Trip to Hawaii Cost: A Price Breakdown for (2023)
Are you dreaming about visiting Hawaii? And wondered how much a trip to Hawaii costs.
You are not alone; more than 10 million people visit Hawaii each year.
Hawaii consist of 8 main islands and the most visited and most expensive island would be the island of Oahu.
Because Hawaii is in the middle of the pacific ocean, everything is imported from the mainland, making Hawaii expensive.
The cost may vary, During the high season(December-March) low season (April-November).
If you want to experience Hawaii at a reasonable cost and with fewer tourists, I suggest booking during the low season.
I will be breaking down all the prices for each category, and I will give you the average price for each category for a 7-day trip.
For the examples below I used prices for Oahu.
| Categories | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Airfare | $500 |
| Accommodations | $3,095 |
| Transportation | $649 |
| Food | $595 |
| Attractions | $340 |
| Miscellaneous | $100 |
The total cost for a 7-day trip to Hawaii is $5,279
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Trip to Hawaii Cost: Price Breakdown
Airfare
The cost of an airline ticket to Hawaii can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including the time of year you are traveling, the length of your stay, your departure city, and how far in advance you book your ticket.
If I book a ticket a week from now, it will cost more during the low season than if I bought a ticket for two months.
January and September are the cheapest, and June and December are the most expensive.
On average, a round-trip airline ticket to Hawaii from the mainland United States can cost anywhere from $400 to $1,000+.
However, it is possible to find cheaper flights if you are flexible with your travel dates and are willing to book in advance.
Some travelers have been able to find round-trip flights to Hawaii for as little as $300 or $400, depending on the route and the time of year.
I recommend you use Skyscanner to find reasonable prices on flights.
I have seen round-trip flights to Hawaii for as little as $300 or $400, depending on the route and the time of year.
They even have the option to choose the cheapest month from your location to your destination.
Also, when you search, you’ll see a ‘Greener choices’ label, highlighting those flights which emit less CO2.
| Flight to Honolulu | Low Season | High Season |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $186 | $378 |
| Dallas | $571 | $977 |
| New York City | $402 | $1,102 |
| London | $841 | $1,501 |
The average price for airfare would be $500 round trip.
Accommodations
The most significant expense for a trip to Hawaii is accommodation.
The most popular option will be staying at a hotel over a vacation rental.
Sometimes vacation rentals cost more than a hotel.
Oahu is home to many hotels, from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts.
Prices for hotels in Oahu start at around $100 per night for a budget hotel and can go up to $500 or more per night for a luxury resort.
The cost of a hotel in Oahu will depend on the location, the amenities, and the time of year you are traveling.
Prices are generally higher during peak tourist season (mid-December to mid-April) and lower during the off-season (May to September).
The benefit of staying in a vacation rental is that you will have access to a kitchen to cook at home.
Depending on the hotel’s location and the time of year you will be visiting, prices can range.
Tip* The night per night doesn’t include taxes and resort fees when researching hotel prices. Resorts charge a DAILY $35-50 USD fee, plus taxes per day, per room.
| Low Season | High Season | |
|---|---|---|
| Low Budget | $115/night | $318/night |
| Mid Range | $375/night | $598/night |
| Luxury | $498/night | $908/night |
A hotel for $345 per night for 7 days with taxes and fees included $3,095
Transportation
Oahu is a pretty tiny island, you can drive around the entire island in a few hours without stopping, and a good day trip to stop at multiple famous spots around the island.
Renting a car is a convenient way to get around Hawaii, especially if you plan to visit multiple stops or explore more remote areas.
Prices for car rentals in Hawaii vary depending on the size and type of vehicle you choose and the length of your rental period.
On average, you can expect to pay between $30 and $50 per day for a compact or economy car and between $50 and $80 for a mid-size or full-size car per day.
Car rental prices can fluctuate based on demand, so it’s always a good idea to shop around and compare prices from different rental companies.
When you don’t have a car, ask tour companies if they offer to pick us up/drop us off from your hotel.
I also suggest only booking a car rental for a few days, not your entire trip.
If you are staying in Waikiki, there is so much you can see and visit on walking.
Is the place too far to walk?
Honolulu has bike station rental all over, so you can book a bike and return it to the bike station when you are done.
Super easy.
Car rental ranges from $35-100 a day.
Remember that they have very little free parking if staying in a hotel, and they fill up fast, so don’t count on it.
Most people have to valet the car, which will cost about $40 per night.
Also, depending on the places you visit, you will have to pay for parking.
A great way to help out Hawaii’s local community is to rent a car from a local.
During my stay in Oahu, I rented cars through Turo App. It’s like Airbnb but for cars.
Super easy, and no waiting in long lines at the car rental place.
Could you only need transportation to and from the airport?
I suggest using one of the shuttle services, which costs $16 per person, rather than a taxi which will cost $40+ to the Waikiki area.
➡️ Click HERE to book a rental car at the lowest price!
Renting a car for a week is $649 plus parking/valet.
Meals
Don’t be surprised at your food bill when you come to Hawaii.
Hawaii food is expensive, and with chain supply affecting prices, it continues to rise.
Why is food so expensive in Hawaii?
While between 85 percent and 90 percent of the state’s food is imported.
Eating in Waikiki is going to be more expensive.
Expect to pay at least $15-$30 per meal and dinner; double that.
Here is some typical food to try when visiting Hawaii.
| Estimated Cost | |
|---|---|
| Shave Ice | $8-$10 |
| Acai | $8-$16 |
| Poke Bowl | $15-30 |
| Burger and Fries | $17-30 |
| Plate Lunch | $13-20 |
| Steak | Starts at $40 |
Eating out in Hawaii will cost you $85-$100 per day
Tours and Attractions
Hawaii has endless attractions for everyone.
Do you like museums, hiking, waterfalls, snorkeling, sailing, and golfing?
Hawaii has you covered.
Most activities are outdoor and ocean-related.
Don’t try to do too many tours, so you have enough time to enjoy yourself and relax.
If you are doing any activities on boats, you can book them in the morning for better weather and water conditions.
Want some activity recommendations to do while in Oahu?
Check out these Waikiki activities and the activities you can do at Kualoa Ranch, where Jurrasic Park was filmed.
| Activities | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Snorkeling trip | $65 |
| Swimming with dolphins or sharks | $145 |
| Helicopter | $250 |
| Bus Tour | $115 |
Best Tours in Oahu
🤿 Go Snorkeling with Sharks Hawaii with One Ocean Diving
🚁 Full Circle Helicopter Tour Of Oahu
🦖 Drive Your Own 4WD UTV Through Kualoa Ranch
Booking activities during your trip to Hawaii is about $340
How much does miscellaneous cost in Hawaii?
It’s always wise to budget for souvenirs, just in case for the things you forgot to bring, like a reef-safe sunscreen.
You will find all the things you need at a nearby ABC Store, and they have everything from snacks, aloha shirts, alcohol, keychains, snorkel gear, and beach items.
How much does it cost to go to Hawaii for 7 days?
On average, you are looking to spend more or less about $5,279—too expensive look to go during low season.
Travel tips to save money on your Hawaii Vacation
1. Travel During Off-Season:
Prices for flights, hotels, and activities in Hawaii are generally lower, typically from May to September.
If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can find better deals by traveling during this time.
2. Book in Advance:
Prices for flights and hotels in Hawaii can fluctuate based on demand, so it’s generally a good idea to book your trip as far as possible to get the best deals.
3. Alternative Accommodation:
Hotels in Hawaii can be expensive, so it’s worth considering alternative accommodation options, such as vacation rentals or hostels, which may be more affordable.
Stay at a more affordable place with a kitchen to cook at home.
4. Discount Pass:
If you plan to visit multiple attractions in Hawaii, it may be worth considering purchasing a discount pass, such as the Go Oahu Card or the Hawaii Entertainment Book, which can save you money on multiple activities.
5. Look for Deals and Discounts:
Keep an eye out for deals and discounts on flights, accommodations, and activities.
Many travel booking websites offer discounts for booking multiple services at once, and some hotels and resorts offer discounts for booking directly through their websites.
There are also many things to do in Hawaii that are FREE.
6. Eat at Local Restaurants:
Dining at local restaurants instead of more touristy restaurants can save you money on food.
Local restaurants often offer more authentic and affordable options than touristy restaurants.
Another option is to pack some non-perishable food items and snacks for your trip or to look for accommodation options with a kitchen where you can cook your own meals instead of dining out.
7. Pack Light:
Consider packing light to avoid paying extra fees for checked baggage on flights. This will also make it easier to move around the islands and save money on transportation.
If you are looking for more tips on how to save money for travel you will enjoy this blog post.
Trip To Hawaii FAQ
Why is Hawaii an expensive trip?
There are several reasons why a trip to Hawaii can be expensive. One reason is the cost of flights to Hawaii.
Hawaii is a small island chain located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and flights from the mainland United States can be long and costly.
Additionally, Hawaii is a popular tourist destination, which means that demand for flights to the islands can be high, driving up prices.
Another reason a trip to Hawaii can be expensive is the cost of accommodation.
Hawaii is home to many accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels.
However, due to the high demand for tourism on the islands, accommodation prices can be higher than on the mainland.
Finally, the cost of activities and attractions in Hawaii can also contribute to the overall expense of a trip.
Hawaii is home to many unique and exciting activities and attractions, such as hiking, snorkeling, and visiting cultural sites, which can be costly.
Additionally, the cost of food and transportation in Hawaii can also be higher than on the mainland, which can add to the overall expense of a trip.
Is going to Hawaii worth it?
100% Yes, Oahu is a beautiful and diverse island worth visiting.
One of the biggest draws of Oahu is its stunning beaches.
Oahu is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including Waikiki Beach, Hanauma Bay, and the North Shore.
These beaches offer the perfect setting for relaxation, swimming, surfing, and a wide range of other beach activities.
In addition to its beaches, Oahu is home to its rich cultural history and vibrant arts scene.
The island is home to several cultural attractions, such as the Bishop Museum, the Hawaii State Art Museum, and the Iolani Palace, which offer a glimpse into the history and traditions of the islands.
No postcard or online video does this place justice.
Just plan to book a fantastic trip to Hawaii.
Is one week enough for Hawaii?
Seven days is enough time to see and enjoy Oahu, Hawaii.
Because Oahu is not that big, you can see everything this island offers.
On the first day, you can set yourself up at your hotel and get familiar with your surroundings.
The next three days can be days of doing your activities.
The last three days can be you enjoying the pool, the beach, and walking around Waikiki.
I wouldn’t suggest visiting more than one island if only traveling for one week.
In Summary: Trip to Hawaii Cost
Overall, the cost of a Hawaii trip is more on the expensive side compared to other US cities. You can save money on your trip to Hawaii by being flexible with your travel dates, booking in advance, and looking for discounts and deals.
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