How to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Hawaii on a budget

Updated for 2023! Is there any place on this earth as sought after than Hawaii? From Hollywood to your average joe, this tropical paradise has everything you could dream on. White-sand beaches, world-class surf, rugged coastlines, a national park full of volcanos, and endless activities. Hawaii really is the ultimate holiday destination. But, you ask, is it possible to go to Hawaii on a budget? 

The answer is a resounding yes! Granted, you’ll spend more on daily expenses than your average holiday destination (looking at you, Vietnam) but it’s easy to make up the difference with a few insider tricks.

Here are my tips for travelling Hawaii on a budget – Mahalo me later! test

Is it Possible to Go to Hawaii on a Budget?

While Hawaii doesn’t rank as the cheapest destination in the US, Hawaii on a budget is definitely within reach. There’s a wealth of activities that offer rich experiences at low or no cost at all. 

The first hurdle you will most likely experience is the cost of the flight. If you can find a great deal on flights to Hawaii, half the battle is over. I was really lucky to find an insane travel deal that took me on a round trip from Sydney – Hawaii – Samoa – Fiji – Sydney all for only £1100 AUD. This was an incredible deal!

The only downside was that we had a 4 hour layover in Fiji and an 1 hour stop in Kiribati (basically the middle of nowhere in the pacific ocean, but bonus we saw a tonne of huge crabs from the plane on the runway) on the way there. However, this was all part of the adventure for me.

You can read my full blog on how to find cheap flights and get cash back with WayAway here. 

Whether you’re a solo traveler, on a family vacation, or planning a romantic getaway, you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy the islands. Let’s delve into some practical tips to help you experience the best of Hawaii on a budget, ensuring your trip is both memorable and affordable.

How Much Should You Budget For Hawaii 

Budgeting for Hawaii doesn’t have to be daunting. On average, you can manage a fulfilling trip with a daily budget of around $70-$100. This includes dorm-room accommodation (price will go up if you get a private), food, and some activities. However, the key is planning and knowing where and what to save on. Which we’re going to delve into below. 

How To Visit Hawaii on a Budget: 1. Pick An Island

There are well over 100 Hawaiian Islands, and they are all pretty magical. However, there are 6 main populated islands. Depending on when you travel, getting between islands can be time-consuming and sometimes expensive. If you’re wanting to visit Hawaii on a budget, it makes sense to pick one or two islands to explore. You will most likely have to fly into Oahu anyway (home to Honolulu and Waikiki), and it is generally the cheapest island to visit if you’re factoring in the cost of internal flights. However, accommodation on Oahu tends to be expensive. If you want to stay in Honolulu or Waikiki on a budget, I’d recommend staying in a hostel over one of the resorts (more on this below). 

If the price of the internal flights don’t put you off, Kauai and the Big Island of Hawaii are generally more affordable compared to Oahu and Maui. Consider these islands for lower accommodation and activity costs. If you love geothermal roaming, then the Big Island is definitely a must-see on your budget Hawaii vacation. Big Island is home to Volcano National Park and literal take your breath away moments (probably due to the sulfur).

Other islands include Kauai (home to the actual Jurassic Park!), Maui (quite expensive, and basically a middle-class playground), Molokai, and Lanai (which is the best for Dolphin watching). 

2. Book Internal Flights In Advance

Inter-island travel in Hawaii can be quite affordable, with flights as low as $39 one-way on Hawaiian and Southwest Airlines, typically ranging between $50 to $100 depending on booking time and travel dates. Just like booking any flights, when you want to visit Hawaii on a budget, make sure to book your inter-island flights in advance.

Hawaiian Airlines will be your go-to, as they have the most extensive flight schedule between the islands. Other airlines include Go!, Mokulele Airlines, Island Air, and Pacific Wings. I’ve said before, but if you book with WayAway you can earn cash back on all flights, and make your funds go even further. 

While flying is generally the quickest and most convenient way to travel between the Hawaiian Islands, there are alternatives for those looking to explore different options. For travel between Maui and Lanai, a 45-minute ferry service by Expeditions Lanai offers a scenic journey. Alternatively, if you’re looking to visit multiple islands without flying, consider an inter-island cruise. Norwegian Cruise Line provides cruises departing from Oahu and stopping at neighbouring islands. For day trips, like visiting Pearl Harbour from Maui for example, guided tours can be a hassle-free choice, handling all logistics for an efficient and stress-free experience.

3. Visit Hawaii As A Layover

If you’re travelling anywhere over the Pacific ocean, Hawaii should be your go-to destination for a quick layover. With any layover, you’re pretty much limited to one place, so take this as an opportunity to spend 24 hours exploring Oahu. 

Maximise your layover in Honolulu by exploring Hawaii’s bustling capital efficiently: take an airport tour, hop on the Waikiki Trolley, visit iconic Waikiki Beach and the Duke Kahanamoku statue, and savour fresh local Hawaiian cuisine for a brief yet vibrant experience of the aloha spirit.

4. Stay in Hostels/Airbnb

Goes without saying, doesn’t it? To visit Hawaii on a budget, the urge to stay in a fancy hotel/resort needs to be left at the airport. Luckily, there are a bunch of good hostels dotted around Hawaii. 

Phil and I stayed in Polynesian Beach Club Hostel, which was a stones throw away from Waikiki Beach. We stayed in a private double room which cost us $70 USD per night. Dorms range from $35-$45 per night depending on the season. Included in the price is a free pancake breakfast each morning and free surfboard hire. A top tip would be the make the most of the free pancake breakfast before your day of activities. I’ve written a full rundown of staying at the Polynesian Beach Club Hostel, and the other best hostels in Waikiki here. 

If you want a more local experience in Hawaii on a budget, try an Airbnb or Vrbo. Staying with locals means you’ll get authentic insider tips. Honolulu and Waikiki tend to be laced with tourist traps, so staying with a local will help you avoid these. The best part is you will be supporting a true local buisness or family instead of a huge hotel chain which is usually under an even larger conglomerate. 

I do have a secret tip for experiencing some fancy resort hospitality while visiting Hawaii on a budget. I like to consider myself an expert at sneaking into resorts and using the facilities without staying (cough, Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando). The Royal Hawaiian hotel is not only the jewel hotel of Honolulu, but it’s also super easy to just walk into their pool area and around the grounds However, you must look confident. 

5. Buy Local Beer

Trying out local delights are great anywhere you go, and Hawaii is no different. When you backpack Hawaii support your wallet and the locals by drinking local beer.

My favourite local beer was Kona. I had a tasting paddle of all the local Kona beers from Yard House in Waikiki, which meant I could determine which one I liked. Grab yourself a 24 pack from the supermarket (around $12USD)  and hit the beach for sunset!

Other local beers include Big Island Brewhaus, Maui Brewing Co., and Aloha Beer Company.

6. Eat Like A Local

Another surefire way to save money when visiting Hawaii on a budget and, most importantly, contribute to the local community. 

Food trucks are an awesome way to get a delicious hot meal on the cheap, and Hawaii is known for them. Whether you fill up on fish tacos, poke bowls, or shaved ice, these Hawaiian delicacies are completely budget-friendly. 

I recommend trying the *World Famous* garlic shrimp on Oahu’s North Shore.

Hawaii’s cuisine reflects its cultural diversity, offering a variety of flavours that locals love. Poke, a Hawaiian staple, offers an authentic and affordable taste of the islands with endless flavour combinations like the must-try wasabi and avocado. For the best poke, visit Maguro Brothers, renowned for their quality and freshness, with locations in Chinatown and Waikiki. Don’t overlook Fresh Catch, another favorite Oahu poke spot. For a unique local experience, try Hawaiian-style Spam. I know eating Spam sounds like some war-time ration meal, but in Hawaii it’s a delicacy. Often served sushi-style with rice and nori, Spam is a testament to Hawaii’s unique culinary fusion and a delight for adventurous foodies.

7. Or Make Your Own Food

Giving in to chain restaurants in Waikiki is one thing, spending all of your hard-earned exploration money on overpriced food is another. Don’t let corporate food cut into your budget, shop at local groceries and make your own delicious food at your hostel/bnb. Most days, I would stock up on free pancakes in the morning then either make sandwiches for the day or wait and cook a meal in the evening.

Foodland, an American supermarket chain based in Honolulu, Hawaii, runs 32 stores across the state under the names “Foodland,” “Foodland Farms,” and “Sack ‘N Save.” This will probably be your go-to for the best deals when it comes to groceries. 

8. Make The Most Of Cheap (and free) Activities 

Believe it or not, there are loads of cheap and even free things to do in Hawaii. Especially Oahu. Below are some of the best activities for visiting Hawaii on a budget. 

Oahu 

Hike to Diamond Head: This iconic crater offers stunning views of Waikiki and the surrounding area. The hike is moderate in difficulty and takes about 1.5 hours round trip. Admission is $5 per person. This was one of my favourite things I did in Hawaii on a budget. The views really were stunning. 

Waimea Valley. This beautiful botanical garden and nature preserve is home to waterfalls, swimming pools, and a variety of plants and animals. Admission is $25 for adults, but there are discounts for students and seniors.

Snorkel at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve: This marine life conservation area is home to a variety of colorful fish and coral reefs. Snorkeling gear can be rented at the beach. Admission is $7.50 for adults and $3 for children ages 3-12.

Attend a free hula class: Many resorts and hotels offer free hula classes for guests. This is a great way to learn about Hawaiian culture and have some fun at the same time.

Visit Pearl Harbour: If you’re more into getting your knowledge on, visit the site of Pearl Harbour for free entry.

Maui

Drive the Road to Hana: This scenic highway winds along the coast of Maui, passing by waterfalls, rainforests, and black sand beaches. There are many stops along the way where you can hike, swim, and take in the views.

Visit Haleakala National Park: This park is home to Haleakala Crater, which is the largest dormant volcano in the world. You can drive to the top of the crater for sunrise or sunset, or hike down into the crater for a more challenging experience. Admission is $30 per vehicle or $15 per person on foot or by bike.

Snorkel at Molokini Crater: This sunken volcanic crater is home to a diverse array of marine life. Snorkeling tours depart from Maalaea Harbor daily.

9. Rent A Car

Renting a car is the easiest way to get around the islands of Hawaii. Compared to the rest of the USA, car rentals in Hawaii are super reasonable. All the massive rental companies like Alamo, Budget, and Enterprise rent cars on the islands. I always use Trip.com to search for hire cars as it’ll give you a holistic view of all the deals. Click the widget below and pop your details in to start searching for the best hire car. 👇

Renting a car and heading out of Waikiki to the North Shore of Oahu is a must do when you backpack Hawaii. Make the most of the food trucks and cheap coffee, and visit Laniakea Beach, otherwise known as Turtle Beach. The reason? Well, I’ll let this photo explain…

10. Go During Off Season

Hawaii is pretty popular all year round. But, the off season is when you’ll want to plan to go if you’re on a budget. The best hostel/hotel rates, less crowded islands, why would you not go backpack Hawaii in the off season? Off season in Hawaii is Spring (April-June) and Autumn (Sept-Dec). The number of people on the islands drastically drop during this time. So, it means fewer crowds and more cheap deals for you. 

Don’t let the exclusivity and high-end resorts put you off from planning a budget Hawaii vacation. It can be done, and it most definitely doesn’t have to break the bank. I can’t wait to return one day, as there’s still so much I haven’t seen! 

But until then, as they say in Hawaiian:

Malama pono – Take care, be right. 

Do you have any tips for backpacking Hawaii on a budget? Let me know in the comments.

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