What a Trip to Hawaii Costs in 2023 | Average Prices

So you’ve always wanted to take a trip to Hawaii and now you’re seriously thinking about getting it done. You’ve dreamed about experiencing a South Pacific tropical paradise, and Hawaii has always epitomized that in your mind.

To see the lush green slopes of Mauna Loa and Diamondhead, walk on the dazzling white sands of the beaches while watching an unbelievable sunset over the blue shining waters, to indulge yourself in the shopping, dining, and nightlife, and participate in a real luau, that would be the perfect vacation.

But you’re worried it’ll never happen because you just don’t think you can afford it. The reality is, millions of people just like you travel to Hawaii every year. A trip to this tropical paradise can be a lot more affordable than you probably think.

Start by researching the recent average costs for things like flights, transportation and accommodation on the island, food, drink, entertainment, and activities, add them up, and then you’ll have a pretty realistic estimate of what a trip will cost and if you can make it work with your budget.

And that’s where we can give you a helping hand. Our professional travel experts have already done all the research to give you the numbers you need so you can start planning your trip.

They do this by analyzing industry surveys of tourists just like you who have recently returned from a trip to Hawaii and reported what they spent in all the main expense categories, then calculated the average costs for each to give you a solid foundation for your trip planning.

And they’ve also included valuable tips on saving money, staying safe, and avoiding problems while you’re there. So let us be your travel and financial guide for your upcoming trip to Hawaii!

Average Trip to Hawaii Cost in 2023

These are the latest average cost estimates per day for a 7-day trip to Hawaii:

• Average Accommodation Cost: $175
• Average Flight Cost: $1,200 (round trip economy)
• Food, Drink, & Activities: $80
• Transportation: $50
• Total Daily Cost: $3,335

Hawaii is a major destination for people from around the world from all walks of life. Tourism is a major contributor to the island’s economy, and the tourism industry there is large and varied to accommodate many different kinds of people with diverse tastes and means.

It consists of businesses and venues catering to the very wealthy but also plenty serving the average middle-class vacationer. Although you can spend a lot of money there if you choose to, you certainly don’t have to be rich to have a fantastic Hawaiian getaway.

Keep in mind that our cost estimates are for Oahu. The daily costs (minus flights) can be 10%-100% higher depending on the island you visit and the accommodations you choose.

However, I do want to note that my wife and I went on our honeymoon on Maui, one of Hawaii’s most expensive islands, and we stayed at a small but very nice oceanfront Airbnb for about $150 per night. So these averages can also be reflective of any island; you’ll just have to get creative.

Hawaii Trip Cost: Average by Item

Accommodation Costs

As a major tourist destination, Hawaii naturally has a wide variety of accommodation options for visitors to the island. Hotels, motels, and resorts are numerous, as well as B&Bs, traveler’s lodges, campgrounds, and many other types of short-term rentals.

They range from ultra-luxurious to budget-basic and everything in between. It’s unlikely you’ll ever have to sleep on the beach during your stay in Hawaii, although you probably can if you want to and don’t mind the crabs.

Accommodation prices have a pretty wide range, with a low-end average of $95 per night and a high average of $450 per night and up.

You can find star ratings and reviews for most lodging establishments in Hawaii to sort the wheat from the chaff, but, anxious to maintain their image, most places maintain high standards of cleanliness and service.

Hostels and sleeping rooms can also be found that cost very little for a night’s shelter.

If you’re in an adventurous spirit, you can rent an authentic native hut on the beach, spend a night close to the summit of one of the famous volcanoes, or take an overnight cruise in the bay on a sailing sloop, although be prepared to pay more than the average for these special experiences.

Flight Costs

Commercial flights to Hawaii vary greatly in price depending on where you depart from, but the global average is between $975 to $1,500 per person in economy class and $3,000 to $5,000 for a first-class seat.

Discounted flights on budget airlines can be found for considerably less during the off-season.

As always, you should do your homework to find the best deals and be flexible in your plans to save money. Hawaii has several large international airports located on all the main islands.

The largest and busiest are Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Kahului Airport on Maui, Lihue Airport on Kauai, and Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole on the ‘Big Island’ of Hawaii.

The best times to find great deals on flights to Hawaii are in the relatively slow tourist seasons in late spring and in early autumn.

Since many people prefer weekend getaways, weekday flights are often cheaper. Booking your flights well in advance and being flexible on your travel dates will also help you save money on your trip to Hawaii.

Food, Drink, & Activity Costs

The current average reported costs for dining and entertainment in Hawaii is $80 per person per day, which is pretty reasonable for such a popular destination, though you can shave that amount quite a bit with our helpful tips. You’ll want to try some of the uniquely Hawaiian cuisine while you’re there, which also happen to be relatively inexpensive.

Some local favorites include Poke, consisting of cubed raw fish, usually tuna, marinated in soy sauce and seasonings, Kalua Pork, which is made by roasting a whole pig underground for hours, and Haupia, a delicious coconut pudding.

All of these dishes and much more can be found for reasonable prices at the many local markets and food trucks serving locals and tourists alike. You can pick up fresh fare and drinks to take out to a picnic table by the beach or in one of the parks.

Also, many of the restaurants and bars offer cheap happy hour and early bird specials during the day.

There are many activities to be found in Hawaii that are free or low-cost, such as touring the state and national parks, visiting the museums, and attending local festivals and performances.

Of course, swimming and sitting on the beach and taking in the famous sunsets is always free. Don’t be afraid to ask the locals for recommendations for places to eat and things to do. They’ll usually know the best places to go. Get off the beaten path to find experiences for cheap or free.

Transportation Costs

The reported average daily transportation cost of $50 per person per day for visitors to Hawaii is pretty reasonable for active tourists trying to see as much as they can on their trip.

It reflects the fact that Hawaii has an excellent public transportation system and that visitors tend to spend their time on one island and in the same general area.

An extensive network of bus routes provides cheap transport between towns and to all the popular attractions and destinations. The fares are reasonable and the buses and the stops are kept clean and safe.

Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft operate in all the cities and tourist areas, as well as traditional taxi services. Bicycle and scooter rentals are numerous, especially around the beach areas.

Many tourists opt to hire charter buses and shuttles to take them on tours to the sights, an especially attractive option if you’re traveling with a group. Many offer the added benefit of including a knowledgeable local tour guide to show you around.

Of course, you can also rent a car in Hawaii and see the sights at your own speed. All the major rental companies as well as local companies can be found at the airports and in the cities.

Be advised you’ll encounter some winding, steep, and narrow roads in the mountainous rural areas. Rush hour traffic can be heavy in and around the cities, and in busy tourist destinations parking can be scarce, so be prepared to pay for a spot.

Most of the tourist attractions in Hawaii, especially the beach areas, are pedestrian-friendly so you can easily walk between the shops and restaurants, a healthy and free way to explore.

Things to Consider

Here are some other things besides costs to keep in mind to ensure that your trip to Hawaii is fun, safe, and trouble-free:

• One of the things that makes Hawaii such a popular place to visit is what is known as the Aloha Spirit, the famous fun, friendly, welcoming hospitality of the islands. Be respectful of their cultural heritage and return those sentiments back to them when you’re interacting with the locals.
• Residents of Hawaii are very proud and protective of the natural beauty of their islands, and they don’t take kindly to tourists who litter or deface the surroundings on beaches, hiking trails, and forests. Remember that some of their volcanoes are considered sacred and taking black lava stone from the islands is considered disrespectful and also bad luck.
• Inter-island flights between the islands are easy to find and will get you there fast with great sightseeing on the way, but the ferry services cost much less and provide a pleasant cruise if you have the time to spend.
• Hawaii is not too far from the equator and the sun’s rays can be fierce, so remember to bring plenty of sunscreen with you on your trip to Hawaii, as well as quality sunglasses and an appropriate hat.
• The warm ocean waters and white beaches that surround Hawaii are breathtaking. But remember that swimming can be dangerous there because of big waves, strong undertows, and riptides. Stick to the designated swimming areas and pay attention to the warning signs and lifeguard instructions, as well as the local news reports, to be safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

So, What Is the Average Cost for a Hawaii Trip?

🛎️ Average Accommodation Cost	$175 per night
✈️ Average Flight Cost	$1,200 round-trip
🍽️ Food, Drink & Activities	$80 per day
🚕 Transportation	$50 per day
💲 Total Cost	$3,335

Our estimated average of $300 per day per person is accurate based on the reported expenditures of recent travelers to Hawaii.

However, with careful planning, some resourcefulness, and by following our tips, you can dine well and have fun and adventure while spending a lot less on your upcoming trip. Happy travels!