Hawaii is a state made up of 8 islands located in the Central Pacific Ocean. Known for it’s amazing climate and natural beauty, it is a top sight for tourists. Due to the high need for items to be imported, cost of living and cost of visiting is on the higher end. Visitors can find a variety of options when it comes to accommodation and budget. There are many high end resorts as well as upscale shopping. If you have a dream of visiting Hawaii but don’t want to break the bank in the process, here is your ultimate guide to visiting Hawaii on a budget!
Flights to Hawaii
As a state made up of islands, it’s important to note that you will have to arrive via plane. Six out of eight of the islands have airports so dependent on where you are planning to visit, costs of flights may differ. It is also dependent on where you will be flying from and the airline. Many of the airlines will require layovers in other states with larger airports. Travel time could take up to 24 hours from your home to your final destination on the islands.
First Budget Tip
This tip is great for a trip to Hawaii but is also a general travel tip we highly recommend. Find an airline you like and determine what their points process looks like. We like to utilize Delta because not only do we have our miles from flights, we also use a credit card that builds points towards our Skymiles. This allows us to get free upgrades and access to lounges. Which if you have a layover can be a real life saver.
***Hot Tip: Delta also partners with other companies like AirBnB and Starbucks to help you earn more points for where you are already spending your money! These links provide more info on how to earn your points.***
If you don’t have a specific airline, looking into another travel credit card that builds up points can be a great option. Often times these points can be used towards flights or accommodation. Which Brings us to our second area of tips.
Where to Stay in Hawaii on a Budget
If you liked the first tip, this one is similar. Determine which hotel company you like the most and build up rewards through them to earn free stays. This one does take a bit more time and is useful if you tend to go on a lot of trips. Our preference is Marriott. They have a credit card like many other companies as well. Through utilizing your credit card points, it is possible to get the stay completely free. One way to do that is by booking parts of your trip onto the card to reach the bonus points that are often offered upon first receiving the card.
Another option is booking through a site like AirBnB. Check out a variety of locations as staying a bit outside of the main hub is often cheaper. In Hawaii you’ll likely be renting a car so a little bit outside of town shouldn’t be an issue. If you use Delta, check out their AirBnB website that helps you earn more points.
General Budgeting Tips for your Stay
Grocery Shopping
One of our favorite tips is to go grocery shopping during your visit. Instead of eating out for each meal, pop into the local shop and grab some basics. PBJ sandwiches with an apple is a great lunch. Protein bars and a box of cereal go a long way for breakfast. If your accommodation has it, grilling burgers for dinner is another easy option.
The Best Activities are Free
Hawaii has a stunning landscape. Every view is beautiful and worth spending time admiring. There’s no better way to do that then go hiking. Pack a bag with your lunch from the grocery store and head out. A variety of trails on the islands range from super easy to very difficult. Check out AllTrails ahead of time to decide what you are most interested and what works for your needs.
The second best landscape is the beach. There’s tons of free beach areas that you can easily spend all day relaxing at or playing in the water. Multiple shops will rent out kayaks, surfing gear, and snorkeling gear for a decent price if you are feeling like it’s affordable.
Along with heading to the beach, check online ahead of time to see if any surf competitions are happening in the area. They are free to watch and often have a huge crowd full of energy. It’s a great way to feel in touch with the local experience and be immensely impressed at their skill level.
As always when adventuring, wear proper sun protection and pack enough water. Protect the land and pack in anything you pack out.
Best Shopping for Hawaii on a Budget
So many cute souvenir shops are scattered about the islands. While many have high quality items, they will likely not be a place you want to get everything to bring back home. As you drive around, check for the tents and flea markets. They generally have souvenirs at a much smaller cost than the proper indoor shops. Many boast selling 5 t-shirts for $20. This is a great way to get gifts for everyone back home while still having some leftover cash. These shops often sell swimsuits and beach gear too. We ended up buying snorkel gear that was the same price as renting it so if you have space in your bag, this is a great option.
General Hawaii Recommendations
Plan ahead where you are wanting to spend your money. If snorkeling is really important to you, book your trip ahead of time. The islands are small enough that it is easily possible to do multiple activities in a day. Head to some hiking in the morning then go nap on the beach! Both are free and a great way to enjoy the islands. It is important to note that parking often costs extra when visiting certain areas. For renting a car this is an important factor. When renting a car, we do not recommend a Tesla. There are few charging ports and often they get filled quickly. When staying at a hotel, it is much harder to charge the car each night and this could impact your ability to explore the island the next day.
Overall, enjoy yourself in paradise!
We hope you found this Hawaii on a budget post helpful and would love to hear about your upcoming trip! Check out our other island posts here!
