What are the Costs for Traveling to Hawaii?
Hawaii is often seen as an expensive destination, but really, you can absolutely explore these stunning islands with just a backpack and a smart budget! We spent 17 days in Hawaii during peak season (Christmas and New Year), and we managed to keep our costs reasonable. But what are the costs for traveling to Hawaii? Let us break it down for you.
Overview of Our Hawaii Costs
For reference, we traveled as a couple in December/January and stayed mostly in hostels, renting a car on just one island. In total, we spent about €2400,- ($2600), excluding flights. This works out to approximately €70,- ($75) per person per day. Below is a quick breakdown of where our money went, based on 2023/2024 prices (no discounts or special deals).
- Overnight stay (50%)
- Food and drinks (17%)
- Transportation (17%)
- Activities (12%)
- Other expenses (4%)
Flights to Hawaii
Flight costs can vary wildly depending on when and where you book. Since we were on a round-the-world trip, we flew from New Zealand to Hawaii. If you’re flying from Europe, note that there are no direct flights to Hawaii. You’ll likely need a stopover in the U.S. mainland in L.A. or San Francisco for example. By the way, it is really nice to combine the islands of Hawaii with the southwest of the mainland of the United States. We made a really nice road trip through California, Arizona, Utah and Nevada.
Transport Costs in Hawaii
To save money, we only rented a car on one island: Big Island. On O’ahu, we used public transport (TheBus) or simply walked. The buses are quite affordable. Moreover, the bus system works quite well in Honolulu and surroundings (to and from the airport and to Pearl Harbor). Remember to bring exact change, there was no option for getting cash back when we used public transport!
So Oahu is doable without a car. You’ll probably spend some time at the famous Waikiki beach and tours over the island can also be done with touring companies. On Big Island, on the other hand, renting a car is more essential due to its size and the lack of public transport. We rented through Sunnycars. Our total transport costs for the trip (car rental, gas, parking, public transport, and taxis) came to €400,- ($430).
Accommodations Hawaii on a Budget
We spent about €1200,- ($1300) on accommodation for the entire trip, averaging €70,- ($75) per night for two people. This included a mix of hostels and budget-friendly private rooms. Some places, like on Big Island, were quite run-down but affordable, so don’t expect luxury on a budget!
Activity costs
Most of our activities were on O’ahu, thanks to the tours organized by our hostel (Honu Waikiki). For around €300,- ($330) total, we joined various day trips, like hiking, snorkeling, and beach hopping. The tours were great for meeting other travelers and discovering hidden gems without spending a fortune.
Food and drinks prices
Food in Hawaii is pricey, even if you skip eating out. For example, a simple spaghetti meal from a store in O’ahu can easily cost €20,- ($22). We mostly stuck to groceries and cheap snacks, spending about €400,- ($430) over two weeks. Food trucks are a great option if you want to grab a meal without blowing your budget.
Miscellaneous Expenses
As with any trip, there are always extra costs. For us, this included an eSIM from Airalo, an ESTA visa, and a few souvenirs. In total, we spent around €100,- ($110) on these items.
Final Thoughts on Costs for Hawaii
So what are the real costs for traveling to Hawaii? It doesn’t have to cost a fortune. By staying in hostels, being smart with transport, and sticking to budget-friendly food options, we were able to experience the islands without overspending. However, keep in mind that Hawaii simply is one of the most expensive areas around the whole world, and that backpacking in Hawaii on a budget is quite expensive as well. But in the end, being at the beautiful islands of Hawaii for once was worth every penny!
