Hawaii is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Hawaii?
You should plan to spend around $392 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:
- $128 on meals
- $37 on local transportation
- $427 on hotels
A one week trip to Hawaii for two people costs, on average, $5,488. 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.
-
One Week
Per person
$2,744
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$5,488
-
One Month
Per person
$11,760
-
One Week
For a couple
$5,488
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$10,976
-
One Month
For a couple
$23,520
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Hawaii cost?
A one week trip to Hawaii usually costs around $2,744 for one person and $5,488 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Hawaii on average costs around $5,488 for one person and $10,976 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 $11,760 for one person and $23,520 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Hawaii expensive to visit?
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.
On average, budget travelers spend $148 per day, mid-range travelers spend $392 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $1,094 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Hawaii.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Hawaii is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to 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
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$75
|
$214
|
$672
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$15
|
$37
|
$88
|
|
Food 2
|
$52
|
$128
|
$302
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$16
|
$38
|
$89
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$4-12
|
$10-29
|
$23-68
|
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 $148 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 $392 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 $1,094. 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 Maui Tour : Road to Hana Day Trip from Lahaina with Pick-up - offered by Viator.
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 $0, but in peak season, they can average around $0. Prices generally range from $0 to $0, 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 $427. 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
Hawaii lacks an efficient public transit system.
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.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$37
Be sure your hotel has hassle-free parking if you're planning to drive.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Honolulu Private transfer to Airport/Port/Hotel (1-12 Passengers) for $125 details
- Honolulu Airport & Waikiki Hotels Private Transfer by Luxury SUV(up to 5 people) for $130 details
- Honolulu Airport & Waikiki Hotels Private Transfer by SUV(up to 6 people) for $100 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
-
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.
-
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 Sunset Dinner Horseback Ride for $251 details
- Farm to Taco: A Farm to Table Cooking Class for $149 details
- Walking Food Tour of Hanalei, KauaŹ»i for $129 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.
-
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:
- Complete Island Tour & Sunrise Photo Experience for $170 details
- Voted #1 on Maui. VIP, Private Road to Hana backstage pass tour for $299 details
- North Shore Adventure Shuttle for $100 details
Nightlife Budget in Hawaii
Calculated from travelers like you
-
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.
-
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:
- Brewery and Beach Cruise in a Vintage VW Bus for $299 details
- Sips & Secrets of Hawaii Pub Crawl for $45 details
- WINERY OENO Island Style Wine Tasting for $39 details
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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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.
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.