It is no secret that Hawaii is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. From the beautiful beaches and scenic beauty to the warm weather and laid-back lifestyle, Hawaii offers a perfect time.
This state has always been an “expensive destination” and with the rise of tourism, the cost of vacationing in Hawaii has certainly increased. However, it is still cheaper than other tourist attractions and offers a budget-friendly trip, if you are ready to plan wisely.
In this article, we will evaluate the average cost of a trip to Hawaii for you and your travel companion! Keep reading to learn more.
What is the Cost of Traveling (air travel)
Air travel is undoubtedly one of the most common ways of getting to Hawaii so we will consider that as the primary form of traveling. The ticket cost will ultimately depend on your current destination (where you are flying from) and your airline, the availability of miles, and the time of the year. Hawaii is located in the United States, meaning that US citizens and those traveling from the West Coast can access cheap flights. In contrast, Canadians, Europeans, or other tourists will have to incur higher costs.
Another important thing to consider is the price of domestic flights. Hawaii is made up of numerous islands and it can cost a lot to move around to explore the country. You can always narrow down your options beforehand and plan your trip accordingly. Moving to nearby islands will be much more affordable.
Here are some money-saving tips to cut costs on domestic flights:
- Book your flights in advance, especially if you are using Hawaiian Airlines to access the best deals. Their prices tend to increase over time but you can enjoy great rates if you book in advance.
- Consider booking a multi-destination flight to save money. It’s a lot like a round-trip flight and allows you to visit all 4 main Hawaiian islands while remaining economical. It’s a great way to save money,
- Watch out for promotional deals and discounts.
What Are the Costs of Local Transportation
If you want to explore as much of Hawaii as possible and move freely then the best way to get around is renting a car! Each island has its own public transportation (bus network) and you can access that, if necessary. However, the recommended way is a car rental.
The good news is that there are plenty of discount rental companies that offer great prices to tourists. The rental car prices have dropped a lot in the past few years and now you can get a small-sized car for $35-50 per day. However, this cost can fluctuate according to the time of the year. For instance, rentals are estimated to be $65/ per day in mid-season and around $80/ per day during peak season (holiday season, summer months, etc).
Gas prices
Don’t forget to consider the cost of using that car i.e. gas money and parking fee. The gas prices in Hawaii vary on the island and specific area you are in. However, the average cost of gasoline is $4.54 per gallon (asofr January 2025).
Here are some tips to cut costs on transportation:
- A good idea is to go for locally owned businesses as they tend to charge less, even in high season.
What Are the Costs of Accommodation
Unfortunately, the cost of accommodation in Hawaii has skyrocketed in recent years. With the increase in general property prices in the state, the increase is unlikely to be a fluctuating one.
Regardless of that, Hawaii offers different types of accommodation and there is a wide range to choose from, catering to different lifestyles. This means that you can find cheap rooms, medium-priced ones, or stay in luxury hotels depending on your travel style and intended comfort level. Other than that, the area will influence costs as well. For instance, Oahu is way cheaper than the big island while Lanai is considered the most expensive island.
Generally speaking, the average price for a 3-star hotel room in Hawaii is $350 per night. This may include limited facilities so make sure to check with the specific hotel what they offer. As for 4-star resorts, the prices typically start at $455 a night.
If this sounds rather expensive to you, consider opting for an Airbnb. Their prices are relatively affordable, starting at $190. Meanwhile, luxury resorts are also an option, going up to $1000 per night.
Another option is renting a condo, best suitable for family vacations. They are certainly more comfortable, offering a higher level of convenience. This is suitable for longer times, preferably those exceeding 3 days.
What is the Cost of Food and Activities
Food
The archipelago is known for its high cost of food so make sure to take this factor into consideration. The restaurants are wildly expensive, especially the places with fine dining. You can easily expect to spend $50 at an average restaurant in Hawaii.
However, you can save money in this regard by eating from snack trucks and street food vendors. The meals are just as delicious and there are plenty of options to choose from. The average price is $15-20 per meal.
Here are some tips to save money:
- Buy local produce
- Shop from supermarkets
- Shop at the farmers market
Cooking your food can reduce the Hawaii cost of your trip by a great amount!
Activities
Hawaii is best known for its range of outdoor activities so if you are going on a trip, it’s only fair to allocate a flexible budget. You’ll be happy to learn that most of the activities are free such as swimming, state parks, hiking, etc. However, others such as helicopter rides can be rather expensive.
Since each paid activity costs $50-200, you should allocate around $400 per person. This will change based on the number of activities you do and their specific type.
How Much is a Trip to Hawaii
While the precise cost of a Hawaiian vacation depends on personalized details such as where you are flying from, how long you wish to stay, where you stay, the level of services you acquire, and how much you are “willing” to spend, the general estimates can help you draw a budget. Excluding the cost of a flight that can not be estimated without knowing your specific location, here’s a rough breakdown of a 7-day trip to Hawaii for two.
Transportation costs (vacation rental car): Assuming that you rent a small-sized car in the low and mid-season for 7 days, it will cost you $455 (excluding gas).
Accommodation costs: if you stay in a 3-star hotel room for 7 days, you can expect to pay $2400-2500.
Food: for two people who supposedly eat 3 meals a day from food trucks, you can expect to spend $140-150 on food.
Activities: for two people, there should be a $500-800 budget
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do 2 people need for a single day in Hawaii?
For one day in Hawaii, 2 people will need $350 for accommodation, $40 for a small-sized car, around $30 for food, and some allocated money for activities. In total, you can spend one day in Hawaii for under $500 (excluding the cost of a flight).
How much do drinks cost in Hawaii?
The price of drinks will vary on the area and specific drink itself but a beer or mixed drink can cost $4-9. Local drinks will have a lower price than imported brands and you can save money and remain by drinking during happy hours. This is a cost-friendly solution if you have a tight budget.
How much will it cost to go to Hawaii for a week’s trip?
If you are planning a 7-day trip to Hawaii, you should bring a minimum of $3000. However, if you want to elevate the experience and remain comfortable throughout, plan a budget of at least $4000-5000. This is just the average estimation for one person. A trip for two will cost $3000-6000.
How much do you tip in Hawaii?
If you are a foreigner who is unfamiliar with the tipping culture in the United States, familiarise yourself with the details before traveling. You’ll need to add a 15-20% tip for the service.
Conclusion
Hawaii is a highly desirable tourist destination that is getting popular by the day. If you have made up your mind to vacation there, make sure to consider all the financial details. Depending on the level of services you acquire and the time of year you choose, the cost of a Hawaii vacation can change a lot. Despite that, Hawaii is sure to offer a great experience and a wonderful vacation! Just remember that the best time for budget travelers is low season.
We hope this article helped you understand everything you need to plan a budget for your trip. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help.
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