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.
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:
- Maui
- Islands of Oahu
- Kauai
- Big Island
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!
Plan Ahead
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.
