the island, literally every morning, and every weekday evening. The only time of day when there might not be one in full swing somewhere on the island, is early to mid-afternoon.

Visiting a Farmers Market is one of the best free things to do in Oahu, and can give you a true Hawaiian experience, as you mingle with local shoppers and local farmers. And, you will probably get a meal at a bargain price.

Your food budgeting options are many at the various farmers markets. Almost all have fresh baked goods and local produce, so you may opt to pick these up for your breakfast the next day. Some also have fish and locally produced meats. Others have a variety of food stalls, with an emphasis on Asian food, as a percentage of the Hawaiian population is Asian, and Japanese tourists are as frequent as American tourists; poke, a raw tuna Hawaiian specialty; and plate lunches, a traditional Hawaiian meal that stems from the plantation days. You can enjoy a meal onsite, while mingling, and often listening to traditional live Hawaiian music.

Restaurants

Believe it or not, there are a handful of restaurants in Oahu where you can get a meal at a good price, although they are not advertised as budget restaurants. So you are aware, our experience is that general fast food restaurants run at a higher price than mainland Americans are accustomed to. So, if you are going to spend $10 or $15 on a meal, which is what the fast food will cost you, you are better off getting something tasty and Hawaiian.

We have put together a list of restaurants where you can get a meal for under $10, and added a few additional that are a bit more, running about $15. Obviously we have not tried all of these restaurants. However, they generally all come very well recommended. In some cases, we have seen the lines day after day, which tells the story itself! .

As a side note, some of these restaurants do not have websites, although we have linked to those that do. Others have only a Facebook page, which we have also linked to. More importantly, some of them take cash only.

• Rainbow Drive In
• Marukami Udon
• Ono Seafood
• Diamondhead Market
• Maguro Brothers Hawaii
• Steak Shack
• Lams Kitchen
• South Shore Grill
• Pioneer Saloon
• Waikiki Beachside Kitchen
• Andy’s Sandwiches
• Serg’s Mexican Kitchen
• Restaurant 604
• USCG Club 14
• Helene’s Hawaiian Food
• Nico’s Pier 38
• La Mariana Sailing Club
• Surf N Turf Tacos
• Govinda’s Restaurant
• Konos North Shore

Free Things to Do in Oahu

Now that we have all of the logistics covered for saving on your Oahu trip, what are you going to do that won’t break the bank? It turns out, there are lots of things! In fact, we have 27 free things to do in Oahu, and they are not lame things to do, they are things you and whoever you are traveling with will love!

Most likely one of the main reasons you are visiting Hawaii is for the beaches. All beaches in Hawaii are public, meaning they are freely accessible to the public no matter where they are located, or what businesses, homes or resorts appear to be on them. Wherever you find the sand along the water, you can enjoy it! That makes the many beaches the most iconic and plentiful of the free things to do in Oahu.

Many visitors have an expectation of seeing lots of tropical flowers, and breathing in their scents. Unfortunately in most of the developed areas you will not find this. But there are at least 8 individual botanical gardens on Oahu , and at least half of them are free, including Ho’omaluia. The remaining gardens are very cheap. Each of them features different types of flowers, trees, and other plants, so you may want to visit them all! The are among the most beautiful of the free things to do in Oahu, and you’ll take home some excellent photos.

There are at least a dozen waterfalls on Oahu, located on almost every part of the island, excluding the leeward coast. Some of them are even within the city limits of Honolulu, such as Manoa Falls, seen above. Hikes to get to each range from 20 minutes to a couple hours, so do your research before setting out. Any hike in Oahu requires sunscreen, bug spray, good-traction shoes, and plenty of water.

I love a good lookout point! Wherever I travel, I have to find that vantage and take in that amazing view! Oahu is filled with some of the most stunning viewpoints I have seen, and these viewpoints are all among the free things to do in Oahu. The combination of coastal flats and central mountains results in a dramatic vertical rise on the island. This means there are a lot of high places with overlooks onto the valleys. Some of the tourist favorites are the Diamondhead Lookout, the Makapuu Lookout, and Nu’uanu Pali Lookout.

Sadly, we got pelted with rain and whipping winds on our way to Nu’uanu Pali and missed the view. I loved the Hanauma Bay Lookout though. A local favorite with less tourists is Tantalus Lookout, seen above, which is especially amazing at sunset.

There are 6 lighthouses on the island, each with a distinctive style, but all with the sense of solitude the seems to epitomize lighthouses. Diamond Head Lighthouse, seen above, has the nostalgic look most of us expect, while Barber’s Point exudes the loneliest feeling. Pyramid Rock, Makapu’u and Kaena Point have the more unusual modern designs. Some are only a short walk, while others require quite a hike.

You may have noted that I said there were 6 lighthouses in Oahu, but only named 5. That’s because Aloha Tower once served as the lighthouse for Honolulu Harbor. Today the still welcomes those who come by ship to the island, but also serves as student housing and an event venue. You can still visit the observation deck for the cities best view over the harbor to the south, and the cityscape to the north. (Nashville Waikiki is located in the Tower Marketplace below, and has good happy hour specials, as well as nightly pool and darts tournaments for gift certificate prizes, and free line dancing lessons.)

Our absolute favorite free things to do in Oahu, right in Waikiki, is to watch the traditional torch lighting ceremony and dance performance on Kuhio Beach. At 6:00 in the winter months (Nov-Jan) and 6:30 the rest of the year, the performances take place on Thursdays and Saturdays. They have become pretty popular, so head to the beach early with your towels so you can get a good seat. To find it from the main section of Waikiki Beach, walk towards Diamond Head until you see the grassy mound with a large banyan trees and a statue of Duke Kahanamoku.

A luau is the ultimate splurge in Hawaii, and one of the few that we think are definitely worth the money. It brings together so many elements of Hawaiian culture into an entire night of entertainment, and delicious food. However, if you cannot justify spending that amount of money, bring a traditional plate lunch to the torch lighting ceremony, and it is almost the next best thing!

Sometimes the tourist saturation pays off, and this is one of those times. The west side of Waikiki is saturated with shopping venues, to the degree that each of them goes to great lengths to attract potential buyers, including offering a variety of free classes in Hawaiian arts. You can learn to hula, make a lei, play the ukulele, and even start a Hawaiian quilt, for free (you must purchase a supply kit for the quilt making classes,) at the Royal Hawaiian Center, the Waikiki Beach Walk, or the International Marketplace. Be sure to check their schedules or classes available during your visit! Of all the free things to do in Oahu, this one is so cool because you can take a new skill home to show your family.

On the second and fourth Sundays of the month you can attend a worship service in the Hawaiian language at the historic Kawaiaha‘o Church. The church, which has been referred to as the Westminster Abbey of Hawaii will celebrate 200 years of a church standing on this site, although the current structure was built in 1842. The church was the spiritual home of the Hawaiian royal family, who worshiped there, sometimes married there, and in some cases were interred.

Every Friday evening at 7:45 the Hilton Hawaiian Village puts on a fireworks display. Even though you might get a glimpse from elsewhere in the city, the perfect viewing location is right on Waikiki Beach. Bring a snack and a drink, and enjoy the show!

The Hawaiian Islands were once a proud and noble kingdom, with a unique and happy culture. Beloved members of the royal family are immortalized throughout Honolulu and Waikiki. Before my visit, I never realized that coming face to face with royalty would be among the free things to do in Oahu.

You can find King Kamehameha the Great at 447 S. King St.,, King Kamehameha III at Thomas Square 925 S. Beretania St., Queen Liliuokalani between Iolani Palace and the Capitol Building, Queen Emma, King Kamehameha IV and their son, Prince Albert at the Royal Marketplace 2330 Kalakaua Ave., Queen Kapiolani at Kapiolani Park. 2686 Kalakaua Ave, Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole at 2537 Kalakaua Ave., King david Kalakaua statue, at the intersection of Kalakaua and Kuhio Avenues, and Princess Ka’iulani at 150 Kaʻiulani Ave.

You can also find statues of other Hawaiian national heroes, including Duke Kahanamoku mentioned above, Saint Damien at the Capitol Building, Blessed Saint Mariane Cope at the Kewalo Basin Park, and Don Ho under the banyan tree in International Marketplace. You can also find statues of Gandhi, Elvis, and no less than 6 replicas of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, founder of the People’s Republic of China.

After you become familiar with the Royal Family through the statues, and other non-free locations such as Bishop Museum or Iolani Palace, you may feel moved by their beautiful but tragic history. If you feel compelled you can visit the Royal Mausoleum at Mauna ‘Ala (the Fragrant Hills) where the spirits of 8 of the monarchs live on, according to Hawaiian tradition. If you visit, you may note that the Kingdom of Hawaii flag flies alone here, without an American flag beside it, as this land still legally remains the territory of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Before the islands were the Kingdom of Hawai’i, they were inhabited by a number of indigenous tribes that each had its own form of rule, religion and tradition. The remains of these tribes are found across the Hawaiian Islands, and archaeologists continue to make discoveries in remote locations.

On the island of Oahu, you can only see these remains in a handful of locations. Some are not free, but you can see Puʻu o Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site, which contains is the largest heiau (religious site or temple) on Oʻahu, The name means “hill of escape,” and, this heiau played an important role in the social, political, and religious system along the North Shore.

You can also visit Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park, a living park which contains a heiau (religious temple), koʻa (fishing shrines), fishponds, house sites, stone-walled enclosures, ʻauwai (irrigation channels), agricultural terraces, walls and planting areas. We recommend seeing the Huilua Fishpond! Learning about the culture wherever I go is very important to me, so I think this is one of the most significant free things to do in Oahu.

Downtown Honolulu includes former royal structures, state government buildings, and a number of other important historic sites. You can take a self-guided outdoor tour, or you can also step inside and explore the Hawaii State Capitol Building, as well as Aliiolani Hale, what is now referred to as the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center, and houses the Hawaii State Supreme Court.

Washington Place was the Royal Residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last leader, Queen Liliuokalani, who lived there for 55 years. In 1922, it was decided to use the regal residence as the Governor’s Mansion, so the house has been at the center of Honolulu politics for nearly 150 years. Free docent led tours are conducted on Thursdays at 10:00. Check in shortly before that at the front security gate on Beretania Street. The tour lasts about an hour.

A long standing tradition from the kingdom of yore, the Royal Hawaiian Band once performed at official ceremonies and events. Now although there is not as much pomp and circumstance, the band still performs for the pleasure of the Hawaiian people. Free performances are given every Friday from noon to 1:00 in the courtyard of Iolani Palace, and occasional performances are also held at the International Marketplace.

Believe it or not, much of what is now the city of Honolulu, and Waikiki Beach, were once important natural and cultural areas of the Hawaiian people, long before visitors and tourists became a common occurrence. It is hard to imagine among the high rises and resorts of today, but the Waikiki Historic Trail shares pieces of what once was. Points along the trail are marked by bronze surfboards that share some of the details and images of the location, such as this marker near Fort DeRussey Beach, which was once the Kalia Fishponds. The photos can help you envision the past. Guided tours along the trail are also offered in two sections, Monday through Saturday from 9 to 11.

Most museums in Honolulu have a fee, but a few are among the free things to do in Oahu. Be aware that the hours are sometimes limited.

• The Honolulu Fire Museum and Education Center showcases the award winning fire department and its methods in the 1928 fire station. Admission is free, but it is only open the third Saturday of the month from 9:00 to 2:00.
• The Lucoral Museum features rocks and minerals from the sea, and the volcanic island, and has exhibits on endangered plants and animals of the island.

At 4:00 every Friday members of Waikiki Yacht Club gather at their headquarters in Ali Wai Harbor for traditional races. You can get a shoreside view from Ala Moana Park, Fort DeRussy Park, Magic Island, or the west end of Waikiki Beach. The races are offer a lot of fun, and may be one of the most exciting free things to do in Oahu.

For many people pineapple automatically comes to mind when they think of Hawaii, and Hawaii automatically comes to mind when they think of pineapple. That is no surprise as it was here on Oahu that John Dole brought his vision of pineapple availability around the world to fruition (lol.) The Dole empire included not only the plantation that everyone knows about, but also a huge cannery facility near downtown Honolulu. Today that cannery facility has taken on new purpose as an office and retail space (which includes Home Depot, Costco and Best Buy,) and the Regal Dole Cannery Theater. Although we aren’t interested in the stores or theaters, we recommend taking a walk through the facility to see the interesting exhibits and memorabilia from the cannery glory days.

The people of Japan have been part of the Hawaiian culture for as long as westerners have Even today, Japanese visitors to the island are as common as American visitors, and there is a large Japanese population living on the island. The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii shares this long history, and includes a Community and Historical Gallery, Resource Center, Kenshikan martial arts dōjō, Seikōan Japanese teahouse and Gift Shop While not every exhibit at the is free, the exhibits about the Honouliuli Internment Center are. They offer free educational tours in conjunction with the US National Park Service. Honouliuli was the longest running WWII detention camp on the Hawaiian islands, and will open as a a National Historic Site soon.

The Brewseum is very much a one of a kind place in the world. It started as a small brew house for local beer, Home of the Brave Brewing. The owners had the vision of telling the story of beer in Hawaii, and the history exhibits and experiences grew into the Brewseum. Later they partnered with a variety of military organizations, and also incorporated WWII memorabilia in a hands on, very fun way, adding the Home of the Brave Museum. You can learn all of this history in one of the most enjoyable learning experiences you will ever have, and follow it with a home brewed beer upstairs in the Wiki Waki Speakeasy.

Hawaii is the only state in the US that has a state operated art museum. Although not traditional, we think it is one of the finest free things to do in Oahu. The museum features several exhibit halls with various themed displays from Hawaiian artists, and those around the world inside, and a sculpture garden with a reflecting pool outside. The Hawaii State Art Museum is open Mondays to Saturdays from 10:00 to 4:00, and entrance is always free.

The Honolulu Museum of Art features a more world-wide and historic collection. It is generally not free, but the third Sunday of the month admission is free from 10:00 to 4:30. The Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts also features free exhibits by local artists and students throughout its public buildings. Admission is free Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 04:30.

The Hawaiian people love a good celebration, and Oahu has a fair share of festivals throughout the year. If you time your visit right, you might get to participate. Often they include parades, hula competitions, ukulele performances, and any number of other festivities. Ones we know about: Honolulu Festival , Prince Kuhio Day , King Kamehameha Celebration , Prince Lot Hula Festival, Aloha Festivals , Waikiki Spam Jam , and the Pan-Pacific Festival.

Perhaps military history is the last thing on your mind when visiting Oahu, however, the Hawaiian islands not only have and intriguing political and battle history as the Kingdom of Hawaii, they have also been a stronghold of the US military because of their strategic location. You can learn about both for free at the Hawaii Army Museum , located in Fort DeRussy Park, at the far western end of Waikiki Beach.

Often called the Punchbowl, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific lies in a dormant volcano crater overlooking Honolulu. The remains of over 13,000 soldiers lost in the Pacific during WWII are interred, and there are honorary markers for soldiers lost in the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor. Over 74 memorials donated by various organizations and governments from around the world honor soldiers of 4 wars, WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam. The Punchbowl surrounded by stunning views, making it a stunning and serene place to honor our soldiers.

For us this was the one absolute must do of all the free things to do in Oahu. Obviously as an American, this was an important experience, so it may not be such a priority for those from other countries. I won’t go into a lot of detail here, except to say it is quite sobering to see the USS Arizona beneath the waters.

A Few Cheap Things to do in Oahu

Drive to the interior of the crater, and see the military history sites, or make the strenuous but scenic hike to the top to see this stunning view. Cost is $5.00 per carload, or $1.00 per person.

Named by National Geographic as one of the 20 most beautiful Buddhist Temples in the world, Byodo-In is one of the most stunning and peaceful locations on Oahu. It has been featured in episode plots of Hawaii 5-0, Magnum P.I. and Lost. There are lush surrounding gardens, a reflection pond, and quiet meditation areas. Entrance is $5.00 per adult, and $2.00 for children. Guided tours are also available.

A University of Hawaii research unit, Lyon Arboretum is a series of gardens with an emphasis on trees, and native Hawaiian growing, although there is an herb and spice garden, as well as some memorial garden areas. Hiking trails lead through the various tree growing areas, for an all around stunning, and educational experience. Technically, the Arboretum is free, but a $5.00 donation is suggested.

One of the most beautiful bays on the island, Hanauma Bay has been featured as the setting in several movies over the decades. It offers the perfect beach to swim with quiet water, and an ideal snorkeling environment. As it gains in popularity, prices are increasing, at $7.50 per person now, which is up $2.00 since we visited. This does not include snorkeling gear, if you don’t have your own. Be sure to check before going.

For a $5.50 day pass you can ride the Windward Coast. Lanai Lookout, the Lava Tube, Halona Blowhole, Sandy Beach and Makapu’u Lookout, Lighthouse and Tide Pools.

We hope our Oahu Budget Guide has you thinking that maybe you can visit Hawaii! You can definitely visit Oahu on a budget, and you can most certainly find enough free things to do in Oahu to fill your entire itinerary. It is time to start planning!

Don’t keep this Oahu Budget Guide to yourself! Your friends want to enjoy the free t hings to do in Oahu too!

Be Sure to PIN IT!

Want more Hawaii??

If this Oahu Budget Guide and Free Things to do in Oahu has left you wanting more Hawaii, don’t despair. We have a load of other Hawaii stories and information. We truly want your Hawaiian vacation to be the trip you have always dreamed of. Here are some other options:

• A Week in Oahu- a 7 Day Oahu Itinerary
• Fabulous Things to do in North Shore
• How to Visit Pearl Harbor Without a Tour – COMING SOON!
• The Big Island Budget Guide
• A Big Island 3 Day Road Trip
• A Big Island 5 Day Itinerar y
• A Fabulous 5 Days in Maui – A Maui 5 Day Itinerary
• Cruising in Kuaui
• The Scenery of Waimea Canyon- Grand Canyon of the Pacific
• A NaPali Coast Boat Tour
• A Fabulous 5 Days in Kauai – A Kauai 5 Day Itinerary – COMING SOON!
• A Lifelong Dream and a Dying Wish (a narrative about getting our friend Sue to Hawaii when she was terminally ill.)

About the Author

You know me, FoxyRoxyK, the founder of Gypsy With a Day Job, with the red hair. I didn’t make it to Hawaii until I was 50 years old, and fear of the budget was one of the big reasons! I don’t want you to wait to make your travel dreams come true, so if you dream of Hawaii, and our stories don’t give you the info that you need, let us know. We will try to get it for you!

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16 Best Places to Stay in Oahu for Any Budget

Are you planning a trip to oahu and want to know all the best places to stay in oahu keep scrolling to find out how to choose the best oahu hotels for any budget., this post about how to find the best places to stay in oahu hawaii was written by hawaii travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

Are you looking for the perfect Oahu hotel?

Choosing the best Oahu hotel for your budget can be a daunting task. There are so many incredible Oahu Hawaii places to stay and choose from, but how do you know which one is right for you?

You’re in luck! I’m going to help you find the best places to stay on Oahu based on your budget. Whether you want luxury resorts, mid-range hotels, vacation rentals, or something more budget-friendly, there are plenty of options to choose from on Oahu.

In this blog post, I’ll break down each category and give my recommendations so that by the end of it all, you can be confident that you found the best Oahu best places to stay for your vacation!

You can use my guide below as a starting point and then dig deeper into each resort’s website if it sounds like something that would interest you. If not – no worries! Just keep reading until we get through them all!

By the end, I’m sure you will find the best part of Oahu to stay for your budget and family. Ready? Let’s go!

Don’t have time to read a bunch of Hawaii blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting Oahu.

Popular Oahu Tours/Activities

• Kualoa Ranch UTV Tour (this is a fun adventure with the prettiest views)
• Full Pearl Harbor Tour (this is the BEST way to do everything at Pearl Harbor)
• Hawaii Bucket List Tour (you get to pick where you stop on this custom Oahu Circle Island tour)
• Toa Luau (this is my all-time favorite Oahu luau)
• CLIMB Works Ziplining (this is the longest zipline on Oahu)
• Book a Photo Shoot (this is a Hawaii souvenir you’ll treasure forever)

Favorite Oahu Resorts/Hotels

• Hilton Hawaiian Village (this is our favorite Waikiki resort because of the amazing pool area and nearby restaurants)
• Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa (this is a splurge that is totally worth it)
• Royal Hawaiian Hotel (this is a luxury resort in Waikiki that is pink and gorgeous)

Want to Rent a Car in Hawaii? One of the best places to rent a car in Hawaii is Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they get the best rates from top national companies like Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Payless.

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

What to Consider When Looking for a Hotel for Your Oahu Vacation

If you’re planning to travel to Oahu on vacation, the first things you will likely look for are hotel prices.

Hawaii itself is such a popular destination that hotels and vacation homes are everywhere. This means you will have to figure out what you want in a place before you book.

You may want to consider the size of the room itself and features such as kitchens or refrigerators. And you will absolutely want to consider the location and convenience of the sights you wish to see.

But, above all, you will want to focus on the price of these accommodations, especially if you are traveling on a fixed budget.

In this article, we will discuss several hotel options for every price range so you can  plan the Hawaii vacation  of your dreams, without breaking your budget.

You will see all the best places to stay in Oahu on a budget, including the cheapest places to stay in Honolulu and some of the best places to stay in Oahu for families who have a bigger budget for a luxury hotel or resort.

Average Nightly Price in Oahu

The average nightly price of hotels in Oahu will vary by your choice of stay, which could be between under 150 dollars a night to well over 300 dollars a night. It just depends on your personal budget.

Among these costs are also costs of activities and food on the island, which are another big factor in the cost of a vacation. So your trip’s nightly price will vary by your choice of stay and your choice of activities.

Many options, such as the beach and parks, may not charge for anything except parking.

However, luxurious spas, scuba options, and other outdoor activity rentals will cost more.

Be sure to check out this guide on  105 tips for Hawaii on a budget to help you plan a trip that is full of fun, sun, and leftover cash.

Which Side of Oahu has the Best Beaches?

The  North Shore  and the South Shore contain the most popular beaches in Oahu for tourist locations,  surfing , and city life.

The West and East shore beaches are also  beautiful  but may not have as many swells for surfing and reefs for sightseeing.

Usually, the best area to stay in Oahu is closest to the beach you want to visit.

Amenities You Can’t Live Without

When planning on booking your place, it is up to you to make a list of amenities you know you will need.

For example, if you don’t want to order takeout every night, you may want a space to grill. Or you might want to have a microwave to  cook a quick meal .

If you go in the heat of summer, you may find that air conditioning is an essential amenity for you. And you may want to have access to a concierge, taxi service, or shuttle.

Many of the Honolulu cheap stays won’t offer these amenities, so be sure to consider if it’s worth it for a little extra cost to have more amenities for your family vacation to the Hawaiian islands.

Book a Family Photo Shoot

Whenever we travel to Hawaii, we almost always book a family photo shoot with Flytographer. They are super easy, affordable, AND it guarantees that I’ll be in some photos. You can get $25 off if you book through this link or use the code HAWAIITRAVEL.

Where to Stay on Oahu on a Budget ($150 or Less a Night) 

If you are wondering where to stay in Honolulu, Hawaii which is very budget-friendly, here are some of the cheap stays in Honolulu and all over the island.

Luana Waikiki Hotel & Suites

This hotel  is a wonderful budget option for those traveling to Oahu, as it offers close proximity to Waikiki Beach, a nearby park, heated swimming pools, sun decks, outdoor grills, and a gym! It is the cheapest hotel in Waikiki Hawaii that offers some pretty good amenities.

Among these amenities, it also includes air conditioning, ocean views, babysitting on-site, balconies, and a kitchenette in the room.

It’s also one of the cheapest hotels in Honolulu that you’d actually want to stay at.  Check latest prices and more information.

Coconut Waikiki Hotel

The Coconut Waikiki Hotel  places you right in the city, with beautiful city views, convenient distances from shopping centers, and the beach, and 24-hour coffee services in the hotel. It is another one of the top cheapest hotels in Waikiki Beach to enjoy!

The hotel offers guests a pool, board games, air conditioning, and free breakfast! This is the cheapest hotel in Oahu, Hawaii that has everything you could need for your stay in Oahu.  Check latest prices and more information .

Shoreline Hotel Waikiki

A hotel that has tropical flair,   the Shoreline  is a popular budget traveler’s destination. Located close to Waikiki Beach, it has its own valet and taxi service to get you where you’d like to go in no time. You will also be close to the Honolulu Zoo and Diamond Head Crater.

The rooms are bright and welcoming, to give a nice tropical atmosphere while you relax. The hotel has a local organic café available to hotel guests, a pool, and hiking trails.

The rooms themselves have air conditioning, refrigerators, and a private balcony.  Check latest prices and more information.

It is another one of the budget-friendly places to stay Honolulu has to offer.

Pagoda Hotel

Boasting gorgeous Japanese architecture mixed with modern stylings,  the Pagoda Hotel  is one of the most interesting budget options for travelers. This hotel offers a swimming pool, salon, and floating restaurant!

The rooms include TV, refrigerator, microwave, and air conditioning. The floating restaurant allows you to take in the scenery of the hotel including a koi pond, waterfalls, and a Japanese garden.

It’s one of the best hotels in Honolulu Hawaii that is close to the city’s attractions and nearby beaches.  Check latest prices and more information .

Aston at the Waikiki Banyan

This hotel  may surprise travelers as a budget option because it contains all suites, which are styled as condominiums. It’s the cheapest hotel in Waikiki that is perfect for families.

This is a piece of luxury without breaking the bank, as the hotel includes a coffee shop, sauna, spa, and pool.

Plus, they have a specified children’s play area. You can also utilize the expansive outdoor hotel areas to grill with your family. It truly is the best place to stay in Honolulu for families.

The suites can accommodate 5 additional guests at no additional cost, so you can bring the whole family!

The rooms have all standard amenities, plus views of the ocean or the mountainside.  Check latest prices and more information .

It truly is another one of the hidden gems to stay in Oahu you’ll love.

Mid-Range Places to Stay on Oahu ($150-$300 a Night)

Here are some more of the best hotels to stay in Oahu that are not as cheap as the ones before, but are still great options. They offer some of the best hotels in Honolulu for couples and families!

Queen Kapiolani Hotel

This hotel  is located near all of the popular attractions in downtown Honolulu, such as the famous beach, the  Honolulu Zoo , Kapiolani Park, and the Waikiki Aquarium. It is also not too far from Diamond Head.

The hotel offers restaurants that can make special meals for your dietary restrictions, a pool, evening entertainment, and yoga classes.  Read my full Queen Kapiolani hotel review .

The rooms offer a dining area, private bathrooms, a private balcony, and soundproof rooms. It’s a great way to be secluded from other guests. It is the best place to stay in Oahu for couples for a babymoon !

This hotel gives guests the convenience of being near everything fun in the city and the peace of mind that their sleep at night won’t be interrupted.  Check latest prices and more information .

Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort

This amazing hotel is located right on the beach, so you won’t have to travel far at all to experience this popular Hawaiian destination. It is the best place to stay in Waikiki for either a romantic getaway or for your family Hawaiian vacation.

This location prides itself on hospitality and great service. So you should be all set with any questions you may have.

Outrigger Reef also gives guests access to local activities, DIY crafts, live music at their grill, and much more! It is definitely a great choice for those who still want something to do once they return to their hotel for the night.

It’s also one of the best resorts in Waikiki for listening to live Hawaiian music. And it was completely renovated in May 2022.  Check latest prices and more information.

It is the best best place to stay on Waikiki Beach that offers fancy restaurants and dining options, an outdoor pool, a hot tub, a fitness center, and so much more!

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

Located a short walk from Kahanamoku Beach, you can just step outside of  the hotel  and have a beach adventure. This is one of the best hotels in Waikiki for families and multi-generational travel.

If you’d rather enjoy the amenities of the hotel then you can use the water slide in one of their five swimming pools. Or you can even swim under the waterfalls.  Read my full  Hilton Hawaiian Village review.

There is also a bar you can indulge in and a play area specifically for children so they can enjoy the outdoors while you relax.

They offer suites and family rooms, so no matter who you bring along, they will be comfortable. It’s definitely one of the best resorts in Honolulu for people who want a no-stress vacation.  Check latest prices and more information .

It is the nicest hotel on Oahu for families to enjoy within a decent price range.

Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites

Located on the Ala Wai Yacht Marina,  this beachfront hotel offers views and a walk to the beach that you and your family can make without having to get a taxi or rental car.

It’s one of the best places to stay in Honolulu if you want easy access to Ala Moana Center as well as  Waikiki attractions . Having Ala Moana Beach Park close by is so nice! It’s another one of the top Honolulu places to stay.

If you enjoy  Hawaii Five-O  you may recognize this hotel from the show. It appears in the opening sequence, another fun tidbit about this stay.

The Ilikai also offers extra spacious rooms with expansive outdoor porches.  Check latest prices and more information .

It is one of the nice hotels Honolulu offers close to the beautiful white sand beaches and plenty of shopping and dining options too!

The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club

This stay   doubles as a cultural hub of the popular destinations in Oahu such as Chinatown, Kaka’ako, and Downtown Honolulu. This stay is in close proximity to these unique and exciting slices of the island’s culture.

If you love learning about the culture and art here, this is the best area to stay in Honolulu.

The hotel itself even has a swim club that shares cultural programs and events. There’s also a trendy bar attached. That’s part of why it’s one of the best hotels in Oahu for couples.

If you want accommodations that connect you to the heart of Oahu’s most interesting and diverse cultures then this is the perfect choice for you.  Check latest prices and more information .

It is the best place to stay in Honolulu Hawaii if you want to be close to cultural sites.

Best Luxury Hotels on Oahu ($300+ a Night)

If you want to have a luxury accommodation, here are some of the best places to stay in Oahu, North Shore, Waikiki, Ko Olina, and so much more!

Turtle Bay Resort

Turtle Bay Resort  is the crown jewel of Kahuku, Oahu and it offers many activities and sights to see on the  North Shore  of the island. It’s also one of the top Oahu luxury hotels.

This is the location of many famous surfing tournaments and is a great choice for those who wish to rent kayaks, scuba gear, or try their hand at any other beach activities.

It’s also one of the  best resorts in Oahu for families  because of all the activities. This high-end resort is perfect for a tropical getaway for couples and families.

The resort itself gives guests plenty of accommodations to make sure their days are filled with variety and adventure.

They offer a golf course, horseback riding, spas, surfing equipment, and even helicopter tours!  Check latest prices and more information .

While you won’t be close to fancy shopping centers, Turtle Bay offers the best luxury hotel on the North Shore of Oahu. You will be close to the Polynesian Cultural Center, Laniakea Beach to see the sea turtles, Sunset Beach, and some of the best food trucks on the entire island.

For one of the best places to stay North Shore Oahu, you will love Turtle Bay. If you want to get away from the major hotels, luxury seekers will Turtle Bay Resort!

Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa

Disney’s Aulani Resort  is one of the best hotels in Oahu for families looking for a full resort vacation. They offer character meet and greets, a fabulous  Laniwai Spa , Disney pool parties, an  on-site luau , and a complimentary kids club.

This is also one of the most unique places to stay in Oahu. I mean, you can’t have  breakfast with Mickey  anywhere else in Hawaii!  Check latest prices and more information .

From the private beach to lazy river, private lagoon, surf lessons, a stunning pool especially for kids, Disney Aulani Resort is one of the best places to stay with your kids!

Aston Waikiki Beach Tower

This condominium option  offers its guests many features such as barbeque stations outside, fitness centers, swimming pools, and cabanas. This beachfront stay gives beautiful ocean views and city views.

Aston Waikiki is close to all of your shopping, dining, and popular city attractions. It’s one of the top hotels in Honolulu for families looking for a great condo option.  Check latest prices and more information.

You will find a spacious room at this hotel located in central Waikiki, making it another one of the best hotels to stay in Waikiki for families.

The Royal Hawaiian

The Royal Hawaiian  boutique hotel is a very interesting choice for travelers as it offers multilingual staff, a Japanese concierge, and many cultural activities.

This is a wonderful accommodation for those who may be traveling from other countries or who do not speak English as their first language, because they have many helpful services for multilingual guests.

Also called the “pink palace,” this is hands-down one of the best hotels on Waikiki Beach. It’s super Instagrammable and it’s gorgeous. It’s also one of the top Honolulu luxury hotels.

They also have a doctor who is on call, a currency exchange service, a florist, and 24-hour room service. This is a very inclusive option and it covers any need that could arise on your travels.  Check latest prices and more information.

If you want to be close to the Iolani Palace, Diamond Head, the largest outdoor shopping mall, pristine beaches, the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, you will love the hotel rooms here!

Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club

Located about 30 minutes away from Honolulu, in Kapolei,  the Ko Olina Beach Club is a gated community resort that offers picturesque views of the ocean just steps from the door and is located within walking distance of a lagoon, you will have no shortage of beach time from this stay.

These villas also offer a full kitchen so you don’t have to eat out every night, however, they also have a state-of-the-art restaurant for when you do want a night out.

The villas also include washers and dryers so you don’t have to worry about soggy and sandy clothes getting packed up in your suitcase.  Check latest prices and more information .

It is also close to a golf course, has a fitness center, and so much more!

Alohilani Resort

This unique stay  contains a 280,000-gallon oceanarium full of tropical Hawaiian sea life that you can see in the resort lobby.

If that isn’t enough for you, they also host famous Iron Chef Morimoto to serve their guests, so the food and experience will be one to look out for.  Read my full Alohilani Resort review  HERE .

The resort has a saltwater infinity pool for those who may not want to visit the beach at night, and there is a spa, salon, and taxi service so you can get wherever you would like to go from the resort.

The beautiful modern cabana-style of the outdoor areas will have you lounging in the sun or drinking poolside well into the night. This is one of the top hotels in Oahu for  honeymoons  and graduation trips.  Check latest prices and more information .

Where to Stay Oahu FAQs

For hotels right on Waikiki Beach (instead of several blocks away), my top picks are the  Royal Hawaiian Hotel  and the  Hilton Hawaiian Village . There’s also the  Alohilani Hotel  which is just across the street from Waikiki Beach.

My top picks for Honolulu family resorts include the  Hilton Hawaiian Village ,  Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach , and the  Kahala Res ort . These all have amazing pool areas, on-site dining and shopping, and fun kid’s activities for the whole family.

Honolulu has some really cool boutique hotels like the  Surfjack   Hotel ,  Queen Kapiolani   Hotel , the  Alohilani Hotel , and the  Royal Hawaiian Hotel . Each of these hotels in Honolulu offers unique amenities that will take your trip to the next level. Plus, they are some of the best affordable hotels Honolulu has to offer!

Oahu is a great island to visit for your first trip to Hawaii. There are plenty of great tourist attractions, like the Polynesian Cultural Center, Diamond Head Crater, the famous Waikiki Beach, and many more. Plus, there are so many Oahu places to stay for all budgets too!

There are so many incredible places to stay on Oahu, Hawaii, but some of the nicest include Ko Olina, North Shore, and in Waikiki. The North Shore is one of the best places to stay in Oahu not Waikiki, that offers Turtle Bay and a few other spots. Ko Olina is not one of the cheap places to stay Oahu offers and has many luxury resorts to choose from. Some of the cheapest hotels in Honolulu, Hawaii are in Waikiki too!

No Matter Your Budget There is a Hotel Resort Perfect For You in Oahu

So, now that you have all the options for every price point, you are sure to be able to plan the Oahu vacation you’ve been patiently waiting for!

From Honolulu family hotels to the best hotels in Waikiki for couples, we’ve got you covered.

Whether you are on a strict budget or are looking to splurge a little, there is enough variety here to make sure your stay has everything you want and more. 

Looking for more  Oahu travel resources ? Find out the best  things to know about Oahu before you go ,  how many days on Oahu ,  best areas to stay on Oahu ,  should you rent a Hawaii cabana ,  Waikiki hotels with kitchens , guide to  North Shore Oahu ,  how to visit Oahu on a budget , Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach review ,  how to rent a car in Hawaii ,  and the  best Oahu luaus  worth booking.

4 Easy Ways to Have A Budget Friendly Hawaii Honeymoon

M any couples dream of having an amazing honeymoon in Hawaii, but they’re worried about the cost. Fortunately, there are plenty of approaches that can help ensure that your trip is fantastic without breaking the bank. Here are four easy ways to have a budget-friendly Hawaii honeymoon.

1. Visit During the Slow Season

The weather in Hawaii is typically amazing all year round, so you don’t have to worry about timing your honeymoon to avoid challenging conditions. Since that’s the case, you can plan your trip during the times of year when there are fewer tourists.

Usually, March through May (aside from during Spring break) isn’t as popular with tourists heading to Hawaii. Similarly, October through mid-December is a low season.

Visiting Hawaii during the slow season is helpful for several reasons. First, fewer tourists mean it’s often easier to see various attractions without large crowds. Second, the price of airfare, accommodations, and rental cars is usually lower, resulting in opportunities to save.

2. Don’t Island Hop

Island hopping may seem like an attractive option, but it will undeniably cost more than if you pick one island and remain there. Plus, it means you’ll spend a lot of time traveling between destinations instead of having fun and exploring, which isn’t always ideal.

Typically, to get between the islands, you have to fly. Ferry service is only available between Maui and Lanai. So, along with paying for flights, you’ll have to deal with TSA check-ins and other hassles every time.

Instead, pick a single island and enjoy everything it has to offer. Along with saving money, it means you can avoid some unnecessary travel stress, which is also beneficial.

3. Eat Locally Sourced Cuisine

Dining out in Hawaii is often expensive, but the prices are even higher if you are eating meals featuring non-local ingredients. The cost of delivering these ingredients to Hawaii is usually higher than in the continental US, and the increased expense is passed on to diners.

By eating locally sourced cuisine, you’re potentially avoiding some of the increased costs associated with bringing ingredients to the islands. As a result, it’s easier to stay within budget.

Another tip is to dine out for lunch instead of dinner. Lunch prices are usually lower, but the food is just as delectable. Plus, it allows you to fully enjoy the ocean views offered by many restaurants, as they aren’t as easy to see once the sun sets.

4. Consider a Vacation Rental

When you’re looking for accommodations in Hawaii, you’re going to find a lot of higher-priced resorts. If you want to keep your costs down, consider going with a vacation rental instead. Along with potentially paying less per night, vacation rentals may come with other benefits. For example, a full kitchen lets you cook some of your meals, which is helpful if you want to keep control of your food budget.

Vacation rentals may also offer more privacy, especially if you go with a whole-house option. With some of those, you may even get access to a private pool or other amenities, meaning you won’t be competing with other tourists to use them.

Do you have any other tips that can help couples have a budget-friendly Hawaii honeymoon? Do you know of other lower-cost destinations that could work well as an alternative to Hawaii? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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