Travel Budget for Oahu Visit Oahu on a Budget or Travel in Style

Oahu, Hawaii, United States of America

Oahu is an energetic island known for its unique blend of cultures, stunning beaches, vibrant energy, and world class water sports (including surfing). 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. Whether you're exploring the museums, enjoying the nightlife, or scuba diving with your friends, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Oahu that stays within your budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Oahu?

You should plan to spend around $371 per day on your vacation in Oahu. 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
  • $21 on local transportation
  • $474 on hotels

A one week trip to Oahu for two people costs, on average, $5,194. 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.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $371
  • One Week Per person
    $2,597
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $5,194
  • One Month Per person
    $11,130
  • One Week For a couple
    $5,194
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $10,388
  • One Month For a couple
    $22,260
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Oahu cost?

A one week trip to Oahu usually costs around $2,597 for one person and $5,194 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Oahu on average costs around $5,194 for one person and $10,388 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 Oahu will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Oahu on average costs around $11,130 for one person and $22,260 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Oahu expensive to visit?

Oahu is a popular island that draws numerous visitors, each showcasing different travel styles and spending habits. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.

You can find Oahu to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails can help you save money.

On average, budget travelers spend $131 per day, mid-range travelers spend $371 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $1,174 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Oahu.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Oahu is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Las Vegas or West Palm Beach.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Oahu Expensive?

Oahu, Hawaii Oahu, Hawaii

How much money do I need for a trip to Oahu?

The average Oahu trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Oahu travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Oahu cost?

Oahu on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$75 $237 $867
Local Transportation 1 $9.24 $21 $37
Food 2 $36 $91 $222
Entertainment 1 $11 $27 $67
Alcohol 2 $3-8 $3-10 $4-12

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

When planning your trip to Oahu, it's important to have realistic expectations about your budget. Many believe they can travel on a shoestring, but that often leads to either uncomfortable travel experiences or some surprisingly high expenses. Consider your vacation style. Do you enjoy staying in hostels, resorts, regular hotels, or vacation rentals? Are attractions and dining experiences a priority? These factors will affect how much you spend and your itinerary.

The Truth on Budget Travel

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 $131 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.

Do You Identify as 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. Those traveling to Oahu often aim to see the major attractions, museums, and noteworthy landmarks. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $371 per person, per day.

Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?

For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $1,174. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the island, be prepared for premium pricing. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Surfing Lessons in Waikiki - offered by Viator.

Honolulu, Hawaii Honolulu, Hawaii

Accommodation Budget in Oahu

Hotel prices in Oahu can really fluctuate, especially between budget and luxury options. Expect higher costs during peak summer season, when rates climb from an off-season average of $320 up to around $597. From $181 for budget options to $1,310 for luxury hotels, there's something for everyone. Hostels, particularly dorms, are typically cheaper. Book early or travel in the low season for better prices.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Oahu for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $474. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $237 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $237
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $474

Hotels in Oahu

Looking for a hotel in Oahu? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Oahu

The average hotel room price in Oahu based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $320 in the low season and $597 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Oahu

If you're headed to Oahu with your family, you'll likely want to look for accommodations with more room to spread out.

This island has plenty of resorts to choose from. Some options may include meals, or at least breakfast, and many resorts have their own restaurants.

Many visitors stay in Oahu for a week, and if you're here for a longer time, renting a place with a kitchen could be a smart way to handle your own meals.

Choosing to travel outside of summer and in the low or shoulder season will give you lower hotel prices and less tourist congestion.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Oahu

Oahu lacks an efficient public transit system. Honolulu has a fairly good bus system, but once you're out of the city, public transportation is limited.

Sadly, most parts of the island are not designed for walking. There are some walkable neighborhoods in Honolulu, but if you really want to explore the island, you'll want to have a car.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (moderate)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (moderate)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $21 per person, per day, on local transportation in Oahu. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Oahu is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $21

Transportation Tips

Ensure that your hotel has easy parking arrangements if you're planning to drive.

A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • Private Transfer from Waikiki to Honolulu (HLN) Airport for $84 details
  • Private Transfer: Honolulu to Honolulu Airport HNL in Luxury SUV for $132 details
  • Private Transfer from Honolulu (HLN) Airport to Kawela for $196 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Oahu
How much does it cost to go to Oahu? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Oahu
The price of renting a car in Oahu 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 Oahu

Cuisine in Oahu is good, but it's not well known enough to draw in tourists for the restaurant scene. Still, there are a handful of excellent dining spots in the island to discover. Honolulu has a diversity of cuisines and a cosmopolitan vibe, giving it some of the best food in the Hawaiian Islands. The local restaurants are influenced by a number of countries and often incorporate Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Korean, and Portuguese flavors. Dishes are often saucy, sweet, and starchy, but you'll also find fresh tropical fruits such as mango and coconut.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Oahu can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Oahu 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 Oahu is around $91 ($91) per person, with previous travelers spending from $36 to $222. 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 Oahu are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $9 to $27
  • Lunch: $14 to $36
  • Dinner: $27 to $63
  • Coffee: $7
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $14

Sit back and enjoy the medley of traditions fused together in the pacific dishes of O'ahu. Seek out the tropical fruits (pineapple, mango, bananas, guava, papaya) and fresh fish of the region. There is no limit to the variety you can find in O'ahu.

The best setting for anyone to experience the Hawaiian cuisine is the traditional luau. While it's a bit expensive, the experience is worth it. If price is a problem, though, consider eyeing the roads for food trucks handing out traditional plate lunches. In the North Shore, shrimp trucks can be under $10.

Food & Dining Tips

When you're dining out with kids, seek out restaurants that offer a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit since these meals are usually more affordable. Keep in mind that some restaurants might not showcase their kids' options, so be sure to ask your server before placing your order.

A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.

Make a picnic for a budget-friendly way to enjoy the scenery. Visit a nearby grocery store or market, stock up on fresh goodies, and find a beautiful park or scenic spot to have your meal.

Bring a water bottle to avoid frequent drink purchases. It's also a sustainable choice.

Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.

If you want to experience the culture in Oahu, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. 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 $272 details
  • Private Off-Road Sunset Dinner for $226 details
  • Friday Fireworks Dinner Sail from the Hilton Hawaiian Village for $211 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Oahu

It's understandable that travelers choose Oahu, as it is famous for beaches, hiking, family-friendly activities, and romance.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Oahu typically cost an average of $27 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.
    $27

While Hawaii is filled with lush rainforests and amazing volcanoes, everyone longs to visit the white, sandy beaches you see on postcards. For a little swimming and a little surfing, check out Kailua Beach. The fine sand is perfect for strolling or just lounging around. Perhaps one of the most famous beaches, however, is Waikiki Beach. Lined with resorts and tourists, Waikiki Beach, or "sprouting water," is the beach everyone sees on TV. Here you can ride those famous catamarans and the calm waters are perfect for easy wading and body surfing. These beaches are just a few of Oahu's best Instagram spots, as beautiful views are around every corner.

On the eastern side of the island is Lanikai beach. It's relatively small and secluded due to being surrounded by a residential community. However, it's one of the best beaches in the U.S.A. and worth a visit if you can find parking nearby. The snorkeling here is pretty good, too.

If you're here in the wintertime, check out the North Shore to witness the monstrous waves tackled by world champion surfers. It's a sight to behold that will make you see the real power of Mother Nature.

If you've had your fill of beaches, travel to Central O'ahu and tour the pineapple fields to see where these classic Hawaiian treats come from.



If you've grown restless lying in the sun, there are plenty of activities to find around the island. The most popular paid attraction in Hawaii is the Polynesian Cultural Center. Head over there to learn about Hawaiian culture and seven other Polynesian island groups. Brush up on the history and heritage while you walk along recreated traditional villages.

While you're in the mood for a little history, make your way to the USS Arizona Memorial. You can pay your respects and learn a little more about the fallen soldiers of Pearl Harbor.

If you're ready to get off the lounge chair, but not ready to say goodbye to the water, consider a kayak tour of Kailua Bay. A guided or self-guided tour will lead you to breathtaking bird sanctuaries and just hop out for a quick snorkel with sea turtles. Or simply put the paddle down and take in the view around you. It's also possible to meet more sea creatures up close in various places around the island. Check out this article for an in-depth guide to where to swim with dolphins in Oahu.

Then, of course, who hasn't dreamed of riding horseback along a Hawaiian beach? You can don your fanciest white linens and make that dream a reality on the North Shore.

Hiking in Oahu is also popular, as you can experience the tropical climate and environment while viewing waterfalls, gorgeous green cliffs, and amazing views overlooking Honolulu. Plenty of trails are found on the island, and many of them are not too difficult.

For even more ideas of things to do, check out this great 4-day Oahu itinerary.

Sightseeing Tips

Museums and Attractions:
Oahu is well-known for its iconic museums and renowned landmarks. The USS Arizona Memorial & Pearl Harbor is a moving and special place to visit, but tickets should be purchased in advance. Other landmarks around the island include the Tour Iolani Palace and the Battleship Missouri Memorial.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
Scuba diving in Oahu ranks among the top activities to enjoy. Snorkeling and diving on the island is among the best in the world. There are 3 marine life conservation parks and miles of coastline to explore.

Beaches:
Numerous travelers flock to Oahu to unwind on the beach. From the energetic Waikiki Beach to the family-friendly Ko Olina, Oahu has some of the most famous beaches in the world. The beaches are lined with sand and some areas offer better swimming conditions than others. You'll also find beaches with snorkeling or sea turtles, and some with world class surfing waves.

Hiking:
The hiking routes surrounding Oahu are incredible. World famous hikes on the island include Diamond Head and Koko Crater Railroad Trailhead. There are hikes ranging from easy to challenging and views that will take your breath away.

Shopping:
Be sure to enjoy the shopping here, as it's an experience you won't forget. There are shopping centers and malls in Honolulu that have major department stores as well as island favorites. For a local experience head to the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet or wander along the Waikiki Beach Walk with its many boutique shops. Also worth a visit is the Honolulu Chinatown market.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Oahu. 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:

  • North Shore Adventure Shuttle for $100 details
  • Kamananui Cacao Orchard Tour for $89 details
  • Bee Farm Ecotour and Honey Tasting in Waialua, North Shore Oahu for $135 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Oahu

The nightlife in Oahu is vibrant and lively, with visitors reveling in evenings spent at local bars, clubs, and parties. Honolulu, and Oahu, have some of the best nightlife in the Hawaiian islands. There are tiki bars and posh nightclubs that keep buzzing late into the night. Head to Waikiki for some of the island's best nightlife. In Honolulu you'll find some local bars and clubs, but many resorts also offer a great nightlife scene and a fun atmosphere that caters specifically to tourists.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $6.47 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Oahu 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

Nightlife in Oahu

Nightlife Tips

Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.

When drinking at night, be mindful of your surroundings, as pickpockets and other crimes can happen. Stay safe by sticking with a group of trusted people.

Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Oahu. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:

  • Sips & Secrets of Hawaii Pub Crawl for $45 details
  • Winery Oeno Island Style Wine Tasting for $39 details
  • Sips & Secrets of Hawaii Pub Crawl for $45 details

Recommended


Travel cost data last updated: Dec 26, 2024

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Oahu

  • Prices usually spike during peak season in summer, and the island tends to be quite busy. To save some cash and steer clear of the crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • Being a large city, Oahu usually presents a variety of pricing for hotels, food, and things to do. To save money, consider shopping around, booking in advance, and making the most of free activities.
  • Traveling at a more relaxed pace can save you money while you take in the stunning beauty around you. When you fill each day with activities, your expenses can soar. But by slowing down and enjoying the journey, you usually spend less.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Many visitors are attracted to Oahu for the incredible scuba diving opportunities. But be aware that this can add up, giving you little room for budget flexibility. Dive trips, equipment rentals, and boating excursions can significantly impact your expenses. Be sure to double-check your travel insurance to make sure it covers all scenarios, including accidents and cancellations caused by weather.
  • With limited public transportation in Oahu, it could be wise to rent a car or arrange for transportation, such as a tour. Just keep in mind that this might affect your budget in other areas.
  • There aren't many hostels in Oahu, so if you're hoping for a budget dorm, it's best to rethink your plans. Instead, look for inexpensive hotels or an apartment rental.
Expert Advice from Local Travelers

We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Oahu.

How can you save money during your time in Oahu?

Stay outside of Waikiki, skip a hotel with a pool and swim in the ocean.

Anonymous
-
Jan 31 2024
Traveling in Oahu
Oahu Oahu, Hawaii

Hawaii is the epitome of paradise, and at the heart of paradise is the island of O'ahu (or Oahu). While it's only the third largest of the Hawaiian islands, O'ahu, or "the gathering place," is the most populous in the state with approximately 976,000 people calling O'ahu home, many of which live in the capital city of Honolulu.

One of the many nicknames for Hawaii is "the rainbow state." So you're almost sure to see some plastered across the sky during your stay in O'ahu. On average the temperature on the island stays fairly warm with highs around 70 to 85 most of the year.

With the capital city of Honolulu and 85% of the state's population, O'ahu can claim the only metropolitan area in the state - but that doesn't mean there aren't calming spots for those who want to leave everything behind - you just have to know where to look.



Neighborhoods & Around

O'ahu is comprised of two mountain ranges and five separate regions.

The southern region is known as Honolulu. It is where the capital city, beach hotspots, Pearl Harbor, shopping, nightlife and majority of the hotels and resorts are located. Most tourists don't venture outside of the Honolulu region. Central O'ahu is mostly suburbs with miles and miles of pineapple fields, while the eastern Windward Coast is full of sleepy towns and a Marine Corps base. The North Shore is where the iconic Hawaiian surfers find massive waves, and the Leeward Coast is the drier, less visited are of the island.

Related
Looking for a party hostel in Hawaii or Miami? Traveling alone to LA or New Orleans? Want a budget hostel in NYC?

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.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.