Whether you're planning a quick getaway or a longer vacation, this Hawaii travel cost guide will help you understand the typical costs of a trip. Our Hawaii trip cost calculator is based on average spending from thousands of past travelers, including accommodations, meals, attractions, entertainment, and transportation. Hawaii is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, and you don't want to miss out because you didn't plan the right budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Hawaii?
A typical traveler spends $393 per day on a trip to Hawaii. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Hawaii based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $128 on meals
- $37 on local transportation
- $429 on hotels
A one-week trip to Hawaii for two people costs, on average, $5,502. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from thousands of other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Is Hawaii expensive to visit?
In Hawaii, budget travelers spend $149 per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $393 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $1,096 per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Hawaii.
Hawaii is a smaller destination that attracts travelers with diverse styles, spending habits, and budgetary preferences. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
If you choose to make it so, Hawaii can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by looking for discounts and coupons.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Hawaii is a very expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in North America for its travel costs. There are only a few cities as expensive as Hawaii in the region, such as many other destinations.
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. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Hawaii cost?
Hawaii on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$76
|
$214
|
$673
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$15
|
$37
|
$88
|
|
Food2
|
$52
|
$128
|
$302
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$16
|
$38
|
$89
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$4-12
|
$10-29
|
$23-68
|
Accommodation Budget in Hawaii
In Hawaii, hotel prices can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more amenities and luxury, but come at a higher price tag, especially during the peak season. Off-season prices average around $, but in peak season, they can average around $. Prices generally range from $ to $, and hostels remain the cheaper option. Booking early or traveling during the low season can save you money, and you might find special deals along the way.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Hawaii for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $429. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $214 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Hawaii? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and skip ), you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Hawaii
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $37 per person, per day, on local transportation in Hawaii. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Hawaii is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$37
Most international flights to Hawaii pass through Honolulu. Once you're in the state, air travel is the most common and easiest way to travel between islands. It is typically cheapest to make a "triangle route" if you're planning to visit more than one island. This means you arrive and depart from different islands. There are many scheduled flights between islands and it is usually possible to buy tickets a day or two in advance, although prices may be significantly higher if you book last-minute.
There are charter boats that travel between some islands as well. This is particularly true in the Maui-Molokai-Lanai area, but crossing the channels between islands can be very rough at times.
On the island of Oahu you'll find a decent public transportation system that travels between Honolulu, Waikiki, Makaha, Schofield Barracks, and elsewhere. The system is referred to as "The Bus" and you should pick up a route schedule from a local ABC Store once you arrive. The other islands offer very limited or no public transportation. They are very rural and a rental car is advised. It's also possible to get a campervan. For the best prices, make a reservation as soon as possible. The rate per day usually goes down the longer you rent the car. Also, check with your hotel to confirm the price for daily parking, if any.
Be sure your hotel has hassle-free parking if you're planning to drive.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Departure - Private Transfer Waikiki Hotel to Airport for $50 details
- Private Luxury Escalade Transfer: HNL Airport & Cruise Ports for $160 details
- Honolulu Harbor Cruise Terminal Transfer by Luxury Vehicle for $105 details
How much does it cost to go to 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 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 Hawaii
Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Hawaii can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Hawaii is $128 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$128
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Hawaii is around $128 ($128) per person, with previous travelers spending from $52 to $302. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Hawaii are as follows:
- Breakfast: $13 to $38
- Lunch: $19 to $51
- Dinner: $38 to $89
- Coffee: $10
- Fast Food or Street Food: $19
Hawaiian food is a mix of Hawaiian, Portuguese, American and Asian-Pacific flavors. Seafood is abundant and excellent and there is local beef available that comes from Maui. Coffee is typically grown on the Big Island. Popular tropical fruits include pineapple, mango, bananas, guavas, and papaya. If you're on a tight budget, a filling and traditional meal is a plate lunch. It is available at lunch wagons or food courts and typically includes a meat or fish and sides of rice and macaroni salad. Perhaps the most famous Hawaiian dining experience is the luau. This is a traditional Hawaiian feast that involves music, dance and barbecue. Modern luaus that are prepared for tourists are typically buffet style and provide entertainment and delicious food. They are held throughout the islands at resort hotels and some restaurants, but they are expensive, often costing between $50 and $100 a person (half price for children).
Numerous hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, although others may charge you extra for it. The price and quality can vary from hotel to hotel. Being informed ahead of time can assist you in determining if you need to budget extra funds. The hotel buffet might be worth your money, or perhaps a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or cafe would suffice.
Bring a reusable water bottle instead of purchasing drinks all the time. It's also a great way to help the environment.
Be sure to check which meals are part of your tour before you go. You might be responsible for some of your own food costs, which could stretch your budget further.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Hawaii. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Private Off-Road Sunset Dinner for $257 details
- Honolulu: Off The Beaten Path Food Tour for $150 details
- Maui Farm to Taco: A Farm to Table Cooking Class for $149 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Hawaii
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets 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.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$38
The sights in Hawaii are diverse and beautiful. There is natural beauty and hiking opportunities that will impress even the most jaded traveler. There are cultural and historical sights that let you glimpse the unique history that these islands hold tight to. There are also beaches and wildlife viewing opportunities that are unlike anywhere else in the world. Popular sights throughout Hawaii include Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, the North Shore and Dole Plantation, and Molokini Crater, among many others.
Hawaii is full of activities that appeal to adventuous outdoor lovers. There are hiking and eco tours available on most islands. There are snorkeling and scuba diving options everywhere as well. Other interesting options include taking helicopter tours over the volcanos, whale watching, or taking surfing lessons. If you're looking for an adventure then any of the islands will have something that appeals to you.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Hawaii. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Beaches & Hilo Highlights Day Tour for $187 details
- Private Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tour in Turtle Town, Maui for $169 details
- 5 Hour Molokini Snorkel & Turtle Tour in Maui for $189 details
Nightlife Budget in Hawaii
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $19 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Hawaii per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$19
The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Hawaii. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Twilight Wine Tasting by Sea and Sunset Cruise in Honolulu for $119 details
- Kō Hana Hawaiian Rum Distillery Tour and Tasting for One for $25 details
- North Shore, Kailua Distillery Brewery V.I.P circle island tour for $241 details
Travel cost data last updated: May 27, 2026
Traveling in Hawaii
Kauai Coastline, Hawaii
Located towards the center of the Pacific Ocean and the northeast corner of Polynesia, Hawai'i is the 50th state of the United States of America. It is a major tourist destination for travelers from around the world and as such, its economy is very dependent on the tourist dollar. Historically, the state had strong whaling, sugar and pineapple industries, but today tourism and the military make up a significant part of the economy. The state includes many islands that spread over 1,500 miles, but there are eight main islands which have a diversity of natural beauty and interesting landscapes. The islands offer visitors many impressive features from the beautiful beaches to the lush interior. There is a lot of hiking, snorkeling and scuba diving available throughout the islands. The capital of the state is Honolulu, which is also the largest city. Both Hawaiian and English are spoken throughout.
Hawaii's climate is similar to what you would find throughout the tropics. There are almost constant trade winds from the east that do keep the temperatures and humidity milder. Summer highs are around 88 degrees Fahrenheit and winter highs are around 83 degrees Fahrenheit. You might find snow at elevations above 13,800 feet on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the "The Big Island".
Regions
Hawaii is an archipelago that has many distinct volcanic islands, but there are eight major islands with six open to tourists. These six are Hawaii (The Big Island), Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, and Lanai. Niihau and Kahoolawe are the remaining two islands, the former of which is privately owned and limited to Native Hawaiians and the latter is a former U.S. Navy bombing range.
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Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your budget for Hawaii. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
Who are Budget Travelers?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $149 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family on a fun getaway, you might want to choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at well-liked restaurants, and visit the key museums and attractions that come with entry fees. It's common for visitors to Hawaii to seek out the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $393 per person, per day.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $1,096. Staying in upscale hotels, enjoying meals at award-winning restaurants, indulging in lavish excursions, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the destination will entail a more premium price tag. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Kahului, Lahaina Airport, Kaanapali & Kapalua Private Transfer - offered by Viator.
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.
I think what makes Hawaii particularly expensive is that you really need to have a car to explore any of the islands in depth, and rental cars can be expensive.