what does it cost to visit hawaii

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How Much Does a Trip to Hawaii Cost?

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

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

Estimated Hawaii trip cost

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

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

Here are the hypotheticals:

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

Round-trip flights for four from Los Angeles.

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

We used three property types to assess price estimates:

A beachfront four-star resort: Hilton Hawaiian Village. 

A three-star hotel: Holiday Inn Express Waikiki. 

A condo: Various Waikiki units on Vrbo.com.

Totals include resort fees :

$50 per night at the four-star resort.

$29.49 per night at the three-star hotel.

All management and cleaning fees at the condo units.

Totals include parking costs of:

$68.06 per day at the four-star resort.

$45 per day at the three-star hotel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Economy rental car reserved through DiscountHawaiiCarRental.com or Turo .

$5-a-day tip for housekeepers .

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

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

10-night trip, peak summer travel season

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

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

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

Seven-night trip, shoulder season

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

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

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

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

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

How to cut your Hawaii vacation costs

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

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

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

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

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

» Learn more: The cheapest rental car companies

Eat cheaper

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

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

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

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

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

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

Consider a condo

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

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

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

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

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

Pay with points and miles

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

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

The Cheapest Ways to Fly to Hawaii Using Travel Rewards .

How to Travel to Honolulu on Points and Miles .

Where to Stay in Waikiki With Hotel Points .

How to Visit Hawaii On a Budget .

The Best Oahu Hotels Without Resort Fees .

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

If you want to go to Hawaii

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

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

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

How to maximize your rewards

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

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

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

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

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

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

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

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

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

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

on Capital One's website

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

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

• Travel Planning Guide

Travel Budget for Hawaii Visit Hawaii on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Hawaii Costs

• Hawaii Hotel Prices
• Cities in Hawaii Hotel Prices
• Best Hotels for One Night in Hawaii
• Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Hawaii
• Best Beach Hotels in Hawaii
• Best Cheap Hotels in Hawaii
• Best Luxury Hotels in Hawaii
• Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Hawaii
• Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in Hawaii
• Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in Hawaii
• Best Hotels for One Week in Hawaii
• Best Adults Only Hotels in Hawaii
• Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in Hawaii
• Best Hotels for Scuba Diving in Hawaii
• Best Business Hotels in Hawaii
• Is Hawaii Expensive?
• How much does a trip to Hawaii cost?
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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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Lists by Lukiih 🍀

Practical travel guides with less fluff

• 💰 My 2024 Hawaii Trip Cost: A Budget Breakdown

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

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

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

Hawaii Trip Planner

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

Is Hawaii Expensive To Travel To?

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

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

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

🏝️ Is Hawaii Cheaper Than Puerto Rico for Vacation?

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

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

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

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

How Much Is a Trip to Hawaii?

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

🎒 Budget Traveler – Hawaii Trip Cost

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

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

Traveling Hawaii on a Budget

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

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

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

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

💰 Mid-Range Budget Traveler – Hawaii Trip Cost

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

About My Hawaii Trip

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

• Maui : 8 days
• Big Island : 4 days

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Trip’s Total Cost: $2,761

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

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

💰 Cost Breakdown for Hawaii

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

🗓️ Daily Budget in Hawaii: $209

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

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

✈️ Flight Cost to Hawaii: $225

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

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

🏠 Accommodation Cost in Hawaii: $1,667

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

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

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

🍛 Food Cost in Hawaii: $315

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

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

Cheapest Meals in Hawaii

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

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

Most Expensive Meals in Hawaii

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

🚙 Transportation Cost in Hawaii: $508

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

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

Expected Costs of Transportation in Hawaii

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

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

🤿 Entertainment Cost in Hawaii: $46

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

Costs of Activities and Attractions in Hawaii

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

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

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

Free Things To Do in Hawaii

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

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

🏝️ Free Things To Do on Maui

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

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

🐢 Free Things To Do on the Big Island

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Island in Hawaii

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

🏖️ Maui Trip’s Total Cost: $1,890

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

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

See great things to do on Maui .

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

🤿 Big Island Trip’s Total Cost: $862

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

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

Check out great things to do on the Big Island .

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

Do You Need Cash in Hawaii?

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

Below are tips on bringing and using cash in Hawaii.

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

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

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

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

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

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

💰 3. Tipping is customary in Hawaii.

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

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

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

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

Thoughts? Questions? Leave a comment below .

Hawaii Travel Guides

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

Lists by Lukiih is Readers-Supported

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

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

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

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

The Cheapest Times to Visit Hawaii

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

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

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

Average Hawaii Trip Costs

Average solo traveler.

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

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

Flights : $545 to $1,347 for economy

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

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

Average Couple’s Trip

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

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

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

Average Family Vacation

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

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

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

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

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

Traveling Cheap to Hawaii

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

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

Budget Solo Traveler

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

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

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

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

Budget Couple’s Trip

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

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

Budget Family Vacation

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

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

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

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

Overall it is very difficult to travel to Hawaii cheaply.

The Cost of a Luxury Hawaii Trip

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

Luxury Solo Traveler

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

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

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

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

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

Luxury Couple’s Trip

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

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

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

Luxury Family Vacation

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Hotel Prices

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

Hawaii Lodging Cost by Star Status

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

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

Vacation Rental Prices

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

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

Flight Costs to Hawaii

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

Average Flight Cost by Season

Average flight cost by day of week.

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

Daily Expenses Budget

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

Other Hawaii Guides

Travel costs nearby.

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

Travel Costs in Popular Places

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Budget Assumptions

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

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

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

Cost of Airfare to Hawaii

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Total airfare cost: $3,840

Cost of Accommodations in Hawaii

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Total Accommodation Cost: $7,000 for 10 nights

Transportation costs in Hawaii

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

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

Check car rental prices on Kayak

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

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

Total Car Rental/Transportation Cost: $950

Food Costs in Hawaii

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

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

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

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

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

Total Food Cost: $2,500

Tours and Activity Costs

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

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

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

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

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

Total Activity Cost: $2,400

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

Total Cost for a 10-day Trip to Hawaii

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

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

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

Let’s recap the Hawaii budget breakdown:

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

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

PIN THIS FOR LATER

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

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

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Publish Date: November 27, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii trip costs

Accommodation costs in hawaii.

• Food costs in Hawaii

Rental car costs in Hawaii

Activity costs in hawaii, flights to hawaii.

• Misc costs in Hawaii

Money-saving tips for Hawaii

Is hawaii expensive .

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

Accommodation is expensive .

Gas is expensive.

Rental cars are expensive.

Food is expensive.

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

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

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

How much does a Hawaii trip cost?

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

So which is the most expensive island?

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

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

Average costs in Hawaii

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Food costs in Hawaii 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cost of gas

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

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

Money-saving tips for rental cars in Hawaii

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Splurge-worthy experiences

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

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

Free or cheap activities:

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

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

Money-saving tips for flights to Hawaii: 

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

When is the cheapest time to fly to Hawaii?

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

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

Flights between the Hawaiian islands

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

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

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

Miscellaneous costs in Hawaii

Plan on buying souvenirs? 

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

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

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

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

1. Compare hotels and Airbnbs

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

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

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

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

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

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

Budget tips when choosing accommodation in Hawaii:

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

2. Save money on food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Shop around for a rental car deal 

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

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

Compare prices:

• Discount Hawaii Car Rental

4. Enjoy lots of free activities

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

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

5. Set a budget & track your expenses

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

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

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

6. Don’t forget the essentials

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

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

Are you planning a trip to Hawaii?

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

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

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We want to hear from you!

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

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

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

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

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

• January 10, 2023
• Destinations Travel Tips

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

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

Table of Contents

Average Trip to Hawaii Cost

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

This total average cost breaks down as follows:

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

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

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

Hawaii Travel Costs ($460 to $875)

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

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

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

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

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

Accommodation ($50 to $500 Per Night)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cost of Hawaiian Vacation Activities

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

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

Here are some average costs of various Hawaii activities:

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

Attraction Parking Fees

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

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

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

The Cheapest Times to Visit Hawaii

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

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

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

5 Tips to Save Money on Your Hawaiian Vacation

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

Go During the Best Time of Year

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

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

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

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

Compare Flight Costs

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

Do Free Activities & Create Your Own DIY Tours

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

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

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

• Islands of Oahu

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

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

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

Check Discount Sites

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

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

Parting Advice on Hawaii Vacations

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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What does it cost to visit Hawaii?

We are all about planning, but a budget comes first. In fact, your Hawaiian vacation budget will actually dictate a lot of your planning. So, there’s no planning without a budget. 

But the costs of a Hawaiian vacation remain shrouded in mystery. There are rumors floating around that say the cost of food is sky high, that a drink will run you as much as a mainland meal and that there are surprise fees waiting for you at the check-in desk of those Hawaiian resorts. 

Some of these rumors are based in reality and are partially true, but we’re here to dispel the myths to set the record straight. Once you have a clear picture of the costs associated with your dream Hawaiian vacation, then you can begin to plan. And planning is half the fun. It gives you something to look forward to as you endure cold weather on the mainland. 

Round-trip Airfare $300-$900 

To put Hawaii’s distance into perspective, Tokyo is only eight hours from Honolulu and Sydney, Australia is 10 hours away. That puts the Asian and Australian continents closer to Hawaii than cities like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. 

This distance explains Hawaii’s steep airfare. Plus, airlines flying to Hawaii are under increased scrutiny from the federal government. The planes must be inspected on a regular basis, and the airlines are subjected to further licensing due to the over-water nature of the flights. There are no airports for emergency landings between the west coast of the mainland and Hawaii, so pilots have to be specially trained and the planes have to be in tip-top shape. These regulations cost the airlines extra money, and those costs are passed on to you.

A good price for a round-trip flight from the east coast runs from $600 to $900. Flights from the west coast are a bit cheaper at $300 to $600. But there are a few tricks that can help you save big on your flights to Hawaii.

How to Save on Airfare

You’ll want to block off this period of time at least two months out into the future, and you should start scanning the internet for deals at least 70 days beforehand. 

You’ll notice that flights are generally cheaper on off-days, such as Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so you might want to look at booking a Tuesday-to-Tuesday vacation. Let the rest of the world pay sky-high airfare for the more crowded Friday, Sunday and Monday flights.

Choosing when to visit the islands will also have a big impact on airfare. Hawaii is busiest during school breaks which include Christmas, New Year’s, Easter and the entire summer. But flights tend to be much cheaper in the low season and during the winter or “rainy” season. If you’re looking for cheap airfare, book flights in September, October, the end of January or February. You might also find good fares in April or May.

And don’t be afraid of the “ rainy” season . It’s only a few degrees cooler than summertime, and the rains can be quite refreshing. The mornings are usually beautiful during the rainy season, and then the humidity builds throughout the day. The humidity breaks in the afternoon with a quick rain shower, which usually creates a rainbow, and then Hawaii’s beautiful weather returns soon after. 

The most noticeable difference between Hawaii’s two seasons -- dry summer and “rainy” winter -- is the surf. The waves tend to get pretty big during the wintertime, but there are many protected beaches to enjoy, and it’s always a thrill to watch the surfers challenge the big waves. Plus, you get to enjoy the humpback whales breaching in the ocean for the breeding season between January and March.

How To Take Advantage of the 24-hour Free-cancellation Window

If you find a better flight within 24 hours, then book the new flight. After booking the new flight, cancel your previously booked flight for a full refund. Airlines usually allow you to manage your bookings online, or you can simply call your airline to cancel your flight over the phone. Then the 24-hour window starts again on your new booking. Continue hunting for the best price until your 24-hour window closes and you’re locked in.

This applies to all airlines operating in the United States except for Southwest Airlines. Southwest Airlines operates on much more customer-friendly terms.

The Southwest Game-changer

You’re able to fly to Lihue (Kauai), Honolulu (Oahu), Kahului (Maui) and Kona (Hawaii) from the California cities of Oakland, San Diego, Sacramento and San Jose on the low-cost carrier. The airline’s entry into the market is a game-changer for vacation planners because Southwest offers unparalleled flexibility, and a fare war has begun.

Southwest is a customer-friendly airline that offers each flier two free checked bags, and no change or cancels fees. Here’s how to use the customer-friendly airline to your advantage.

How to Use Southwest to Save on Airfare

Simply enter your origin and destination, then click “Low Fare Calendar” underneath the search matrix. You’ll be able to pick a month, and a calendar listing the cheapest fares on each day will pop up. It makes planning a dream, but the customer-friendly policies don’t stop there.

You can feel confident when you book Southwest because there is no change or cancel fees, so you can continue shopping for airfare long after you’ve booked your Southwest flights. If you find a better price, even if it’s on the same flight through Southwest, you can cancel your old flights, book the new ones and you’ll get your money back. They're just two caveats.

You can get a full refund for any flight so long as it’s within 24 hours of booking. If it’s outside that window, you’ll still get your money back, but it will be in the form of flight credit for future Southwest flights. You must use this credit within one year. After that, it expires. 

You’re also on the hook for any fare difference. There are no change fees, but if you change your flight to a more expensive fare, you’ll have to pay the difference. The good news is that if you change your flight to a cheaper fare, then you’ll be refunded the difference in either reimbursement to your credit card or with Southwest flight credit.

This credit is as good as money if you fly frequently, but it may not be desirable for those who don’t fly very often, and it’s certainly not desirable if Southwest doesn’t serve your local airport. But, if you don’t mind getting refunded in Southwest credit, then using Southwest can find you the cheapest flights to Hawaii.

You must also factor in the savings that Southwest offers with its free two-checked-bags policy. Other major American Airlines charge at least $25 per checked bag, so it may be worth it to book a slightly more expensive Southwest flight for the checked bag savings to reduce the overall flight costs. 

Inter-island Flights

Inter-island flights work much like flights on the mainland. You want to book as early as possible to get the best prices. But for years, the market has been dominated by only two airlines -- Hawaiian and Mokulele -- with Hawaiian taking more than 90% of the market share. This duopoly has created some artificially inflated flight prices in the past, but Southwest is set to change all of that.

Southwest plans on running inter-island flights, and the airline only operates one type of aircraft fleet-wide: the full-sized Boeing 737. Hawaiian and Mokulele have been operating much smaller, less comfortable planes between islands for years. 

This will open up a lot more seats for island hopping which will dramatically reduce the price. And, again, you won’t pay checked bag, change or cancel fees with the low-cost carrier, so you’ll have much more flexibility for your inter-island vacation when booking through Southwest. Just remember that you’ll have to pay fare difference if you change to a more expensive flight on Southwest, but there will be no extra fee for the change. Most American carriers charge anywhere from $75 to $150 for the privilege of changing your flight, and you’ll also be on the hook for any fare difference. 

Rental Car - $60 per day

Some rental car companies will allow you to use a debit card to rent a vehicle, but you’ll need a few extra documents. First, you’ll need to show the representative that you have a departing flight booked that coincides with your rental car return. Secondly, you’ll have to produce two forms of photo identification. And you should expect the hold amount to be larger when using a debit card.

We recommend that you get insurance for your Hawaiian rental car. Some of the roads are a bit rough on the islands, and you might need to park or drive on rather rough surfaces. Many credit cards offer very good insurance, so you should call your credit card company to inquire about coverage. Some cards, like the Chase Sapphire Card, offer primary insurance for any damage to the vehicle so long as you turn down all of the rental car company’s optional insurance packages. If your credit card offers inadequate insurance, then it’s best to pay a little extra for the rental car company’s insurance.

You can expect to pay about $60 per day for a rental car with insurance for your Hawaiian vacation. But a rental car can save you money during your trip. Most of Hawaii’s amazing activities are free so long as you can get to that beach, trailhead or waterfall. Without a car, you’ll be relying on tours, Uber or taxis. And those rideshare charges really add up.

How to Save Money on a Rental Car

You’ll just have to factor in transportation costs. These local companies do not operate at the airports, so you’ll need to get a shuttle, Uber or taxi to their office. Add this extra cost when considering an island beater.

You can also choose to forgo a rental car for a scooter for as low as $20 per day. You do not need a motorcycle driver's license to rent a 50cc scooter in Hawaii, and these low-powered bikes get incredible gas mileage to save you money at the pump. Unfortunately, 50cc engines are not very big. The bikes won’t go much over 30 mph. 

You can still get just about anywhere on the islands, but it may take you more time, and you’ll have to drive off to the right side as traffic passes you on high-speed roads. But you can park anywhere, you get 360-degree views of the drive and it’s really fun to ride a scooter. You’ll just have to get yourself to the scooter office from the airport, and that’s an extra charge in an Uber or Taxi.

Accommodation - $18 to $1,000 per night

There is a wide range of accommodations on the islands. You can choose to pitch your own tent at a campsite for $18 per night, stay at a homeshare, choose a mid-range hotel for $100 to $200 per night or rock a luxury resort for up to $1,000 per night. Generally, the further away from the beach, the cheaper the nightly rate no matter the accommodation.

How to Save Money on Accommodation

If you don’t want to rough it, but you still want to save money, then you have two options. You can look for a homeshare where prices can vary wildly, or you can choose a budget hotel. If you’re traveling with other adults, then you should definitely look at a homeshare to split the costs and save money. But, if you’re traveling alone, as a couple or as a family, then your best bet may be a budget or mid-range hotel.

We recommend that vacationers book a hotel with air conditioning as Hawaii’s humidity can be a shock. This amenity is usually included on the mainland. But in Hawaii, electricity is rather expensive, so air conditioning isn’t a standard amenity. It’s more of a luxury. So, to save money, simply book the cheapest hotel with the air conditioning on the island, and it doesn’t matter where it is because you can always drive yourself to the island’s main attractions. It’s essentially a box where you keep your stuff while you adventure.

And you can even indulge in resort amenities while staying at a budget hotel. Most of Hawaii’s best resorts offer day passes that grant you access to pools, hot tubs, saunas, and gyms. And many resorts offer free day passes with the purchase of a spa treatment. So you can still live like royalty even when traveling on a budget in Hawaii.

Hawaii Hotel’s Dubious Resort Fees

Eating and Drinking - $10 to $50 per meal

Don’t worry because you can still save a lot of money on food if you know where to go. Some islands have Costco, so, if you’re a member, you can load up on bulk items at the outset of your vacation to save some coin. And nearly all islands have Walmart where you’ll find amenable prices. And these big box stores should be your first stop after you pick up your rental car for things like water, snacks and energy bars. 

If you have a kitchen and a fridge at your accommodation, then you may want to pick up some ingredients to make a few meals. You’ll have to do a bit of math, however, because some of your staple ingredients may be a bit expensive, so you might be better off eating out. But you can always save money on breakfast. Ingredients like eggs, toast, and cheese are affordable and make for a tasty, quick meal. 

But the biggest food savings happen at local stores and at farmer’s markets. The food you’re used to on the mainland is expensive because of the shipping costs, but food grown on the island is rather cheap. You’ll find an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables at your local farmer’s market, and any store selling locally prepared foods will have the best prices. You can usually find a schedule of farmer’s markets online. Just make sure to get there early because the best producers usually sell out quickly.

If you’re looking to eat out, you can expect to pay higher prices than you’ll find on the mainland. If you’re coming from an expensive city like Los Angeles, New York or San Francisco, then the prices won’t be too much of a shock. But, if you’re coming in from any other part of the mainland, then $15-$20 for breakfast, $15-$25 for lunch and $30-$50 for dinner may sound steep.

Drinks are on par with the mainland’s expensive cities. You can expect to pay between $5 and $10 for a beer or wine, and at least $10 for a cocktail. You may want to think about buying a few six-packs at Walmart at the outset of your trip if you want to save on booze during your Hawaiian vacation.

Parking, National Park Fees and Fuel - $45 per day

You can cut down on fuel costs by planning your day trips efficiently. For example, if you visit the west side of Kauai, make sure to see Waimea Canyon , Kalalau Lookout, and Polihale Beach all in the same day to avoid another drive out west. And if you’re torn between one activity or another, then choose the closest one.

But these fees are unavoidable. After all, is said and done, you can expect to pay about $45 day for fees and fuel.

Activities - $0 to $1,000 per person

Day 1 “Active” -- Challenge your favorite hike. Day 2 “Semi-active” -- Join a guided tour to see a part of the island otherwise inaccessible. Day 3 “Rest” -- Lounge on your favorite beach, get a spa treatment or enjoy your hotel’s pool.

Using this cycle, you’ll join two guided tours per week. Most tours cost anywhere from $50 to $150 per person. But some tours, like helicopter rides or skydiving, can run you a few hundred dollars.

Of course, tours are absolutely optional. You can simply lounge on the beach all week to spend $0 on activities during your Hawaiian vacation, but tours are highly recommended. An experienced guide can take you to otherwise inaccessible parts of the island for a truly unforgettable experience, and there’s simply no other way to access places like Molokini Crater on Maui.

And feel free to sprinkle luaus and nightlife on top of this cycle. A good luau will cost $100, or more, and nightlife is rather expensive on the islands, so you may want to “pre-game” in your hotel with store-bought drinks before heading out for the night. 

Most of these costs are unavoidable but don’t confuse value for the price. Do your research , find the highest rated tours and book with confidence. Just expect to spend about $100 per tour day.

Optional -- Shopping, Spa Treatments, and Supplies

Spa treatments in Hawaii are highly recommended. You can enjoy an incredibly relaxing lomi lomi massage on the beach, receive tropical fruit skin therapies or enjoy a Japanese soaking tub while tranquil music plays in a world-class resort. Spa treatments will run you about $120, but they are totally worth it, especially if the purchase gets you to get a free day pass to the resort.

And you’re likely to need something when you’re in Hawaii. You might run out of sunscreen, need a hat or you may want to purchase some bug spray during your stay. Something will inevitably pop up but just prepare for high prices. Most supplies are shipped in from the mainland, and that transportation cost is rolled into the price. And there’s simply no avoiding the steep prices unless you want to buy in bulk at Costco.

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Home » North America » USA » Hawaii

Is Hawaii Expensive? (Budget Tips • 2024)

With endless coastlines, plenty of sunshine, and constant good weather, Hawaii is the ultimate relaxation destination. The tropical paradise is located in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean.

However, it does have quite a reputation for being a more pricey place to take a vacation. So, how expensive is Hawaii? Well, the answer to this question really depends on you.

We’ve broken down all the cost of a budget-friendly vacation, so you know exactly what to expect money-wise. From the price of milk in Hawaii to your flight tickets – and everything in between, it’s all here.

Depending on which island you will be staying, the costs and expenses will be different (generally speaking, the more tourists, the more expensive). Follow our tips and tricks to be sure that your money stays in your pocket!

We’ll get into a more detailed break down in this guide so you know what the expect. The good news is, as long as you travel wisely, you can easily visit all beautiful islands on a budget.

So, let’s unravel the question “ Is Hawaii expensive ”?

Hawaii Trip Cost Guide

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In this post, we’ll go over a few key things that will help you calculate the costs of your Hawaii trip . These include:

• Accommodation options
• How to travel around in Hawaii
• Fun activities to enjoy during your trip
• Where to eat and drink in Hawaii on a budget

Just keep in mind that Hawaii’s cost of living is subject to change, but it’s definitely higher than the USA’s national average. All the prices we’ve listed are in USD, which is the currency of Hawaii, and what you’ll be using while visiting.

Also, to lay things out a little more simply, and help you better understand the prices you’ll encounter, we’ve included ball-park estimates for the costs of traveling in Hawaii.

7 Days in Hawaii Travel Costs

A general budget breakdown to keep in mind when you visit Hawaii…

Step one of planning a trip to Hawaii is booking your airfare. Depending on which country you’re coming from, flight prices will fluctuate.

There are several major airports on the Hawaiian islands. The top three are:

• Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
• Kahului Airport (OGG)
• Kona International Airport (KOA)

The Honolulu International Airport (HNL) is usually the cheapest airport to fly into. To give you a rough estimate of airfare costs were going to be using this airport for the example.

Flights to Honolulu from the USA, the UK, Australia, and Canada are all priced differently. The prices change based on the time of year you plan to visit.

Peak travel time to Hawaii is usually from June – August. This is the Northern Hemisphere’s summer holidays and Hawaii’s dry season. Flight prices also increase during the month of December, as these tropical islands are a very popular place to spend the holidays.

Usually, the cheapest time to visit Hawaii is outside of these months.

Here is a list that provides the average cost for a round-trip ticket to Honolulu International Airport (HNL). Remember these are average prices, and subject to change.

• New York to Honolulu: 800 – 1000 USD
• London to Honolulu: 1000 – 1200 GBP
• Sydney to Honolulu: 750 – 1200 AUD
• Vancouver to Honolulu: 500 – 900 CAD

It’s always good to check Hawaii’s other airports too when booking a flight. Depending on where you’re coming from, this can sometimes work out cheaper. Keep in mind that airline prices dip low all the time, and there’s always the chance of grabbing a sweet deal with an error fare .

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $45-$200/day

You’ll have three main choices when looking for places to stay in Hawaii : hostels, Airbnb, and hotels. Let’s go over all three, so you can decide which style of Hawaii living suits you best.

Picking where to stay depends on personal preference and budget. If you’re low on finances, you’ll want to book a dorm in a hostel.

But, if you prefer privacy, and don’t mind paying a bit more, budget hotels and treehouses in Hawaii are also options.

In each of these categories, we’ve included an option for the Big Island, Maui, and Oahu, – the three islands you’re definitely going to want to check out. This will give you a general idea of the prices you can expect on each island.

Hostels in Hawaii

Hostels are going to be the cheapest choice of accommodation in Hawaii.

In fact, the cost of your trip will drop dramatically by staying in shared dorms. Hostels come with a lot of great perks that make budget traveling easy too. They’re also a great way to meet fellow travelers. And trust us, there are a couple of amazing hostels in Hawaii . Be sure to check them out!

The average price of a hostel will cost between $35 and $55 per night. Again, keep in mind that prices might differ, depending on which island you’re staying on. Generally, Hostels in Honolulu are the cheapest option.

Here are our top three hostels in Hawaii:

• My Hawaii Hostel – You’ll find all your hostel requirements here: self-catering facilities, free coffee/tea, a social atmosphere, and friendly staff.
• Howzit Hostels Maui – If you’re trying to keep your trip to Maui cost down, this hostel offers free breakfast (perfect for budget travelers), free airport transfer, and self-catering facilities.
• Polynesian Hostel Beach Club Waikiki – At this hostel, you can take advantage of the laid-back Hawaiian lifestyle. It’s located right next to the beach and you have access to free snorkel gear (if you find Nemo, let us know!).

Airbnbs in Hawaii

Hawaii’s Airbnbs are another great option to lower your accommodation costs. Since you’ll be staying in a local’s house/apartment, you’ll get a more personal feel of the islands.

If you’re traveling with a group, just split the bill at the end of your stay. This could actually end up saving you and your friends a lot of money.

Airbnbs are also a great way to have some privacy during your travels without having to empty your bank completely. Whether it’s an entire apartment or a private room, you can enjoy your peace and quiet after a long day of exploring the island. If you want to stay somewhere more traditional with added luxury, then a villa in Honolulu won’t break the bank either.

A budget Airbnb in Hawaii will cost between about $70 – $120 a night. Here’s an option that’s on the cheaper side:

• Bungalow paradise in Molokai – You’ll really feel the aloha spirit staying at this Airbnb. Your bungalow comes with the use of an on-site swimming pool, hammocks, private lanai, and more. This is one of our favorite places to stay in Molokai .

Hotels in Hawaii

If you’re planning on staying in hotels during your vacation, the answer to “how much is a Hawaii trip” is going to be: “expensive”. Hotels in Hawaii are very common, but unfortunately, they won’t be the best for your budget. The average price of a budget hotel can range from $130 – $165 per night.

Although staying in a hotel will add more to your Hawaii cost of travel, being able to relax in your own space and having luxuries like room service can be very appealing.

Here are two great budget hotel options:

• Maui Beach Hotel – This beachfront hotel is very modern and in a great location. Guests can wind down with a drink at the poolside lounge, or enjoy a dinner buffet at the restaurant.
• Holiday Surf Hotel – this family-owned hotel offers spacious accommodations with full kitchens, a patio or balcony, and much more.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $4-$80/day

Next up, let’s talk about the cost of transport in Hawaii. There are a few ways to get around and explore the islands: by air, by land, and by water. All of the islands are relatively small, so traveling around shouldn’t be a problem.

Driving will give you the most freedom, but renting a car can be expensive. Bus companies service the larger islands and are very affordable. Then of course, if you plan to island hop, you’ll want to know about flights and ferries.

To help your trip run as smoothly as possible, here is everything you need to know about how to travel around Hawaii on a budget.

Bus Travel in Hawaii

Currently, the only option for public transport in Hawaii on land is via bus. There are no trains, trams or subways on any of the islands.

The larger islands all have public bus systems that service certain areas. However, the bus companies in Hawaii are not unified, and each island’s bus system will be slightly different.

Here is a quick breakdown of the bus companies you’ll have access to on the larger islands:

• Oahu : TheBus – this is the most reliable bus system in Hawaii. It has over 103 routes and provides good coverage of the island.
• Maui : Maui Bus – offers good coverage of the island with the exception of Hana and the Haleakala? National Park. Make sure to check out the different bus routes .
• The Big Island: Hele-On Bus – is probably the least reliable of the bus systems in Hawaii. Even though schedules are posted online, it’s common for the buses to run late.

Bus tickets on each island are very affordable, with one-way fare ranging from $2 – $2.75. Day passes to ride the bus’ are only between $4 – $5.50.

On most buses, you can pay when you get on. Just make sure you have small money or the exact amount, as drivers usually don’t carry cash.

Island Hopping in Hawaii

Each of Hawaii’s islands has its own list of attractions and unique allure. We recommend checking out as many as your time and budget allows. If you need help with planning your trip, be sure to check out our Hawaii Itinerary .

For island hopping in Hawaii, you’ll just have just two options:

Flying – An inter-island airline service is mainly provided by Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Mokulele Airlines. The flight times can range between just 20 minutes, to 2.5-hours, depending on which islands you are flying between.

There are airports located on six of Hawaii’s main islands. They are Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and the Big Island. Flying between the major islands/airports is the cheapest. For example, a roundtrip plane ticket from Oahu to Maui will cost between $70 and $150. A one-way ticket can be between $40 and $85.

Flight prices between the smaller islands are more expensive. For example, a roundtrip ticket from Kauai to Molokai will cost between $200 and $260. Or, between $90 and $110 for a one-way ticket.

Ferry – Currently, there is only one inter-island ferry in Hawaii. The Maui-Lanai Expeditions Ferry services Maui and Lanai. It takes about an hour and costs $30 for a one-way ticket.

Renting a Car in Hawaii

Renting a car in Hawaii is the best way to sightsee and explore an island. Although buses are more affordable, they tend to keep more to the touristy areas. A car can take you anywhere you want to go, giving you great freedom and independence.

Rentals can get pricey though, especially one you add in parking fees. Having a group of travelers to split the car rental price can save you quite some money.

Most of the major international rental car companies are found in Hawaii. These include Alamo Dollar, Enterprise, National, and Thrifty  You’ll have the most options for car rental companies at the major airports in Hawaii.

Car rental prices start at about $40-50 a day for a basic 4-door vehicle. However, if you want to add a driver, you’ll be charged an extra fee of about $15 per day.

Car insurance will cost about another $8 per day. Then, you’ll also need to pay for your own gas, which isn’t cheap. The average cost as of February 2023 is $4.50 per gallon in Honolulu.

The other problem with renting a car is that you can only use it on one island. Island hopping with a car isn’t possible yet, so unless you want to stick to one island or rent another car, using public transport might be the better option.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $20-$40/day

When it comes to eating out, the food prices in Hawaii can be very high. A meal in a cheap restaurant alone can cost between $10 and $15. Maui is going to be the most expensive island when it comes to dining out. But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways you can save money on your food expenses.

An obvious way to stretch your dollars is to avoid restaurants. Eating out is going to add up fast. Luckily, grocery prices in Hawaii are more affordable. Farmers markets and food trucks are also cheaper alternatives.

Here are some local Hawaiian food items you can find pretty much everywhere:

• Laulau – is made from pork, wrapped in layers of taro leaves, and cooked in an underground rock oven. This results in a tender and juicy meat with a smokey flavor. This will cost you around $9.
• Poke – Hawaiian poke is raw fish served in bite-sized cubes. Different kinds of fish can be used, but the most common type is tuna. You’ll find it in different flavors, from lime to spicy mayo. A basic poke bowl will cost between $6 and $10.
• Pineapple – Hawaiian pineapple doesn’t taste like the stuff you buy in your local grocery store back home. In Hawaii, this fruit tastes like candy – it’s mouth-wateringly good. A whole pineapple will cost between $5 and $8.

Carrying on, here are a few more easy ways that will help you save money. This information will especially keep your Maui vacation cost down.

• Accommodation with free breakfast – Usually hostels are the only type of cheap accommodation in Hawaii that offers free breakfast. Fill up on a free meal in the morning and then you’ll only need to spend money on two meals per day. Yoga retreats in Hawaii often have food included.
• Self-catering accommodation – Cooking for yourself is going to be a huge money-saver. Most Airbnb and some hotels offer at least basic kitchenettes.

Where to Eat Cheaply in Hawaii

If you’ve splurged on an expensive island resort , the best way to eat cheap on your trip is to purchase your food from grocery stores and farmer’s markets. Eating out can cost between $10 – $30 per meal. Whereas food from a supermarket will cost between $5 and $10 per meal.

Keep in mind that food prices can vary between islands. If you’re asking yourself something like “how much does a gallon of milk cost in Hawaii?”, there are two different answers. In Maui, it’ll cost around $6, but in Oahu, it’ll cost about $3.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $10-$20/day

Hawaii has a high tax on alcohol which means regular drinking can do some damage to your budget. The average drink at a regular bar or restaurant will cost between $10 and $15. If you’re looking for a wild night out, the bigger cities in Hawaii will have more of a party culture compared to the smaller island towns.

If you do go out, here are some prices you can expect to pay for drinks:

• Beer – $5 – $9 for a pint of beer is about the standard amount.
• Wine – A regular glass of wine will cost between $10 and $17.
• Cocktail – Cocktails will cost about $15 – $20.

To save money on alcohol, here are a few options:

• Find a hotel, bar, or restaurants with happy hours specials – happy hour is very common in Hawaii
• Buy alcohol from a grocery store or an ABC Store
• Stock up on duty-free alcohol from the airport you’re flying into

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $0-30/day

There are some amazing places to see in Hawaii , no matter on which island you’re staying. Knowing how much money you have to put aside to see all of the hotspots is essential for a good trip.

The National Parks in Hawaii charge an entrance fee. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, for example, charges $30 per vehicle. But, this fee admits all of the vehicle’s passengers. So, if there are five people in the car, each person will end up only paying $6.

But, let’s me say that Hawaii’s beaches –it’s main attraction–are completely free. You’ll also find plenty of free hiking trails in Hawaii too.

If you’re not arriving by vehicle and taking public transport or cycling into the park, the entrance fee is $15 per person. The good news is, your pass can be used for a whole week.

Another popular attraction is the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. This attraction is completely free, and parking is free too. However, it is recommended that you reserve your ticket online in advance to secure your spot. The online reservation fee is $1 per ticket.

One of the most popular things to do in Hawaii is seeing a Luau, a traditional party with great food and entertainment). This attraction is more on the pricey side. You can expect to pay a minimum of $90 to $100 per person. This includes a buffet dinner and a traditional Polynesian dance and music show. Drinks are also sometimes included.

The amazing thing about Hawaii is that it’s entirely possible to spend very little money on attractions and still have a good time.

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We’ve covered all the main costs you’ll need to take into consideration when traveling to the islands. Visiting Hawaii on a budget is definitely possible. However, it’s always a good idea to set some extra money aside when traveling.

About 10% of your total trip cost is a reasonable amount to set aside to stay on the safe side. This will come in handy in case you spend a little too much money souvenir shopping or decide you want to add an extra activity to your Hawaii itinerary.

Tipping in Hawaii

Being mindful of other culture’s customs and showing respect is a good habit to have while traveling.

Hawaii follows similar tipping guides to the mainland U.S. In Hawaii, servers earn less than minimum wage, and tips are factored into their wages. It’s recommended to tip at least 15 % for good service.

If you order a drink from the bar, it’s standard to leave $1 – $2 per order. If you’re taking a shuttle to/from the airport, it’s common practice to tip your driver $2 per bag if they help you with your luggage.

Leave a tip and put a smile on someone’s face!

Get Travel Insurance for Hawaii

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

So, what’s the actual cost of a trip to Hawaii? We have just a few more things to cover and then you’ll have a pretty clear idea.

Here are some final tips on how to tackle the high prices in Hawaii:

• Hitchhike – in Hawaii, this is an acceptable and surprisingly popular form of travel. Hawaii is a great place to hitchhike – it’s extremely safe and the locals are very friendly. It’s actually very common to see travelers with their thumbs sticking out on the side of the road.
• Bring your own snorkel gear – Snorkeling is an activity you should definitely try out while you’re visiting. The water is warm, and there are plenty of sheltered coves. You can rent snorkel gear in Hawaii for between $9 to $12 a day. Whereas if you buy a set a decent snorkel set before your trip, it should only cost you around $30.
• Camp out – Hawaii is a great place to spend a night under the stars. Campsites can be found across all of the islands, making this form of accommodation very accessible. With campsites starting at as little as $10 per person, your cost for a trip to Hawaii will go way down.
• Have a water bottle : Don’t waste money on plastic, bottled waters; carry your own and refill it in the fountains and the tap. If you’re worried about potable water, get a filtered bottle, like the GRAYL, which filters out 99% of viruses and bacteria.
• Earn money while you travel: Teaching English while traveling is a great way to make ends meet! If you find a sweet gig, you may even end up living in Hawaii.
• Become a volunteer with Worldpackers: Give back to the local community and, in exchange, you’re room and board will often be covered. It’s not always free, but it’s still a cheap way to travel in Hawaii.

So, is Hawaii expensive to visit? The truth – no. It doesn’t have to be. Your vacation will be what you make it and the price of a trip depends on you.

To recap, the five best ways to save money are…

• For accommodation: stay in a hostel, split an Airbnb or traditional villa with friends, or camp.
• Travel by bus, or split the price of a rental car with friends.
• Shop at supermarkets as opposed to eating out.
• Limit your drinking.
• Spend your days taking advantage of Hawaii’s free public beaches and hiking trails.

Follow these tips and Hawaii can be an affordable destination. Once you’re on the islands, you can spend about $415 a week if you’re frugal enough.

Of course, depending on your flights, the average cost to Hawaii can be expensive. Keep an eye on airline prices and remember that the best deals are usually scored in advance.

What we think an average daily Hawaii costs should be:

If you follow this advice, you can easily spend around $100 a day traveling in Hawaii somewhat comfortably.

Updated February 2023

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aiden Freeborn

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Very informational article, Aiden’s travel achievements are so much appreciable. Keep it doing the best Aiden, Good Luck!

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

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

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

1 The average price of a trip to Hawaii

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Canada or the USA

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

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

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

From Europe

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

Our tip for lower prices

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

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

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

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

Our tips for saving money on domestic flights

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

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

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

Hotel prices in Hawaii

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

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

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

Youth hostels and Airbnb

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

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

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

The price of camping in Hawaii

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

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

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

The right plan: rent a condo in Hawaii

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our tip for eating local and cheap in Hawaii 

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

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

Shopping at the market or supermarket

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

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

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

Our tips for saving money when shopping

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

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

The price of a car rental in Hawaii 

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

Our tip for cheaper car hire

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

Gas prices in Hawaii

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

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

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

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

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

As for the 3 National Parks , they are paying:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Kauai Guide

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Best Time to Visit Hawaii

Top times of year to travel to hawaii for the best weather, lowest rates, top events, and fewest visitors.

Handpicked Tours & Activities

Discount Hawaii Car Rentals

Kalalau Valley - Kauai

Best Times to travel to Hawaii?

Which month is best to go to hawaii, updated for travelers in 2024 through early 2025.

Whether you're looking to explore Hawaii's stunning beaches or discover more about the unique local culture, Hawaii is an amazing destination for any type of vacation. In this article, we'll explore the various months of the year and discuss which are the best times to visit Hawaii . We'll look at the climate, prices, and activities available in each month to help you decide when is the best time for you to experience the beautiful islands of Hawaii.

— article continued below —

2024 Hawaii Visitor Guides

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

~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~

Awini Trail beyond Pololu Valley on the Big Island

When's Best to Visit Hawaii TL;DR

Generally, the best time to visit Hawaii  for the most ideal  overall weather , lowest statewide rates , and the  fewest visitors on-island  is April and May during the spring and  September and October during the fall. Some refer to these times as Hawaii's 'off-season period' or 'shoulder months.'   In the summer, it will certainly be more crowded, so early June is best, and during the winter, though typically wetter, we recommend  January , especially if you want to see the humpback whales .

Hawaii Tips and details for each top month:

• April  - an excellent month, but avoid holidays when applicable
• May  - the best overall month for visitors, in our opinion. Great weather and reasonable rates
• September  - excellent month, great weather, perfect time for those seeking fewer visitors
• October  - great month, excellent selection of local festivals & events
• January - wetter than average , but an excellent time to go whale watching

Haven't decided which island(s) you're visiting? Take the quiz and read our companion article: Which Hawaii Island to Visit?

Honopu Valley on Kauai

If you're considering visiting Hawaii in the coming months, then we've got you covered...

• Check out our 'Best time to...' FAQ
• Hawaii Budget Calculator & Trip Cost Estimator
• TL;DR - skip directly to our  Best Month to Visit Hawaii Quiz →
• Explore Hawaii Hotel Rates by Season
• 2024 Hawaii Update: How the last few years  changed a lot...

Below we'll go over the latest on  each island's conditions , general  weather expectations , our  expected visitor demand , visitor  trends , and much more.

Kualoa Regional Park and Mokolii Island on Oahu

Ultimately, in our honest opinion - there isn't an inopportune time to go to Hawaii. Visiting Hawaii is a dream come true for many visitors, and who can blame them? The weather is fantastic nearly year-round, there's something to do for everyone , and the food is  phenomenal (try laulau , and malasadas , trust us!).

Below we'll cover more details about what makes this a great time, or not, to visit the Aloha State .

Totals by Island - 2022 vs 2023

Above, we've included an updated graphic comparing visitor arrivals to each major Hawaiian island for both 2022 and 2023. This bar chart provides a more accurate year-over-year comparison by aligning the time frames for both years. The impact of the wildfires on Maui is quite obvious in this chart. What we can say for certain is that  demand has softened for mid to late 2024 , and the summer 2024 travel season has seen fewer forward bookings than usual. Some experts predict this pattern to continue, especially on Maui for the foreseeable future.

What to Expect in 2024 through early 2025

Prices that have risen over the last two years will likely continue to  impact flight costs, hotel & accommodation rates, the costs associated with rental vehicles (Turo or standard rental agency), and other rates/fees due to increases in local electricity costs (Hawaii still generates a significant amount of its electricity from petroleum fuels). As of early 2024, Hawaii government leaders continue to debate additionally introducing a visitor or climate-impact fee that ranges from $25-$50 per traveler, but this has not been finalized yet. Increases to the accommodation tax, already the highest in the nation at up to 18%, are also not out of the question. There are also ongoing discussions about eliminating some or all vacation rental properties, at each respective island official's discretion, like those found on VRBO or AirB&B. We're following these topics closely and will keep this page updated accordingly.

The devastating wildfires that affected West Maui in August 2023 are also continuing to impact Maui's economy at this time, and this will mean price swings, flight demand issues at times, and other factors to consider for those looking to visit the Valley Isle in the coming months. Lahaina remains closed and we urge all potential Maui visitors to be especially mindful and respectful in the islands as the community continues through this tragedy.

We'll keep you posted... this article will be updated accordingly as things change.

Nololu Trail Lookout in West Kauai

Estimated Monthly Visitors by Hawaii Island (2019 & 2022) - Click to enlarge

Hawaii 2024 Visitor Demand Forecast (Click to Enlarge)

How to Beat the Hawaii Crowds

When are periods of high and low demand.

To assist visitors with visualizing the periods of high and low demand in Hawaii, we've created the following  2024 Hawaii Demand Forecast . We'll also specifically discuss visiting during each month of the next year in more detail below. You can also now check out our initial  2025 Hawaii Demand Forecast   to see what we expect regarding high/low visitation periods in 2025.

These charts are an  approximate overview  of when we expect Hawaii to see increased visitation on-island, based on travel trends in Hawaii over the last several years (excluding 2020 & 2021) and considering recent events within Hawaii.

Hawaii Hotel Rates

Average accommodation prices.

As is to be expected, when more people are 'on-island' visiting the Hawaiian Islands - accommodation, rental, and flight costs will increase as well. To avoid the crowds and keep rates lower, you can always try visiting during non-peak visitation periods (i.e.; holidays and summer months are high-demand time periods). When preparing for your trip, the following graphic should help provide a general idea of the average rates during different times of the year. These rates fluctuate by island, but these figures still allow you to prepare accordingly.

The rates on the charts seen here are from a couple of years ago and will be updated once things settle from the pandemic, but generally should provide a good overview of pricing during various times of the year. Check out our new Hawaii Trip Cost Calculator tool for a more accurate estimate of exactly how much you can expect to spend on a Hawaii trip in 2024.

Generally, Oahu accommodation prices have remained relatively consistent with pre-pandemic rates heading into the spring/summer of 2024, but the outer-islands continue to see rate increases of 20-60% over pre-pandemic prices.

Hawaii Statewide Average Hotel Price Chart

Waikamoi Ridge Trail forest on Maui

Tunnels Beach on North Kauai

Kauai Average Lodging Price Chart

Oahu Average Lodging Price Chart

Maui Average Lodging Price Chart

Big Island Average Lodging Price Chart

Take our When to Visit Hawaii Quiz

Take our quick travel quiz to determine which month(s) are best for you based on your personal interests. Our quiz will generate a personalized page with suggestions tailored to you; including the top four months to travel to Hawaii!

Take our When to Visit Quiz Now

'Best Time to/for...' Hawaii FAQ

Seasonal events, when to book, finding the best rates, & more..., best time for good weather.

While Hawaii is a great destination year-round, the best opportunity for good weather exists during April, May, September, and October. As the tradewinds pick up over the winter months, so do the showers, and surf swells, particularly on the north/northeast (windward) shores of each island. The weather is warm year-round, with average highs in the winter of 78-82ºF (26-28ºC) and 83-88ºF (29-31ºC) in the summer months. Learn more about Hawaii weather .

Best Time to avoid crowds?

Hawaii has visitors during all months of the year, but typically, if you want to avoid the crowds , visit in either November (excluding Thanksgiving) or May for the quietest scene on the islands. Additionally, the first week of June, most of April (excluding ‘Golden Week’ and Easter), and much of September or October are great times to avoid the majority of visitors. Learn more about When to Travel to Hawaii .

Best Time to Book Hawaii Hotels?

As a rule of thumb, book early - no later than 2-3 months before you go! It's not uncommon for the Best Accommodations in Hawaii to get booked quickly, especially during the summer months over holidays. If you are planning to visit in either July or August and especially if you’re planning a visit around the Christmas/New Year’s holiday in late December, then we’d advise booking 4-6 months in advance to ensure you can reserve the room(s) you want. Be sure to check our Hotel Rates for the best prices and to compare all the top travel sites in one quick search.

Best Time to purchase Hawaii Airline Tickets?

As with accommodations, it’s best to typically book earlier than later. The best prices for Hawaii flights can vary dramatically throughout the year, depending on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, to find the best rates, we advise visitors to start searching for flights four months before your trip and to book no later than one month before your planned departure. Using this approach should provide you the best opportunity to find a good deal. If you are planning a visit during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or another holiday, we’d advise you book much earlier, as far in advance as possible to ensure the best price for what will undoubtedly be high-demand tickets during those peak periods.

Best Time to Find Deals & Discounts?

If you’re searching for the best rates when visiting Hawaii, we’d advise you to start your search for flights that arrive/depart in the middle of the week. Flying during the middle of the week will save you a lot of money, especially when flying from geographically further away. Generally, the most affordable rates for both flights and hotels in Hawaii will be primarily during the fall and somewhat so during the spring.

For accommodations, the months of September through November (sometimes into early December) offer the best hotel deals , again excluding Thanksgiving. In the spring, the best accommodation rates can be found from late March until early June (excluding the Easter holiday and Japan’s ‘Golden Week,’ in April).

For tours and activities, while many deals and specials will be ‘last-minute’ - the best discounts and specials run during the summer months (late May - July). Sign up for our Hawaii eNewsletter , a bi-weekly email containing travel tips, to also receive exclusive Hawaii discounts, deals, specials, and other promotional offers.

Best Time for Snorkeling, Swimming, and Diving?

Hawaii offers fantastic snorkeling, diving, and swimming opportunities for much of the year, but the best times are the summer months. During this period the surf will be less intense than during the winter, the water will be warmer, and the weather more cooperative - creating the perfect conditions for exploring in the water around the islands.

In our opinion, Maui snorkeling is the best you'll find in the entire state, followed by snorkeling on the Big Island . Both islands offer great snorkeling locations largely protected from surf and tradewinds on the leeward side of each island.

Best Time to ski or snowboard?

This isn’t a typo; you can ski and snowboard in Hawaii - though conditions will have to be just right. Mauna Kea , on the Big Island, means ‘white mountain’ in Hawaiian and its peaks are frequently found blanketed with a layer of snow. To provide yourself the best opportunity to partake in this winter sport, visit during February or March. Be sure to prepare accordingly, as there are limited facilities and you will need a 4x4 vehicle to reach the summit.

Best Time to take a cruise to/around Hawaii?

The best time to find a good bargain on cruises, including inter-island cruises, will be late November through mid-December. The best time for selection of boats will be in the spring (April/May) and fall (late August-October). Winter months are often more expensive (due to increased visitation), and typically wetter - but do offer the opportunity for whale watching (late November through early April).

Best Time to go Whale Watching?

Each winter, Humpback Whales migrate from Alaska to the warm waters surrounding Hawaii to mate and give birth to their calves. The best opportunities for whale watching will be from late November through mid-April; February and March often provide the best opportunities for sightings.

Best Time to get married/have a destination wedding?

As noted in the weather question, to avoid the wettest weather, try and plan your wedding for the summer months; anytime from late April until late October is usually a pretty safe bet. The middle of the summer will be warmer but is also typically the driest. Hurricane season runs from June through November as well, but storms are historically rare events. Ultimately, all factors considered - the best month for a destination wedding in Hawaii is in May.

Best Time for Hiking?

Hawaii offers some of the best hiking in the world if we may say so ourselves; a hiker could probably traverse Kauai’s trails alone for years and never get bored. As with most things in Hawaii, the hiking is excellent year-round, but the best months for hitting the trails are during the late spring and early fall (April, May, September, and October). The weather will be drier during these months, as well as throughout the entire summer, but unlike the summer, these spring/fall months will also be cooler. Be sure to take plenty of water and sunscreen before you head out, as the UV is very high in Hawaii year-round. If you hike during the winter months, be prepared for showers and trail conditions to potentially be messier / less maintained.

Best Time to visit Kilauea Volcano or go stargazing on Mauna Kea?

The Big Island’s Kilauea volcano has erupted almost continuously since 1983, sometimes more spectacularly than at other times. While there isn’t a ‘best time’ to witness something controlled by geologic forces, especially given the unpredictable nature of the volcano; if you’re planning to hike around the volcano or within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park , we’d advise the same as we did in our hiking question - visit during the spring or fall when it’s not at hot, and the weather will be cooperative. The summer will often be too warm to hike anywhere near the older black lava flows.

On the other hand, if you’re heading to the summit of Mauna Kea for some stargazing, then the summer months are best due to the same warmer temperatures. The peaks of Mauna Kea can become downright frigid at night, especially during the winter months. Remember, a full moon will offer the best opportunities for clear stargazing, and be sure to prepare accordingly before heading to the summit.

Best Time to go Fishing?

Fishing is another activity that can be partaken year-round, as different species of fish will bite at different times of the year and off the coast of each unique island. Summer tends to be one of the most popular periods for fishing - offering marlin (blue and yellowfin), skipjack, and ono. Fall and spring both offer good marlin and mahi-mahi fishing. Winter months are best for catching snapper, skipjack, tuna, and striped marlin. If you're visiting Maui, we recommend Fish Maui .

Best Time to Surf, Bodyboard, or Paddleboard(SUP)?

The best time for water activities like surfing and bodyboarding will be during the winter months. The biggest waves, for professionals, will be on the north shore. For the rest of us non-pros, the south coast is best during the winter. During the summer and fall (May - September), the waves will be calmer on the north shore of each island - so all skill levels can partake.

For other water sports like paddleboarding, we like the spring and fall the best, but this again can be a year-round activity if you select the right location(s) based on the time of year you visit.

Best Time for local festivals and events?

The best time to visit for island festivals and events depends on what you're looking for during your visit. ' Merrie Monarch ,' also known as the Olympics of Hula , is held in Hilo on the Big Island every April. Over on Oahu, you can catch the 'Waikiki Spam Jam,' also usually held in April. The ' Aloha Festivals ' takes place on all the islands each year in late September.

King Kamehameha Day (June 11) and Lei Day (May 1) also both offer various festivities, including impressive lei draping ceremonies of the King Kamehameha Statutes on both the Big Island and Oahu. Check our Hawaii events page for more information on what might be taking place during your visit.

Wailua Falls on Maui

Makalawena Beach on the Big Island

Hawaii Driving Tour Apps

Location-Based Applications

It's like having a tour guide in your car! Listen to stories, legends, history, and what to do and see, at the right place and time.

Shaka Guide uses your GPS to guide you to interesting places along the way on each of the main Hawaiian islands. Automatic audio tours with turn-by-turn directions mean all you need to do is to turn on the tour and drive. Check out driving Tours for Circle Island Oahu, North Shore Kauai, and Waimea Canyon & Na Pali Coast.

Island Driving Tours - App

Hawaii Flight Times

Airline Costs & Flight Rates

This section will be updated once more information is available and the airline industry has had a chance to return to some sense of normalcy. Currently, rates are still competitive airline to airline and demand fairly strong.

The recently announced (potential) merger between Hawaiian and Alaska airlines will have implications on Hawaii travel; we'll touch more on that as the merger process evolves.

Demand for Maui flights will vary as the island recovers from the devastating wildfires in August 2023.

As a general rule, we continue to advise travelers to book their flights well in advance of their trip.

Hawaii Weather

What to expect - rain & temperatures, hawaii weather summary, high/low temperatures & monthly precipitation.

*Climate Notes: Weather and Climate numbers are aggregated from trusted weather sources providing the monthly temperature and precipitation figures for each island's primary airport. These airports collectively provide a solid statewide estimate of weather conditions, but should not be taken as a "whole-island" forecast. Weather conditions can change dramatically within Hawaii and on each island due to the diverse topography, changes in elevation, the trade winds, and other unique island conditions. Temperatures are provided in Fahrenheit and Precipitation in Inches. Travelers can additionally view more information about each island: Kauai | Oahu | Maui | Big Island

Hawaii Statewide Weather (click to enlarge)

Hawaii weather can often be about as sporadic as it gets, and as such, forecasting the weather on Hawaii can be both daunting and confusing to first-time visitors. 

The tropical climate makes you quickly realize, 'this isn't the mainland,' and the environment takes some getting used to.

We encourage all visitors to check out our Hawaii Weather page, but here are a few quick pointers on Hawaii's weather to summarize:

• Read up on the forecasts at the  University of Hawaii Weather  before you visit and during your stay, as they have the best and most accurate estimates on the islands.
• Don't listen to the Weather Channel or watch the NOAA forecast graphs, of course, they'll predict rain - it technically rains almost every day in Hawaii... for about 10 minutes at a time.
• The only time it's really wet in Hawaii for a prolonged time is during the winter months, usually from November until March. But it's not a wash by any means.
• Temperatures at sea level usually run about 76-85 °F (24-29 °C)  all year-round. Temperatures at night are typically 12-18 °F (3-4 °C) cooler, but this can change dramatically depending on your altitude.
• Speaking of altitude, if you're planning to go up to higher elevations on either Maui or the Big Island, bring a small coat and long convertible pants. It can get very cold at the summit of the larger volcanoes!
• Hurricanes in Hawaii are historically rare events, but the last few seasons have seen increased tropical activity, and several tropical storms come close to the islands. If you're visiting during Hawaii Hurricane Season (June 1 - November 30th in the Central Pacific), then we advise you keep an eye on the tropics before your visit. Visitors may want to bookmark the Central Pacific Hurricane Center website for future reference.

 Ultimately, don't fret about the weather, it's Hawaii! Showers are typically short-lived and sporadic, and the temperature is almost always just right.

Hiking Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail on Oahu

Hawaiian Island Updates

Things to know for each island.

When planning your trip, there are a few things to keep in mind for each Hawaiian island, in addition to our Hawaii Essential Things to Know . Below we've made note of the most significant events and/or dates that may affect each island during your visit.

Best time to Visit Kauai

The best months to visit Kauai are in April , May , August , September , or October .  The weather on Kauai is consistently warm (highs in the mid-70's to mid-80's °F [24-29 °C]) year-round and visitors will enjoy the driest weather on the south shore and western portions of the island. Annual events include the May Day Festival (May) and Eo E Emalani I Alakai Festival (October) and the Chocolate & Coffee Festival (October).

For more information, be sure to read our Best Time to Visit Kauai article.

Best time to Visit Oahu

Oahu is a great island to visit at any time of the year. Still, if you especially want to dodge the crowds (on this most populous Hawaiian Island) - then the best months to visit Oahu are in May or later in the Fall (September and October are both great choices). Both times offer better rates on the island but still have fantastic weather conditions. Also, be sure to note that the last week of April is also 'Golden Week' in Japan - which can generate a large influx of Japanese visitors during that period. Other annual events on Oahu that draw international crowds include the Honolulu Marathon (December) and the Hawaii International Film Festival (October). 

For more information, be sure to read our Best Time to Visit Oahu article.

Best time to Visit Maui

The best months to visit Maui are in April , May , September , or October . If you’re visiting for whale watching, February is a good choice for peak season activity.  Travelers looking for the best deals on Maui accommodations should also seek out travel periods in the spring and fall, as they will be the cheapest months to visit due to decreased demand. As far as events,   Whale watching increases visitation starting in November and continues until the spring. Weatherwise, Maui temperatures remain consistently warm with daytime highs in the 75-85 °F [24-29 °C] range during the summer and winter, respectively. If you're heading to the summit of Haleakala, be sure to bundle up accordingly as it gets quite cold atop the volcano. 

For more information, be sure to read our Best Time to Visit Maui article.

Best time to Visit Big Island

The best months to visit the Big Island are May , August , or September for the best combination of great weather, low rates, and fewer visitors. Weather on the Big Island, like the other islands, stays consistently warm year-round. The main thing to note weather-wise is the differences between the Hilo (wetter and cooler eastern windward side) and Kailua-Kona (drier and warmer western leeward side). Annual events that generate an influx of visitors are the Merrie Monarch Festival (around Easter Sunday) and the Ironman competition (Kona side, typically in October). 

For more information, be sure to read our Best Time to Visit the Big Island of Hawaii  article.

In summary, as you prepare for your trip - remember to check local calendars for events, review the status of the parks and locations you'd like to visit, prepare and pack the proper travel supplies  for the island(s) you're visiting, and make sure not to worry too much about the weather; Hawaii is known as "paradise" for a good reason.

Ultimately, the Best Time to visit Hawaii is when you choose to go! If you still can't decide exactly when to go, no problem - try our quiz  linked below, and we'll suggest four months we think are best for you. We hope you have a great trip! Aloha!

Akaka Falls on the Big Island of Hawaii

Which Month to Visit?

Detailed monthly overview.

To assist visitors further, we've broken each month out in detail. If you want to find out quickly (TL;DR) which months are best for you - skip down to our Best Month to Visit Hawaii Quiz below.

2024 Hawaii Budget Calculator

Estimate the cost of your hawaii vacation.

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

HawaiiGuide Premium members can submit unlimited trip estimates each day.

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

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

Final Question

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

- Click To Estimate Trip Cost -

Typical hawaii visitor timeline.

Approximate Travel Planning Timeline for a Hawaii trip

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Article Published/Updated: 04-11-2024

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

• 8 minute read

52 comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To estimate your flight costs:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To estimate your budget for meals, use this formula:

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

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

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

Total Budget for Your Hawaii Vacation

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

Estimated cost of flights _______

Estimated cost of accommodations _______

Estimated cost of rental car _______

Estimated cost for meals ________

Estimated cost for park entry fees _________

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

______________ = Your rough budget to vacation in Hawaii

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

These estimates do not include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sheila Beal

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

Thanks! This was helpful!!

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

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

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

Thanks for your comment, Michael.

I did have gratuities in mind for the dining estimates.

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

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

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

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

The airfare cost is for round trip tickets.

Very useful post, thanks!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks, for the value information.

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

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

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

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

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

Brett –

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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How much does a trip to Hawaii cost?

Faraway Worlds

United States

• Hawaii travel budget

If you’re planning on travelling to Hawaii, you’re probably wondering how much you need to budget for your trip. While your travel costs will depend on your travel style, generally speaking Hawaii is best for travellers with some spending money.

Accommodation costs are generally on the high side and food and drinks are relatively expensive. Many of Hawaii’s best attractions are rather expensive to visit and, while some activities could set you back a fair amount, there’s plenty to do at lower price points too.

How much should I budget for a trip to Hawaii?

A reasonable budget for two for a week in Hawaii is around $3,273 .

The above cost is based on staying in good, mid-range accommodation and having a few meals out per week, while preparing some yourself . It makes allowances for a couple of sightseeing activities, but doesn’t take into account expensive activities like adventure sports or private tours.

Generally speaking, the longer you travel, the cheaper it costs per day, while fly-in, fly-out trips can be more expensive.

How much does accommodation cost?

You can expect to spend between $200-$300 a night, per couple, on accommodation in Hawaii. This will get you a private room with your own bathroom in a 3-4-star hotel or apartment rental.

Hostels are, of course, cheaper, but a private room with a shared bathroom will still cost around $85 per night. A bed in a dorm room also averages around $35 per night, per person, although there are definitely cheaper options out there.

Accommodation costs in Hawaii do vary depending which island you are visiting. Maui tends to be the most expensive island to visit in Hawaii, although it's also home to many luxury resorts, followed closely by Kauai. Staying on the Big Island or Oahu, on the other hand, is much cheaper.

How much should I budget for food and drinks in Hawaii?

Budget to spend around $725 for two for a week in Hawaii. This assumes you’re cooking some of the time and drinking some alcohol.

If you enjoy eating out, you can expect to pay around $84 for a nice dinner for two, including an alcoholic drink. A meal at a pub is likely to be around $58 for two, with cheaper meals available (especially for lunch) for around $17 each.

Assuming that you’ll be eating out some of the time, budget at least $80 a week for groceries. If you enjoy a few drinks, you’ll need to increase this amount – beer costs around $3.65 for a 500ml bottle and good bottle of wine is around $15 , from a shop, although there are cheaper options available. Milk typically costs around $1.65 for a two-litre bottle and you can expect to pay around $5 for a cappuccino from a local café.

If you're on a budget, consider heading to the grocery store rather than eating out. Going out for breakfast tends to be cheaper than lunch or dinner, and mall food courts or food trucks can be a good options for cheaper meals.

How much does it cost to get around Hawaii?

Getting around Hawaii is easiest with a bus. Transport costs fluctuate depending how much you travel, but budgeting around $140 for two per week is a good starting point. This should allow you to take a couple of longer bus trips. If you’re planning on doing any tours or using hop-on hop-off buses, you’ll need to up your budget a bit.

If you want more flexibility, you can, of course, hire a car . Driving on Hawaii is relatively straightforward and rideshare apps such as Uber are a more affordable alternative.

If you want to travel between islands, the best way is to fly. Flights are usually reasonably affordable, however, we haven't included internal flights in this budget. You can also take a ferry between Maui and Lana’i for about US$30 per person.

What should I expect to spend on activities?

A lot of the best things to do in Hawaii are free. However, there definitely are some attractions that cost money – entry fees to a museum or an art gallery are usually around $40 - $180 per person. If you want to do organised day trips or join smaller tour groups to learn more about some of the sites, budget around $175 per activity per person.

Water sports and adventure activities can easily drive up the costs of your trip. Here are some prices for popular activities and day trips in Hawaii:

Traditional luau - USD 125 - 200

Snorkelling with turtles - USD 85

Half-day snorkelling and dolphin watching tour - USD 150

Pearl Harbour tour - USD 150

Helicopter tour - from USD 280

Hawaii is a beautiful destination to visit and although it’s not cheap, it’s definitely possible to travel there for less. Cooking your own meals, carefully selecting accommodation or limiting meals out will definitely help you to reduce your travel costs. Slow travel is another great way to help your budget to stretch further, while exploring a place in more depth.

Travelling through Hawaii is definitely possible on a budget – just pick your priorities and compromise on the rest or consider travelling in the off-season and avoiding school holidays to cut down on costs. And, if you’re on the luxury end of the scale or wanting to treat yourself, the sky’s the limit.

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Last Updated 10 November 2022

Find cheap flights to Hawaii from $107

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from the united states to hawaii departing on 5/13. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to hawaii.

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Best Hawaii Flight Deals

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

Good to know

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which airports in Hawaii are closer to the beach?

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

How long is the flight to Hawaii?

An average nonstop flight from the United States to Hawaii takes 7h 41m, covering a distance of 3310 miles. The most popular route is Los Angeles - Honolulu with an average flight time of 5h 34m.

What is the cheapest flight to Hawaii?

The cheapest ticket to Hawaii from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $45 one-way, and $214 round-trip. The most popular route is from Los Angeles to Honolulu and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $243.

Which airlines fly to Hawaii?

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

What are the most popular destinations in Hawaii?

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

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

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

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Hawaii

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

Top 5 airlines flying to Hawaii

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Great! The plane was decently sized and comfortable. The staff was nice and there was great in flight entertainment

Water service would be great. The way they board is terrible. Slow passengers first😂😂 They need to smart up a bit

Our original business class flight was cancelled so we not only downgraded but we were also spread out across the plane not sitting together in separate middle seats. My poor kids were scared and couldn’t see me on the flight and the crew wasn’t sensitive to the situation and what the airlines did to us. Very dissatisfied with United airlines.

Crew were fine, drinks and snacks were as well but we were delayed for around 2 hrs which made our entry into Mexico delayed as well with the influx of arrivals at the same time. Sort of wasted our first day of vacation. We left Pittsburgh at 630am and did not arrive in Mexico until late dinner time.

There was a group of school age passengers that were very loud and unruly with their chaperones were no where to be found.

Boarding was unorganized. They expected passengers to ask people to move their assigned seat they paid for in order to sit together. The seats even in comfort are smaller than other airlines and the flight attendants appeared not to be well prepared

The WiFi didn’t work and the seats are too close together. Very uncomfortable.

I was told we'd have a hot breakfast option in first class, so I chose not get a hot breakfast. It was a very strange meal, but the fresh fruit was very good quality. Service was excellent from ORD to ELP. No service from MBS to ORD, not even water. However, when flying American from FNT to ORD, which is a shorter flight, they at least pass out snacks and offer water.

Last minute gate change nearly caused us to miss our flight. Change was not announced or displayed in the main board at the old gate. Terrible communication. When we landed we had to wait 20 minutes because there was another plane at the assigned gate. Not the crew’s fault, but adding 20 minutes to a 45 minute flight sucked.

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

LATE LATE LATE!!! Plagued by late AA flights on this trip. Such a drag. This one was by far the worst.

WiFi connected but only let you go to the AA website, not even text messaging worked.

Too bad that first class seats do not recline significantly causing discomfort

Flight delayed over an over all day until it cancelled at 1:30am. Would not repeatedly delay that late. Offer hotel rooms and rebook early. Very difficult for families with small children

this is starting to seem like an american airlines standard. delayed flights and fake apologies… getting tired of it

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

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

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

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

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

Overall it was a miserable experience... I will never fly spirit for more than a 3 hour flight or overnight.

The boarding attendant was slightly rude when I asked about checking our stroller. Made me feel like I was bothering her.

My wife and I are both handicapped and at boarding they upgraded us to a seat closer to the front rather than all the way towards the back. Much appreciated.

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

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

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

Spirit canceled the flight in March and never notified me!

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

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

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

Our flight was delayed an hour, then when we got to board our flight finally, we were waiting in our seats for take off for 45 minutes before it was communicated that there was a maintenance issue therefore we waited on the plane for over an hour while that was resolved. We did not get to Phoenix until almost 3 hours after we were originally supposed to. This was the first and last time I will be flying Frontier.

Flight was canceled with little warning. Flight was rebooked through Ontario, California and connecting flight was delayed by over three hours. Frontier is living up to their Greyhound of the skies reputation for sure.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Island Hopping in Hawaii: How to Do It Right

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When you’re making the big trip to Hawaii, you might plan on island hopping. But what’s the easiest way to get around? And is it worth the trip?

Hawaii island hopping is absolutely worth it. The islands are all incredibly different and it’s easy to get from island to island. But it’s important to know that island hopping can be time-consuming so you want to make sure your trip is long enough for these extra travel days. 

To help you plan your trip, let’s get into the details. 

Now that you’re about to know how to go inter-island like a pro, make sure you have the other parts of your trip figured out: 1. We use Discount Hawaii Car Rental 95% of the time and it has saved us thousands 2. If you haven’t booked your stay, check out our Where to Stay database 3. We’ve searched high and low for the absolute best tours & activities on each island 4. Don’t leave home without our itineraries . Really.

Options for Hawaii Island Hopping:

If you’re looking to island-hop in Hawaii, you have a few options. Depending on what islands you’re traveling between, you can get there by airplane or ferry. You can also book an inter-island cruise or a guided tour to island hop for a day. 

Let’s look at these options more in-depth:

1. Flying between Hawaiian islands

Flying between the Hawaiian islands is the most popular and least expensive way to island hop. 

Commercial Airlines offering inter-island flights: 

There are three commercial airlines that offer inter-island flights in Hawaii:

1. Hawaiian Airlines : The largest operator of flights to and from Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines has the inter-island routes covered. On Hawaiian Airlines, you can find direct flights between Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island. Hawaiian Airlines flies into the major airports on each island: Honolulu, Oahu (HNL), Kahului, Maui (OGG), Lihue, Kauai (LIH), Kona, Hawaii (KOA), and Hilo, Hawaii (ITO). 

2. Southwest Airlines : The newest entrant to inter-island travel, Southwest Airlines operates on similar routes to Hawaiian Airlines. You’ll get direct flights between the four major islands. Known for their low-cost fares, they’re generally your cheapest option for inter-island flying (though Hawaiian Airlines has extremely competitive fares). 

3. Mokulele Airlines : Mokulele Airlines operates small, turbo-prop planes that fly from the main airports as well as smaller airports on the islands. It is the only airline to fly to both Molokai and Lanai. On the Big Island, it flies out of Hilo (ITO) and Kona (KOA) as well as Waimea-Kohala Airport (MUE). And on Maui, it flies out of both Kahului (OGG) as well as Kapalua (JHM). Just like the other airlines, it also flies out of Honolulu (HNL) and Lihue (LIH). 

Things to Consider When Between Southwest and Hawaiian Flying Interisland:

• Southwest offers free checked bags, a big savings unless you qualify for free bags on Hawaiian.
• Hawaiian Airlines provides an island vibe with colorful decor and serves juice (passion orange nectar or something similar).
• Hawaiian Airlines offers better options for seat assignments. If you book early, you can reserve a free seat. They also offer reasonably priced extra legroom upgrades.
• Hawaiian Airlines has premium options like first-class and extended legroom in economy.
• If you want USB charging at your seat, choose Southwest (pending fleet-wide installation).
• Southwest makes canceling and rebooking simpler. Hawaiian does not offer the ability to re-deposit and use funds as easily as Southwest.

Airports on Each Island (+ map):

Each Hawaiian island that you can visit has at least one airport, which makes island hopping a breeze. The airport codes for each airport are:

Oahu: Daniel K. Inouye Airport in Honolulu (HNL)

Maui: Kahului Airport (OGG) Kapalua Airport (JHM)

Hawai’i (Big Island): Hilo International Airport (ITO) Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) Waimea-Kohala Airport (MUE)

Kauai: Lihue Airport (LIH)

Lana’i: Lana’i Aiport (LNY)

Molokai: Molokai Airport (MKK)

Flight times between Hawaiian islands:

To give you an idea of just how quick these flights are, these are some sample times from Southwest Airlines:

Maui Wayfinder Itinerary

Kauai Wayfinder Itinerary

Big Island Wayfinder Itinerary

Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary

2. taking a ferry between the hawaiian islands.

If you’re traveling between Maui and Lanai, you have the option of taking a ferry. Expeditions Lanai operates a ferry service for the 45-minute trip between the two islands. 

Here’s a video of our day trip to Lanai using Expeditions Lanai to island hop:

If you’re looking to take a ferry to Molokai, you’re out of luck. Unfortunately, while a ferry used to operate between Maui and Molokai , that service stopped in 2016. 

Related read: Is Lanai Worth a Day Trip? Yes…and here’s why. 

3. Cruising between the Hawaiian Islands

If you’re set on seeing multiple islands in a short period of time and you don’t want to fly, taking an inter-island cruise is an option. Norwegian Cruise Line offers options that depart from and return to Oahu, making stops on the neighbor islands. 

If a Hawaiian cruise is up your alley, we have more resources for you! We cover all the cruise ports and what to know , the best time to cruise Hawaii , shore excursions on each island: Maui , the Big Island , Kauai , and Oahu . Plus you can grab a comprehensive Cruising Hawaii Guide with everything you need to know, all in one place.

4. Guided day trips

If you’re looking to island-hop just to make a day trip to Pearl Harbor, your best bet might be to go with a guide. Why? Guided tours offer an efficient and stress-free way to see as much as possible in a short day trip. Rather than needing to make reservations, book and pick up a rental car, and navigate a new spot, a guided trip can take care of the headache for you. 

Read more about our favorite experience island-hopping for our Pearl Harbor day trip . 

Is it easy to travel between the Hawaiian Islands?

Traveling between the Hawaiian islands is easy. The flights are short — 30 to 45 minutes in the air. Just enough time to get a glass of water or POG (Passion Orange Guava juice) if flying Hawaiian Airlines. 

Related read: What to Pack for Your Hawaii Vacation (plus a list for each island)

How much does it cost to travel between the Hawaiian Islands?

Depending on when you want to travel and how far in advance you book your tickets, travel between the Hawaiian islands can be very reasonable. Flights can be found as cheap as $39 each way on Hawaiian and Southwest Airlines. $39 is the best we’ve seen. Expect to pay between $50 to $100 for a one-way ticket.

How long does it take to travel between the Hawaiian islands?

Flights between each Hawaiian island are short: expect them to last anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes for a direct flight. But even though the flight itself is short, when you’re island hopping in Hawaii, the entire process can easily take 4 to 5 hours (door to door). You’ll need to drive to the airport, return your rental car, go through security, fly to the next island, pick up a new rental car, and check into your hotel.

Expect your travel day to take even longer if you aren’t able to get a direct flight. Many of the inter-island flight options require a stop in Honolulu before heading onto your final destination. 

Island-hopping in Hawaii: Fast Faqs

Are there ferries between the hawaiian islands.

There is only one ferry between Hawaiian islands and that is the ferry from Maui to Lanai. There used to be a ferry between Maui and Molokai, but that ferry service was discontinued in 2016 . 

Cheapest way to travel between Hawaiian islands

The cheapest way to travel between Hawaiian islands is to fly. You can find inter-island flights for as little as $39 each way, depending on when you want to travel and how far in advance you book. 

Easiest way to travel between Hawaiian islands

For most people, flying is the easiest way to travel between the Hawaiian islands. Southwest, Hawaiian Airlines, and Mokulele Airlines all operate plenty of flights each day that will take you between all of the islands. 

If you’d prefer to have all of the island-hopping details taken care of for you, then the easiest way to travel between the islands is on a cruise ship. 

If you’re finding this article helpful, Pin it for fellow readers and follow for more !

Should you visit multiple islands on your trip to Hawaii?

If you have the time, you should consider visiting multiple islands on your trip to Hawaii. Each island offers something very unique and different. But make sure you’re giving yourself enough time on each island before moving to the next.

We generally recommend that you spend at least 5 days on each island that you visit. Ideally, you’ll be able to spend a little more time on each island to fully experience it as well as relax.  One ambitious newsletter reading couple visited all 4 of the major Hawaiian island in just 13 days, and while we don’t recommend it, we let them write all about it and share their itinerary .

Related read: What Hawaiian Island Should You Visit? We can help you decide. 

Yes, you can spend less time on an island but your trip will likely feel rushed and you’ll miss out on some of the features that make each island so unique and spectacular. 

Related read: Get the perfect first time to Hawaii itinerary (island hopping included!)

Get a good deal on a rental car while island hopping

When you get to a new island, you’ll probably need another rental car. Don’t spend more than you need to. We love using Discount Hawaii Car Rental when we island hop. By using them, we’ve saved thousands of dollars over the last two years (seriously). They work with national carriers and you don’t need to pay anything in advance to secure your reservation. 

Trust us, Discount Hawaii Car Rental is really that good.

Hawaiian Islands’ Cheat Sheets

As you continue your Hawaii vacation trip planning, take the easy way out with our cheat sheets. Download free cheat sheets for each of the four major Hawaiian Islands to help you get familiar with the islands.

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Hawaiian island cheat sheets.

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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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