How much does it cost to travel to Big Island of Hawaii?
You should plan to spend around $250 per day on your vacation in Big Island of Hawaii. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $106 on meals
- $38 on local transportation
- $225 on hotels
A one week trip to Big Island of Hawaii for two people costs, on average, $3,506. 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.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently to Big Island of 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.
Is Big Island of Hawaii expensive to visit?
Prices in Big Island of Hawaii are reasonable and comparable to your average travel destination. Hotels, food, and sightseeing are generally within normal price ranges.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Big Island of Hawaii is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Sarasota or Winnipeg.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Big Island of Hawaii Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Big Island of Hawaii?
The average Big Island of Hawaii trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Big Island of Hawaii travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.
|
Category
|
Cost
|
|
Accommodation 1
(Double Occupancy)
|
$225
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$38
|
|
Food 2
|
$106
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$35
|
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|
Alcohol 2
|
$16 -
48
|
Accommodation Budget in Big Island of Hawaii
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Big Island of Hawaii is $112. For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Big Island of Hawaii is $225. This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Big Island of Hawaii? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Transportation Budget in Big Island of Hawaii
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The cost of a taxi ride in Big Island of Hawaii is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $38 per person, per day, on local transportation in Big Island of Hawaii.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$38
How much does it cost to go to Big Island of Hawaii? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Big Island of Hawaii will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Big Island of Hawaii
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While meal prices in Big Island of Hawaii can vary, the average cost of food in Big Island of Hawaii is $106 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Big Island of Hawaii should cost around $42 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Big Island of Hawaii is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$106
Entertainment Budget in Big Island of Hawaii
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Entertainment and activities in Big Island of Hawaii typically cost an average of $35 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.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$35
Alcohol Budget in Big Island of Hawaii
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $32 on alcoholic beverages in Big Island of Hawaii per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$32
Big Island of Hawaii On a Budget
Waipi'o Valley, Hawai'i
What comes to mind when someone says, "Hawaii"? Probably sandy beaches, coconut drinks and lazy days of tanning. It's a dream destination for those who want to get away, but the island of Hawai'i, or the Big Island as it's most commonly called, has so much more to offer than a place to catch up on your latest novel.
At 93 miles across, and a population of 185 thousand, the Big Island was once a large exporter of sugarcane. After its final plantation closed in 1996, tourism became the backbone of Hawai'i Island's economy. More recently, the Big Island has become the focus for sustainable tourism – visiting a place as a tourist and trying to make only a positive impact on your destination.
Sights
If you are headed to Hawaii with one goal in mind – beaches – then the Hapuna Beach should be at the top of your list. It's one of the most iconic beaches in the state.
However, if seeing the sites is more your style, you can begin by visiting the Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park – also known as "Place of Refuge." It's a great spot to begin your education of Hawaiian culture and traditions. For an easy jaunt to awe-inspiring waterfalls, make your way to Akaka Falls State Park. Visit during the seasonal rains for the best views. For a more challenging adventure to breathtaking sights, visit the Waipi'o Valley – accessible by foot or horseback. Once there, you'll stand speechless, simply swept away by the black beaches, waterfalls and wild horses.
For a beautiful end to the day, head to one of the island's sacred locations, Mauna Kea. With tons of telescopes, you'll be amazed by the world's clearest stargazing.
Neighborhoods
The Big Island is divided into six districts called moku.
Hilo is the district in east Hawaii. This part of the island gets more precipitation than most other areas of the island. If you're looking for waterfalls and rainforests, you're likely to find them in this lush area of the island.
The district known as Kona, located in the west of the island, is warmer with less rain. While there are many beaches, the waves are much less intimidating – making it the perfect spot for beginner surfers, snorkelers, paddlers or anyone interested in trying out water sports. It's also a great spot for dolphin and whale watching.
The northwest region known as Kohala, is the land of resorts and golf clubs. It's full of tourists, but the artificial, vibrant landscaping against the black volcanic surface provides everyone who visits with stunning views.
Hamakua is the northeast district covered in rolling hills ending in stark cliffs with cascading waterfalls, and the southeast region of Puna is where you'll find the longest erupting volcano - going strong since 2013. Many tourists don't find their way to the southern region of Ka'u, but it is an up and coming area worth checking out.
Activities
Your first adventure has to be a hike through the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. This trek through smoking craters, rainforest, desert and lava lakes will show you the true geological marvels of Hawaii. Follow that lava flow on your next hike in Puna. Walk along the black crust to see the lava spilling into the ocean – creating a mile high steam rise as the magma mixes with the water below.
A helicopter ride will give you the best view of the tall waterfalls spilling over the cliffs of Hamakua, while kayaking in Kealakekua Bay will take you to the best snorkeling in the state. The rainbow fish in Kealakekua aren't the only sights to behold underwater. Turn on your diving lights for a spectacle of manta rays. Their ten foot wing spans will overwhelm you as you gracefully swim with these amazing creatures.
Food and Dining
Hawai'i is home to some of the most inventive chefs – turning local eats into innovative dishes seeped in Hawaiian culture. You can never go wrong with a classic poke (salad of raw fish) or seafood entree. Outside of the resorts and hotels, however, finding a quality restaurant isn't a simple feat. Seek out any local market to find the freshest, most delicious fruits the island has to offer – from Ka'u oranges to Poha berries.
Transportation
Public transit is limited – you'll likely need a car to get to most destinations. Plan on renting or taking taxis everywhere.
You should remember that rental cars are booked months in advance, depending on the season. If you're planning on staying in one town, another option is renting a moped or bicycle.
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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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.