Honolulu is an energetic city known for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. 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. So, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Honolulu, all while staying within budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Honolulu?
You should plan to spend around $322 per day on your vacation in Honolulu. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $91 on meals
- $26 on local transportation
- $365 on hotels
A one week trip to Honolulu for two people costs, on average, $4,508. 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
$2,254
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$4,508
-
One Month
Per person
$9,660
-
One Week
For a couple
$4,508
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$9,016
-
One Month
For a couple
$19,320
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Honolulu cost?
A one week trip to Honolulu usually costs around $2,254 for one person and $4,508 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Honolulu on average costs around $4,508 for one person and $9,016 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 Honolulu will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Honolulu on average costs around $9,660 for one person and $19,320 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Honolulu expensive to visit?
Honolulu is a bustling city known around the globe. It draws in travelers of all kinds from around the world, each with their own unique budgets and travel styles. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
While Honolulu can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $121 per day, mid-range travelers spend $322 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $908 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Honolulu.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Honolulu is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Sacramento or Arlington.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Honolulu Expensive?
Honolulu, Hawaii
How much money do I need for a trip to Honolulu?
The average Honolulu trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Honolulu travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Honolulu cost?
Honolulu on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$64
|
$183
|
$576
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$10
|
$26
|
$68
|
|
Food 2
|
$37
|
$91
|
$223
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$16
|
$40
|
$109
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-8
|
$3-10
|
$4-12
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Honolulu without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $121 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Luckily, Honolulu offers plenty of hostels, including The Beach Waikiki by ALOH, ALOH Seaside Hostel Waikiki, and Honu Waikiki by ALOH. Staying at hostels like these means you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation along with a lively social vibe, though amenities might be minimal. Food also plays a significant role in a visitor's experience to Honolulu, yet budget travelers might stick to street food or hostel meals, resulting in less exposure to the wonderful culinary scene.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or family taking a fun trip, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at favorite restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. A trip to Honolulu wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities have costs involved. Thus, it's realistic to expect your daily budget to be closer to $322 per person, per day.
Honolulu boasts a wide array of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or children, thus reducing your expenses. Families should prioritize hotels and restaurants that are geared toward kids. The Laylow Autograph Collection is an excellent family-friendly option, while Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head is also superb. You can find additional family and couple-friendly hotels in our hotel guide for Honolulu here.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If you want an all encompassing getaway with top-notch amenities and exceptional service, get ready for a daily cost around $908. Staying in upscale hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, indulging in lavish activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the city will require a more luxurious budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Honolulu Airport & Waikiki Hotels Private Transfer by Minivan - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Honolulu
In Honolulu, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $273 and peak winter season rising to an average of $509. Prices typically range from $174 to $963, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Honolulu for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $365. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $183 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Honolulu? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Honolulu include:
- Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach starting at $263
- The Laylow Autograph Collection starting at $296
- Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger starting at $254
- The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club starting at $220
- The Equus starting at $146
Honolulu is a large city that boasts a wide variety of places to stay. You can find everything from hostels like The Beach Waikiki by ALOH to vacation rentals and high-end hotels. Staying closer to the city center generally means higher prices, but you'll be conveniently located near public transport and attractions.
Staying further from the city in Honolulu could save you money with the help of a good public transit system, but higher transportation costs and a longer commute could be a downside.
Honolulu is a very family friendly city. If you're traveling with kids, you'll likely want to find an apartment or accommodation with more space. Being in such a big city, rooms can sometimes feel a bit small and tight.
In this city, you can find a number of resorts available. You might be able to find a place that offers meals or at least breakfast, and many have restaurants onsite.
Many visitors spend up to a week in Honolulu. If you're staying for an extended period of time, a vacation rental with a kitchen could be a great option that would allow you to prepare your own meals.
If you plan your trip outside of winter and during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better accommodation rates and fewer tourists.
Lots of folks enjoy wandering around Honolulu, making it ideal to book a place in the heart of the city. Be aware that this may mean spending a bit more.
Transportation Budget in Honolulu
Honolulu has a decent public transportation system that reaches several top attractions. TheBus is the public bus system through the city and elsewhere on Oahu. For an affordable and quick way to get around, public transit works well, depending on your location. Taxis and rideshares are also an option if needed.
If you're someone who enjoys discovering a place on foot, you'll love it here. The most walkable areas are around downtown Honolulu and in Waikiki.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $26 per person, per day, on local transportation in Honolulu. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Honolulu is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$26
If you're driving, check that your hotel has parking available.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers 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 Honolulu? 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 Honolulu 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.
Below, you'll find common transit prices in Honolulu, gathered from real traveler experiences. These numbers offer a general sense of transportation expenses. It's important to note that your costs may vary depending on your transportation choice, with taxis and other hired vehicles usually costing significantly more than public transit.
-
Rental Car for One Day
$35
-
Airport Shuttle for Two
$30
-
Hilton Parking
$24
Food Budget in Honolulu
In Honolulu, the food is fantastic, and you should definitely take the opportunity to enjoy all the local flavors. The city offers a mix of internationally recognized chain restaurants as well as local mom and pop shops. You'll find a mix of cuisines that reflect the city's multicultural personality. There is plenty of Japanese food around town as well as local Hawaiian dishes. Spam is incorporated into many dishes, but you'll also find seafood and tropical fruits.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Honolulu can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Honolulu is $91 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$91
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Honolulu is around $91 ($91) per person, with previous travelers spending from $37 to $223. 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 Honolulu are as follows:
- Breakfast: $9 to $27
- Lunch: $14 to $37
- Dinner: $27 to $64
- Coffee: $7
- Fast Food or Street Food: $14
Food in Honolulu can be expensive, but there is a diversity of options available. Seafood and sushi options are plentiful, as are other Japanese dishes. A favorite Hawaiian chain restaurant is Zippy's, which is comparable to Denny's. It's a favorite of the locals and prices are reasonable if you're on a budget. Chili is particularly popular at this restaurant. Other dining options around town include burger joints, Korean restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. The quality of the food can vary so it is best to avoid heavily trafficked tourist destinations and instead find out where the locals eat.
Shaved ice is another Hawaiian specialty. Waiola is the oldest and one of the best places to try it. The flavors are surprisingly diverse with some unique options available.
To save money, consider dining at nicer restaurants during lunch instead of dinner. Many establishments in tourist districts or business areas feature lunch specials or a 'menu of the day.' These are often just more affordable and smaller versions of their dinner selections. With a bit of searching, you could enjoy a complete multi-course gourmet meal at a reasonable price. Then, just have a light dinner.
When eating out with children, look for places that provide a kids' menu. This can help you save a significant amount since those meals are typically priced lower. Be aware that some restaurants may not list the kids' options, so it's wise to inquire with your waiter beforehand.
Many hotels provide breakfast at no additional cost, while others charge extra. The quality and price can vary widely from hotel to hotel. Knowing this ahead of time can help you decide if you should budget more. You might find the hotel's buffet is a worthwhile investment, or perhaps a nearby bakery or cafe could be a cheaper alternative.
Making a picnic is a fantastic way to save money and enjoy the views. Head to a local grocery store or market, pick up fresh goodies, and find a charming park or scenic area to eat your meal.
Opt for a reusable water bottle to avoid buying drinks everywhere. It's beneficial for the earth as well.
Thinking about a tour? Check which meals are included beforehand. You might need to budget for some meals on your own, which can add to your expenses.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Honolulu, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Da Local's Food Tour of Oahu for $150 details
- Brewery and Local Food Tour for $600 details
Typical prices for food in Honolulu are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the food prices in Honolulu. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, selected restaurants, and the items that you order.
-
Dinner for Two
$73
-
Lapperts Hawaii Ice Cream
$5.55
-
Chai's Island Bistro (for 2)
$53
-
Cheeseburger Waikiki (for 2)
$34
-
Matsumoto Shave Ice (for 2)
$7.50
-
Hot Dog with the Fixins'
$8.30
-
Sushi Dinner for Two
$73
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Honolulu
It's no wonder that tourists flock to Honolulu, as it is known for its museums and attractions, resorts, beaches, and hiking.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Honolulu typically cost an average of $40 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.
$40
The most popular destinations in Honolulu are, of course, Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor.
Pearl Harbor is located in Western Honolulu and was made infamous by the December 7,1941 attack by Japanese forces which killed more than 2,000 people. The site is still functioning as a navy base and today there are several memorials found there as well as the USS Arizona Memorial.
Waikiki Beach is a white sand beach that has many hotels and tourist amenities. Diamond Head Crater is in the background. This is a great beach for swimming, sunbathing, or any number of water sports.
Other nice beaches in the area include Hanauma Bay, Halona Beach Cove, Sandy Beach and Makapu'u Beach. There are also some great viewpoints in the area including Nu'uanu Pali Lookout, Pu'u Ualaka'a Park, and Diamond Head.
Outdoor recreation opportunities are plentiful in and around Honolulu. Do make sure you get out of town and enjoy some hiking. The views in Hawaii are absolutely breathtaking and the natural scenery is unlike anywhere else. Many people take a surfing lesson while they're in the area. Waikiki Beach is a great place to try surfing for the first time. There are also luaus and traditional hula shows that many visitors enjoy seeing. Concerts, clubs and bars are also abundant around town.
Museums and Attractions:
Honolulu boasts some of the world's most well-known museums and landmarks. For many visitors, a trip to Pearl Harbor is one of the most memorable experiences while they're in Hawaii. It's still an active naval base, but it's also a National Historic Landmark that memorializes that historic day in 1941. There are many sights that reflect on the past and you can also pick up tours to the USS Arizona at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Other cultural sights around Honolulu include the Polynesian Cultural Center, the Shangri-La Museum, and Iolani Palace.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
Scuba diving is a highly popular pastime in Honolulu. There are great beaches around the island and near the city where you can enjoy diving and snorkeling. You'll find coral and tropical fish that make for a wonderful experience.
Beaches:
Beachgoers frequently travel to Honolulu for a restful retreat. Nearby there are countless beach destinations such as the famed Waikiki Beach. There are also more local and lesser known stretches of sand where you can escape the tourist crowds. Other great beaches in the area include Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Magic Island, and Lanikai Beach.
Hiking:
The hiking paths in the vicinity of Honolulu are superb. Both in the city and nearby you'll find world famous hiking trails that offer spectacular views and breathtaking landscapes. There are many natural landmarks and dramatic mountains. Moanalua Valley Trail, also known as the Stairway to Heaven, is one of the top hiking trails in the area. Other popular options include Kuliouou Ridge Trail and Diamond Head Crater Hike.
Shopping:
Make sure to check out the shopping here, as it's a fun experience. The city has some of the best shopping opportunities in the Hawaiian islands. There are brand name fashion outlets, large shopping malls, and boutique local vendors. Many of the malls are open air and let you enjoy the Hawaiian climate while you browse. Downtown Honolulu and Waikiki both have many shopping opportunities.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Honolulu. 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
- ETOHI: Exclusive Island Tour - Oahu • Private • Custom for $299 details
- 3 Hour Sunrise Photo Tour with Malasada for $65 details
Outlined below are some typical prices for entry fees and activities in Honolulu. They have been reported from the expenses of previous travelers. These costs provide an idea of what you might need to spend, though your individual expenses will depend on the activities you participate in, the places you visit, and how often you choose budget-friendly or free activities.
Nightlife Budget in Honolulu
The nightlife scene in Honolulu is exciting and dynamic, drawing visitors who enjoy exploring the local bars, clubs, and parties. The city has the most active nightlife scene on all of the Hawaiian islands. If you're looking for a party, then this is the place to stay. You'll find many bars, clubs, and entertainment options around town, as well as beach parties and festivals. For tourists, the highest concentration of nightlife venues is around Waikiki, which is also where you'll find the most hotels.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $6.47 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Honolulu per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$6.47
Nights out are fun, but limiting your alcohol consumption can help keep your travel costs in check.
Enjoy the nightlife, but stay cautious, especially if you're drinking. Thieves or criminals may target you, so stay close to trusted friends and avoid wandering off alone.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Honolulu. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Waikiki Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl for $35 details
Traveling in Honolulu
Honolulu, Hawaii
Hawaii's capital city of Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is the state's center for government, finance, and transportation. It's also the home of Waikiki Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the state of Hawaii. Nearly one million people live in this Honolulu metropolitan area. This is almost 80% of the state's population. The city is not the relaxed Hawaiian destination that you might be searching for, but is instead a fast paced, cosmopolitan city. In addition to attracting many tourists every year, you'll also find international businesses, military defense and a diverse culture and population.
Honolulu has a tropical savannah climate that has fairly consistent temperatures throughout the year. Highs usually range between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit and lows are between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The summer months are the driest and the winter months make up the rainy season although even during the rainy season, sunny days are very common.
Neighborhoods & Around
Honolulu is split into several districts. The downtown area has the harborfront as well as the state's government buildings and many of the area's museums. Waikiki is where the tourists flock. It has white sand beaches, highrise hotels, and crowds of sunbathers and surfers enjoying the atmosphere. Manoa-Makiki gives you a view of more tropical scenery in the Koolau Mountains. It's also home to the University of Hawaii. Eastern Honolulu is more residential in nature and has some nice beaches and snorkeling areas. Western Honolulu is where you'll find the city's airport as well as the military memorials of Pearl Harbor.
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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.