How Much It Really Costs to Go to Hawaii

As a genuine island paradise, it’s not surprising that so many people choose to travel to Hawaii every year. But, how much would it cost to go to Hawaii, for example, if you chose budget experiences or travel? What can you expect from accommodation costs here, and how can you make sure your trip sticks to your budget as much as possible?

Several of the staffers here at SIMOVO have traveled to Hawaii in the past few years, meaning they have a good understanding of what you can expect from budgeting for travel, activities, and hotel stays. Of course, we’ve also done plenty of due diligence and have researched what other experts say, too - consider this an introduction to Hawaii travel costs at a glance!

Estimating the total cost of a trip to Hawaii

The cost of traveling to and staying in Hawaii will change depending on where you’re traveling from, how many people are in your party, and where across the state you’d like to stay and explore. Generally speaking, a one-week stay in Hawaii for two people is likely to cost anywhere between $2,000 and $7,500. This budget can increase, of course, the more premium your tastes are!

To build this estimate, we’ve considered general accommodation costs, food and drink, activities, everyday items, and any travel you take across the islands. So, considering these figures, here are three tiers of costs depending on whether you opt for budget, mid-tier, or luxury rates across a week for two in Hawaii:

• Budget: Up to $2,000
• Mid-tier: Between $2,000 and $6,000
• Luxury: Over $6,000

As mentioned, these rates are only estimates! Where you fly from, the standards of the hotel or hostel you stay at, and even the island you stay on can affect how much you pay! What’s more, much like other island destinations, the cost of travel to and vacationing in Hawaii can also vary depending on the time of year you travel.

Therefore, based on our team’s experience and research of rates that are accurate at the time of publication, we recommend you budget at least $1,200 if you’re traveling as a couple for a week in Hawaii, but a safer rate is likely to be $3,500. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and remember that these rates will also increase if you stay for longer, and if you take the whole family!

Understand Hawaii travel costs with a detailed breakdown

To better understand why travel to Hawaii costs the amounts we’ve estimated for you above, here’s a quick guide to what you can expect from individual price breakdowns. Again, note that these rates are estimates at the time of publication, meaning your own research and price comparisons are highly encouraged!

Flight prices to Hawaii

The obvious point we’d make here is that the costs of flights to Hawaii change depending on where you’re heading from and back to! For example, if you’re traveling from a west-coast city, you’re likely to pay between $300 to $500 per person, but from the east coast, these prices may double for a round-trip.

If you’re traveling from Europe, say, the costs aren’t too different. You can expect to pay around $600 to $1,000 per person, based on average rates. If you travel from anywhere to Hawaii during peak season (the summer), these costs will increase further, with some experts claiming around 10% is the average.

Accommodation costs in Hawaii

The bulk of your Hawaii trip’s budget is likely to go on accommodation, meaning your choice between a hostel and a five-star hotel will make all the difference! Economy hotels may cost as little as $150 per night, but if you’re looking for mid-range, comfortable options, you will do best to account for around $300 to $500. If you’ve got plenty of money to spend on your trip, luxury resorts might demand thousands of dollars per night!

If you really want to cut down accommodation costs, it’s worth considering staying on Big Island, the cheapest of the regions in Hawaii, and looking for hostels. However, you do so sometimes at the cost of your own comfort.

Transportation expenses in Hawaii

Renting vehicles to drive in Hawaii will likely cost up to $200 a day, depending on your chosen firm, with bicycle hire often much cheaper. The costs of public transportation across Hawaii are currently capped to an extent - though rates may change, you can travel a single bus route for $3 per person, with day tickets also available.

Uber rates in Hawaii, as always, will vary, so be sure to check the app carefully when you travel, and, as always, be prepared for surge pricing if you’re traveling around on a weekend or a peak evening.

Tour and activity costs in Hawaii

If you just want to soak up the sun during your Hawaii trip, sitting back on the sand won’t cost you a penny - but what if you want to get out and explore the island to the fullest?

Our team highly recommends private tours of the islands, such as those that take you around the marine life, which frequently cost around $100 per person. If you’d prefer to take a helicopter or aerial flight to explore, you’d likely spend at least $300 per person. And, if you want to take the plunge yourself and dive or snorkel, be sure to have around $150 to $200 saved per person.

Do also remember that tipping is customary here! So, be ready to tip up to 20% on any guides you book. The same, of course, also applies to food and drink service. Speaking of which…

Food and drink prices in Hawaii

Again, the best way to look at pricing food and drink in Hawaii is to consider budget, mid-tier, and luxury rates. A good measure per person per day would be around $70, depending on whether you’re opting for groceries, food trucks, or restaurants. At the absolute lowest rate, we’d recommend around $30 per person, and for luxury dining? Your bank’s the limit!

Consider shopping local and swaying towards food trucks for authentic, enjoyable food and drink that won’t stretch your budget.

Other travel expenses in Hawaii

Ways to save money on a trip to Hawaii

Now you have an answer to “how much would it cost to go to Hawaii” as a rough figure, let’s look through a few ways you could make your money stretch that little bit further. Here are a few ways to save money on any trips to Hawaii:

• Look at off-season rates. It’s cheaper to travel in the fall through to early spring, provided you don’t mind changes in the weather!
• Explore the islands on your own. While our team recommends tours, you can easily take in the sights of Hawaii on foot and save serious money along the way.
• Grab an eSIM for the United States, and you’ll only ever have to pay for the mobile data you use on your trip before you go!
• Invest in a Hawaii Tri-Park Annual Pass if you’d like to explore the state’s beautiful landscapes.
• Try camping! Campsite rates are much cheaper than paying for hotel rooms out here.
• Compare different grocery stores for deals on everyday food, drink, and toiletries.

Reduce travel costs in Hawaii with a Simovo eSIM

Even though you’re likely to spend any trip to Hawaii mostly enjoying the gorgeous landscapes and the unique culture, you’re still likely to need your smartphone. Don’t drive your travel costs up even further by using costly home-network bolt-ons!

With an eSIM for North America from SIMOVO, you pay upfront for the data you need, and never have to worry about coming home to huge bills. Take a look at our range of packages before you travel and give your bank a break!