cheap places to travel from hawaii

  • All Categories
  • Activities (788)
  • Agents (368)
  • Architecture (217)
  • Arts and Culture (351)
  • Awards and Testimonial (74)
  • Beachfront (365)
  • Big Island (3609)
  • Building (224)
  • Buying Advice (727)
  • Charity (148)
  • Condos (1166)
  • Conservation (113)
  • Decor (106)
  • Design (256)
  • Dining (173)
  • Education (376)
  • Events (318)
  • For Sale (2276)
  • Foreclosures, Short Sales & REO's (91)
  • Hawaii (7021)
  • Hawaii Island (1218)
  • Hawaii Life Charitable Fund (44)
  • Home Improvement (60)
  • Intelligence (101)
  • Interior Design (139)
  • Kauai (1588)
  • Landscape Architecture (43)
  • Latest News (944)
  • Lifestyle (1622)
  • Luxury (772)
  • Market Intelligence (548)
  • Market Trends (622)
  • Marketing (101)
  • Maui (2472)
  • Military (289)
  • Molokai (22)
  • Mortgage (94)
  • Moving (205)
  • Moving To Hawaii (513)
  • New Developments (126)
  • New Listing (708)
  • Oahu (2898)
  • Ocean View (874)
  • Oceanfront (475)
  • Open House (60)
  • Press (121)
  • Press & Media (74)
  • Projects (86)
  • REO Bank-Owned (7)
  • Sales (329)
  • Selling Advice (386)
  • Software (15)
  • Tips (1070)
  • Volunteer (60)

Top 10 Vacation Destinations for Hawaii Residents

  • By Hawaii Life
  • January 8, 2018

Ever wonder where Hawaii residents go on vacation? Considered moving to Hawaii but feel it’s too far away? Looking for some options of where to travel while living in Hawaii? Hawaii residents have many more options than you may think.

Air travel is brand new relative to the history of the world. It was just over 100 years ago when the first commercial plane took flight. Today, it’s never been easier to get on a plane, curl up with a book and travel pillow, and arrive in a new and exotic location a few hours later. This accessibility is a major contributor to Hawaii’s robust tourism industry throughout the year.

Yes, Hawaii is the most isolated chain of islands in the world and you can’t just get in your car and drive across the country to arrive here. But fear not! Hawaii residents know that they can easily visit these 10 great vacation destinations, which are all just a short flight (under a day) from Hawaii. Many of them are more affordable to get to and require shorter travel times from Hawaii, than if you were departing from the U.S. Mainland.

Here are 10 great vacation destinations for Hawaii residents:

#10 australia.

cheap places to travel from hawaii

With round-trip flights direct from Honolulu for under $600 to either Sydney or Melbourne, this a great vacation choice for Hawaii residents. You could stay in Sydney to see a performance at the architecturally stunning Opera House after catching a tan on Bondi Beach. Spend days getting lost in the café-lined alleys of Melbourne and see why it’s rated the world’s most livable city. Once you’ve flown into these major cities, catch a flight to SCUBA dive the Great Barrier Reef or venture into the Australian Outback. While an 11-hour flight isn’t the shortest, Australia is worth the time.

#9 New Zealand

cheap places to travel from hawaii

After a 9-hour direct flight from Hawaii to Auckland, you may at first be underwhelmed by the city. It’s once you start exploring the country that you’ll soon realize why New Zealand is known as one of the most beautiful countries in the world. You can choose to rent an RV and soak in the multitude of natural hot springs along your journey or give your best Bilbo Baggins impersonation in Hobbiton. Want a break from Hawaii’s summer? Visit New Zealand’s winter (May-September) in Queenstown for skiing or drinking hot chocolate by the fire.

#8 Thailand

cheap places to travel from hawaii

The “land of a thousand smiles” gives vacation-goers a thousand reasons to smile. Fly into Bangkok or Phuket then go from there. Go see the temples at Chang Mai, island hop to Koh Phi Phi, Ko Samui or Koh Tao. Whether you’re seeking night-life, an outdoor adventure or just want to lounge in a private villa for the same price as you would a hotel room in the States, Thailand has something for everyone. While the flight isn’t as cheap as some other destinations on this list, you can easily make up the expense with massages, excursions, and meals for a fraction of what you’re accustomed to.

cheap places to travel from hawaii

9-hour direct flight for under $800 roundtrip to a land of castles, shrines, flashing lights and Kimonos. Experience the Japanese culture through seeing the country’s ancient architecture, eating unique foods, walking through the cherry blossom trees or playing with monkeys. With so much Japanese influence here in Hawaii, even with the foreign spoken language, you’ll surely find some things about Japan that remind you of home.

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Love SCUBA diving and the island life but want to get away? In under 10 hours and for as low as $800 roundtrip you can start your Fijian holiday. With less than 1 million residents spread across 110 inhabited islands, you can easily find a quiet slice of paradise all to yourself. Spend your days taking underwater pictures of soft coral and marine life before watching a sunset and sampling the local “grog” for relaxation.

#5 Southern California

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Daily flights direct from Maui or Honolulu to LA or San Diego make Southern California an easy and affordable getaway to the big city. Enjoy all the best of what mainland USA has to offer. World class restaurants and shopping, major sporting events, concerts, zoos, and museums. If you’re craving that big city feel and want more than what Waikiki has to offer, look no further than a 5 hour flight to the west coast.

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Whenever Hawaii residents want a change from warm, tropical weather, Alaska is just a 6-hour flight away. Fly direct to Anchorage and enjoy some delicious smoked salmon with cream cheese and capers, then drive to Denali to see bears in the wild. Cruises are also a wonderful way to see several areas of Alaska while having the comfort of sleeping in the same bed. Fly to Seattle for as low as $400 roundtrip from HNL, get on the cruise ship and take out your camera. Breathtaking glaciers, mountains, snow, and wildlife are sure to make Alaska a place you’ll want to visit again.

#3 Vancouver

cheap places to travel from hawaii

For flights as low as $400 roundtrip direct from Hawaii, in just 6 hours you can see why Vancouver is Canada’s most populous city in the country. Spend a few days sampling international cuisines, watching live theater or bike riding the seawall at Stanley Park. Want to play in snow? Drive north 2 hours to Whistler for skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing at the location of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

#2 Las Vegas

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Known to many as the 9th Hawaiian Island, Las Vegas is the number one travel destination for Hawaii residents. If you’re one who likes to try your hand at a game of blackjack or feed a slot machine, then this is the place as gambling is illegal in the country’s 50th state. Las Vegas is the opposite of Hawaii in that each natural attraction in Hawaii is matched by a man-made attraction in Las Vegas. In Hawaii people enjoy swimming in the ocean, hiking to waterfalls, and watching the evening sunset. In Vegas people bet in casinos, trek through world-class shopping malls, and watch circus acts at night. The feeling you’ve entered a different world, paired with the many low fare non-stop flights from Hawaii make it no surprise that Las Vegas is the number one vacation spot for Hawaii residents.

As a Hawaii resident, it’s important to remember that you already live where so many people travel thousands of miles to visit. Take advantage of it!

cheap places to travel from hawaii

While you can’t drive across a bridge to a neighbor island, in less than an hour on an airplane you can have a Hawaiian vacation. With the diversity of each of the major Hawaiian Islands, you can explore whole new worlds in the time it takes some people in California to visit the beach. If you live in the bustling city of Honolulu, fly over to Princeville on Kauai for some R & R. Live near the beach on Maui? Head over to the Big Island and hike to a waterfall or through an active volcano. With short flights and hotels across the state offering local resident (Kama’aina) rates, a neighbor island getaway is by far the most convenient and affordable vacation destination for Hawaii residents.

While seeing new and exotic locations around the world is a wonderful experience, it’s always a joy returning to this special place we call home. Aloha!

Posted on January 8, 2018 in Activities , Education , Hawaii , Latest News , Lifestyle , Maui , Tips , destinations , Hawaii , Hawaii Life , holiday , Kamaaina , Maui , residents , Tips , travel , Vacation

Hawaii Life

Hawaii Life

You can email me at inquiry@hawaiilife.com or via phone at (808) 370-3848 .

Cool. Add your comment... Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Leave your opinion here. Please be nice. Your Email address will be kept private, this form is secure and we never spam you.

' src=

June 20, 2018

You discredited this entire article by putting Hawaii #1.

More Articles from Hawaii Life

We almost didn’t go.

We love spending time on the beautiful North Shore of Oahu. Turtle Bay, specifically Kuilima East, is our sweet spot. We …

  • Cherie Tsukamoto
  • March 25, 2024

A Big Mahalo!

I’ve been in leadership for a large part of my life, and I know from firsthand experience that leadership can …

Napili Point Resort – Quick Guide [With Napili Point Site Map]

Napili Point Resort is located on Kaelekii Point and all of the 115 ocean-view condominiums are vacation rentable. Napili Point was …

  • Anna Severson
  • March 22, 2024

Celebrating 15 Years With Hawaii Life: A Journey of Growth and Success

Last month marked my 15th anniversary with Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers, and what an incredible journey it has been! …

  • Jan Nores, RS
  • March 17, 2024

HI Central Disclaimer

© 1995-2016 Honolulu Board of REALTORS®. DMCA Notice. If you require a reasonable accommodation to access our services, please contact us at (808) 732-3000 or email [email protected] so we may better assist you. All rights reserved. Information herein deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Note: Honolulu Board of REALTORS® receives inquiries seeking professional advice; however the Honolulu Board of REALTORS® staff is not qualified, nor licensed, by the state of Hawaii to properly address real estate or legal issues. For questions concerning these issues, consult with either the Hawaii Real Estate Commission, your Principal Broker, or an Attorney.

HIS Disclaimer

© Copyright 2016, Hawaii Information Service. In this page not only will you see properties represented by , but also properties represented by other members of Hawaii Information Service. This information has been supplied by third parties and has not been independently verified by Hawaii Information Service and is, therefore, not guaranteed.

RAM Disclaimer

This information is believed to be accurate. It has been provided by sources other than the Realtors Assoc. of Maui and should not be relied upon without independent verification. You should conduct your own investigation and consult with appropriate professionals to determine the accuracy of the information provided and to answer any questions concerning the property and structures located thereon. Featured properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting this brochure. Copyright, 1995-2015, REALTORS® Association of Maui, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Privacy Policy

Cookie policy.

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

$29 cheap flights from hawaii.

Add a place to stay

Direct flights only

  • trending down icon Be in the know Get alerts if flight prices drop or rise*
  • bex rewards loyalty icon Book smarter Save up to 30% on select hotels after you book a flight*
  • one key icon Earn twice Earn your airline miles on top of our OneKeyCash Learn about One Key

Cheapest flights from Hawaii

These prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices quoted are per person, round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

How to Find Cheap Flights from Hawaii

How much is a flight from hawaii.

This week, flights from Hawaii are available between $52 - $114. 

How to find cheap flights from Hawaii?

Expedia makes it easy to compare cheap flights from Hawaii to many destinations. Check out excellent deals on both domestic and international flights from Hawaii. Once you select an offer, use our filters and sort by ‘Price (Lowest)’ to see the cheapest and most suitable options. 

How can I get the best deal on flights from Hawaii?

Expedia gives you access to all the hottest deals on plane tickets so you can get the most amount of value for the lowest price possible. An excellent strategy for finding the best deal on flights is to be flexible with your dates. Within each offer, you can compare prices for similar timeframes using our ‘Show flexible dates’ feature. Depending on your destination, direct flights from Hawaii may be more expensive. Airlines with strict bag policies or fees can also impact your costs. 

What is the best airline to fly from Hawaii?

At Expedia, we give you all the available options from our reputable partners. Select the airline that best suits your preferences and membership loyalties. You can fly from Hawaii with: Hawaiian Airlines, Southern Airways Express. 

What is the best month to fly from Hawaii?

The cheapest time to fly from Hawaii airport(s) is May, based on the current list of flights available now. Prices on plane tickets vary considerably throughout the year due to availability and seasonal demand.

When is the best time to book flights from Hawaii?

ARC & Expedia Group historical data suggests that booking flights three weeks out and on a weekend, usually on a Sunday, can save you up to 20% on your fare. *

Are there any last-minute flights from Hawaii?

Expedia is the place to find last-minute flights from Hawaii, making it easy for you to compare prices on flights in the near future for different combinations of travel dates and from multiple airlines. We source the best deals for you and display the best offers available over the next 2-weeks. 

Why booking with Expedia?

Booking flights from Hawaii with Expedia is the obvious choice to get low prices, save money, and see more value from every dollar spent. We show you the best deals happening right now and provide a vast inventory of airlines and flight routes to choose from. You can customize your journey to your timeline, route preferences, budget, rewards programs, and more. Not only will you get a stellar deal, but you’ll also earn rewards with One Key TM and the opportunity for additional discounts when bundling with a hotel or car rental.

Can I change/cancel my flight?

Some flights can be changed or canceled, but fees and refunds will depend on the unique terms of your flight agreement. Airlines have different rules and restrictions for exchanging or refunding flights. For more information, go to your itinerary or visit our customer service portal . We recommend choosing flights with no change fees for the most amount of flexibility. Filter by ‘Flexible change policies’ to see flights with no change fees.

*Data specialists from both ARC and Expedia Group analysed ARC’s global flight data to distil actionable information to help people save money on travel. While it’s impossible to guarantee when to find the lowest prices, after examining the variables, we were able to observe trends. Analysis based on ARC, round-trip flight data between 1 October 2017 – 30 September 2018 for Economy and Premium cabin ATPs on a global basis.

  • Top Flights Destinations
  • Flights from Other Cities
  • Flights From Other Airports
  • Expedia's Latest Trends
  • Flights to Las Vegas
  • Flights to New York
  • Flights to Orlando
  • Flights to Miami
  • Flights to Los Angeles
  • Flights to Chicago
  • Flights to Panama City Beach
  • Flights to San Diego
  • Flights to Myrtle Beach
  • Flights to Destin
  • Flights to Nashville
  • Flights to Fort Lauderdale
  • Flights to Palm Springs
  • Flights to Key West
  • Flights to New Orleans
  • Flights to Boston
  • Flights to Honolulu
  • Flights to San Antonio
  • Flights to Phoenix
  • Flights to Houston

Top Flight Destinations In the World

  • Flights to Mexico
  • Flights to United Kingdom
  • Flights to France
  • Flights to Japan
  • Flights to China
  • Flights to Canada
  • Flights to Sweden
  • Flights to India
  • Flights to Russia
  • Flights to Brazil
  • Flights to Thailand
  • Flights to Greece
  • Flights to South Korea
  • Flights to Norway
  • Flights to Spain
  • Flights to Italy
  • Flights to Argentina
  • Flights to Philippines
  • Flights to Australia
  • Flights to Germany
  • Flights to United States of America
  • Flights from United States of America
  • Flights from Honolulu
  • Flights from Maui
  • Flights from Oahu
  • Flights from Kauai
  • Flights from Kihei
  • Flights from Kailua-Kona
  • Flights from Kaanapali
  • Flights from Hawaii Island
  • Flights from Koloa
  • Flights from Princeville
  • Flights from Waikoloa
  • Flights from Kamuela

Nearby Airports

  • Waimea-Kohala Airport (MUE)
  • Kona Intl. Airport (KOA)
  • Hilo Intl. Airport (ITO)
  • Hana Airport (HNM)
  • Kahului Airport (OGG)
  • West Maui Airport (JHM)
  • Lanai Airport (LNY)
  • Kalaupapa Airport (LUP)
  • Molokai Airport (MKK)
  • Daniel K. Inouye Intl. Airport (HNL)

Additional information about Expedia Group

  • Credit cards
  • View all credit cards
  • Banking guide
  • Loans guide
  • Insurance guide
  • Personal finance
  • View all personal finance
  • Small business
  • Small business guide
  • View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

Save on Hawaii Travel Even as Demand Soars

Sally French

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

When deciding where to travel, Hawaii checks all the boxes for many tourists. The islands’ lush, tropical landscape provides a contrast from two years of mostly staying at home. It’s a far-off getaway that doesn't require a passport, and there’s no shortage of luxury.

Within the first two weeks of Hawaii's announcement to lift travel restrictions, Expedia says it saw a nearly 30% increase in searches for spring and summer trips to Hawaii’s major ports. Domestic travelers no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to enter Hawaii as of March 26, 2022.

Demand in some of the top destinations in Hawaii is outpacing pre-pandemic levels. Expedia says it’s already seeing six times more bookings for hotels on Hawaii’s Big Island for September 2022 than it did in September 2019. Oahu — which Expedia says is one of the most popular destinations — is seeing double digit-percentage increases in demand this summer versus 2019.

But while Hawaii might have a laid-back, low-stress vibe, the rules of supply and demand still apply. Couple that with rising travel costs everywhere due to rapid inflation , and a trip to Hawaii this year likely won’t be cheap.

However, you can still save money on a Hawaiian vacation. Here’s how to travel to Hawaii on a budget.

Save on airfare to Hawaii

If you’ve accumulated a stash of points and miles, flights to Hawaii can prove a good way to spend them. There are many ways to book cheap Hawaii flights with points and miles , especially if you’re willing to transfer miles between partner airlines. Among the biggest airlines flying to Hawaii are Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines.

If you can earn a Southwest Airlines Companion Pass and you’d like to save on flights to Hawaii, this is an excellent opportunity to use it. The pass is essentially a buy-one-get-one deal on your Southwest flight, where you book a flight with cash or points, and you can book another at no cost aside from taxes and fees (typically just $5.60 per one-way trip).

If you can’t choose just one island, island-hopping in Hawaii is fairly convenient, as most flights between islands take less than an hour. The key when island-hopping: flexibility. Most of the best interisland deals are for flights through Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, so consider placing Oahu in the middle of your itinerary to take advantage of its interisland availability.

Be flexible on dates, too. Southwest has plenty of interisland airfares for just $45 — but if you’re married to a specific flight time or book last-minute, realize that some flights cost more than $200.

Use hotel points or free night certificates to save on lodging

Most of the major hotel brands have a strong presence in Hawaii, which can be handy if you have hotel points or free night certificates.

Hilton is an especially big player in Hawaii , and its lodging runs the gamut from affordable to opulent. If you have a Hilton free night certificate , which can be earned through certain Hilton credit cards , head to Maui. There you’ll find the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. One of Hilton’s most grandiose resorts, the Grand Wailea hosts a 2,000-foot-long pool complete with waterfalls and slides. Standard nightly room rates can easily run more than $1,500, but free night certificates can cover it.

If you’re traveling as a family or with a group, consider booking a vacation rental through a service like Airbnb or Vrbo . They are sometimes cheaper than hotels and typically don’t require you to pay resort fees, which are otherwise common. They also often have driveways and kitchens, so you can avoid expensive hotel parking and the cost of dining out.

Other ways to visit Hawaii on a budget

Dine out strategically.

Speaking of dining out, it can certainly be part of the Hawaiian experience. But it can also eat up a huge chunk of your budget. Understand when you’re paying for mediocre food but a stellar view. If you’re up for adventure, head to a convenience store for fresh poke and Spam musubi, then find a beach (there’s no shortage of them) for a free, oceanfront dinner view.

Sidestep the paid luau

As far as entertainment, you can certainly pay hundreds of dollars for your group to experience a luau. While the array of entertainment and buffet food can be worth it for some travelers, there are plenty of free ways to watch hula, hear Hawaiian music and learn about the culture. Many major malls in Hawaii, such as Waikiki’s Royal Hawaiian Center mall, offer free shows and classes in lei making, hula, ukulele, lauhala weaving and more. On the Big Island, free coffee farm tours are abundant.

Some hotels also make their entertainment available to the public. Head to Marriott’s Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa to watch the nightly lele kawa (cliff jumping).

cheap places to travel from hawaii

(Photo courtesy of Sheraton Maui Resort)

Swap ticketed activities for cheaper counterparts

Some major, ticketed tourist attractions offer some components of their tours for free. At the Maui Tropical Plantation, you might pay $25 for a tram tour, but you can still explore a good chunk of the grounds, including its market, craft studios and cafe, at no cost. On Oahu, Dole Plantation tours start at $7.75 per person, but purchasing a ticket might not be necessary. Admission to the grounds is free, and there you can typically find no-cost activities like pineapple-cutting and chocolate-making demonstrations, as well as a fish feeding pond.

The bottom line

Travel to Hawaii was always popular — and all signs point to its popularity growing. According to a February 2022 NerdWallet survey , 28% of Americans who say the way they travel has chanced since the beginning of the pandemic say they have stopped going on international trips and only travel domestically. Meanwhile, 16% only travel to destinations that don’t require COVID-19 testing or proof of vaccination. For tourists from the continental U.S., Hawaii checks both of those boxes, and a lot more. The Aloha State might be one of the best places to travel to this year — just have a plan for how you’ll pay for it.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2022 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee:   Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards:  Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card  

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Cheap flights from Hawaii to anywhere

Fly from hawaii to anywhere in the world., cheapest flights from hawaii, explore the most affordable flight options available from hawaii. find the lowest fares based on data from user searches, with prices last updated on march 28, 2024. in the last 7 days, cheapflights users made a total of 3,249,495 searches., last-minute flight deals from hawaii, discover last-minute flight deals departing from hawaii. take advantage of attractive deals offered by airlines for spontaneous travel. these deals are subject to availability and can provide significant savings for flexible travelers. please note that the availability of last-minute deals can vary and may change quickly. data last updated march 28, 2024 and based on user searches. in the last 7 days, cheapflights users made a total of 3,249,495 searches., domestic airfare to nearby cities with cheap hotels, discover domestic flight options from hawaii to cities with affordable hotel accommodations. plan your travel to both enjoy budget-friendly flights and find affordable lodging in your chosen destination. please note that the flight options are sourced from user searches. in the last 7 days, cheapflights users made a total of 3,249,495 searches and data was last updated march 28, 2024., direct flights from hawaii, discover airlines that offer direct flights from hawaii to various destinations. avoid layovers and travel efficiently with direct flight options, saving you time and providing a more convenient travel experience. please note that the direct flight options are based on data from march 28, 2024 and based on user searches. in the last 7 days, cheapflights users made a total of 3,249,495 searches., find flights from hawaii within your budget, find flights departing from hawaii that match your specified budget. filter results by price range, allowing you to narrow down options and find flights that fit within your financial constraints. please note that the search results are based on data from user searches, with fares last updated on march 28, 2024. in the last 7 days, cheapflights users made a total of 3,249,495 searches.

$223 - $239

Honolulu Los Angeles

Nonstop 5h 34m

Los Angeles

Nonstop 6h 08m

1 stop 9h 08m

Nonstop 5h 45m

1 stop 8h 40m

Nonstop 6h 00m

Nonstop 5h 30m

Nonstop 5h 40m

1 stop 8h 44m

1 stop 9h 35m

Nonstop 5h 55m

1 stop 10h 17m

Nonstop 5h 20m

Flights are sorted by cheapest first

Deals found on 3/27

No data available for this route at this time. Please check back soon.

Average price of flights from Hawaii by month

Plan your trip from hawaii by taking into account the cheapest months to travel. the average price of a one-way flight from hawaii is currently $113 while a round-trip flight costs $232. price data was last updated on march 24, 2024..

Currently, October is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Hawaii (average of $439). Flying from Hawaii in June will prove the most costly (average of $761). There are multiple factors that influence the price of a flight so comparing airlines, departure airports and times can help keep costs down.

Airline reviews for flights from Hawaii

Read reviews and ratings of airlines operating flights from hawaii. gain insights into the quality of service, in-flight amenities, customer experiences, and overall satisfaction to choose the best airline for your hawaii travel. please note that the reviews are sourced from user searches and were last updated on march 28, 2024. in the last 7 days, cheapflights users made a total of 3,249,495 searches..

Entertainment

I would have liked flying out of the airport I chose not a different airport. My flight was moved to San Jose

Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip

Toggle through the tabs below to find thousands of options on cheapflights for your next trip., fly from other united states cities, related info for your journey, access useful and relevant information related to your journey from hawaii. this can include details such as airport transportation, visa requirements, travel insurance, luggage regulations, and any other information that can ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. please note that the information is based on general guidance and may need to be verified with official sources. data last updated march 28, 2024., where are the cheapest places to fly to from hawaii.

Check out the cheapest flights from Hawaii to embark to: Fly from Honolulu to Kailua-Kona from $114 round trip Fly from Honolulu to Hilo from $114 round trip Fly from Honolulu to Lihue from $114 round trip Fly from Honolulu to Kahului from $114 round trip Fly from Honolulu to Oakland from $217 round trip

What is the cheapest month to fly from Hawaii?

October is currently the cheapest month to fly from Hawaii . At this moment in time June is the most expensive month. These prices are determined by multiple factors and booking in advance can help keep costs down if your schedule is not as flexible.

How does Cheapflights help users find flights from Hawaii?

Cheapflights goes through 900+ travel sites to look for the best flight deals for flights from Hawaii. Too many options? Cheapflights also provides filters for things like airlines, price ranges, and number of stops to help you make a decision easily.

Why should you use Cheapflights to find cheap flight tickets from Hawaii?

Cheapflights simply makes it quick and affordable to book flights from Hawaii by bringing together all flight options from hundreds of airlines and agencies online — and we put them in one place for you to choose from. Plus, Cheapflights is 100% free to use for all.

Can Cheapflights find flights from Hawaii with no change fees?

Certainly. Search results for flights from Hawaii shown to you on Cheapflights can be narrowed down with different useful search filters, which includes flexible booking options.

Can Cheapflights notify me if prices for flights from Hawaii become cheaper?

Of course! You can now track prices for flights from Hawaii and get an alert from Cheapflights when they change. Click the bell icon next to the flight deals above and provide your email address to set up price alerts.

Book a flight to one of these trending destinations

User searches for flights to these destinations increased 20% or more in the past 90 days compared to other destinations, fly with cheapflights, find the best flight deals on cheapflights, where travelers can enjoy low prices and a wide availability of flights to their desired destinations., book with flexibility, travel smart.

The Family Voyage

Visiting Hawaii on a budget (2023): all the tricks and tips you need to know

This post contains affiliate links, for which I may earn a commission if you make a qualifying purchase.

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Sharing is caring!

Most people think that “Hawaii” and “budget” don’t belong in the same sentence. After all, it’s supposed to be a splurge to visit a gorgeous tropical paradise… right?

We’re here to tell you that traveling to Hawaii on a budget is possible and can be even more rewarding than what the brochures from expensive resorts show you. There are so many opportunities for how to do Hawaii on a budget in every category – from airfares to discount accommodations in Hawaii to saving money on activities. Keep reading for our best tips to save money on a trip to Hawaii.

And listen – please only share this post with people you really like, because I’m sharing all of our very best secrets for visiting Hawaii on a budget. It’s very long because I don’t want to leave anything out, so you may want to save or bookmark the post to come back to later!

  • Book a photoshoot

We always love to book a photoshoot when we’re traveling. As a mom, it’s tough to get in the photos since I’m always behind the camera. We use Flytographer to capture our memories. You can get $25 off your shoot by booking with this link or using code FAMILYVOYAGE.

Finding the cheapest way to go to Hawaii

Where to stay in hawaii on a budget, car rental for your hawaii vacation on a budget, vacation packages for cheap travel to hawaii, saving money on food in hawaii, discount activities in hawaii, what about island-hopping does that fit with hawaii budget travel, hawaii on a budget family tips, hawaii on a budget faqs, more resources to plan your trip to hawaii on a budget.

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Trying to plan a Hawaii vacation on a budget? Make sure you don’t blow it before your feet even touch the sand! If you’re traveling from mainland US to Hawaii, there’s a very good chance that you can score an awesome deal on your airfare to Hawaii and there are lots of ways to do it. Read on for insider tips on how to go to Hawaii on a budget.

First, be flexible about your dates and which island you visit – within reason. Since airfare and lodging are the two biggest components of your Hawaii trip cost, you’ll want to balance those two to minimize your costs. Second, weigh the many options you have for using cash or points to book those plane tickets. Here are just a few ways to save money on airfare to Hawaii:

Find the cheapest airfare for cash payment

Sometimes the simplest thing to do is pay cash for a plane ticket, and with the great deals you can often find from America’s west coast it just might make sense. The first place to start your search is on Skyscanner .

We love using Skyscanner to find flights because it allows us to reflect our total flexibility – we can allow nearby airports on both ends and search for whole months at a time to land the best rate. Even if you don’t end up paying cash, it’s always important to know the going rate for flights when evaluating whether or not an award redemption is worthwhile.

Look for special deals

cheap places to travel from hawaii

In early 2019 Southwest launched their much-anticipated service to Hawaii. Introductory fares were as low as $49 each way from select airports and eligible for Companion Pass! Now fares have settled in higher, but still cheaper than plenty of mainline carriers. Southwest’s Companion Pass only requires that you pay taxes, so it can be a really great deal. The fastest way to earn your companion pass is by opening a Southwest credit card – even faster if you open a personal card and a business card.

The catch is that they don’t have an extensive route map if you live outside of the West Coast: currently they only offer non-stop service from California, Phoenix and Las Vegas to Hawaii, with the most extensive service to Oahu in Maui . Some US cities also get flights to Kauai and Big Island . There are also inter-island flights, but it’s definitely worth comparing prices versus local carrier Mokulele Airlines to find the cheapest option.

Still and all, the Companion Pass is such an amazing value that I recently opened two Southwest credit cards in anticipation of a return visit to Hawaii. I only have to pay $5.60 to bring another family member with me! See the latest Southwest credit card promotions to get your Companion Pass.

❗ Learn more: How to get the Southwest companion pass

Many frequent flyers have heard of Southwest’s Companion Pass that you can earn through credit card sign up bonuses , but did you know that Alaska Airlines offers a similar one too? Alaska’s is a little different (only one per year and generally $99 per companion ticket plus taxes, but the base fare is often waived in the first year with promotions) but Alaska Airlines has tons of flights to Hawaii ! You can earn one with an Alaska Airlines credit card .

And it’s not one of those gimmicks where you have to pay an exorbitant price for the first ticket in order to use a companion fare on the second one (as with some old Amex promotions), you can just buy any regular ticket on the website. Especially for west coasters who already have access to bargain plane tickets to the Aloha State, this might be one the cheapest way to travel to Hawaii.

Book with frequent flyer miles

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Obviously the cheapest way to go to Hawaii is not to pay for it! When your friends ask you how to go do Hawaii on a budget, this is usually the first trick you’ll want to tell them about. “Free” is the cheapest way to get to Hawaii and one we’ve taken advantage of many times.

We recommend targeting at least 2 cents per mile, but sometimes it makes sense to redeem for as little as 1.5 cents per mile if you really don’t want to spend the money out of pocket (after all, if you’re buying four plane tickets to pretty much anywhere you’re looking at a minimum of a thousand dollars). While many airlines now offer dynamic (= more expensive) point redemptions, here are the major airline baseline award redemptions for from the continental US to Hawaii as of October 2022 (economy class for us, folks):

American Airlines – 45,000 peak; 40,000 off-peak

United Airlines – 45,000

Delta Airlines – 45,000

Alaska Airlines – 40,000

British Airways – 26,000 from west coast , 51,500 from east coast (operated by AA)

From the chart above, it’s clear where the value in frequent flyer tickets to Hawaii lies. Alaska Airlines and sometimes British Airways can offer far better value than the mainline US carriers. British Airways offers a distance-based award chart, so passengers coming from the west coast only need 26,000 miles for a round trip, while east coasters would need a whopping 51,500 miles!

Ok, so how can you earn enough British Airways Avios points as an American? Simple: open up a Chase Sapphire Preferred , Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Ink Business Preferred card and once your sign-up bonus hits, do an instant transfer to your Executive Club account! Then redeem here through your account BA account. As of August 2023, the Sapphire Preferred sign up bonus is 60,000 points as is the Chase Sapphire Reserve sign up bonus , while small business owners get a 100,000 point sign up bonus with the Ink Business Preferred. That’s almost enough to get a family to Hawaii and back from the West Coast. You can also follow our lead and get both personal and business cards for each adult in the family cards to really juice up your award travel options.

Southwest’s frequent flyer redemption is fare-based so it varies a ton, but you can combine it with your Companion Pass discussed above to get two tickets to Hawaii for just the miles you’d need for one ticket. If you can find an affordable time of year using their low fare calendar, it’s a dynamite option to fly to Hawaii for cheap. Apply for a Southwest credit card here to start earning your Companion Pass. If you also have the Chase cards I mentioned above, know that you can transfer those Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest as well if you’re a little short.

If you’re in a city with lots of United flights, the most straightforward option might be to grab a United Mileage Plus Explorer credit card . The usual fee is $95 per year (though sometimes the first year fee is waived) and it comes with 50,000 bonus miles – enough to cover your ticket. We love that it includes free checked baggage when you use the card, even if you’re just covering taxes on an award ticket redemption, and you’ll get two passes to the United Club lounge. We carry this card and use it whenever we’re booking United flights.

Redeem Chase Ultimate Reward Points

Wondering how to go to Hawaii on the cheap? The final way to save money on plane tickets to Hawaii is actually how we picked up three of our four tickets on one trip to Hawaii. Since we’ve accumulated a ton of Chase Ultimate Rewards points through our Sapphire Preferred , Sapphire Reserve and Ink Business Preferred cards, we’ve sometimes taken advantage of their flexibility to buy our tickets.

One of our favorite features of Ultimate Rewards points is that you can redeem them for almost any travel expense through the portal; your redemption rate is 1-1.25 cents per point with most Chase cards and 1.5 cents per point if you have the Sapphire Reserve card (even if the points were earned on a different Chase card and transferred or pooled).

In our case tickets on Alaska were $445 each if purchased with cash, so we redeemed almost exactly 30,000 points for each. Ultimate Rewards points do not transfer to Alaska Airlines, but by purchasing through the portal we had no out of pocket expense – not even taxes. Pretty sweet!

Want to plan the ultimate Hawaii vacation? Click here for step-by-step Hawaii travel planning help!

Save money by going carry-on only!  Check out our full (but minimalist) women’s packing list for Hawaii .

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Hopefully we’ve gotten you to Hawaii without putting too big of a dent in your wallet. The other huge chunk of the cost of a Hawaii vacation is accommodation. If you really want to plan a budget trip to Hawaii, consider a home exchange.

Check out this map to find (slightly) more budget-friendly options:

Vacation Rentals in Hawaii

Vacation rentals can be a great option in Hawaii, but it’s important to know what you’re getting in to. In June 2019, the mayor of Honolulu enacted strict limits on unhosted short-term vacation rentals on Oahu – essentially stifling the market for Airbnb on Oahu outside of designated tourist zones like Waikiki, Ko Olina and Turtle Bay. Newer restrictions are even tougher.

Other areas will still have some vacation rentals available, but limited in number and they have to be licensed. Likewise, other parts of Hawaii have limits on short-term rentals. Vacation rentals can be one of the best options for how to do Hawaii on the cheap, but check listings carefully!

If you find an awesome legal rental in Hawaii, that can be a great way to stay! You’ll be able to save money on groceries, parking and more while also enjoying a different kind of feel.

Here are some great options to consider for each island (though “cheap” is a relative term and varies somewhat by island):

  • Cheap vacation rentals on Oahu
  • Cheap vacation rentals on Maui
  • Cheap vacation rentals on the Big Island
  • Cheap vacation rentals on Kauai

Hotels in Hawaii

Would you rather just stay in a hotel in Hawaii? There are so many to choose from, even if you’re planning a trip to Hawaii on a budget!

The cheapest way to stay at a hotel in Hawaii is for free, obviously. We recently grabbed a World of Hyatt credit card so that we can use the sign-up bonus for an upcoming trip to Kauai and Maui! While there are tons of hotel loyalty programs out there, Hyatt has the most generous award chart and often requires only half as many points per night as competitors like Marriott and Hilton. In addition, award stays pay no resort fee and still count toward achieving elite status. We really love the Hyatt program!

If that all sounds great, I have even better news for you. The Chase Sapphire Preferred , Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Ink Business Preferred cards credit cards that our family uses can transfer their points to Hyatt as well! Obviously you need to use your credit cards responsibly and pay the balances every month, but if you’re strategic about your sign up bonuses you can land a mostly free trip to paradise by combining one of the airline programs I mentioned above with the Hyatt hotel program.

Another budget-friendly hotel option for Hawaii is to try to look for ones that offer a kitchen and laundry to avoid pricey meals out and laundry services. You’ll still get the resort amenities like beautiful pools, on-site restaurants and quality staffing. Check out these great options on each island:

Oahu : – Beach Villas at Ko Olina – Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club (also check here for deals ) >>> Check out this area-by-area guide to where to stay on Oahu

Maui : – Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas (this is where we stayed during our first trip to Hawaii with a baby and it was wonderful!) – Honua Kai resort

Kauai : – Plantation Hale Suites (***bargain alert!) – Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club – Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons – Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas – Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu We haven’t visited Kauai yet, but check out this detailed guide to the best of kid-friendly Kauai !

Big Island : – Inn At Kulaniapia – Orchid Tree B&B – Hilo Bay Oceanfront Bed & Breakfast – Kilauea Lodge & Restaurant – Hilton Waikoloa Village – Waikoloa Village vacation rentals (we stayed in one of these on our last visit and it was wonderful) – Mauna Lani Point Villas – The Islands At Mauna Lani – Mauna Lani Resort (I felt so pampered when I stayed here many years ago!) – Westin Hapuna Beach Resort – Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (we love the beach here, arguably one of the Big Island’s best)

Read more: Check out these simple tips for saving more on your reservations!

If you or a loved one is a member of the US military, make sure to check out the Hale Koa Hotel on Waikiki Beach. As a “thank you” to service members, this fairly basic hotel offers a world-class location and comfortable amenities as prices that can be half or even a third of the price of surrounding resorts. Find more details here about this wonderful option for service members wondering how to visit Hawaii on a budget.

Home Exchange in Hawaii

There are so many reasons why we love home exchange, and a few that are extremely relevant to planning a Hawaii family vacation on a budget.

First, your cash expense to do a home exchange in Hawaii will be less than one night in a hotel .

Second, having a real home with a kitchen means you can avoid pricey restaurant meals – and they sure are pricey in Hawaii!

Third, being away from the main tourist areas means almost everything will be less expensive (not to mention less crowded) – groceries are cheaper, our long-term Home Exchange house on Oahu had its own parking and the house even came stocked with boogie boards and snorkel gear so that we didn’t have to rent.

Beyond the economics, doing a home exchange in Hawaii had other amazing benefits. Everyone had plenty of space to stretch out. We had our own laundry facilities. We hung out at “locals only” spots rather than the crowded tourist beaches. There was a second fridge for all our Costco supplies. Oh, and we even had enough space that both grandmas came to join us for a few weeks during our slow travel on Oahu! Want more tips for planning a multigenerational vacation ?

Camping in Hawaii and RV in Hawaii

Another option for the truly budget-minded is camping on Hawaii. Every island has some wonderful, gorgeous places to pitch your tent though the amenities vary tremendously by site. Check out this helpful roundup of where to camp on Kauai .

If you want to combine your accommodations and your transportation, consider renting an RV in Hawaii . There are tons of beautiful campgrounds on every island and you’ll save money overall compared with renting a car and a hotel room.

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Renting a car in Hawaii seems, like many things, to be more expensive than on the mainland. In some places like Honolulu and Waikiki you can stay amidst the tourist throngs and get by without a car – walk to popular beaches, walk to mini marts, walk to tourist restaurants, and rely on hotel concierges to book activities on other parts of the island that include transportation. You can take buses to some places on Oahu, but they can be very time consuming.

Read more: 10 things you NEED to know before renting a car in Hawaii

If you are a solo traveler in Hawaii, it might make sense to go stay in one of the cities the car-free route since all of those small (or large) premia are only impacting one traveler. For couples or families, though, you’ll more than make up the cost of a rental car by saving money on pretty much everything else . You’ll also gain the freedom to explore beautiful, peaceful spots that most tourists don’t get to see. Moreover, in many parts of Hawaii you absolutely need a car to get around.

Bringing the kids? Save money on your rental by bringing your own travel car seats . Click to read all the best tips.

We have a few favorites for finding deals on car rentals in Hawaii (and everywhere else). The most straightforward is good old RentalCars.com . You can quickly search for the type of car you want across tons of providers of all sizes and reserve without any upfront payment . Nearly every reservation can be cancelled, so we often check back weekly leading up to our travels and rebook if we see a better rate.

A great local option is Discount Hawaii Car Rental . They work with all of the major Hawaii car rental companies and have Hawaii-based customer service in case an issue comes up. That can be especially helpful if you’re arriving when it’s late in the day on the mainland.

Another option to consider is joining AARP . The membership costs about as much as a Starbucks run but can save you up to 30% on rental car rates (in addition to discounts on some hotels)! Surprisingly, you don’t have to be a senior or retired to join AARP.

Our rental car ended up being by far the most expensive component of our 5 week trip to Hawaii. We needed a minivan for part of our trip, but it would have been the same price as renting one compact car for five weeks and a second compact car for a week and a half in the middle when we were joined by a few grandmas.

Though the minivan was pricey at $1600 for five weeks, it was handy to have for hauling around a big stack of boogie boards, beach towels and cases of food from Costco (more on that below). If you plan to shop at Costco and haul around lots of beach gear, you may want to consider sizing up from the smaller options. For reference, the quote we received for an intermediate car for 10 days was just shy of $500. Thanks to rental car shortages after the pandemic, rates may be significantly higher if you’re booking a shorter rental period.

What’s the best place to get gas in Hawaii? It’s often Costco. Seriously, folks. On average gas was 70 cents cheaper per gallon at Costco than at other local gas stations during our last visit. That’s more than $10 saved every time you fill up! That said, other local gas sellers have upped their game by lowering their prices so it’s worth peeking at Safeway and Sam’s Club prices when you drive by, as the Costco gas lines can be long. My favorite tip for comparing gas prices in Hawaii is that on the store detail page for each Costco warehouse you can expand the “Gas Station” section to see hours and the current price! (Note that Hawaii Kai does not have gas, but all other Costco warehouses in Hawaii do.)

Not sure which island to pick? Find the best Hawaiian island for your family vacation.

If you prefer simplicity in your travel arrangements, one option to consider for Hawaii vacations on a budget is a package deal. That’s how we went on our first Hawaii vacation!

Before booking a package deal, you need to carefully consider the value of everything that’s included to make sure it’s actually the cheapest way to vacation in Hawaii for the dates you want. We booked ours as a Black Friday special, so it was deeply discounted.

Here are some great places to look for discount Hawaii vacation packages:

  • Expedia (that’s where we booked ours)
  • TravelZoo (we’ve gotten great deals for other destinations)
  • Costco Travel

cheap places to travel from hawaii

If you’re planning a budget Hawaii vacation, you’ll need to think carefully about how and where you’ll eat. Many items have to be transported to Hawaii by ship, so food prices in Hawaii can be anywhere from a few cents to a few dollars more than on the mainland. Having a plan for food is one of the keys to how to travel to Hawaii on a budget.

Of course the best way to save money on food in Hawaii is to book a vacation rental with a kitchen and prepare food yourself. But even if you plan to make all your meals at your home away from home, you’ll have to be judicious in you grocery purchases. But we’ve done some scouting for you and have a few suggestions to help you through since grocery prices in Hawaii can be quite daunting.

First, let’s discuss Costco. If you already have a membership and you’ll be visiting Hawaii with a few other people, Costco in Hawaii can be a great value ! Prices are nearly the same as at Costco on the mainland, and prices are much cheaper than local grocery stores for items like dairy, eggs and meat. There are seven Costco locations in Hawaii, including four on Oahu.

In addition to food and pantry staples, you’ll find some beach gear, Hawaiian shirts and other handy items. While you’re there, grab a meal at Costco – it doesn’t require membership and the whole family can eat for less than $10! It’s not a nutritious choice to make every day, but if you’re going to Costco in Hawaii once every week or two it’s a great way to save a little money without cooking at home.

Pro tip: If you don’t have a Costco membership but know someone who does, have them buy you some Costco Cash cards (gift cards). You can use these without a membership!

All that said, before you dive in on a Costco membership for your cheap trip to Hawaii consider whether or not you’ll actually make it through a 20 pound bag of rice during your vacation. And where will you store all that food? What should you do if you’ll only be in Hawaii for a short time or you aren’t bringing an entire football team? Head to Target!

That’s right, the big red bullseye of value has made it to paradise! You’ll find locations on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island and the stores are full of all your favorites from the mainland – plus some local specialties in the “Aloha Shop”. Since Target carries groceries – both house brand and national brands, it might just be the best place to do your grocery shopping in Hawaii. Similarly, if you prefer to shop at Walmart you’ll find tons of stores on Oahu and one or two on the other islands.

You may notice that prices in those stores are a little higher than what you’d find on the mainland, but fear not: both stores offer price match guarantees . Just pull up the item you want on your phone from the store’s website – or another major website – and they’ll give you the lower price right there at the register! I saved 20% on our sunscreen that way. Target will definitely be your friend when you travel to Hawaii on the cheap.

Another local option is Foodland. We found many items there that were only a little more expensive than at our local grocery stores on the mainland, though some things (like dairy and eggs) were much more expensive than we found at Costco. Sign up for their Maika’i card for extra discounts and make sure to check out the poke counter in the back of the store – we got an inside tip that many locals hit Foodland for their own poke fixes.

cheap places to travel from hawaii

One of the great things about a vacation in Hawaii is that there are so many amazing things to do for free that take full advantage of what makes the Aloha State special. You can relax on the beach, hike to a waterfall , go on a scenic drive and even attend a hula performance – all for free! It’s one of the best places to travel to without a passport if you’re American.

We’ve had plenty of days in Hawaii when we didn’t spend a dime (except on shave ice, but that’s a different story). But what about big ticket paid activities? Can you still do them even if you’re visiting Hawaii on a budget? Here are a few ideas for how to have those special experiences without busting your budget.

Read more: 10 things to do on Oahu under $10

Go Oahu Card

The Go Oahu Card by Smart Destinations bundles multiple activities together to save you money. There are two different options to choose from: All-Inclusive or Build Your Own.

With their All-Inclusive pass you pay a fixed rate based on the number of days you’d like to use the card (which can be spread over a two week period) and then you can do as many of those activities as you can squeeze in! There are options ranging from luaus to catamaran snorkeling trips to hikes to movie tours, and many activities offer free transportation from Waikiki in case you don’t have a car.

You can choose cards for 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 days – cards for 3 days or more include your choice of one “premium” activity like a luau, a sunset dinner sail, snorkeling with wild sea turtles or even a semi-private surfing lesson.

If you’re visiting Oahu for a week, we think the 3 day card is the sweet spot for value at $219 per adult and $189 per child. Why? In addition to great activities like the Polynesian Cultural Center, you’ll get to choose one premium activity like a snorkel boat tour. There are plenty of other high-value activities included for the other two days so that you’d easily get plenty of value from the 3-day card .

Read all about the Go Oahu card and how to make the most of it when you’re traveling to Hawaii on a budget.

Check out just a few activities you can do with your Go Oahu card :

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Entertainment Book

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Remember the Entertainment Book that our families all used to buy during fundraisers in the 1980s? They’re still around. And they actually offer some pretty good deals in Hawaii on several islands!

As with most deals in the Entertainment Book , you’ll generally find 2-for-1 type coupons. You’ll find coupons for plenty of restaurants, but also coupons for wonderful attractions like the helicopter tours, snorkel rentals, Twogood Kayaks, the Bishop Museum, the Pacific Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor and more. If you use it for even one or two activities in Hawaii, it’ll pay for itself. You can even choose a digital book to have all the deals at your fingertips!

>>> See all the deals available in the Hawaii Entertainment Book.

Check out more awesome things to do on Oahu with kids

Admission to National Parks in Hawaii

If you plan to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island or Haleakalā on Maui, you can get in  FREE with your America the Beautiful annual pass . For just $80 per year, you can get into nearly all federal government-run recreational lands. It will generally pay for itself in just three or four uses (or even two if you’re visiting some of the popular/expensive parks). Pick up your pass today.

Shopping for someone else? Consider these great National Park themed gifts !

Groupon and Living Social

Other great resources for saving money in Hawaii are daily deal sites like Groupon and Living Social. You can find discounts on sailing trips, helicopter rides, parasailing and more. If you’re looking for things to do in Hawaii on a budget, make Groupon your first stop! Check out the deals here.

Use your memberships

cheap places to travel from hawaii

You might have the key to cheap and free activities right in your wallet! If you’re a AAA member, always ask when booking hotels or activities if they offer a special rate.

And if you are a member of a science center back home that participates in the ASTC Passport program, bring your card to the wonderful Bishop Museum in Honolulu to receive free admission. We went twice (for free!) and even considered a third visit. It’s the perfect free activity if you’re trying to visit Hawaii with kids on a budget!

Military discounts

There are almost 50,000 US military personnel and their dependents living in Hawaii (population around 1.5 million). Military families vacationing in Hawaii will find discounts almost everywhere on admission to attractions. You’ll also benefit from lower hotel rates and access to four commissaries on Oahu, plus an exchange where you can buy discounted gifts. Thank you for your service!

There are two schools of thought about “island hopping” in Hawaii as it relates to the cheapest way to visit Hawaii.

First, the “pro island hopping camp”: Flights from mainland US to Hawaii are generally long and expensive. It’s cheaper to fly to Hawaii once and visit several islands while you’re there than it is to pay for separate roundtrip airfares. This is especially true if you’re coming from the east coast or if Hawaii is a once-in-a-lifetime splurge for you! The cheapest way to travel between Hawaiian islands is to look for a deal on Southwest and use companion pass if you have it, especially if you’ll need to check a bag.

Second, the “anti island hopping camp”: If you’re trying to plan a trip to Hawaii on a budget, you’ll economize more by staying in one place. Many vacation rentals offer a weekly rate. Rental cars are much cheaper by the week – often 5 days cost more than 7 days ( see the difference here ).

If you visit two islands (or more!) you’ll have to either eat out all the time or buy small, expensive quantities of food – and then buy them again on your next stop.

Plus you have to pay to get from one island to another, often around $75 each way. You can limit that to one segment if you book an “open jaw” into one island and out of another, but check that pricing versus a regular roundtrip plus an inter-island roundtrip.

Where do we fall? We suggest that you sit back and enjoy the aloha on one island at a time! Hawaii will always be waiting for you to return. The exception is if you’ve already been to some of the islands and want to visit a new on, but flight availability isn’t great. Now that we live in the Midwest it might work out better for us to stop on Oahu or Maui en route to Kauai since it has fewer inbound flights from the mainland.

If you’re planning a family vacation to Hawaii on a budget, some of the tips we’ve already mentioned will be extremely helpful! Here’s a quick roundup:

  • Look for companion pass deals for airfare
  • Grab an Airbnb with a kitchen – make sure it has a decent sized fridge if you plan to shop at Costco in Hawaii
  • Encourage your kids to eat fresh, local food rather than food that’s packaged and sent from the mainland (you can bring a box of cereal in your luggage if that’s a must-have)
  • Bring your own car seat to avoid paying for one with your rental car
  • Use your science museum membership from home for free admission to the Bishop Museum
  • If possible, avoid major school break times

Obviously prices vary a ton depending on where you’re coming from and style of travel. As a baseline, domestic plane tickets to Hawaii cost $400-1200 per person in 2022. Hotel or Airbnb accommodations cost $150-600 per night. The cost of food varies tremendously, but budget at least $40 per person per day if you’ll be eating all your meals at restaurants. Even “cheap trips to Hawaii” aren’t really cheap by true budget travel standards unfortunately.

Oahu can be very inexpensive thanks to abundant choices for lodging and food, and staying in Waikiki can remove the need for a rental car. The Hilo side of the Big Island also offers good value for the money, as it’s one of the less popular tourist areas. All things considered, the Big Island is probably the cheapest island in Hawaii.

We’ve found great deals almost anytime outside of school breaks! Fall is the quietest (and thus, cheapest) time for tourism in Hawaii. January and February can also be inexpensive times for flights as long as you avoid the end of winter break and the long weekends during the season.

If you’re flying at an off-peak time of year, you can often snag deals just a week or two in advance from the west coast. For flights over holiday periods or from the east coast, you’ll want to buy your tickets several months in advance for the best deals.

Prefer a visual version? Check out our Hawaii on a budget web story !

See all of our Hawaii travel planning resources in one place Travel planning resources: Compare rental car prices for Hawaii Buy a top-rated travel insurance policy 5 simple money-saving tips for booking.com General Hawaii resources: How to visit Hawaii on a budget Renting a car in Hawaii: 10 things you NEED to know What to pack for Hawaii Is a cheap GoPro knock-off worth it? Hawaii with kids: What’s the best Hawaiian island for families? Is it worth visiting Hawaii with a baby? Ultimate packing list for Hawaii with kids Top 10 things to do with kids on Oahu The best snorkel gear for kids of all ages Oahu resources: Best Oahu travel guide book Perfect 7 day Oahu itinerary Where to stay on Oahu Family-friendly Oahu vacation rentals Cheap Places To Stay On Oahu 10 Fun Things to do on Oahu for $10 or less Getting the most bang for your buck on your Go Oahu discount card Insider tips for visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center The best beaches on Oahu (and why to visit them) Where to find the best shave ice on Oahu The best easy hikes on Oahu North Shore Oahu complete visitors guide Kayaking to the Mokes with Twogood Kayaks Family-friendly kayaking with Holokai Adventures Visiting Pearl Harbor Maui resources: Best Maui travel guide book Perfect 3 day Maui itinerary Cheap Places To Stay On Maui Big Island resources: Best Big Island travel guide book Perfect 5 day Big Island itinerary Cheap Places To Stay On the Big Island Kauai resources: Best Kauai travel guide book Perfect 3 day Kauai itinerary Cheap Places To Stay On Kauai

What are your secrets for how to do Hawaii on a budget?

Many thanks to our awesome partners in paradise, including Home Exchange, Smart Destinations, Polynesian Cultural Center and Twogood Kayaks; all opinions are my own.

Pin this article to save it for later!

What to read next

13 thoughts on “visiting hawaii on a budget (2023): all the tricks and tips you need to know”.

Yayyyyyyy!!! We went for our honeymoon, so I’m loving this! Now I know we can actually go back with the kids one day and not break the bank… so cool that you were able to be there for so long!

Out of all the states I have visited the only state I still have to go to is Hawaii. I always thought it is super mega expensive. Your post proves the opposite and I think it’s the time to start planning a trip. Can’t wait to go!

This is such a great post. We live in Aus and spent a month in Hawaii on our honeymoon back in 2016. Your photos took me right back. We did find accomodation so expensive, even through Airbnb- I wish we’d known about the house exchange back then! Thats such a good way to save some money while seeing the world.

I hope to visit it one day! great post #fearlessfamtrav

I’d love to visit Hawaii, but have always been turned off by the potential price! This post was awesome for me. Saving it for the future. ##fearlessfamtrav

Great tips! We loved Hawaii but not the cheapest #fearlessfamtrav

I love posts like this! Showing how seemingly expensive places are accessible for budget travellers. Good call on the Costco card, although great tips all round. Thanks for linking up to #fearlessfamtrav

Amazing tips, we are going to Hawaii on a home exchange so will already save a bit of money but these tips will be really helpful.

That’s so exciting! Which island are you visiting?

Thank you for these budget tips you shared to us. Hawaii is the best place for vacation lots of delicious foods and shopping center their. I hope i can go their next year.

I was under the impression that Hawaii is very expensive but your article proved me wrong.I would love to visit Hawaii soon

This is a great page. It’s very engaging and well written. I’ll come back from time to time for more posts like this one.

This is a really cool page. One of the best posts I’ve come across in quite a while. I hope to see more.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

6 Affordable Islands To Visit In Hawaii

It may be the most expensive US state, but these affordable islands in Hawaii to visit on a budget show it's possible to vacation here for cheap.

  • Wondering which islands in Hawaii are cheap for a vacation? Choose budget-friendly Hawaiian islands like Maui, Kauai, or Molokai.
  • The Big Island offers a unique blend of affordability and natural wonders, perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
  • Embrace the charm of Oahu, Maui, or Lanai with budget-friendly accommodations, dining, and plentiful free activities.

Hawaii might be one of the most expensive US states to visit ( and live in, with its cost of living index almost double that of the US national average ). However, many people still desire to visit the Hawaiian Islands on a budget - and why not? It is heaven on earth!

Fortunately, it's possible to take an affordable vacation in Hawaii; the state can be kind to the wallet if travelers shop around for deals on lodging, flights, cheap activities and attractions in Hawaii , and the ideal time to visit Hawaii for budget-conscious people. Not only that, but travelers can also pick the cheapest islands in Hawaii to visit for a vacation to double down even more on savings.

From the Big Island and its lush jungles, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes to Molokai's untouched natural lands, gorgeous beaches, and laid-back island culture, here are several affordable Hawaiian islands to visit where it's possible to enjoy a fantastic getaway without necessarily going broke.

Each of these budget-friendly islands in Hawaii has been ranked from most to least expensive, based on the estimated cost to visit for seven days. Average/estimated trio cost sources include Champion Traveler , and the islands' availability of budget accommodation, activities, and attractions have also been considered when factoring in the cost of visiting each Hawaiian island.

10 Cheap Vacation Spots in Hawaii You Should Visit This Summer

6 the big island, 7-day trip cost: $3,302.

Geographically unusual, the island of Hawai'i, sometimes referred to as the Big Island, has it all: wonderful jungles, hardened lava deserts, and black sand beaches. It even has snow-covered summits. Since 1983 , Hawai'i's most powerful feature— the eruptive, active Kilauea volcano —has been expanding the island's landmass.

The affordable island is not only about a traditional Hawaiian break complete with luaus and a honeymoon-like ambiance; it also has state parks and hiking trails that are home to scenery that no other Hawaiian island can match. The Big Island of Hawaii attracts travelers with its unique blend of affordability and boundless natural wonders.

Tourists can also enjoy them on budget-friendly excursions. With economical accommodations and numerous free or low-cost activities, like exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park , the Big Island promises an unforgettable Hawaiian journey without compromise.

7-day trip cost: $2,617

Kauai is well-known for its stunning waterfalls, craggy sea cliffs, and beaches that are recognized across the globe. Given that it is the second-wettest place on Earth , it is not surprising that this verdant Hawaiian island is known as the Garden Isle . From the quirky beach town of Poipu to the magnificent lookouts and stunning, unspoiled beaches along the 15-mile Na Pali coast , Kauai has something to offer everyone (plus, hiking the Na Pali coast on the stunning Kalalau Trail can be done in a day for those short on time or funds!).

Kauai is one of the many affordable islands to visit in Hawaii's archipelago; despite its reputation for luxury, Kauai offers numerous budget-friendly options for travelers. From reasonably priced accommodations, such as vacation rentals and local inns, to affordable dining choices at local eateries and food trucks, visitors can experience the island's natural beauty without breaking the bank.

Additionally, many of Kauai's breathtaking outdoor attractions, like hiking trails and scenic viewpoints, are free or have minimal entrance fees, making it an accessible destination for budget-conscious travelers.

10 Free Things To Do In Hawaii That Are Surprisingly Fun

7-day trip cost: $2,515.

The second-largest Hawaiian island is Maui, known as The Valley Isle , referring to the broad valley that separates two dormant volcanoes: Mauna Kahalawai to the west and Haleakalā to the east. The name 'Haleakalā' translates to 'House of the Sun,' and at 10,023 feet high, 4,000 feet deep, and 21 miles across its crater, it is the world's largest dormant volcano. The West Maui Mountains are none other than the eroded volcano known as Mauna Kahalawai.

With more beaches than any other Hawaiian island, Maui has over 120 kilometers of beachfront . Additionally, Maui offers a variety of unique beaches with fine white sand, uncommon black and red sand beaches near Hana, and waves that range from mild to powerful. While Hawaii has many uniquely colored beaches, Maui actually has a number of the USA's most unusually colored beaches .

Maui, known for its luxurious reputation, holds hidden treasures of affordability. Embrace the island's charm with budget-friendly accommodations, like cozy B&Bs or camping in Haleakalā National Park . Explore pristine beaches, embark on scenic hikes, and indulge in local cuisine at modest eateries for an unforgettable yet wallet-friendly Hawaiian experience. Plus, Maui has lots of beaches that host authentic Hawaiian Luaus , perfect for experiencing and appreciating these islands' culture.

7-day trip cost: $2,162

From the well-known Waikiki Beach in Honolulu and the surf sites on the North Shore to the verdant Manoa Valley and the island's two mountain ranges, the Waianae and the Koolau, Oahu is renowned for its beauty. Travelers from all over the world come here for its many outdoor activities, historical sites, and cultural attractions, in addition to its unique natural beauty.

Oahu, the core of Hawaii, offers unexpected affordability; with a variety of budget-friendly accommodations, free or low-cost outdoor activities like hiking Diamond Head, and diverse dining options, visitors can immerse themselves in this Hawaiian island's beauty without breaking the bank.

Oahu Vs Kauai Vs Maui: Comparing The Best Islands In Hawaii

7-day trip cost: $2,026.

Lanai is sometimes referred to as Pineapple Island due to its long history of pineapple cultivation. Today, with barely 3,500 residents , Lanai is one of the most isolated, pristine, and affordable Hawaiian Islands to explore, especially when compared to busier and more populous alternatives. Despite its seclusion, Lanai proposes lots of exciting activities and delicious culinary experiences for visitors to enjoy.

Lanai offers an affordable Hawaiian getaway with tranquil beaches, budget-friendly accommodations, and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore its rich heritage at low-cost attractions like the Lanai Culture & Heritage Center, enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and snorkeling, and savor local cuisine without overspending.

7-day trip cost: $1,877

The fifth-largest Hawaiian island, Molokai is among the best Hawaiian islands for first-time visitors because it offers a genuine island experience. Molokai offers plenty to experience and is the place to go if travelers want to see some of the largest unspoiled natural areas in the Hawaiian Islands. It is rich in authentic experiences and Hawaiian culture. Molokai, often overshadowed by its larger counterparts, is quite possibly the most affordable Hawaiian island to visit.

Hiking and wildlife enthusiasts will adore this hidden treasure, often referred to as the Friendly Isle . Molokai remains mostly unaffected by contemporary society, too; there are only a few condo buildings and resorts where travelers can unwind and there are no traffic signals or coastal cottages. A favorite area for quiet beaches is Papohaku Beach Park. In fact, Papohaku Beach Park boasts unspoiled sands and makes for a great beach day without needing to spend a fortune. It also has one of the widest, longest beaches in Hawaii.

With fewer than 1,000 visitors daily , travelers won't likely encounter any of Hawaii's tourist traps on Molokai Island, either. Overall, the Friendly Isle is renowned for its pristine natural beauty and authentic Hawaiian experience away from big, busy tourist hubs.

Niʻihau is another relatively affordable island in Hawaii to visit that isn't featured on this list; it's a privately owned Hawaiian island, so it has limited access for visitors. It is often referred to as the "Forbidden Island" due to its restricted entry policies. Access to the island is typically restricted to brief guided tours ( costing around $357 ) or specific cultural exchanges arranged through authorized channels.

10 ways to see Hawaii on a budget

Catherine Toth Fox

Nov 11, 2023 • 9 min read

People hiking - happy hiker couple trekking as part of healthy lifestyle outdoors activity. Young multiracial couple walking in nature in Iao Valley State Park, Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii, USA.

Hawaii is expensive, but these budget tips can make your money go a bit further © Getty Images / iStockphoto

There’s a saying in Hawaii : there’s a cost to paradise. Among the US states, Hawaii had the highest cost of living in 2022, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. The median price of a single-family home on Oʻahu is more than $1 million. And gas costs around $5 a gallon.

There are, however, plenty of low-cost (and even free) ways to enjoy the best of the islands  –  pristine beaches , local flavors, stunning natural beauty  – which will allow you to stay for longer and experience more. This guide to daily costs in Hawaii, along with top tips for budget travelers, can help you save your dollars.

As of Nov 1, 2023, all areas of Maui (except Lahaina) affected by the devastating wildfires in August are open for tourism. Respectful travel is encouraged to support Hawaii’s local businesses that rely so heavily on tourism.

Two men who just got married in Hawaii in June 2019, on an adventure day together.

Plan a fall or spring vacation

Hawaii is a year-round destination, and that’s good news for budget travelers. You can find deals on airfare and accommodations during the slower shoulder months  – September and October, January and February, April and May – avoiding peak travel times like summer, winter and spring break.

Be smart about island-hopping...

Why fly all the way to Hawaii and stay on one island? If you’re set on seeing more than one island on your vacation, you should take advantage of cheaper options on interisland airfares.

Southwest Airlines offers one-way rates that are sometimes as low as $39 with no-frills service and no assigned seating. Mokulele Airlines operates Cessna 208EX Grand Caravans that seat up to nine passengers and fly into smaller airports, offering round-trip fares for less than $200 per person.

Planning tip: If you’re on Maui and want to visit Lanaʻi , you can book a ride on the Expeditions Maui-Lanaʻi Passenger Ferry , but be aware this business was severely impacted by the wildfires and is still rebuilding. Tickets start at $30 one way and take about an hour. Bonus: if you’re traveling between islands from January to April, you may see humpback whales along the way.

Three Strong Men Juggling Fire in Hawaii: Fire Dancers

...Or simply stay on one island

Island-hopping can be pricey – you’re paying for additional airfares and accommodations, and if you’re not on Oʻahu , you’ll likely have to rent a car, the price of which fluctuates with demand. 

By staying on one island , you can really explore everything it has to offer. Oʻahu is bustling, with tons of restaurants, shopping, beaches, museums and hiking trails. Maui is just as vibrant, with more country charm and quaint towns like Hana and Makawao.

Kauaʻi is the most laid-back of all the islands, with verdant landscapes, breathtaking beaches and a quieter pace. Hawaiʻi Island, aka the Big Island , boasts active volcanoes, rolling ranchland and old-Hawaii charm.

Keep your car-rental period short

While opting out of renting a car during your entire vacation may be the most cost-effective, it’s also very limiting – even on Oʻahu, which boasts a great public bus system. You’ll want to get out of resort areas and venture into different neighborhoods, find hole-in-the-wall eateries and experience the islands the way locals do.

Instead of renting a car for the duration of your stay, consider a car hire for just a few days, optimally keeping your costs under $100.

A red car follows a hilly cliff road with the sea to one side

Use local ridesharing services and rentals

All of the main islands have ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft, with O‘ahu featuring the best coverage. But there are new local services as well.

In June 2021,  Holoholo , a new rideshare company, launched on Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi Island and Lanaʻi with a wider selection of rides – hybrid, electric and luxury vehicles, rides with vaccinated drivers and drivers pre-approved to enter US military bases and options for those requiring additional mobility assistance.

Fares are based on distance and calculated up front, and rides can be scheduled in advance. Turo also recently entered the Hawaii market, offering the more affordable option of renting vehicles directly from local owners.

Hui Care Share is a round-trip, station-based car-share program on Oʻahu only, where you can book a vehicle by the hour or day, now or in the future. The service includes 170 vehicles parked at 65 stations throughout urban Honolulu  – downtown, Waikiki , Kakaʻako, Ala Moana, Mānoa, Kaimukī – and Ko Olina. The best part? Gas, insurance and roadside assistance are all included.

Take public transportation

You can also ditch the cars entirely – no worries about parking! – by using public transportation.

On Oʻahu, there's TheBus , a public bus service with a fleet of 542 buses providing daily services on 101 routes across the island. Adult fares are $3 (one way), to be paid in cash upon boarding, with discounts for seniors aged 65 and up and youth ages 6 to 17. TheBus conveniently stops at some of the island’s most popular visitor destinations, including Waikiki, Ala Moana Center, Bishop Museum , Kualoa Ranch, Polynesian Cultural Center , Pearl Harbor , Waimea Valley and Hanauma Bay.

Maui also operates a public bus system  with service in various parts of the islands, from Kaʻanapali to Upcountry .

Get around by bike

Another option is to ride around Oʻahu on a bike using the island’s only bikeshare program, Biki , which has 1300 bikes at more than 130 self-service Biki Stops throughout Honolulu.

It’s a great option for short jaunts to the beach or to grab lunch nearby. Rides cost $4.50 per bike for a single ride for up to 30 minutes, $12 for unlimited rides within 24 hours or $30 for 300 minutes to use in any increment for one year (the best option to use over an entire vacation stay).

Two hikers walk away from the camera on a hiking trail across a crater, a large dusty expanse

There are fees for some of Hawaii's beaches, hiking trails and gardens

Enjoy the best parts of Hawaii – its beaches, gardens, parks and hiking trails  – without spending much.

Most beaches in Hawaii are free and accessible year-round. Some – like Hanauma Bay on Oʻahu and Hāʻena State Park on Kauaʻi – require reservations with a small fee for visitors. Pristine nature reserve Hanauma Bay has an online reservation system , limiting the number of visitors to fewer than 800 a day. It costs $25 per person to enter (free for Hawaii residents and children aged 12 and under) and another $3 for parking ($1 for residents).

To visit Hāʻena State Park  – which includes Kēʻē Beach and the start of the Kalalau Trail along the famed Nāpali Coast – you’ll need to secure a reservation and pay a $5 entry fee and $10 for parking (free for residents).

While state-run hiking trails are normally free to access, some have small fees. For non-residents, it costs $5 to hike to the top of Diamond Head (Lēʻahi in Hawaiian) on Oʻahu, plus $10 for parking (both payable by credit card only), or to visit the popular ʻIao Valley State Monument on Maui. Reserve your place in advance online .

Most botanical gardens charge a nominal entrance fee, though some, including the popular city-run Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden on Oʻahu, are free to explore.

Eat affordable local dishes: bento boxes and poke bowls 

While each island boasts upscale farm-to-table restaurants that will break your food budget, Hawaii is also known for its homestyle local cuisine. Plate lunches, bento (Japanese box meals) and poke bowls (cubed ahi, raw and seasoned, and served atop rice) are plentiful – and affordable.

Get loaded plates of teriyaki beef, shoyu chicken or hamburger steak and gravy at popular drive-ins, such as  Rainbow Drive-In on Oʻahu, Hawaiian Style Cafe on Hawaii Island and Tin Roof on Maui.

Seek out okazu-ya (Japanese deli-type eateries), which serve à la carte portions of local favorites – shoyu pork, chow fun noodles, shrimp tempura and  musubi (rice balls). Some popular ones are Kawamoto Store on Hawaiʻi Island, Fukuya Deli on Oʻahu, Honokowai Okazuya & Deli on Maui and Po’s Kitchen on Kauaʻi. And poke bowls are everywhere – affordable and filling meals you can grab even from convenience stores.

Planning tip: If your short-term rental has a kitchen, you may want to save money by cooking in. Hit up one of the many farmers markets run by the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau Federation or FarmLovers Markets . You can meet local farmers, buy fresh and local produce and even pick up artisan-made gifts, such as jams, hot sauces, cookies, vinegars and honey. Many serve prepared foods too.

Find free and low-cost activities and tours

You can still immerse yourself in Hawaii and its rich culture without a pricey lūʻau or helicopter tour through free (or cheap) classes around town .

Many hotels and malls offer free entertainment and classes in cultural practices, such as lei-making , ukulele-playing and hula. The Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki offers all that, plus lauhala-weaving and free Hawaiian entertainment.  Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel  by Outrigger on Maui provides complimentary cultural classes to its guests at its Hale Hoʻokipa; learn to hula, make tapa cloth, restring kukui-nut leis, speak short words and phrases in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) and even find your way around with pānānā , or traditional navigational techniques.

On Oʻahu you can rent surfboards at stands along Waikiki Beach for about $20, or pay a little more for a lesson from a beach attendant. You can also rent surfboards, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, boogieboards with fins, snorkel gear and more from Surf in the City Waikiki .

Opt for self-guided tours to save some money. Hōlualoa Kona Coffee Company on Hawaiʻi Island offers free coffee-roasting tours and samplings for a small fee. Stroll the grounds of the state’s largest coffee grower, Kauaʻi Coffee Co , at your leisure to learn about coffee and its history in the islands.

For about $35 you can go on a walking tour of Oʻahu’s historic Chinatown district with the Hawaiʻi Heritage Center , where you learn about the rich history of the neighborhood, Chinese immigration to Hawaii and architecture. The fee includes gallery entry, visits to sites with cultural and historical significance, and food from neighborhood shops and restaurants.

Planning tip: Download the Shaka Guide app for self-guided GPS audio tours of popular attractions across the islands. Featured tours include Road to Hana on Maui, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Hawaiʻi Island and Waimea Canyon on Kauaʻi. Each tour costs $20 and works offline.

A guide to daily costs in Hawaii

Hostel room: $40 to $150 a night Basic room for two: $150 to $300 a night Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): $80 (for a private room) to $6000 a night (where President Obama stayed in Kailua) Public transport ticket: Adult fares on TheBus on Oʻahu are $3 (one way), with discounts for seniors aged 65 and up and youth aged 6 to 17. Coffee: $2.25 (hot coffee at Starbucks) to $12.50 (Kona Estate coffee brewed fresh, using the Chemex pour-over brewer at Honolulu Coffee) Sandwich: $7 (Andy’s Sandwiches & Smoothies) to $13 (at Sprout Sandwich Shop) Dinner for two: $50 to $500 Beer/pint at the bar: $7 to $12

This article was first published April 2016 and updated November 2023

Explore related stories

schengen-visa.jpg

Sustainable Travel

Dec 11, 2019 • 5 min read

After 12 months visiting over 100 countries on all seven continents, this couple offers tips on how to budget for an around-the-world trip.

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Mar 15, 2024 • 19 min read

1991831164

Mar 5, 2024 • 12 min read

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Feb 21, 2024 • 2 min read

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Feb 15, 2024 • 7 min read

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Feb 2, 2024 • 6 min read

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Feb 1, 2024 • 7 min read

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Jan 27, 2024 • 15 min read

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Dec 27, 2023 • 8 min read

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Dec 9, 2023 • 10 min read

Which is the Cheapest Island in Hawaii to Visit?

beach with view of shorline and blue ocean during day with blue sky and clouds at Waimea Bay Beach Park in Oahu, Hawaii, USA

If going to Hawaii is on your bucket list, you might be wondering what the least expensive Hawaiian island to visit is. The answer: Oahu.

If only trips to paradise were free, right? Everyone knows traveling to Hawaii is not cheap. But that doesn’t deter people from visiting. In fact, travelers save up for months with the goal of visiting one or more of the islands.

Which Hawaiian Island is the Cheapest to Visit

Due to the abundance of hotels , activities , tours , and attractions, Oahu is the cheapest Hawaiian island to visit. Between the competitive prices and myriad of things to do, those looking for a budget vacation to Hawaii will find that Oahu is exactly what they’ve been searching for.

Even though Oahu is considered the cheapest island in Hawaii to visit, you still need to do your research. Price shopping for hotels, activities, and transportation ensures you find the lowest prices available.

When scouring the Internet for affordable travel rates, keep these tips in mind:

Skip the Rental Car

If you were debating renting a car while visiting Oahu, think again. Oahu’s public transportation is easy to use and inexpensive.

Related Post: Getting Around Oahu When You Don’t Know What You’re Doing

When you visit Oahu, use a combination of public transportation, ride-sharing services, and Turo for days when you want to go to the North Shore.

body of water surrounded by greenery with mountains in distance during day at Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens in Oahu, Hawaii, USA

Be Selective of Hotel Location

While the hotels on Waikiki Beach are gorgeous and full of amenities, so are the hotels a few blocks away. Try to find a hotel that isn’t directly on Waikiki Beach for lower nightly rates.

These hotels are also within walking distance of the beach and other Waikiki area attractions. Why pay more for beachfront access when these convenient hotels cost far less?

Visit in the Off-Season

For even cheaper rates on hotels, flights, and activities, visit Oahu in the off-season. Typically, the spring and fall seasons boast smaller crowds and better prices.

Be sure to double-check the calendar and make sure you’re not booking a trip during a school break either!

Inexpensive Things to Do on Oahu

Since Oahu is considered the cheapest Hawaiian island to visit, you’re probably wondering what there is to do on the island. Oahu is bursting with exciting (and cheap) activities to do, including:

  • Snorkeling ($)
  • Botanical Gardens ($)
  • Hiking Trails – Diamond Head (Free)
  • Ziplining ($)
  • Pearl Harbor (Free/$)
  • Bishop Museum ($)
  • Going to the Beach (Free)
  • Food Trucks ($)
  • Surfing (Free/$)
  • Touring the Dole Plantation ($)
  • Waikiki Aquarium ($)

To make sure you stay within budget, have an itinerary planned out for each day. That way you’ll know exactly how much you’re spending on food, transportation, and fun!

Tripster also has the best rates on fun watersports excursions like parasailing and sailing around the Pacific shore on your own Personal Yamaha Watercraft.

Related Post: Oahu North Shore Attractions You Can’t Miss

What’s more, Oahu has some of the best whale-watching adventures for you to see the majestic humpbacks in all their glory. We have great deals with guaranteed whale sightings or your money back!

Aerial view of Fairmont Orchid with the beach and palm trees on The Big Island, Hawaii, USA

Cheapest Hawaii Island to Visit on a Budget?

While the cheapest island to visit in Hawaii is Oahu, that doesn’t mean you can’t explore the other islands for less!

Planning a Hawaii vacation on a budget is easy, so long as you do your research and follow our advice. We have “ 10 Absolutely Free Things to Do in Poipu, Kauai ,” and other handy information right at your fingertips.

Take Advantage of Free Activities

Which Hawaiian Island is cheapest to visit for free activities?

When you visit any of the Hawaiian islands, you’re instantly immersed in a lush tropical paradise full of adventure.

Each island offers an extraordinary amount of free things to do including lounging on pristine beaches, exhilarating hikes, snorkeling, nature walks, sample the best coffee at Kona Hawaii and so much more. Do your research and stretch your budget by taking advantage of these free activities.

We have extensive guides on nature trails through state parks, the best places to swim and museums to browse, across all the islands. Check out “ 8 Fun and Free Things to Do on Big Island. ”

And, while not all activities are free, many are affordable. Renting a mask, snorkel, and fins cost me a whopping $12 for the day on the North Shore of Oahu. That’s it!

Close up of a sea turtle swimming over the reef in blue green water near Oahu, Hawaii, USA

Hawaii Cheapest Island to Fly To

Arguably the most expensive part of a Hawaiian vacation is the flights. Depending on where you are coming from in the world, flights can annihilate a travel budget.

With this in mind, if you want it is imperative you book your flights strategically. In addition to being on the lookout for airline sales and other travel promotions, use these tips to find a cheap flight:

Which is the Cheapest Hawaiian Island to Fly To?

Unless you plan to use airline miles or points to book your flight, it is in your best interest to be flexible with your travel plans.

Everything from the airline you book with to the time of day you fly has an effect on which is the cheapest Hawaiian island to fly to.

Being flexible with these factors can help you secure the least expensive flight to your island of choice.

Related Post: Where to Stay in Hawaii on a Budget: A First Time Visitor’s Guide

For instance, I found it was far more affordable to book a ticket to LAX on one airline and the next flight to Honolulu on another.

You may find that flights later in the day offer cheaper rates. Be flexible and shop around!

Don’t Book Too Soon or Too Late

A study showed that booking a flight anywhere from 3.5 months to 3 weeks in advance is the “sweet spot” for prices. Booking too early or too late can lead to a surge in fares.

When searching for flights, be sure to use a site with a pricing indicator that suggests the best time to buy.

View of where the ocean meets the sand at Sunset Beach with an orange sunset in the distance in Oahu, Hawaii, USA

Book a Condo or Suite

At first glance, this bit of advice may seem counterintuitive. Don’t condos and suites cost more than a typical hotel room? While, yes, they are more expensive, you save more in another area of your trip to Hawaii: food .

Condos and suites often have a kitchen or a kitchenette, which allows you to cook your own food. While I highly encourage you to sample Hawaii’s heavenly cuisine, you can save money by cooking breakfast and lunch for yourself.

Cheapest Places to Visit in Hawaii with Hawaii Vacation Packages

For even more budget friendly savings, look for opportunities to combine your hotel and activities into a vacation package. Package options from Tripster are the perfect way to save!

Build your own vacation package with your choice of hotel, luau, and activities, and watch the savings roll in. You can also save a bundle when you combine lodging with activities like luau concerts and spectacular area helicopter rides.

Cheapest Island in Hawaii to Visit: Planning and Research

With a bit of planning and research, you can travel to Hawaii without spending far too much. Those looking for the least expensive Hawaiian island to visit should book a trip to Oahu .

Related Post:  33 Incredibly Fun & Free Things to Do in Hawaii

However, it’s also possible to travel to Maui , the Big Island , and Kauai without draining your travel budget.

Ready to Plan A Trip to the Most Affordable Hawaiian Island?

Related post: how to plan a budget hawaii vacation.

Oahu is the least expensive island in Hawaii but with Tripster’s discount tickets and Hawaii vacation packages you can save some serious cash for your wallet. What other money saving tips do you have for visiting Hawaii?

Avatar photo

Written by Anne Mercer

2 comments about “Which is the Cheapest Island in Hawaii to Visit?”

Waimea Bay Beach is great for cliff jumping (8m backflips), plus there is Diamond Head for hiking to the top. Turtle Bay we saw turtles there. We went there in July, 2021.

We are going to need to see photos of those backflips!! 🙂 Tag us @tripster

Have something to add? Post it here: Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Are you a Tripster?

Create an account to get access to exclusive pricing and rewards.

Tagged in this post

Read more about.

How to get to Hawaii: Fly nonstop from 27 mainland U.S. cities

Katie Genter

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

Travel restrictions and requirements may change at the last minute if you're planning an international trip. As such, many travelers are turning to Hawaii when planning trips right now. Plus, from beaches to observatories, there's a lot to love about Hawaii .

Some airlines are increasing service to Hawaii as travel demand increases. So, today I'll discuss all the nonstop routes airlines fly, or will soon fly, between Hawaii and the mainland U.S.

Get the latest points, miles and travel news by signing up for TPG's free daily newsletter .

Airlines that fly to Hawaii

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Often, you'll need to connect when flying to Hawaii. But, here are the airlines that operate nonstop flights from at least one mainland U.S. city to at least one Hawaiian airport:

  • Alaska Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • Hawaiian Airlines
  • Southwest Airlines
  • Sun Country
  • United Airlines

TPG's Summer Hull has previously argued why you should fly Hawaiian Airlines to Hawaii . But, I'll discuss the routes flown by each of these airlines in the following sections.

Related: Here's everything you need to know about visiting Hawaii right now

Hawaiian airports

Only the following five Hawaiian airports currently have flights arriving from and departing to the mainland U.S.:

  • Honolulu (HNL) on Oahu
  • Kahului (OGG) on Maui
  • Lihue (LIH) on Kauai
  • Kona (KOA) on Hawaii's Big Island
  • Hilo (ITO) on Hawaii's Big Island

But, you can connect onward to other Hawaiian islands using inter-island air transportation . Southwest even operates some inter-Hawaii flights . And, you can rent a car to explore more remote parts of the four Hawaiian islands serviced by nonstop flights from the mainland. You may even be able to snag a reasonably priced rental car using AutoSlash or by redeeming your points and miles for a car rental .

Related: 6 versions of paradise: How to choose the right Hawaiian island for you

How to fly to Honolulu, Oahu

cheap places to travel from hawaii

If you want to fly nonstop into Honolulu (HNL), you may be able to fly nonstop from the following U.S. mainland cities.

  • Atlanta (ATL) : Delta
  • Austin (AUS) : Hawaiian ( starting April 21 )
  • Boston (BOS) : Hawaiian
  • Charlotte (CLT) : American
  • Chicago (ORD) : American and United
  • Dallas (DFW) : American
  • Denver (DEN) : United
  • Houston (IAH) : United
  • Las Vegas (LAS) : Hawaiian
  • Long Beach (LGB) : Hawaiian and Southwest ( launched March 11 )
  • Los Angeles (LAX) : American, Alaska, Delta, Hawaiian, Sun Country and United
  • Minneapolis (MSP) : Delta
  • New York (EWR) : United
  • New York (JFK) : Hawaiian
  • Oakland (OAK) : Alaska, Hawaiian and Southwest
  • Ontario (ONT) : Hawaiian ( starting March 16 )
  • Orlando (MCO) : Hawaiian ( launched March 11 )
  • Phoenix (PHX) : American and Hawaiian
  • Portland (PDX) : Alaska and Hawaiian
  • Sacramento (SMF) : Hawaiian and Southwest
  • Salt Lake City (SLC) : Delta
  • San Diego (SAN) : Alaska, Hawaiian and Southwest
  • San Jose (SJC) : Alaska, Hawaiian and Southwest
  • San Francisco (SFO) : Alaska, Hawaiian, Sun Country and United
  • Santa Ana (SNA) : United ( starting May 6 )
  • Seattle (SEA) : Alaska, Delta and Hawaiian
  • Washington (IAD) : United

However, note that some airlines operate these routes seasonally, while others only operate flights on select days of the week.

Related: Flying to Hawaii? Here's what to expect with inflight food and beverages

How to fly to Kahului, Maui

cheap places to travel from hawaii

And if you want to fly nonstop into Kahului (OGG) on the island of Maui, you may be able to fly nonstop from the following U.S. mainland cities:

  • Chicago (ORD) : United
  • Long Beach (LGB) : Hawaiian ( launched March 9 ) and Southwest ( launched March 11 )
  • Los Angeles (LAX) : American, Alaska, Delta, Hawaiian and United
  • New York (EWR) : United ( starting on June 3 )
  • Phoenix (PHX) : American
  • San Diego (SAN) : Alaska and Hawaiian
  • San Francisco (SFO) : Alaska, Hawaiian and United

However, some airlines operate these routes seasonally and some only operate flights on select days of the week.

Related: 26 Maui hotels you can book with points

How to fly to Lihue, Kauai

cheap places to travel from hawaii

If you want to fly nonstop into Lihue (LIH) on the island of Kauai, you may be able to fly nonstop from the following U.S. mainland cities:

  • Portland (PDX) : Alaska
  • San Diego (SAN) : Alaska
  • San Francisco (SFO) : United
  • San Jose (SJC) : Alaska and Southwest
  • Seattle (SEA) : Alaska and Delta

Related: Kauai expanding resort bubbles; 10 reasons to visit Timbers Resort in Hawaii

How to fly to Kona, Big Island

cheap places to travel from hawaii

If you want to fly nonstop into Kona (KOA) on Hawaii's Big Island, you may be able to fly nonstop from the following U.S. mainland cities:

  • Chicago (ORD) : United ( starting June 3 )
  • Oakland (OAK) : Alaska and Southwest

Related: The 15 most beautiful Hawaiian beaches that we can't stop dreaming about

How to fly to Hilo, Big Island

Finally, if you want to fly nonstop to Hilo (ITO) on Hawaii's Big Island , you may be able to fly United from Los Angeles (LAX). However, if Los Angeles and United don't work for you, you could consider flying into Kona, which is also on Hawaii's Big Island. Then, you could rent a car and drive over to Hilo. Alternatively, you could fly on an inter-Hawaii flight to Hilo.

Related: Hawaii's Big Island: 7 things first-timers exploring Hilo need to try

Flying to Hawaii with points and miles

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Flights to Hawaii can be expensive. Luckily, you can get to Hawaii using points and miles . For example, TPG's Summer Hull took her family on a three-week Hawaiian vacation using points and miles . And TPG contributor Ian Snyder leveraged a single card bonus for free flights to Hawaii for a whole family.

In short, there are a lot of ways you can fly to Hawaii with points and miles. For example, you could redeem points and miles to fly on Hawaiian Airlines . You could also redeem Southwest Rapid Rewards points to fly Southwest. But, when flying with Alaska, Delta, United and American, you may be better off booking with partners such as Turkish Miles & Smiles , British Airways Avios , Korean Air SkyPass or Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer .

You could even redeem miles to fly in a lie-flat seat to Hawaii . For example, we've seen American Airlines Web Special awards that would allow you to fly to Hawaii in lie-flat first class for just 45,000 miles . And you can book lie-flat first-class seats on new Hawaiian Airlines routes from 40,000 miles .

Related: TPG readers reveal their favorite points hotels in Hawaii

Bottom line

Depending on what you plan to do on your Hawaiian vacation, the best time to visit Hawaii will vary. As this guide shows, there are many nonstop flights between the mainland U.S. and Hawaii. But, if you don't live in a city with an airport that offers nonstop flights to Hawaii, you may need to book a connecting flight. Some of the loyalty programs mentioned above only allow nonstop itineraries, but it may be worth booking a separate positioning flight in order to redeem through select programs.

cheap places to travel from hawaii

105 Genius Tips for Hawaii on a Budget

I’ve visited hawaii more than 35 times and i’ve learned some amazing ways to experience hawaii on a budget scroll down to get my 105 ways to save money in hawaii and plan affordable hawaii vacations , this post about what to do in hawaii on a budget was written by hawaii travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

I’ve been visiting Hawaii since I was 10 years old.

My grandma used to split her time between Kauai and Seattle and we were lucky enough to get to visit her in Hawaii.

We’d spend most of our school breaks in Hawaii. Since we were a family of four living on a teacher’s salary, we learned how to travel with family on a budget.

As I grew up and started paying for my own trips to Hawaii, I did tons of research on free and cheap things to do in Hawaii.

And now that I bring my own kids to the Hawaiian Islands, I’m discovering all kinds of kid-friendly Hawaii activities that won’t break the bank!

Is Hawaii expensive? Heck yeah! But, it doesn’t have to be cost-prohibitive.

Throughout my 25 years of traveling to Hawaii, I’ve picked up a few budget tips to save money in Hawaii .

Well, I’m up to 105 Hawaii travel tips, so it’s more than a few! Use these tips to plan your next Hawaii family vacation on a budget .

Keep scrolling to find out how to travel to Hawaii cheap , where to find the best Hawaii vacation packages, and which is the cheapest Hawaiian island .

By the end, you should know exactly how to plan a trip to Hawaii on a budget.

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Hawaii Itineraries complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Hawaii on a Budget FAQs

The cheapest time to fly to Hawaii is during one of its shoulder seasons. These run after Spring Break (mid-April to June) and before Winter Break (September to mid-December.) That’s when you can book cheap trips to Hawaii for your family. And it’s a great time to visit Hawaii.

You’ll find the cheapest travel deals to Oahu. That’s because there are lots of direct flights and the largest array of hotel and vacation rental options. Plus, you’ll find the most competitive rates on activities, car rentals , and attractions. Therefore, Oahu is the cheapest island in Hawaii.

In order to score the best hotel deals in the Hawaiian Islands, you’ll probably want to visit Hawaii for at least a week. The ideal Hawaiian vacation is usually 10-14 days. That gives enough time to adjust to the time difference, relax, and be able to do all the activities on your list.

Tips for Hawaii on a Budget featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: Heading to Hawaii on a budget? You won't want to miss this incredible list of 105 ways to save money in Hawaii including how to find cheap airfare to Hawaii, cheap places to stay in Hawaii, free tours, activities and more.

105 Tips for Hawaii on a Budget

Hawaii on a budget: planning your trip, 1. do your research.

I had to kick off my list with my #1 piece of advice for saving money in Hawaii: Do your research!

Figure out exactly which island you want to visit, the cheapest time of year to go, where to stay in Hawaii, which activities are affordable, whether or not you’ll need to rent a car , etc.

Find out how to visit Oahu on a budget by top Hawaii blog Hawaii Travel with Kids Image of a calculator, pen, and notebook.

You’ll also want to research “ How much does a Hawaii vacation cost ?” so you won’t be surprised at how much others pay for typical family trips to Hawaii.

And make sure to factor in tipping in Hawaii .

Reading this blog post is a great sign that you are doing your research for your next vacation in Hawaii! You’ll want all these Hawaii budget travel tips!

2. STICK TO ONE ISLAND

While it’s tempting to want to visit multiple islands on your trip to Hawaii (especially if it’s your first trip to Hawaii ,) those inter-island flights can add up.

You’ll also probably pay higher rates for hotel rooms and car rentals if you are just using them a few days per island. That’s not how you do Hawaii on the cheap.

Instead, stay on one island and take advantage of free nights at hotels and cheaper car rental rates. This is my top tip for how to save money in Hawaii.

3. CHOOSE ONE OF THE 4 POPULAR ISLANDS

For a cheap Hawaii vacation, head to Oahu , Maui , Kauai , or the Big Island . These are the most populated Hawaiian islands and usually have lots of direct flights from the West Coast and tons of Hawaii packages.

Oahu is usually the cheapest island in Hawaii to visit.

Tips for a cheap Hawaii trip featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: The Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Oahu featured by top Hawaii travel blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: Oahu is full of beautiful places, like Diamond Head

There is also more competition for hotels, vacation rentals, car rentals , and activities, so prices tend to be cheaper than the less populated Hawaiian islands of Lanai and Molokai .

Plus, you can often find the right Hawaii vacation package to fit your budget.

Looking for cheap places to stay in Hawaii? Here are my top picks for Kauai , Maui , Oahu , and the Big Island !

4. GO IN THE OFF SEASON

Hawaii can be crazy expensive if you try to go during a school break. Airfare and hotel rooms can be twice as expensive (if not more) during this high season.

Summertime and the week of Christmas are peak seasons for Hawaii. That’s not how to travel to Hawaii on a budget.

Definitely avoid the last week of April. That’s “Golden Week” in Japan and the Hawaiian islands will be flooded with Japanese tourists and therefore the prices of everything skyrocket.

So, for cheap travel to Hawaii, head to Hawaii in late winter or early fall. These are my best budget tips to save you money.

We really like going in February . Our kids get mid-winter break and we can usually find reasonable airfare and lots of hotel/vacation rental options.

If you aren’t limited to school schedules, September and early October are also awesome times to visit Hawaii and find cheap airfare to Hawaii.

5. TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS OR FAMILY

Are you getting sticker shock when looking at hotel rooms? An easy way to slash that price in half is to invite friends or family to join you for a cheap trip to Hawaii.

Tips for where to stay in Hawaii on a budget featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: 7 Cheap Places to Stay in Maui featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids | Find out affordable places to stay on Maui, like this budget-friendly Maui hotel

You can either share a hotel room (and split the cost) or go in on a larger Airbnb or VRBO, which tends to be cheaper than hotel rooms.

Traveling with more people also can save you money on food in Hawaii. You can head to Costco and get large cases of drinks, snacks, and Costco-sized ready-to-cook meals.

And you can rent a larger vehicle and split the cost when visiting Hawaii in a group.

If your group is large enough, you might also qualify for group discounts on tours.

This is one of our favorite ways to do family vacations on a budget.

6. CREDIT CARD TRAVEL HACKING

While I have not mastered the art of credit card travel hacking, I’ve seen a lot of my friends do it successfully for vacations to Hawaii.

You earn points on your purchases that can be used toward airfare and hotel rooms at Hyatt, Marriott, and IHG.

Many credit cards also offer a lot of insurance options and have a ton of travel perks to visit Hawaii.

7. INVEST IN TRAVEL INSURANCE

While we’re talking about insurance, I highly recommend getting travel insurance .

Now, it might seem counter-intuitive to purchase something you might not need in order to save money in Hawaii.

Find out whether or not you really need Hawaii travel insurance by top Hawaii blog Hawaii Travel with Kids. Image of some travel insurance paperwork on top of a map.

However, you have to think about how much money is at risk if you have to cancel your trip, change the dates, lose luggage, etc.

And if you are pregnant or have young children, it’s even more important that you get travel insurance in case there are medical reasons you need to cancel or postpone a trip.

Make sure to shop around for the right travel insurance for your family. We tend to use Allianz Insurance for both airfare and general travel insurance.

Hawaii on a Budget: How to Find Cheap Flights to Hawaii

8. use skyscanner for the best flight rates.

I’m almost embarrassed to admit this, but I only started using Skyscanner this year to look for cheap airfare.

You put in the search parameters and it will tell you the cheapest flights from all the top airlines.

You can also request a price alert to be notified when the price goes down for a cheap flight you are keeping your eye on.

It’s an easy way to plan a cheap vacation to Hawaii.

9. CARRY ON YOUR LUGGAGE

It’s no secret how airlines are trying to nickel and dime passengers. One of the most obvious ways is with the checked luggage fees.

Tips for what to take to Hawaii on a Budget featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: Save money on luggage by using carry on luggage and skipping the checked bag fees

Before you book your flight, check to see what the checked baggage fees are for the airline and factor that into the price. What sound like cheap flights at first maybe actually cost you more due to the bag fees.

Then, figure out if you can fit your stuff in a carry-on suitcase. This is actually pretty easy for Hawaii, especially if you pack mostly swimsuits and warm weather clothing that doesn’t take up much space.

Find out the top things people always forget on their Hawaii packing list!

10. check costco for travel deals.

Being a Seattle mom, Costco is one of my favorite places. They have a really awesome travel department that has been having some killer Hawaii travel packages.

As long as you have a Costco card, you can visit the Costco Travel website and search for flights, hotels, and car rental packages. It makes it easy to visit Hawaii on a budget.

Costco seriously has some of the best Hawaii travel deals. including cheap flights to Hawaii.

My aunt used them recently and her car rental was completely free!

11. ALASKA AIRLINES COMPANION FARE

If you are flying from the West Coast, you might consider getting an Alaska Airlines Signature Visa credit card. They offer an annual companion fare deal where you just pay $99 plus tax on a second flight.

Image of Alaska Airlines airplane in Hawaii.

We almost always use our companion fare for flights to Hawaii, to save the most money. And since my husband and I each have a card, we use both companion fares for our kids and save a lot of money!

Another awesome feature of this credit card is that you and up to 6 of your guests get a free checked bag!

It’s such a great Hawaii travel deal all around! We use it almost exclusively when visiting Hawaii with our kids. It’s the easiest way to get cheap flights to Hawaii.

12. SOUTHWEST COMPANION FARE

This year, Southwest launched a bunch of flights to Hawaii. They had some screaming Hawaii deals!

Image of Southwest Airlines flying over Oahu

Whether or not they continue to offer crazy flight deals, they do have a Companion Pass program.

To qualify, you either need to fly 100 qualifying one-way flights or earn 110,000 points in a calendar year. They also have a credit card to help you accumulate points faster.

They also launched inter-island flights at a very reasonable rate.

Hawaii on a Budget: Packing Essentials

13. pack all the essentials.

When people complain about how much everything costs in Hawaii, they aren’t exaggerating. Since everything needs to be shipped in, it costs more.

Image of Open suitcase with clothes and personal things packed for traveling

They also don’t have as many big box stores as we do on the Mainland, so they don’t always have a large selection of items.

So, what to take to Hawaii?

I recommend packing all your essentials from home when visiting Hawaii. The prices will be cheaper than having to run out and buy items when you get there.

Find out what to pack on a Hawaii honeymoon or get my Kauai or Maui packing list !

14. BRING A LIGHTWEIGHT DUFFEL BAG

While I don’t recommend buying travel essentials in Hawaii, it’s pretty common to buy stuff when you get there. I mean, everything is so cute!

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Now, we always bring this lightweight duffel bag with us. It folds up smaller than a poncho and it can easily fit inside your suitcase. Check out the latest prices and more details.

I always stuff our dirty clothes in it for the plane ride back. That way, I can bring it as a carry on and when they ask for bags to check for free at the gate (which ALWAYS seems to happen) I have no problem offering up my duffel of dirty clothes.

15. BABY FOOD + DIAPERS

If you are traveling to Hawaii with a baby , I strongly urge you to pack your own baby food and diapers.

Baby food and formula are pretty expensive over there. I’ve seen food pouches for $3+ each!

Plus, the selection isn’t very good. If you have a picky baby or toddler , you’ll want to bring your own brands.

The same goes for pacifiers and loveys. Bring extras from home so you aren’t wasting a vacation day searching for one on the island.

Hawaii on a Budget: How to Find Cheap Hawaii Family Hotels

16. stay in the most affordable area of the island.

Before you book your Hawaii accommodation, check the rates for all the main cities/towns on the island. This is a good indicator of how to stay in Hawaii for cheap.

There are always the pricier areas to stay in and the more affordable areas and not choosing the right spot can make or break cheap Hawaii vacations.

Tips for Hawaii on a Budget featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: Stay in the more affordable places on the island for the cheapest places to stay in Hawaii

Kihei is a cheaper place to stay on Maui than Wailea or Kapalua. Kapaa is a cheaper place to stay on Kauai than Princeville or Poipu . And on Oahu, it’s always cheapest to stay outside of Waikiki .

Read my detailed guides on the cheapest places to stay on Maui , Kauai , Oahu , Molokai , Lanai , and the Big Island . It’s a great way to save money when visiting Hawaii.

17. HOTEL VS. AIRBNB VS. VRBO

When you start thinking about places to stay on your Hawaii trip, don’t just look at hotels. Kihei, for example, only has condos available.

Sometimes it’s cheaper to go through Airbnb or VRBO to find cheap Hawaii accommodations.

What’s great about Airbnb and VRBO is that most of the places offer free parking and it’s easier to find places with separate bedrooms (which is so handy when traveling to Hawaii with kids!)

If you’ve never used Airbnb, get $40 off with my link!

18. CAMPING IN HAWAII

Another option for a cheap place to stay in Hawaii is to camp! You can either bring over your own camping stuff or buy it at Walmart in Hawaii.

Camping in Maui: Romantic couple is relaxing near a tent on the beach, hugging and looking at each other. Happy people in nature. Back Light.

The trick is to book your campsite before you head to Hawaii to ensure you have a spot. Otherwise, you’ll be paying an arm and a leg for last-minute accommodations.

And, it’s pretty trendy to rent a campervan in Hawaii, so you might look into that option when visiting Hawaii.

Check here for camping sites in Hawaii. And read my full guide to camping in Hawaii .

19. HAWAII HOSTELS

Hawaii is also home to several hostels throughout the Hawaiian islands. It’s one way to visit Hawaii without spending a fortune.

While I wouldn’t personally stay in a hostel with kids, it can be a great place to stay if you are backpacking in Hawaii with your partner or friends.

Check here for Hawaii hostel rates and availability.

20. GET A CONDO FOR CHEAPER

If you really feel like bargaining and you are visiting Hawaii during the off-season, you can always try negotiating cheaper rates directly through condo owners.

There are a lot of condos that sit empty during low seasons. Many of these owners would rather offer a reduced rate than not make any money at all.

So, it might be worth emailing condo owners to see if they can offer a better rate.

21. GET A HOTEL DAY PASS

If you want the perks for staying at a fancy hotel, but don’t want to pay fancy hotel prices, look into getting a hotel day pass.

You can get one for as cheap as $29/person. That allows you access to hang out at the pool and use their facilities.

It’s a great way to have the resort experience without the hefty hotel room rate.

Check here to find Hawaii resort day passes.

22. EXPLORE HAWAII BY CAMPERVAN

If you like the idea of camping in Hawaii but don’t want to set up a tent, you might look into renting a campervan in Hawaii.

Just picture enjoying an epic Hawaiian sunrise or sunse t while bundled in blankets in your Hawaii campervan.

It’s a fun way to explore the islands without paying for an expensive hotel room. Rates can be as low as $49/night.

Find your dream Hawaii Campervan here .

23. COUCHSURFING IN HAWAII

Lately, I’ve been hearing more and more about families couchsurfing when they travel. It’s a cool way to get a cultural experience by getting to know other families who live in Hawaii.

Of course, you’ll want to do your research and follow general safety tips if you go this route.

You can check out Hawaii couchsurfing options here .

Hawaii on a Budget: Transportation Tips

24. rental car vs. public transportation.

When people ask me whether or not they need to rent a car in Hawaii , my first thought is always “of course!”

I think a rental car is the best way to explore Hawaii with kids because you aren’t limited to public transportation or activity shuttles.

However, it really depends on what you are planning on doing.

What is the best way to visit Hawaii on a Budget? The Waikiki Trolley is an easy way to get around Waikiki on Oahu with kids

When we were staying in Waikiki beach a few years ago, we didn’t rent a car and instead relied on the Waikiki Trolley . It was an easy (and affordable) way to get us all over town. We even used it for a Costco run!

On Oahu, TheBus is a great Hawaii bus system that will take you all over the island for much cheaper than a rental car.

And on Kauai, there’s The Kauai Bus which has routes all over the island.

25. CHEAPEST WAY TO GET FROM THE AIRPORT

Another question I get a lot is about the cheapest way to get from the airport to your hotel in Hawaii. You’ll want to know the answer when visiting Hawaii.

For Oahu, there are lots of shuttles that can take you from the airport to Waikiki for as little as $18. Or you can grab an Uber or Lyft for around $23-30 to Waikiki beach. And if you really want to save money, you can take TheBus for $2.25.

On Maui, you can take a shuttle to the airport from Lahaina for about $35-50 or take an Uber for $50-60.

Be sure to find out if your hotel has a shuttle service. That’s helpful to know before you book a rental car in Hawaii.

26. DECIDE HOW MANY DAYS YOU NEED A CAR

If you do decide that you want to rent a car in Hawaii, figure out your itinerary so you know exactly how many days you’ll need to rent a car.

If you are staying in Waikiki, it might make sense to return the car every day to avoid paying overnight parking fees.

You’ll also want to do a price comparison to see if you’ll save money by keeping your rental car for your whole trip or returning it early.

27. SKIP THE JEEP

While adventuring through Hawaii in a Jeep sounds exciting, it’s not the most budget-friendly car to rent in Hawaii!

Image of SUV parked at beach with surfboard in Maui, Hawaii.

Not only do they cost more to rent, but they also use up a ton of gas!

And since they are a popular vehicle to rent, they are usually pretty worn out and might not be the most comfortable ride. There are plenty of other rental cars to choose from.

Hawaii on a Budget: How to Save Money on Food

28. save money by cooking.

If you have a hotel with a kitchenette or have booked a condo or VRBO with a kitchen, you can save a lot of money by cooking.

The easiest way to do this is to stock up on easy breakfast items and ready-to-cook meals.

If you are staying somewhere with a poolside BBQ, grab some meat to cook up! This makes visiting Hawaii a lot more affordable.

Read more about cooking in Hawaii .

29. CHEAP EATS IN HAWAII

I’m a HUGE fan of Hawaiian food and a big part of our vacations is eating food we can’t find at home.

Eating out in Hawaii doesn’t have to be super expensive.

One of my favorite things to eat in Hawaii on a budget is musubi! You can find this local food at ABC stores, local grocery stores, gas stations, and even 7-Eleven.

The most popular is Spam musub i , but you can also find musubi made with mochiko chicken , egg, chicken adobo, kalua pork, etc.

Find out my favorite cheap eats on Oahu and where to eat in Waikiki on a budget !

30. FARMERS MARKETS

If you are a fan of fresh fruits and vegetables, you’ll definitely want to hit up a farmers market in Hawaii.

If you want to travel to Hawaii cheap, check out these tips for Hawaii on a Budget featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: Hawaii farmers markets are a great place to get fresh produce at discount prices

We always grab some big papayas and lime for an easy breakfast.

And we never leave without picking up a sugarloaf pineapple. This is the low-acid variety of pineapple and they are always the sweetest!

Find out the best Hawaiian fruits you need to try in Hawaii!

31. SHARE A PLATE LUNCH

Hawaii is known for its generous portions. One of the most popular types of local food in Hawaii is plate lunches. You can find them at food trucks, restaurants, and just about anywhere that sells food.

Choosing the right places to eat and make or break an affordable Hawaii vacation: Rainbow Drive In is one of the best places to eat on Oahu for families

These consist of an entree (or two) plus two scoops of rice and a scoop of macaroni salad.

Most places you go will give you plenty of food for two people to share a plate lunch.

When we go with our kids, I usually order extra scoops of rice and I can easily share my plate lunch with both my hungry boys. We love eating local food!

Find out what to order at Hawaiian restaurants!

32. GROCERY SHOP AWAY FROM RESORTS

One mistake I see a lot of tourists make is that they do their grocery shopping near their resort. They think they are saving money, but the items tend to have a higher price in tourist areas.

Instead, pick up your groceries where locals do. Hint: the cheapest places are near Walmart or Costco.

You’ll find a better selection of items and the prices will make your wallet happier. This is easiest to do with a Hawaii rental car, but you can also use public transportation.

Find out the best local grocery stores on Maui

33.  BRING YOUR SAFEWAY CLUB CARD

If you shop at Safeway at home, you can definitely use your Safeway Club Card in Hawaii!

It’s even worth getting one just to use on your trip because you’ll save so much money on groceries.

We like to pick up large sub sandwiches, chips, and musubi to eat on the beach at these local grocery stores.

My mom is also a HUGE fan of their $5 Fridays!

34. HEAD TO WALMART

One thing that I always try to explain to people planning their Hawaiian vacation is that Walmart in Hawaii isn’t like Walmart on the mainland. It’s kind of hard to describe.

You’ll find everyone shopping at Walmart in Hawaii. I’m talking about mayors, local celebrities, and regular families.

It’s one of the few chain stores available on the islands and chances are you’ll be able to pick up all your groceries, beach toys, sunscreen , flip flops, and even fresh flower leis.

Personally, Walmart is one of my favorite places to stock up on Hawaiian cookies, li hing mui candy, Hawaiian potato chips, Hawaiian Sun drinks, etc.

Note: Now some of the islands have a Target, which is always a great place to shop even if their prices are slightly higher than Walmart.

35. GET POKE BOWLS

Another surprisingly affordable Hawaiian meal is poke bowls. Poke is raw fish chopped up and marinated and is usually put in a bowl over sushi rice or served with chips.

How to travel to hawaii for cheap? It can be easy to save a lot of money by cooking in Hawaii or picking up poke bowls

The cheapest place to get poke is at Costco or a local grocery store. You’ll find it in their deli department.

When we stay in condos that have a rice cooker, we make our own rice and get several tubs of different poke for a quick dinner. Then, the next day, we eat any remaining poke with chips for lunch.

Find out the best places to get poke on Oahu and Maui

36. EAT OUT AT LUNCH VS DINNER

I can’t go to Hawaii and not eat out. So, when we are trying to save money in Hawaii, we aim to eat out at lunchtime.

Usually, you’ll get slightly smaller portions for half the price of dinner.

You can also take advantage of the food spots that cater to workers, which are usually closed for dinner.

37. DON’T BUY BOTTLED WATER

Another way to save money on food/drink in Hawaii is to bring your own reusable water bottle. We usually bring our Hydro Flask because it keeps water icy cold all day long.

Bottled water can add up quickly, especially if you are buying them at food trucks or when you are eating at restaurants.

If you forget to bring a reusable water bottle (and don’t want to buy one in Hawaii) you can get buy water bottles for everyone in your family and refill it during the trip. This is what we did growing up.

You can even put your water bottle in the freezer to keep it cold for part of the day.

38. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF DINING DEALS

Hawaii vacation costs can add up quickly, especially for families. An easy way to do a Hawaii vacation on the cheap is by looking for ways to cut costs on food.

Before your trip, start scouting out restaurants that offer discounted menus on certain days of the week. Some even have early bird menus.

Groupon sometimes offers awesome restaurant gift certificates at discounted rates. Yelp is another place to check for discounts on Hawaiian restaurants.

39. BEST FOOD TRUCKS

Most people don’t realize this, but Hawaii has been rocking the food truck scene for decades. They used to be called lunch wagons and they catered to workers.

Now, Hawaii has some of the best food trucks in the country.

Take advantage of the food trucks for a cheap Hawaiian vacation. Kauai has some of the best Hawaiian food trucks.

We love hitting up food trucks in Hawaii. The prices vary a lot, but we’ve found some that are pretty cheap.

If you are heading to the North Shore on Oahu, you probably want to hit up one of the shrimp trucks featuring local Hawaiian shrimp. These plates are usually in the $13-14 range and they are SO good!

Otherwise, you can find affordable lunch options across a variety of ethnic cuisines.

Hawaii on a Budget: Cheap or Free Things to do in Hawaii

40. free hula shows.

As a hula dancer for the past 25 years, I urge everyone to take advantage of the free hula shows offered all over the islands!

Don’t go to Hawaii and skip out on the culture!

Hawaii family vacations aren't complete without some hula dancing! See live hula shows at Ala Moana Center on Oahu

On Oahu, head to Ala Moana Mall, the Royal Hawaiian Center, or Kuhio Beach Park for free hula shows.

On Maui, you can see free hula shows at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Kaanapali Beach Hotel, Lahaina Cannery Mall, Maui Mall, Napili Kai Beach Resort, The Outlets of Maui, Queen Ka’ahumanu Center, and Whalers Village.

And on Kauai, head to the Coconut Marketplace, Poipu Shopping Village, or the National Tropical Botanical Garden.

41. FREE EVENTS IN HAWAII

In addition to lots of farmers markets, Hawaii also holds a lot of craft fairs for Hawaii-made products.

They also have free concerts, outdoor movies, and all kinds of special events.

With so many Hawaii activities costing a fortune, taking advantage of a few free activities is crucial when traveling to Hawaii on a budget.

Search for Hawaii events here .

42. HOLIDAYS IN HAWAII

If you happen to be in Hawaii during December, you’ll have lots of free holiday events to choose from.

Image of a giant Santa statue waving a shaka sign

Honolulu City Lights is a popular Oahu event including a huge parade, block party, tree lighting ceremony, food booths, children’s rides, a holiday concert, and Santa.

There are lots of Waikiki Christmas events and concerts, including the Christmas-themed “Rock a Hula” show.

And you can see Santa arriving on all the islands.

Read more about Christmas in Hawaii.

43. GO FOR A HIKE

One of the most underrated free things to do in Hawaii is going for a hike! The scenery is insanely gorgeous!

The cheapest hawaiian vacations include lots of free activities, like hiking in Hawaii. Diamond Head is a kid-friendly Oahu hike

Hike to a Hawaiian waterfall, the top of a mountain, inside a crater, or see sweeping views of the coastline.

The only costs might include parking if you are hiking at a state park. It’s easiest to go hiking in Hawaii if you have a rental car.

Find out where to hike on Kauai, Oahu , Maui , and the Big Island.

44. FIND A HAWAII WATERFALL

Hawaii is filled with breathtaking waterfalls on each of the Hawaiian islands.

You can see a lot of them on the side of the road or at designated lookout points with parking lots.

Hawaiian family vacations aren't complete without seeing at least one Hawaiian waterfall, like Opaekaa Falls on Kauai

However, some of the most beautiful Hawaiian waterfalls are tucked away in the jungle and only accessible by helicopter or by hiking.

Check out the best waterfalls on Kauai , Maui , Oahu , and the Big Island .

45. BEST SNORKELING SPOTS

Another cheap thing to do in Hawaii is go snorkeling . The only cost is the snorkel mask and fins. Find the best prices here.

Hawaiian waters feature stunning tropical fish and sea turtles that are amazing to see underwater!

Note: Be careful about full-face snorkel masks. There have been a lot of accidents involving them lately, so do your research.

Find out the best places to snorkel on Oahu , Kauai , Maui , and the Big Island.

46. HAWAIIAN SWIMMING HOLES

In addition to amazing beaches, Hawaii also has some cool swimming holes you can play in.

On Maui, head to the O’heo Gulch (aka Seven Sacred Pools) to cool off. Just be sure to check to see if it’s open before you go (they close it if the weather is bad.)

Maunawili Falls on Oahu: Image of three trickling waterfalls going into a basin.

On Oahu, head to Maunawili Falls and swim in the base of a stunning waterfall.

47. BEST SURFING SPOTS

Another fairly cheap thing to do in Hawaii is go surfing! I mean, what’s more iconic than surfing in Hawaii?

Image of a man surfing a wave in Hawaii

Your only cost is renting a surfboard. Many surf rental places offer daily and weekly rates.

Find out the best surfing spots on Kauai, Oahu , Maui , and the Big Island.

48. BEST BEACHES IN HAWAII

Of course, you can’t go to Hawaii and not check out the beaches! Well, I guess you can , but you definitely shouldn’t!

The beaches are one of the cheapest places to visit in Hawaii on a Budget. Kee Beach is a popular snorkeling Kauai beach at the end of the road on Kauai

Most beaches in Hawaii are completely free (the rest have a small parking fee.)

My favorite beaches on Oahu include Kailua Beach , Lanikai, and Waikiki. On Kauai, I love Poipu Beach, Haena, and Salt Ponds. And on Maui, I love Kapalua Bay and any beach in Kihei.

49. FREE MUSEUM ENTRY

When you think of Hawaii, museums might not immediately pop into your head. But, Hawaii has some pretty cool museums!

Tips for Hawaii on a Budget featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: Bishop Museum is one of the top kid-friendly Oahu attractions for a budget family vacation.

If you already have a museum membership at home for a science museum, you are probably part of the ASTC Passport Program. We belong to the Museum of Flight in Seattle.

The ASTC Passport Program allows you free access to museums all over the world, as long as you can show that you are a member of a museum that is part of the program.

In Hawaii, you can visit the Bishop Museum , the Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture, Kauai Community Science Center, Maui Science Center, or ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii.

50. CHECK OUT A NATIONAL PARK

Yes, there are National Parks in Hawaii and they are unbelievable!

Tips for Hawaii on a Budget featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids

One of the most famous is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. This park is home to both Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes.

Haleakala is another popular national park that is like no other in Hawaii. It kind of feels like you are walking around on Mars or something because of all the jagged rocks.

Read all about Hawaii National Parks

51. VISIT A LIGHTHOUSE

Since Hawaii is comprised of islands, there are lots of lighthouses.

Tips for Hawaii on a Budget featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: Kids will love running around Kilauea Lighthouse and looking for birds, one of the free things to do on Kauai for families

One of my favorite lighthouses is Kilauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge on Kauai. It’s a great place to see Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, and humpback whales .

It’s just $5 to enter and kids 15 years old and younger are free.

Another great Hawaiian lighthouse is Makapuu Lighthouse on Oahu. It’s near Diamond Head and you’ll have to hike to get there. But the views make the hike totally worth it!

52. CHECK OUT A FESTIVAL

One of the most famous festivals in Hawaii is the Merrie Monarch hula festival . While tickets for the entire festival can be pricey, you can apply to just go for the Miss Aloha Hula night for $7.

There’s also the Aloha Festivals , offered on all the islands during the month of September.

And the Waikiki Spam Jam has been on my bucket list for years!

53. GO BIRDING

Hawaii is an awesome place to go birding. It’s another free activity to do, although you’ll want to have a good pair of binoculars . If you are staying in a condo or VRBO, check to see if there’s a pair you can borrow.

Tips for Hawaii on a Budget featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: The Ultimate Guide to Birding on Kauai featured by top Hawaii travel blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: Find out the best places for birding on Kauai

Hawaii has birds that you can’t see anywhere else in the world.

They are full of color, make unique sounds, and are something that you will be in awe of when you get closer.

Find out where to go birding on Kauai .

54. OUTDOOR MOVIES

My kids LOVE going to outdoor movies in Hawaii! A few hotels offer “dive in” movies out by their pool area.

But, you’ll also find outdoor movies at local churches and beach parks. Bring your own blankets and snacks and it makes a cheap evening activity.

You can find outdoor movies on almost every Hawaiian island.

Hawaii on a Budget: Cheap Things to do in Oahu

55. saving money in waikiki.

Things are usually pricey in Waikiki, but there are still ways to save money. A lot of the beachfront bars and restaurants offer free nightly entertainment without a drink minimum.

So, you can order some Hawaiian pupus (appetizers) and enjoy a light dinner and show for a fraction of the cost of a luau .

You can also take advantage of the Waikiki Trolley to shuttle you all over Waikiki, saving you the cost of a rental car, parking fees, or using Uber.

56. GO OAHU CARD

If you are planning on doing several activities on Oahu, you might consider buying the Go Oahu Card.

This card will get you free entry into the Polynesian Cultural Center , Pearl Harbor attractions, Kualoa Ranch , Iolani Palace, Wet ‘n’ Wild, and tons of classes and activities.

You can order them online through Costco.

57. HOOMALUHIA BOTANICAL GARDEN

If you love looking at Hawaii pictures on Instagram , you will for sure have seen Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden pop up in lots of photos.

Tips for Hawaii on a Budget featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: HO'OMALUHIA BOTANICAL GARDEN is a popular photo spot on Oahu

It’s one of the most Instagrammable spots on Oahu. Plus it’s one of the best botanical gardens in Hawaii.

Note: Pay attention to signs to see where you are allowed to take photos. You can’t stand in the middle of the street, but you can get a similar shot standing in a parking lot.

What a lot of people don’t realize is that Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden also offers catch-and-release fishing every weekend. That makes it a cheap thing to do on Oahu.

58. FREE FIREWORKS SHOW IN WAIKIKI

Something that still amazes me is that the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki does a full fireworks show every Friday and it’s completely free!

Tips for Hawaii on a Budget featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: The Hilton Hawaiian Village has a free fireworks in Waikiki show every Friday

Stake out a spot on Waikiki beach to watch them or splurge and head to the Hilton Hawaiian Village to order a drink and get a front-row view of the fireworks.

59. HANG AT ALA MOANA SHOPPING CENTER

While it may sound like hanging out at a shopping center isn’t really a budget-friendly option, Ala Moana Center offers a lot of free stuff.

First of all, they do incredible hula shows on their stage as well as other programming throughout the year.

You can also get free samples of items like those cute pineapple cookies from Honolulu Cookie Company!

And, they have a really awesome playground if your kids need a fun place to play.

60. FREE CLASSES AT THE ROYAL HAWAIIAN CENTER

Like Ala Moana Center, the Royal Hawaiian Center is a shopping mall that also features free entertainment and classes.

Tips for Hawaii on a Budget featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: The Royal Hawaiian Center is a fun place to window shop and they have free cultural activities in Waikiki

Here is where you can join free classes on lei-making, hula dancing, and playing the ukulele.

Plus, you can always window shop.

61. CHECK OUT A SWAP MEET

When I was a kid, my favorite thing to do on Oahu was hit up the Aloha Swap Meet at Aloha Stadium.

I admit it’s not nearly as cool or as massive as it was back in the 90s, but that doesn’t mean it’s not still worth checking out.

It’s a great place to find Hawaiian souvenirs at a fraction of the price of souvenir shops. And you can always bargain!

If you are traveling with kids, you can give them cash and let them figure out how best to spend it.

62. VISIT DOLE PLANTATION

Dole Plantation can be hit/miss depending on families. I’d say it’s mostly geared for families with younger kids.

Image of the exterior of Dole Plantation on Oahu.

It’s free to enter and they offer activities like a free pineapple-cutting demonstration.

But, for a fee, you can also join a Dole Plantation garden tour, explore a pineapple maze, or ride a little train.

And you’ll probably want to treat yourself to a Dole Whip !

63. CLIMB THE ALOHA TOWER

Another iconic place on Oahu is Aloha Tower. It’s been around since 1926 and has gone through a lot of changes in the past few decades.

Head up to the 10th floor to enjoy amazing views of the harbor (and spot the cruise ships!) and Honolulu from their observation deck.

You can also visit the Observation Deck located on the 10th floor of Aloha Tower to find the perfect spot for beautiful views of the harbor on one side and the cityscape of Honolulu on the other. It’s totally free.

64. VISIT WAIMEA VALLEY

One of the most unique places to visit on Oahu is Waimea Valley .

Here, you can swim at the base of a waterfall, explore a botanical garden, and learn about the historical and cultural significance of Waimea Valley to the Hawaiian people.

Image of Waimea Falls on Oahu

And they have hands-on activities in Hawaii for kids! Check out our full guide to visiting Waimea Valley on Oahu .

If you are thinking about splurging for a luau, Toa Luau is located at Waimea Valley and their luau tickets include entrance fees for Waimea Valley. Find the best prices here.

You can check admission fees here .

65. VISIT A CHOCOLATE FACTORY

Another unique Oahu tour is at the Manoa Chocolate factory. This is where you can learn about cacao farming and how chocolate is made.

There are plenty of opportunities to try yummy chocolate samples and find out more about Hawaii’s blossoming chocolate industry.

Note: The tour is only for kids ages 12 and older and adults.

However, all ages are welcome to just walk in for a chocolate tasting!

Learn more here .

66. DO A FARM TOUR

Something cool about Hawaii is that you’ll see lots of farms throughout the island growing all kinds of fruit and vegetables and raising animals.

While visiting Oahu, you can head to Na Mea Kupono Lo’i Kalo , a taro farm that’s so much more!

Taro root has been the staple starch of the Hawaiian people for generations and generations. You’ll learn how to prepare, plant, and grow this important food on the farm tour.

Additionally, staff members share traditional crafts, songs , stories, and games.

67. CHECK OUT A NIGHT MARKET

Night Markets are all the rage these days and that’s because they are so awesome!

The Honolulu Night Market is a popular one and you’ll find local artists, designers, musicians , artisans, and chefs. It’s perfect for your Hawaii vacation.

68. LEARN ABOUT UKULELES

The ukulele is such a huge part of Hawaiian culture nowadays. And one of the most famous ukulele makers is Kamaka Ukulele.

Man playing ukulele in Hawaii

Join a guided factory tour and learn about the Kamaka family and how they have been leaders in their industry for nearly a century.

Their tours are Tuesday-Friday at 10:30 am. Find out more here .

Want to buy a ukulele? Find out the best kids ukulele !

69. VISIT TIDE POOLS

Oahu has a ton of cool tide pools that are perfect for kids who want to explore Hawaiian sea life.

Grab a pair of water shoes and head to Goat Island in Laie, Sandy Beach Tide Pools, or Makapuu Tide Pools for some free fun.

70. FIND THE WIZARD STONES IN WAIKIKI BEACH

I’m a huge fan of learning the legends behind significant monuments when we travel.

Now, you probably would normally walk right past the Wizard Stones without realizing what they are. I know I have.

So, I suggest finding the Wizard Stones and reading the legend on where they come from and what powers they are said to possess.

71. ATTEND A TORCH LIGHTING CEREMONY

One of my favorite moments in a luau is watching the torch lighting ceremony that usually kicks off the festivities.

If you are in Waikiki at sunset, you can see a FREE traditional torch lighting ceremony and hula performance on Waikiki beach by the Duke Kahanamoku statue.

72. VISIT IOLANI PALACE

How often will you have the opportunity to explore a real royal palace?

Iolani Palace was built in 1882 by King Kalakaua and it’s the only palace in the United States. It was home to Hawaii’s last reigning monarchs.

Royal Seal on a gate to Iolani Palace on Oahu

There’s a lot of history here, and I recommend reading Hawaii’s Story by Hawaii’s Queen to really make the most of your experience.

I’ve been a few times and I’m always in awe of how it’s been restored, including finding original pieces all over the country.

73. VISIT PALI LOOKOUT

If you want a super cool stop while driving around Oahu, you have to visit Pali Lookout.

Yes, there are gorgeous panoramic views of where Kamehameha had a major battle. However, it’s also one of the windiest spots in Hawaii.

I’m talking about having to hold onto things because it feels like you are going to blow away. It’s such a rush!

74. SEE HAWAIIAN ART

Oahu is a great place to meet local artists and admire their work. On the first Friday of every month, you can visit art galleries in downtown Honolulu at no charge.

Also, the Honolulu Museum of Art offers free admission on the 3rd Sunday of every month. Find out more here .

75. WAIKELE PREMIUM OUTLETS

And if you are looking to shop on Oahu without paying full retail price, head to the Waikele Premium Outlets. It’s the only factory outlet on Oahu.

I’ve scored some great deals here on baby clothes and clothes for myself.

Be sure to get a shopping voucher from their website AND pick up the discount vouchers at the airport. If you choose to take a shuttle bus to the outlets, they will offer you another set of vouchers.

See all the stores here .

76. USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL

Most people think that you have to join a tour to see Pearl Harbor . That’s not true.

Tips for Hawaii on a Budget featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: You can visit Pearl Harbor for free

In fact, you can see the USS Arizona Memorial for FREE. Well, as long as you get there early.

They give out 1,300 free tickets every day and they are usually all dispersed by mid-morning.

Find out more free things to do on Oahu .

Hawaii on a Budget: Kauai

77. see the grand canyon of the pacific.

Probably the most well-known of the attractions on Kauai is the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, or Waimea Canyon .

Tips for Hawaii on a Budget featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: Waimea Canyon is one of the best free things to do on Kauai and has awesome Kauai hikes and views

At 14 miles long, over a mile wide, and 3600 feet deep, Waimea Canyon and the state park that surrounds it has some of the most beautiful views on the island, and maybe in the world!

The entry is free, but be prepared to pay $5 to park if you would like to go for a hike or get closer to the lookout points.

78. TAKE A TRAIN RIDE ON KAUAI

One of my kids’ favorite things to do on Kauai is going on the Kilohana Plantation Railway at Kilohana Plantation.

It’s a 2.5 mile narrated tour in an open-air sugarcane train.

You’ll learn a bit about plantation days and see fruit, vegetables and lots of animals. In fact, you get to feed pigs!

79. KAUAI COFFEE COMPANY TOUR

Even if you aren’t a fan of the most-consumed drink in the world, you don’t want to miss the biggest coffee farm in the US.

Tips for Hawaii on a Budget featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: Get a free cup of coffee at Kauai Coffee Plantation and take one of their free walking tours around the estate.

Kauai Coffee is headquartered on the southern coast of Kauai and has free walking tours every day at 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 4 pm.

Upon arrival to the “Estate,” you will be offered a free cup of Kauai Coffee.

Plan your visit and make sure you sign up for the scavenger hunt on Wednesday morning!

Every team that completes it will get a free bag of coffee, and it is a great way to get kids involved without actually giving them coffee! (My boys have enough energy already, thank you very much!)

80. KAUAI’S HINDU MONASTERY

If you have never experienced a Hindu Monastery, this site would be well worth a visit.

Located in Kapa’a, Kauai’s Hindu Monastery is open from 9 am to noon for visitors to explore, meditate and learn.

The inner gate and temple are only open to those wishing to join in on the 9 am service.

Be sure to consult the Plan Your Visit Guide to learn more about times, available areas, and recommended dress.

81. KAUAI CULINARY MARKET

If you are foodies (like our family) you’ll want to set aside time to check out the Kauai Culinary Market at The Shops at Kukuiula.

Every Wednesday from 3:30 pm – 6 pm, guests can see live cooking demonstrations and take a look at locally grown food and treats.

82. DO A FREE RUM TASTING

Also located at Kilohana Plantation is the Koloa Rum Company. They offer free rum tastings!

They use local ingredients, including Hawaiian cane sugar, and they have several varieties.

It’s the first and only licensed distillery on Kauai. You don’t need reservations, but you will want to sign up when you get there. Tastings are for 16 people and they fill up fast.

Find out more free things to do on Kauai .

Things to do in Maui on a Budget

83. haleakala sunrise.

I know I’ve already mentioned Haleakala as a cool national park to visit. However, I feel like seeing the sunrise at Haleakala deserves its own listing.

Check out this honest Haleakala Sunrise Tour Review by top Hawaii blog Hawaii Travel with Kids. Image of the Haleakala Visitor's Center at sunrise.

You do need to make a reservation, but it only costs $1.50 and it’s worth every penny.

People claim that watching the sunrise at the summit of Haleakala is a spiritual experience and it’s totally worth waking up at 3 am to do.

84. SWIM WITH THE TURTLES

No, I’m not talking about joining a tour where you can touch a turtle or anything (that’s illegal BTW.)

I’m talking about heading to Turtle Beach (formally named Maluaka Beach) and sharing the beach and ocean with all the sea turtles.

It’s a fun place to s norkel and you are almost guaranteed to see Hawaiian sea turtles.

85. SEE A LAVENDER FARM

Another special place on Maui is the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm. They have self-guided or guided walking tours of the property where you can learn about the farm’s history and future plans.

It’s located on the slopes of Haleakala in Maui’s “upcountry,” which is one of the prettiest spots on Maui.

86. HIKE TO THE I’AO NEEDLE

I’m not much of a hiker, but I try to hike to I’ao Needle every time I visit Maui. It’s a short walk through a botanical garden and it’s easy enough that my kids can do it.

Iao Needle on Maui

Remember to bring bug spray with you, though!

This area is where King Kamehameha conquered the Maui army in 1790 and Maui joined the Hawaiian kingdom.

Advance reservations to enter I’ao Valley State Monument are now available online . The parking fee is $10 per vehicle. The additional non-resident entrance fee is $5 per person with no charge for children under three years old.

It’s definitely one of my favorite things to do in Maui Hawaii on a budget.

Find out more free things to do on Maui.

Hawaii on a Budget: Big Island

87. see a volcano.

While you can definitely visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and pay the $25 entry fee, if money is really tight, you can do it for cheaper.

Just head to the lava fields in Kalapana in the late afternoon or early evening (since lava viewing is best after dark.)

From there, you can either rent a bike or walk about 4 miles to the active volcano viewing area.

I wouldn’t suggest doing this with small children or if you are super directionally challenged because you’ll be hiking on loose lava rock in the dark.

But, if you are a decent hiker and are up for an adventure, this is one for the books! It’s the ultimate Hawaii vacation experience.

88. TOUR A KONA COFFEE FARM

Kona coffee is famous worldwide because it’s the perfect place to grow coffee. This 20 mile stretch of the Kona slopes is home to many coffee farms.

Find out the best Kona coffee farms and tours worth booking by top Hawaii blog Hawaii Travel with Kids. Image of a woman wearing a bandana picking Kona coffee cherries on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Greenwell Farms , Rooster Farms , Mountain Thunder , and Heavenly Hawaiian offer free tours.

And if you want to learn more about the history of Kona coffee, visit the Kona Living History Farm . They charge admission, but I’ve heard it’s an amazing place to visit.

89. SEE A LAVA TREE

One of the most unique things to see on the Big Island is a lava tree. Head to the Lava Tree State Park (located off Pahoa-Pohoiki Road) to see a forest of lava trees.

Basically, after a lava flow swept through the area, the trees were coated in thick lava.

Kids will geek out overseeing them (as will adults!)

Find out more free things to do on the Big Island.

Hawaii on a Budget: Other Ways to Save Money in Hawaii

90. buy an entertainment book.

Another great way to plan Hawaiian vacations on a budget is to buy an Entertainment book .

Most of these deals are for visiting Oahu and they cover things like surfing lessons, ziplining, luaus, tours, etc. These great deals change from year to year.

These often go on sale for even bigger savings.

91. GROUPON AND LIVING SOCIAL DEALS

While you might use Groupon and Living Social for great deals in your home city, you can also check for deals when you travel to Hawaii.

In the past, we’ve scored discounted meals, boat rides, and luau deals. I just checked and I’m also seeing spa deals, parasailing, and so many tours perfect for your vacation to Hawaii!

It’s an awesome place to find Hawaii family vacation deals!

92. PICK UP VISITORS MAGAZINES

Whether this is your first trip to Hawaii or your 20th, always pick up the visitors magazine.

They are full of coupons that will save you money on food, shopping, and activities.

93. MILITARY DISCOUNTS IN HAWAII

If you are in the military, there are a lot of amazing military discounts in Hawaii .

A lot of the hotels offer military discounts and there’s actually a military hotel called the Hale Koa .

You can also get 50% off of Atlantis Submarine Tours, discounted rates at Polynesian Cultural Center , and discounts and special opportunities at Pearl Harbor.

There are tons of Hawaii vacation deals for members of the military.

Find out how to plan a military vacation to Hawaii !

94. DO A TIMESHARE PRESENTATION

The timeshare presentations in Hawaii offer some amazing perks. I’ve seen boat rides, hotel stays, luaus, etc.

When I was younger, I remember sitting through timeshare presentations for fancy meals and Hilo Hattie gift certificates.

As long as you go in knowing you won’t be buying a timeshare and you are okay sitting through a presentation, it’s a great deal.

95. VISIT ABC STORES

In Waikiki, there is an ABC Store on almost every corner. They have them all over Oahu and the other islands, as well.

Image of an ABC Store in Hawaii

If you plan on doing a lot of shopping at ABC Stores, make sure to save your receipts. They offer free gifts if you spend $100 or more. Usually, it’s a mug or calendar or something like that.

ABC Stores are one of the top places tourists shop on Hawaii trips. You can get everything you need for your Hawaii vacation here.

96. JOIN A VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

If you are tight on cash and want to give back during your time in Hawaii, you might think about joining a volunteer program on your Hawaii vacation.

Workaway is a program where you do volunteer work in exchange for lodging and meals.

Habitat for Humanity has some awesome Hawaii build programs where volunteers can participate in cultural experiences.

You can also do a multi-day volunteer trip to Haleakala with Friends of Haleakala National Park .

97. GO HIKING WITH THE HUMANE SOCIETY

One of the coolest programs I’ve come across is with the Humane Society. You pay a nominal donation and you can borrow a dog for the day.

Grab a furry friend and go for a memorable hike in Hawaii.

Find out more about this cool program on Kauai and on the Big Island .

98. SEARCH FOR HAWAII COUPONS ONLINE

Before you book anything, do a quick Google search to see if there are any coupons or discount codes.

There are a bunch of sites with Hawaii coupons. And you can also use the Honey extension to see if there are any additional coupon codes.

99. CHOOSE SOUVENIRS WISELY

It’s easy to spend a lot of money on souvenirs without even realizing it. Buying a few items here and there throughout your Hawaii vacation really adds up.

And chances are, it’s stuff you either aren’t going to use or that will break immediately.

So, try to buy items that you will actually use. Maybe it’s a t-shirt you are absolutely in love with. Or a sticker for your luggage. Or any sort of food item that you will eat.

And if you really want to get a cutesy souvenir, head to a local thrift shop. Chances are, you’ll find exactly what you are looking for at a fraction of the price. This is one of my secret budget tips.

Find out about the best Hawaiian souvenirs that are worth it!

100. BOOK ACTIVITIES THROUGH AIRBNB EXPERIENCES

Something I’ve been obsessed with lately is Airbnb Experiences . Basically, people offer to “host” an experience like a tour, lei-making class , photography session, or another unique adventure.

The prices are super reasonable plus, you get to connect with a local.

101. TRAVELZOO DEALS

TravelZoo is similar to Groupon or Living Social but it’s completely focused on travel.

It’s a great place to find hotel deals and Hawaii travel packages. Of course, check the dates before you book to make sure it works with your Hawaii vacation.

102. BLACK FRIDAY AND CYBER MONDAY DEALS

Yes, Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals sometimes include airfare to Hawaii and Hawaiian hotels and vacation rentals.

Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines have had some pretty amazing Black Friday airfare deals.

And I’ve even seen Hawaiian vacation packages for the Hilton Hawaiian Village .

Keeping an eye on these insane deals is your best bet for planning the cheapest Hawaiian vacation.

103. WATCH A SURFING COMPETITION

Another fun thing to do in Hawaii is checking out a surfing competition. These are free to attend. If you’re on Oahu, check out the amazing North Shore surfing competitions.

Bring your own binoculars, snacks, and beach blanket, and get ready for hours of entertainment.

104. WALK AROUND FANCY RESORTS

If you want to be a baller on a budget, stay somewhere cheap and just walk around the fancy resorts.

You can even order a drink from the pool bar and walk around. This makes a pretty cheap date night. Plus it’s a fun thing to do on a budget Hawaii vacation.

105. CREATE YOUR OWN INSTAGRAM TOUR

One of my favorite free things to do in Hawaii is come up with my own tour of Instagrammable spots.

Basically, search Instagram for the island you are going to and start saving photos of places with cool backdrops.

Then, group them by location and come up with an itinerary of where to go on your Hawaii vacation.

For more fun, pick up fresh fruit or flowers and use them as photo props.

Find out the best Instagrammable Spots on Kauai .

How to Visit Hawaii on a Budget Tips Wrap Up

Now you know how to plan the best Hawaii vacations for a fraction of the cost. And you know what to bring to Hawaii to save money as well as the cheapest island to visit in Hawaii.

Whether you are planning a Hawaiian honeymoon , solo adventure, or a family trip to Hawaii, there’s no reason you need to break the bank for your Hawaii vacation.

Planning a trip to Hawaii on a budget ? Check out free things to do on Kauai , cheap eats on Oahu , and free things to do on the Big Island .

21 thoughts on “105 genius tips for hawaii on a budget”.

I grew up in Hawaii! I moved to Seattle for college and stayed, but as a former resident, you’re on point with all these tips! It’s financially rough just going back to visit friend and family or for a high school reunion, and the tips you gave are all things I do!

Yes, Hawaii can be so expensive, even if you are heading back to stay with friends/family! Glad you agree with these tips!

Wow, so many ways to save money! Great tips! Very helpful to share with my visitors/clients traveling with family and friends.

Things are always changing, Koloa Rum is no longer the only distillery on Kauai. We now have Hanalei Spirits, though they have not yet opened a tasting room. https://www.hanaleispirits.com/

Oh that’s good to know! Once Hanalei Spirits opens a tasting room, I’ll add it!

You’re so lucky to have spent so much time in Hawaii, I loved my visit last year. These are some great tips I probably could have used, but will definitely be going again so really helpful

I hope you get to go back soon! So many amazing places to see!

Wowzers this is a comprehensive post! I especially loved the tip about camping, i’ll definitely add this to my travel list. 🙂

Glad to help! I couldn’t believe how many I came up with so quickly!

Goodness Marcie you have soooo many good tips!

I feel like once we make it to Hawaii, most of the things I’d want to do (hiking in the epic scenery, swimming and finding waterfalls) would be relatively cheap. Still, I would have never thought of tips like checking travel deals at costco. That is really smart! 😀

Yes, many of the outdoor activities (like hiking) are free, which helps a bunch. But there are SO many more ways to save money (without feeling like you’re on a budget vacation.)

I have been lucky enough to visit Hawaii several times and definitely can confirm some of these tips for saving money. Hawaii is not cheap but as you have listed there are many ways to make it work! I think the biggest thing is the single island and getting away from touristy areas. That and eat poke at every meal which I don’t mind at all!

Poke is the BEST! Sticking to one island is the easiest way to save a lot of $$$

Wow! i didn’ know there were so many things you could do in Hawaii on a budget. Love this!

Yes! It doesn’t have to be super expensive!

Wow, what a great post. I’d love to visit Hawaii, but find it very overwhelming to work out which island to go, how long to stay etc. Coming from Europe, Hawaii is a long way away, so I feel I might go there once…. so very tempted to island hopping… but then the prices rocket very quickly. Really need to sit down and work it out properly.

If you’re able to go for a month or so, you’d really be able to island hop and experience so many amazing things! It’s definitely worth a trip, but it’s quite a long flight from Europe.

Thanks for all these suggestions! We’re taking our third trip (thanks to my husband’s employer) and this time visiting Kauai. The trip is scheduled for mid-September, and I’m already checking for places to stay, etc. We really like the “Revealed” guide books, there are many suggestions and inside tips that have helped in our past two visits (Big Island and Oahu/Maui). We take a couple reusable bags to use for shopping, and a small insulated bag to pack sandwiches and snacks in the car. We have had excellent Airbnb rentals in Honolulu and just outside Volcano National Park. Can’t wait for our next adventure!

How awesome that your husband’s employer enables you to visit Hawaii! What a great perk!

I NOTICE YOU SAID YOU STAYED IN A CONDO. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING AT CONDOS AND THEY ARE$$$. WE WILL NEED 4 CONDOS THST WILL SLEEP 4 PEOPLE THERE IS 16 AND A BABY.HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS

There are tons of condos on each island in Hawaii. You might check Airbnb, HomeAway, and VRBO to see if you can find something in your price range.

Aloha, I too was born and raised in Hawaii, on Oahu, before it was a state. Just by 3 years tho. I lived on Maui at Seabury Hall (all girls school at the time). I totally agree on the Haleakala sunrise! Spectacular AND COLD, especially if there is snow! Take all the blankets and comforters with you. But of course tell the hotel first. Also good eats at Kula Lodge for a good hearty breakfast. I recommend (since you are already half way to Hana), to drive over for a couple hours of beach napping and continue on around Maui back to your hotel. Very full day. Also a great idea for hiking/camping in the crater of Haleakala is fun. 3 cabins, and the terrains are all different. One is a rain wetland with the state birds flying in and flying out of a protective open top cage. The Big Island is big, you really do not want to be in a car the whole in Hawaii. If you could leave/arrive from Kona, leave/arrive from Hilo would probably be best that way you get to see a lot of island. I should of mentioned at the beginning….decide what KIND of a vacation you want. If you just want to DO NOTHING, sit by beach and read and never leave hotel, there are islands for that. If you want to go from 120mph to 10mph (that means as soon as you start your vacation you are in slo mo) but than you might need a “jump”, a wakeup before going back to work, visit Waikiki (on Oahu) last . If you want to start fast and end slow, hit Oahu first and definitely 1 more island. Next time you know what you want and where to stay. A few more suggestions…..Muumuus are EXPENSIVE. Try the local thrift shop, garage sale or Goodwill. Even Kohls or Walmart have GREAT Hawaiian items to buy!!! Everytime I went home my rental convertible looked liked the “Hawaiian Hillbillies” (Beverly Hillbillies). Some large department stores will even send your bought items to your home, no need to pack. You just have to remember what you bought and you didn’t forget anyone. Personally, I hit the ABC stores for magnets and t-shirts, get the free coffee mug (great for large hands, ours have lasted 25+years) and of course do not forget the chocolate macadamia nuts! But most important…..watch EVERY sunset for the “green flash ” and as equally important… to reflect how important it is to take a time out of the Hurry days and watch the beautiful colors in the sky with a smile knowing what a great day it was and there will be another one tomorrow. Mahalo.

Comments are closed.

READY TO PLAN YOUR TRIP TO HAWAII?

cheap places to travel from hawaii

This Step-by-Step Workbook & Journal Will Help!

logo

How To Travel To Hawaii Cheaply

' src=

Save money on your next flight

Skyscanner is the world’s leading flight search engine, helping you find the cheapest flights to destinations all over the world.

Dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway but worried about the costs? With some planning and flexibility, you can visit these stunning islands without breaking the bank. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Book flights in the off-season, snag deals on hotels, rent a condo, and take advantage of free activities to keep your Hawaii vacation budget-friendly .

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide money-saving tips for flights, accommodations, activities, food, and transportation to help you plan an affordable Hawaiian vacation.

Find Cheap Flights to Hawaii

Fly in the off-season.

The peak tourism season for Hawaii runs from mid-December through mid-April. During this busy time, flight prices tend to be at their highest. If your schedule allows, consider traveling in the off-season of early spring (after Easter) and fall when airfare prices usually drop by 20-40%.

Even the summer months can have good flight deals before the crowds return for winter holidays.

Be flexible with dates and airports

Give flexible travel dates to maximize choice over cheap rates. Weekday departures tend to be less expensive than weekend dates. Bargain flights also often have inconvenient layovers. Be open-minded towards direct or connecting flights from alternative airports like Oakland, San Jose, LAX, or Long Beach to discover lower fares.

Researching alternate route options increases your chances of uncovering a flight deal. Some possibilities include:

  • Fly into a neighboring island first, then catch an inter-island flight.
  • Take an initial flight to the West Coast, followed by a flight to Hawaii from those airports.

Use flight deal alerts and sites

Utilize flight deal websites like Scott’s Cheap Flights , Secret Flying , and AirFareWatchdog which track airfare sales to Hawaii. You can set up custom alerts tailored to your home airport and travel dates so tempting deals get delivered right to your inbox.

Following flight deals sites on social media is another easy way to get notifications on Hawaii sales and mistake fares which must be booked quickly before they disappear!

Save on Accommodations

Book a condo rental.

One of the best ways to save money on accommodations when visiting Hawaii is to book a condo rental. Condo rentals often have full kitchens, allowing you to cook some of your own meals and save on dining out. Many also have separate bedrooms, giving you more space than a standard hotel room.

Sites like VRBO , Airbnb , and VacationRentals.com offer a wide selection of condo rentals across the Hawaiian Islands.

Check for hotel deals and packages

Even when not traveling during peak seasons, Hawaii hotel rates can be high. However, some deals and discounted packages can be found, especially if you’re flexible on locations and travel dates. Sites like Priceline and Expedia let you easily compare rates across hotels.

Additionally, many Hawaiian hotels offer special packages that bundle room nights with extras like dining credits, spa treatments, or activity discounts. Checking a hotel’s website directly can uncover exclusive packages not found on third-party booking sites.

Consider hostels and vacation rentals

For budget-focused travelers, hostels and vacation rentals provide very affordable Hawaii accommodation options. Hostels offer basic dorm-style lodging and shared bathrooms at a fraction of a typical hotel price. Hawaii hostel choices include Hostel World Hawaii on Oahu and Maui Hostel in Lahaina.

Vacation rental sites like HomeAway and FlipKey list privately-owned condos, cabins, and even treehouses for rent across the islands.

As shown above, significant savings on nightly rates can be achieved by opting for alternative accommodations like condo rentals, hostels, or vacation home rentals rather than standard hotels. Pair these affordable lodging options with cooking some of your own meals and you can travel to Hawaii without breaking the bank.

Take Advantage of Free Activities

One of the best ways to save money when visiting Hawaii is to take advantage of the countless free activities available. From hiking trails to beaches to cultural sites, you can immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture without emptying your wallet.

Go hiking and explore nature

Hawaii has an abundance of spectacular natural sights that can be explored for free by going on a hike. Popular trails like the Diamond Head State Monument Trail on Oahu offer amazing 360 degree views of the Honolulu skyline and ocean at no cost.

The 4-mile round trip hike takes under 2 hours for moderate hikers. On Maui, the Pipiwai Trail winds through a magical bamboo forest leading up to the 400 foot Waimoku Falls. Remember to wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and apply sunscreen before venturing out into mother nature.

Visit local beaches and parks

Beat the heat with a trip to one of Hawaii’s world-renowned beaches, many of which offer free access. Hanauma Bay on Oahu is a snorkeler’s paradise with an abundance of tropical fish and sea turtles swimming close to shore. Entrance into the nature preserve is only $1 per person.

Magic Sands Beach on Hawaii Island is known for its sand that appears and disappears into four distinct shades throughout the year. The South Point Cliff Divers perform daily cliff diving ceremonies off the southernmost point in the USA.

Pack a lunch, lay in the soft sand, and relax under swaying palms at Hawaii’s beaches and coastal parks free of charge.

Experience Hawaiian culture

In addition to natural sights, learning about Hawaiian history and cultural traditions won’t cost you anything during an island getaway. Attend a live ukulele performance at the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound in Waikiki where hula dancers sway to Hawaiian melodies as the sun sets over the ocean.

The scene reenacts Queen Liliuokalani’s last walk as monarch in 1893. Pay respects to King Kamehameha I, who united the islands, at the King Kamehameha I Statue in downtown Honolulu. A favorite free activity for families is watching Samoan fire dancers twirl flaming batons atop outrigger canoes during nightly Polynesian revue shows in front of beachfront resorts.

Embrace aloha spirit by gaining an appreciation for native arts, music, and customs in Hawaii.

Use Public Transportation to Get Around

TheBus is an affordable and convenient way to get around the main islands of Hawaii once you arrive. The public bus system connects most major towns and destinations across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island with fares starting at just $2.50 per ride .

Many hotels and resorts offer free shuttle services to the nearest bus stop too.

TheBus has an extensive route system that can take you to popular attractions like Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay, and even hike trailheads. Buses generally run from early morning until late evening with schedules posted at each stop.

You can plan your trip using the online bus locator that provides routes and arrival times.

If you’ll be riding TheBus frequently, consider purchasing a 4-day pass for $35 or a monthly pass for $70. Kids ages 6-17 can ride for just $1. Not sure which bus to take or where to get off? Bus drivers are usually happy to help anytime.

While public transportation can meet most travel needs once in Hawaii, renting a car allows greater flexibility to explore more remote destinations at your own pace. Some ways to save money on rental cars in Hawaii include:

  • Reserve the smallest car that will accommodate passengers and luggage
  • Check for deals on compact cars which tend to have lower rates
  • Look for inclusion of unlimited mileage and insurance when comparing rental quotes
  • Avoid renting vehicles at airport locations which tack on additional fees

Rental car rates average around $50 per day for an economy car if booked in advance online. Some companies offer additional markdowns for rentals of 1 week or longer too. Just be sure to calculate in elevated fuel costs driving around the islands – gas prices are higher than the mainland.

With scenic routes begging to be driven in Hawaii, a rental car allows pulling over at your leisure to capture photos or take on spur-of-the-moment adventures. Just plan for potential traffic congestion in larger cities during busy tourist seasons.

Eat and Drink on a Budget

Grocery shop.

One of the best ways to save money on dining in Hawaii is by grocery shopping. Many resort areas have large grocery stores nearby where you can buy ingredients to prepare simple meals. Making your own meals even a few times instead of eating out for every meal can lead to huge savings.

Some affordable and common Hawaiian foods to buy are seasonal fruits, baked goods, rice, Spam, salads, and fish.

When choosing which grocery store to shop at, try to find one that is popular with locals rather than a smaller convenient store. The big retailers like Times , Foodland , and Don Quijote often have better prices. You may even find some awesome deals or local specialties you can’t resist trying!

Food trucks and casual dining

Instead of dining at fancy restaurants every night, opt to eat at lower cost venues like food trucks, drive-ins, or small cafés at least a few times during your trip. Hawaiian plate lunch at a casual spot can be extremely tasty, convenient, and easy on your wallet.

Plate lunches typically include proteins like hamburger patties, fried fish, or teriyaki chicken served alongside staples like macaroni salad, white rice, and sometimes kimchi.

Food trucks are found all over Hawaii, especially near beaches and busy areas. You’ll often spot locals flocking to their favorite mobile kitchens during lunch and dinner hours. Situated along the North Shore of Oahu, the town of Haleiwa has dozens of food trucks selling everything from fresh fruit bowls to tacos for great prices.

Happy hour specials

Enjoying discount dining at happy hours is a popular way for visitors to cut costs in Hawaii. Many restaurants offer special menu deals for a few hours before actual happy hour with heavily reduced or even free appetizers when you purchase a drink.

Quality happy hour deals on the Islands draw in both tourists and locals looking to take advantage of lower prices on drinks and pu-pus (Hawaiian for “appetizers”).

Some luxury resorts offer the best happy hour specials you’ll find with incredible sunset views to boot. Before your trip, research restaurants nearby your hotel that promote daily early evening dining deals.

Arrive early to grab a table and enjoy half-off starters and cocktails just in time for the sunset! 🍹 🏝

With strategic planning across flights, hotels, activities, food, and transportation, you can have an amazing Hawaiian getaway without overspending. Focus on traveling in the off-season, being flexible, taking advantage of deals, and enjoying Hawaii’s natural beauty and culture.

Have a relaxing and affordable island adventure!

Sharing is caring!

' src=

Jane Smith is a Hawaii resident and author born and raised on the island of Oahu. Her Hawaiian heritage shines through in her writing, infusing it with the Aloha spirit and local flavor.

Jane draws inspiration from the tropical island lifestyle - outrigger canoeing at sunrise, beach picnics, hiking to hidden waterfalls. Her works immerse readers in the beauty and culture of Hawaii.

An avid surfer since childhood, Jane often wakes early to catch waves along the North Shore. She also enjoys practicing Hawaiian crafts like lei-making, lauhala weaving, and kapa cloth printing.

When not writing or adventuring outdoors, you can find Jane sipping mai tais at the local tiki bar, listening to ukulele music at the night market, or cooking up a big pot of stew at home.

Similar Posts

What Plants Are Native To Hawaii?

What Plants Are Native To Hawaii?

Hawaii’s unique island ecosystem has fostered the evolution of many wondrous native plants over millions of years. If…

Hawaiian Slang For White Person: A Comprehensive Guide

Hawaiian Slang For White Person: A Comprehensive Guide

The Hawaiian Islands are renowned for their stunning natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and unique local dialects. For visitors…

Industry Overview In Hawaii

Industry Overview In Hawaii

Hawaii is known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant tourism industry. However, there is also a diverse…

Where Is The North Shore In Hawaii?

Where Is The North Shore In Hawaii?

The North Shore of Oahu is home to some of Hawaii’s most iconic beaches, legendary surf breaks, and…

The Most Expensive Island In Hawaii

The Most Expensive Island In Hawaii

Hawaii is well known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and luxurious resorts. For those looking to own…

Bengal Cats In Hawaii: Everything You Need To Know

Bengal Cats In Hawaii: Everything You Need To Know

If you’re thinking about getting a Bengal cat in Hawaii, you probably have a lot of questions. Bengal…

Hawaii Vacation Guide Logo 6

How to Get A Cheap Ticket to Hawaii: 5 Insider’s Tips

How to Get Cheap Flight to Hawaii

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read about our affiliate policies here .

Share with your friends!

I paid $474.81 for a first-class ticket from the west coast to Maui. That ticket tripled in price by the month the flight departed. This is how I get cheap tickets to Hawaii.

To get cheap tickets to Hawaii, follow these 5 steps when booking your flight:

  • Use an incognito window
  • Search on Skyscanner for price comparisons 
  • Search on Southwest’s Low Fare Calendar
  • Fly from the cheapest city
  • Find airline flash sales

I flew first-class because it was such a good deal. I don’t always fly home to Maui first-class but I may continue with all the cheap tickets to Hawaii.

With Southwest entering the Hawaiian market in 2019, the competition amongst airlines continues to be fierce in 2020. Southwest is offering $139 one-way tickets to Hawaii in 2020, for example. 

Take advantage of the cheap flights by following the 5 steps below to get cheap tickets to Hawaii. 

Plus, read on to see if flights to Hawaii will get cheaper.

Cheap Flight to Hawaii 5-Steps

How to Find Cheap Flights to Hawaii

You are not being paranoid, ticket prices are increasing the more you search for tickets to Hawaii. Researchers say your smartphone isn’t listening to you but that United Airlines ad for flights to Hawaii was a startling coincidence. 

Finding a cheap ticket to Hawaii does not have to be complicated or consume your Sunday morning. 

You can save hundreds of dollars on your ticket to Hawaii with a little understanding of the Hawaii airline market. Save those dollars to upgrade your hotel room.

Cheap Airlines That Fly to Hawaii

Airlines that fly to Hawaii are forever changing. Budget carriers go bankrupt, big airlines cancel flights, and new players enter the market. 

Right now, the cheapest airlines for flights to Hawaii are the following:

🍍 Alaska Airlines 

🍍 Southwest Airlines

🍍 Hawaiian Airlines

They offer the cheapest tickets and they all offer phenomenal service. Their prices are competitive so you may find the same or similar ticket prices to Hawaii. 

Erica and I have flown on all of them as we hunt for the cheapest flights to and from Maui. 

United Airlines is the dominant airline in Hawaii. With two west coast hubs, they offer the most daily flights to the Hawaiian Islands.

Delta Airlines is also a big-weight contender. Delta offers flights from its Pacific Northwest hub and other cities on the mainland. 

Related article: How Much a Trip to Hawaii Cost for a Family of Four

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Free Download!

Hawaiian island cheat sheets.

Sign up & we’ll send you our island cheat sheets so you can get to know the islands like the back of your hand!

We’ll share 4 can’t-miss activities on each island, a map with the main sights in town, & famous local grindz (eats)!

where should we send your free Island Cheat Sheets?

By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy . We hate spam and promise to keep your email safe. Unsubscribe at any time.

Hawaii’s Southwest Effect

“We are very bullish in Hawaii,” said the Southwest Airlines Executive VP Andy Watterson.

Hawaiian Airlines, Alaskan Airlines, and the other Hawaiian carriers slashed prices to compete when Southwest entered Hawaiian airspace. This Southwest Effect made flying to Hawaii affordable for many more people. 

Even inter-island prices got slashed. Erica and I flew to Oahu in February for $39 each way. 

Southwest started flying to Hawaii in 2019. It hit the market hard with $99 one-way flight offers. They have continued to roll out more flights in 2020 from their established west coast cities. And, we expect them to provide more flights to Hawaii from Los Angeles, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Denver, Salt Lake City, and Spokane in 2020. 

Southwest continues to offers deals to the Hawaiian Islands. Tickets for the month of May are $139 one-way from the mainland. I’ll show you how to find the cheapest tickets to Hawaii from Southwest below.

Be Flexible

Not everyone can set their vacation schedule. But for those that can, you will be able to save money on your Hawaii ticket. 

Try to give yourself 2 to 3-weeks of wiggle room on your dates to find the best deals. The fare calendar method described below will show you how to compare rates and dates.

Add a Little Misery to Get a Cheap Flight: Connections and Layovers

The flight search engine Hipmunk, who sadly closed its doors in January 2020, used to have a feature where you could sort by misery. Multiple flight connections and long layovers can make a trip to Hawaii painful. 

If you have the luxury of time and enjoy airports, as I do, then you can save some money by having multiple stops and long layovers. Flights returning to the mainland provide the best deals for long layovers. 

With this general background on finding the cheapest ticket to Hawaii, use my five steps below to get a cheap ticket to Hawaii.

Related articles:

  • Know Before you Go: The Cheapest Groceries in Maui
  • What is the Cheapest Hawaiian Island to Visit?
  • The 14 Best Things to Do on Maui on a Budget

5 Steps to Get a Cheap Ticket to Hawaii

Follow these 5 steps to get your cheap ticket to Hawaii.

Finding the cheapest flight takes patience and research. One can save $50 to over a $100 dollars on your ticket by doing these 5 steps and then booking your ticket in 20-minutes. 

But to save more money, you can track ticket prices over a few weeks or a couple of months to find the cheapest ticket to Hawaii. This takes far more patience, something I don’t have, but you will find flash sales from the three low-cost Hawaiian carriers with this method. 

1. Enter Incognito Mode

They are watching you. When you land on a flight comparison website or an airline website, they put cookies on your browser’s computer. The more you search flight routes, over a period of hours, days or weeks, the more the ticket price will increase. 

Avoid the stress of watching your flight to Hawaii increase in price. 

The first thing I do when I start researching cheap Hawaii tickets is I clear my browser cookies. I remove all traces of my previous website visits. 

If you don’t want to clear your cookies, as pre-fill is convenient and staying logged-in is helpful, then enter incognito mode on your browser. 

To turn on incognito mode on Google Chrome or Safari browser, press Control if using a PC or Command if using a Mac + Shift + the letter N.  

For Mozilla Firefox or Internet Explorer browsers, press Control or Command (Mac) + Shift + the letter P.

Pressing these keys at the same time will open a new browser window where your Hawaii vacation flight search is not tracked. 

Your cookies are reset every time you open a new incognito window. Therefore, if you want to guarantee a clean slate when starting a flight search you should open a new incognito window and start shopping.

2. Use the Best Flight Search Engines to Get Cheap Ticket

When starting my cheap flight search, I check two websites to get the lowest ticket prices for Hawaii.

  • Check a flight search engine to find the cheapest airline for my dates
  • Then, go to the cheapest airline’s website to find their lowest ticket 

All flight search engines are not created equally. They all have their own inflated prices based on taking a fee from the airline for the booking. 

Erica and my favorite flight search engine for booking flights, especially to the Hawaiian islands, is Skyscanner.com . Another good comparison site is Google Flights . 

Skyscanner includes the carriers that fly to Hawaii, except Southwest Airlines. Southwest doesn’t put their flights on flight search engines.

Skyscanner is good to use when not flying from the west coast as they will provide a mix and match of airlines to get you to Hawaii on the cheapest flights possible.

Don’t buy your ticket over the flight comparison websites due to the small additional fees. Go directly to the cheapest airline’s website. 

The airline will also take better care of your reservation if it was made directly with them instead of a 3rd party like Expedia or Skyscanner.

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Maui Wayfinder Itinerary

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Kauai Wayfinder Itinerary

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Cruising Hawaii Guide

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Big Island Wayfinder Itinerary

3. use southwest’s low-fare calendar to find the cheapest ticket.

I love the Southwest Effect. Southwest continues its expansion plans into Hawaii from more US cities in 2020. Southwest also continues to offer great prices. To find the cheapest time to fly on Southwest to Hawaii, use their Low-Fare Calendar.

On the Southwest Airlines homepage click on “Flights” in the top menu bar. A pop-up screen then presents you with a menu of flight reservation options. Look for the Low Fare Calendar link. If you are on another Southwest page, you may need to click on Flights in the menu twice to bring up the pop-up screen that shows the Low Fare Calendar.

Low Cost Hawaii Flights Southwest Low Fare Calendar

From the calendar screen, enter your departure city and Hawaiian destination. Pick a month to start your search but don’t sweat it, you can toggle the months to see all the prices.

The Low-Fare Calendar works for one-way and roundtrip flights. It also works for inter-island flights. 

This calendar gives you a fast and reliable way to find the cheapest ticket to Hawaii on Southwest. Be flexible and save some money.

Then compare Southwest’s results to all the other carriers using Skyscanner. 

Note: Southwest only allows reservations 6-months in advance. Other carriers let you make reservations up to 12 months in advance

4. Fly from the Cheapest City

While you may not live in the Bay Area with its many airports all within an hour or two drive, you can still have some flexibility in flying from the cheapest city.

Look for flights to Honolulu. Honolulu is the most popular arrival city in Hawaii and the most competitive with the airlines. Fly to Honolulu and then grab an inter-island flight to the Hawaiian island of your choice.

If you do have multiple regional airports in your area, then broaden your search filter to include those airports.

Erica and I rarely fly directly to San Francisco (SFO) when returning to the Bay Area to visit friends and family. We fly to Oakland or San Jose. The flights are significantly cheaper. The cheap first-class ticket I bought was out of San Jose Airport.

Book Your Own Interconnecting Flights

Flying from the east coast? Southwest doesn’t offer red-eye flights so you will need a connection with them from a west coast city. You can save money by booking your own connecting flights. 

Note: This way to save money comes with an increased risk but it may be worth it for you. Balance the risk with the financial reward.

Flying from the midwest or the east coast is a long trip, especially with young kids in tow.  Give yourself a 1 or 2-day trip to Los Angeles or the San Francisco Bay Area before you arrive in Hawaii or on the way back. 

This way, for example, you can fly United Airlines to San Francisco International Airport (their hub) and then fly Southwest from Oakland to Honolulu. 

If you want a same day layover, then schedule multiple hours between flights. Especially if you have to transfer airports like in my example. If you miss your connecting flight, your arrival airline won’t compensate you or rebook you. 

5. Book When Airlines Offer the Cheapest Flights to Hawaii (Flash Sales)

Starting your planning early will save you money on your flight to Hawaii. Getting the cheapest ticket to Hawaii can be broken down into three parts.

🍍 Time of the year to go to Hawaii

🍍 Day of the week to go to Hawaii

🍍 Time of booking before departure

Cheapest Time of the Year to Go to Hawaii

The cheapest time to go to Hawaii is in the spring and fall shoulder seasons. 

Spring low season is late April to early June. The fall low season is September to early December, excluding Thanksgiving. Look in those months for the best fare prices to Hawaii.

January and February are also the cheapest ticket prices based on Skyscanner data . 

You’d be surprised to learn the cheapest time to fly to Maui: The Cheapest Time to Fly to Maui .

If you are looking for the cheapest ticket to Hawaii, avoid Christmas and New Year’s, spring break, and the summer high season of mid-June to mid-August. 

Day of the Week to Go to Hawaii

Flying on weekdays will give you the cheapest ticket options. 

There is no hard rule that one mid-week day is better than another. I’m looking at you Tuesday. 

Use the flexible fare calendars to find the cheapest mid-week day to fly. 

Southwest isn’t the only airline that lets you get a visual of prices for a whole month.

On airline websites, click on the “flexible dates” option instead of entering exact dates for your flight to bring up the whole month with prices.

On Skyscanner, enter your departure and arrival cities. Then, click depart but select “Whole Month” and then “Cheapest Month.”

Having the flexibility to leave for your Hawaii vacation any day of the week is a huge advantage when looking for the cheapest ticket to Hawaii.

Time of Booking Before Departure

Don’t wait to book your flight to Hawaii. In my experience, it is rare for flights to get cheaper as the date approaches for Hawaii flights. 

I recommend booking 4-months in advance of your departure to get the cheapest ticket to Hawaii. 

You will be able to find the cheapest month for your Hawaii vacation by looking at the Skyscanner monthly fare visual described above.

Surprisingly,  Skyscanner’s data analysis of 2-years worth of historical flight price data says to buy your ticket 1 to 2-weeks in advance . For example, flights to Maui are 11% cheaper than the yearly average when booked 1-week in advance. 

For peace of mind, I like to book earlier to ensure I have a flight home. If your vacation time isn’t flexible or you can’t get a return on your hotel then I recommend booking 4-months in advance.

Sign up for flash sales and other deals with airlines and price trackers

🍍 Southwest Click ‘N Save Newsletter

🍍 Hawaiian Airlines Newsletter

🍍 Alaskan Airlines Mileage Program

🍍 Skyscanner’s Price Alert – create an account to track your flight cost

🍍 Hopper App – Use this app to book the best day and time to fly to Hawaii. The Hopper app predicts the best airfare price with up to 95% accuracy .

Will Hawaii Flights Get Cheaper?

I expect flights to Hawaii to get cheaper as 2020 rolls along. The first reason is competition remains fierce.

Southwest is already running a $139 one-way fare offer for the spring. We expect $99 flash sales to occur so keep watching Southwest. They only offer a few hundred tickets at $99 from the mainland during these sales.

Cheap Hawaii Tickets Southwest Airline Deals

Hawaiian Airlines will cut prices to compete with Southwest on inter-island and mainland fares. Alaskan Airlines had $77 one-way fares in late 2019, we expect them to do this again in 2020. 

COVID-19 (coronavirus) is causing many people to cancel their trips to Hawaii. This is opening up seats on otherwise booked flights so airlines might start slashing rates to fillup planes. Look for last-minute deals, if you have a craving to come to Hawaii.

Free or Reduced Flights to Hawaii

My partner Erica and I have made traveling our passion and one of our biggest expenses in life. No regrets! We travel throughout the Hawaiian Islands, of course, but we have also been around the world a few times. With all this traveling, we were always nervous about taking advantage of points and rewards offered through credit cards.

A great way to save on your trip to Hawaii, if you have good credit and know how to use credit cards responsibly, is to use credit card and hotel points and rewards for free travel to Hawaii. Our goal this year is to save $2,000 a year on travel around Hawaii and trips to visit family on the mainland. To do this, we have signed up with Zac at Travel Freely. Zac is an expert on using points and rewards for free travel. We have partnered with him to share his resources with our community.

For example, Travel Freely members have saved $7,400+ and $9,500+ on their trips to Hawaii. For free flights, they took advantage of the Southwest Companion Passes. Zac shows you how to get a Southwest Companion Pass in a couple of months. See the articles below for details as it is totally doable.

Travel Freely Members Save $7,400+ on Anniversary Trip to Hawaii!

Travel Freely Members saved $9,500+ on a 10-day Trip to Hawaii!

This isn’t overnight savings, but as most people plan more than 6-months in advance for a trip to Hawaii, travel hacking is a good way to save on a trip to Hawaii. I recommend becoming a Travel Freely member (FREE) for free video tutorials and info to learn of the best cards and programs to get to Hawaii. Sign up to be a Travel Freely member here .

We now have the Travel Freely app that we use to track our credit cards and maximize the rewards. Also free to download and use.

Get Your Cheap Ticket to Hawaii

Follow these 5 steps to get your cheap ticket to Hawaii. Remember to go into incognito mode on your browser before you start your search. Book that ticket and we will see you in Hawaii.

For more tips and steps on making your vacation to Hawaii more affordable, check out our series on Affordable Hawaii . 

I have no doubt you will be able to save thousands on your trip to Hawaii for your family.

' src=

Thanks for reading The Hawaii Vacation Guide! I'm the co-founder, with my wife Erica, of the best Hawaii travel guide on the internet in our biased opinions. We enjoy traveling throughout Hawaii after living on Maui and Oahu. We share our adventures, travel tips and resources, and honest reviews so you can easily plan your dream vacation to Hawaii. Editing our videos, teaching the kids how to snorkel, and learning about the 'aina (land) and Hawaii culture are my favorite things to do. Have a wonderful trip to the Aloha State.

Similar Posts

Maui in September? Cheap Hotels and Great Weather Await You

Maui in September? Cheap Hotels and Great Weather Await You

The 10 Best Big Island Waterfalls (+ ones you can swim in!)

The 10 Best Big Island Waterfalls (+ ones you can swim in!)

Big Island Whale Watching: The 6 Best Tours and Viewing From the Shore

Big Island Whale Watching: The 6 Best Tours and Viewing From the Shore

The 7 Best Luxury Hotels on Oahu (2023)

The 7 Best Luxury Hotels on Oahu (2023)

What to Pack for Your Kauai Vacation: 3 to 14-Days in Hawaii

What to Pack for Your Kauai Vacation: 3 to 14-Days in Hawaii

17 Outdoor Things to Do in Hawaii

17 Outdoor Things to Do in Hawaii

This is the most comprehensive Hawaii vacation planning resource on the internet!

TOP RESOURCES

  • Join Our Newsletter
  • Hawaii Itineraries
  • Tours & Activities
  • Top Travel Gear
  • Discount Car Rentals

ISLAND GUIDES

  • Planning A Trip To Hawaii
  • Oahu Island Guide
  • Maui Island Guide
  • Hawai’i (Big Island) Guide
  • Kauai Island Guide

Your use of the information provided in our Content, Itineraries, Site, and Services is for your informational purposes only and is subject to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Your use of the information described in, your participation in activities presented in, and/or your engagement of any Travel Service Providers presented in our Content, Itineraries, Site, and/or Services may carry the risk of illness, bodily injury, disability, death, or property damage. You voluntarily and freely assume all risks and dangers that may occur pursuant to your access, use, purchase, or participation in any information, activity, good, or service described in our Content, Itineraries, Site, and Services or provided by any Travel Service Providers.

Don’t start planning without our cheat sheets

You’ll get:

  • 4 can’t-miss activities on each island,
  • a map with the main sights in town,
  • and famous local grindz (eats)!

Review Cart

No products in the cart.

cheap places to travel from hawaii

Best Places to Eat in Waikiki on a Budget

Are you planning a trip to oahu on a budget scroll to find out the best places to eat in waikiki on a budget.

Ready to chow down in Waikiki ?

If you’re looking for a delicious meal on a budget, Waikiki is the place to go. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or something to enjoy over a long period of time, there are plenty of places to choose from. 

We’ve got you covered with this guide of all the best places to eat on a budget. You won’t have to worry about breaking the bank while enjoying some of Hawaii’s most delicious food.

Here is your ultimate guide on finding all the best places to eat in Waikiki on a budget. 

Best Budget-Friendly Oahu Activities

  • Mele Luau (you can skip dinner and just pay to watch the show at a fraction of the price)
  • Glass Bottom Boat (this is cheaper than the submarine ride and still really cool)
  • 2-Hour Whale Watching Tour (this is a short and affordable boat tour during winter months)
  • Waikiki Snorkel with Turtles Cruise (this is one of the cheapest snorkeling tours on Oahu)
  • Shaka Driving App (it’s like going on an island tour at a fraction of the price)

Best Budget-Friendly Oahu Hotels

  • Aloha Suites Waikiki (this is on the quieter end of Waikiki near the Honolulu Zoo and Diamond Head)
  • Waikiki Marina Resort (it’s right next to the Hilton Hawaiian Village and walkable to Ala Moana Center)
  • Kailua Vacation Rental (this is perfect for those wanting to escape Waikiki for a quieter part of Oahu)

Want to Rent a Car in Hawaii?

One of the best places to rent a car in Hawaii is Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they get the best rates from top national companies like Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Payless.

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Oahu itinerary complete with daily schedules, fun activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

There are plenty of great ways to go to Oahu on a budget. There are plenty of free and cheap things to do on Oahu. One of the most important things to do is to find places to eat that are not expensive. 

Here are all the cheap places to eat in Waikiki. Here you will find plenty of local food as well as restaurants that taste great but are good for your budget too. 

1. Uncle Sharkii

My top pick for where to eat in Waikiki on a budget is Uncle Sharkii at the International Marketplace.

Co-founded by Hawaii local born and raised, Raymond Reyes, Uncle Sharkii is dedicated to offering its Signature Hawaiian® Poke Bowls, inspired by his upbringing growing up in Hawaii. 

Built on the principles of Ohana and creating a welcoming atmosphere for families, the menu caters to everyone, providing wholesome and appetizing options. Committed to ensuring access to nutritious and delicious food for all, Uncle Sharkii keeps its menu straightforward and wallet-friendly.

The Poke Bowls are generously filled with your choice of proteins, addressing the top concern of Poke Bowl fans: “How much fish is in my bowl?”

Alongside their mouth-watering Poke Bowls, Uncle Sharkii also serves Boba Milk Teas and Dole Soft Serve, culminating in an enjoyable and satisfying meal that’s perfect for budget travelers seeking an affordable yet healthy taste of Hawaii.

2. Gina’s Barbeque 

One of the best cheap eats in Honolulu is Gina’s Barbeque . It has been a Waikiki favorite for its delicious and affordable Hawaiian-inspired meals.

The majority of their menu includes plate lunches that will easily feed more than one person and comes with a main entree, 4 choices of side dishes, and 3 scoops of rice. These plate lunches typically cost around $13.

This restaurant offers a variety of dishes such as hamburgers, pork katsu, soups, BBQ chicken, fried chicken wings, and so much more! 

Gina’s Barbeque is located in Honolulu, right by Waikiki, and is open from 10:00 am to 8:45 pm every day. 

3. Cuckoo Coconuts Waikiki

Another one Honolulu cheap eats is Cuckoo Coconuts , located right in the middle of Waikiki. Here you will find an old-fashioned Tiki bar that serves tropical Hawaiian food with live music every single night. 

What sets this place apart is that it is all outdoors! You can enjoy the beauty of Hawaii and get some cheap food too. The most expensive meal on the menu costs $19, while the rest are around $10 to $14. 

From poke salad to coconut shrimp, teriyaki chicken, and Hawaiian-style fish and chips, there is something for everyone to enjoy during their vacation to Oahu. 

You will find Cuckoo Coconuts on Royal Hawaiian Ave. It is open every day from 5:00 pm to midnight. 

4. Marukame Udon

Marukame Udon is another one of the cheap places to eat on Oahu that you will enjoy. This is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Waikiki! 

You will find plenty of great udon bowls, or you can create your own! First, choose your udon bowl, add the toppings you want, and finish off by adding tempura if you wish! They also have delicious rice bowls available too. You can get an udon or rice bowl for around $8-15 here. 

This restaurant is open daily from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm and is located on Kuhio Ave in Waikiki.  

5. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue 

One of the local’s favorite cheap eats on Oahu is, of course, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue . It offers visitors a menu that features the best of Hawaii at an affordable price point. 

Get a BBQ beef bowl, chicken katsu, fried shrimp, loco moco, and other great Hawaiian foods you will absolutely love. Plate lunches range from $8 to $13, or you can order each item individually for less. 

There are multiple L&L restaurants all in the Waikiki area, including Ala Moana Beach Park – Diamond Head, Ala Wai, or Ala Moana Beach Park – Ewa. Most are open between 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, with some opening earlier or staying open later. 

6. Helena’s Hawaiian Food

Helena’s Hawaiian Food , another one of the cheap places to eat in Honolulu, has been open since 1946. It is well known by both the locals and tourists. Here you can find simple Hawaiian food that is very affordable and delicious. 

The best way to order here is by ordering what you want a la carte, not from getting a meal plate. Order a side of rice for $1.95, kalua pork for $7.15, and macaroni salad for $3.60, and you have a tasty traditional Hawaiian meal for $12.70! 

Choices range from beef stew, poi, Lomi Lomi, poke ahi, long rice chicken, opihi, and so much more. Enjoy all the Hawaiian classics at a reasonable price. 

Helena’s Hawaiian Food is located on School Street in Waikiki and is open Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm. 

7. Nico’s Pier 38

One of the must-eat places in Oahu is Nico’s Pier 38 . The food here is mouth-watering and delicious, but it is only cheaper when you eat here for breakfast and lunch. Their dinner menu is well over $15, but you can find breakfast and lunch meals for $16 and under. 

For breakfast, enjoy some fish and eggs, fish omelet, pancakes, steak and eggs, or french toast. For dinner, you can grab orange fried chicken, beef stew, ahi poke salad, or garlic pesto shrimp. No matter what you eat here, it will be absolutely tasty and fresh! 

Nico’s Pier 38 is on Nimitz Highway. Their breakfast menu is available from 6:30 am to 10:00 am every day except Sunday. You can grab some lunch here from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm every day of the week. 

8. Musubi Cafe Iyasume

Located along the Waikiki Beach Walk, you will find Musubi Cafe Iyasume . It is another one of the best cheap eats in Oahu because everything you’ll find here is under $10! 

Here you will find tons of variations of a musubi. A musubi is a rice ball that has some sort of meat on top, usually spam in Hawaii, and wrapped in seaweed. It is a very popular snack or lunch food in Hawaii! 

While this may not entirely fill you up or be a fancy meal, you can grab 3 musubis to try out for only $8. They also have a combination menu which will give you a small lunch for only $9. It is a great option for those wanting to try local food but has a strict budget. 

You can find three different Musubi Cafe Iyasume along Waikiki! Each location is open anywhere from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. 

9. Oahu Mexican Grill

If you are in the mood for some delicious Mexican food, try this inexpensive restaurant in Waikiki. The Oahu Mexican Grill only uses 100% grass-fed, all-natural beef and makes their salsas and guacamole fresh every day. This is what makes the food here absolutely incredible! 

You can get a huge burrito for only $12. Other items on the menu include chicken tacos, carnitas bowl, super nachos, salads, and more. Nothing on the menu is over $16, making it inexpensive but definitely tasty. It’s one of the best kid-friendly Oahu restaurants !

The Oahu Mexican Grill is located on Kalakaua Ave in Waikiki and is open every day from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. 

10. Maguro Spot

Another one of the best cheap eats in Waikiki is Maguro Spot . It is a little hole in the wall but is definitely worth a visit. It has some of the best poke on the island, but it is very affordable! 

A small bowl of poke is $9, and an XL bowl is only $18! You can choose from a variety of options, including curry, poke, salmon, tuna, spicy garlic shrimp, and so much more. There are also a few side options as well. 

You will find this delicious poke spot on Kuhio Ave in Waikiki, and it is open every day except Sunday from 10:00 am to 8:30 pm.  

11. Steak Shack

Steak Shack is one of the best cheap restaurants in Honolulu and is perfect for couples who want to eat some delicious steak while on their vacation. You have the option of grabbing a steak plate or a chicken plate. 

The cheapest plate only costs $8.75, and the most expensive plate is $13.50, making it not only delicious and the best steak on the island but also the cheapest! Each plate comes with two scoops of rice and some organic greens. 

You can get some steak from Steak Shack every day from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. You will find this restaurant on Kalia Rd. 

12. Rainbow Drive-In

You will find Rainbow Drive-In to be another one of the best cheap places to eat in Waikiki. This restaurant first opened in 1961 and served hearty portions for a very reasonable price, and they still continue that today! 

You can grab huge lunch plates for $8 to $12. They pride themselves on getting your food to you quickly, so this is a great place for when you are in a hurry. Try the Mahi Mahi, chili dog, BBQ beef, or hamburger steak plate. 

The Rainbow Drive-In, located on Kanaina Avenue, is open daily from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. 

13. Teddy’s Bigger Burgers 

Another one of the best affordable restaurants in Waikiki is Teddy’s Bigger Burgers . Here you will find some delicious burgers that are humungous and cheap. 

Burgers range from $8 to $15, making them super affordable for anyone’s budget! Other than burgers, you will find chicken baskets, a salad, and side options as well. 

Teddy’s Bigger Burgers is open from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm every day of the week and is located on Beretania Ave. 

14. Topped Waikiki

One of Oahu’s cheap eats is Topped Waikiki . Here you will find tasty Korean food that you will love. 

From chicken bibimbap to kalbi steak and eggs, chicken mayo, shoyu chicken, and more, you will find something to satisfy your craving. Prices range from $8 to $16 at the most, making it super cheap and affordable. 

You will find Topped Waikiki on Royal Hawaiian Ave. It is open daily from 10:30 am to 10:00 pm. 

15. Me’s BBQ

From another Korean restaurant, head to Me’s BBQ . Here you will find another one of the best cheap restaurants in Waikiki filled with tasty food you will enjoy. 

Try the squid stir fry, fried fish, chicken katsu, kalbi steak, or other incredible options. Most items on the menu are between $6 and $18. You can get a filling breakfast here for only $7! 

Me’s BBQ is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm and is located on Uluniu Ave. 

Tips for Eating in Waikiki on a Budget

Waikiki is an amazing place to eat out, and there are many affordable restaurants available. However, it’s important to take some time to find the best eats in Waikiki that fit within your budget to get the most out of your money. 

Here are a few tips to help you have a wonderful Hawaii vacation on a budget: 

  • If you don’t eat a lot of food for your meals, consider ordering from the Kids menu, often called the Keiki menu. They have a great proportion of food but always cost less than a regular plate. 
  • Don’t be afraid to ask the locals for recommendations. They often know where to find delicious food that doesn’t cost too much money. 
  • If you are on a very tight budget, you might want to go to the store, like Foodland, and get some food to make your own lunches or get the premade ones there. Those will most likely be cheaper than any place to eat. 
  • Go to places during happy hour where they will have cheaper drinks and appetizers that work as meals. 
  • If you plan to visit Honolulu on a budget, go to the farmer’s markets. Here you will find fresh produce to make your own meals as well as tons of vendors and food trucks that offer cheaper selections than most restaurants. 

Cheap Eats in Honolulu Wrap Up

Go to any of these places to eat in Waikiki on a budget to help you have a great vacation in Hawaii. These places will give you the best deals and the most delicious food too! You can’t go wrong with any of these Waikiki cheap eats. Try out as many as you can during your trip to see which one you like best! 

Looking for more Oahu travel resources? Check out the best things to do on Oahu on a budget , cheap places to stay on Oahu , beautiful beaches on Oahu , how to get to North Shore from Waikiki , and top Oahu waterfall hikes !

The post Best Places to Eat in Waikiki on a Budget appeared first on Hawaii Travel Spot .

Are you planning a trip to Oahu on a budget? Scroll to find out the best places to eat in Waikiki on a budget! This list of places to eat in Waikiki on a budget contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small ... Read more

Vacations in Honolulu

Vacations in Honolulu

Search hundreds of travel sites at once for vacation package deals in honolulu.

Let KAYAK do the searching

Save on your next vacation

Search and compare hundred of travel sites at once for vacation packages in Honolulu, Hawaii

We’re completely free to use - No hidden charges or fees

Filter by free cancellation, free breakfast and more

Cheap Honolulu package deals

Most popular honolulu flight and hotel deals, last minute vacation packages to honolulu, search by stars, search by review score, search by board, search by price, search by freebies, when to book a vacation in honolulu, tips for finding honolulu package deals.

  • There are loads of types of vacations in Honolulu and the cost will depend on what type of trip you’re taking and for how long you’d like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travelers: Top vacation $594; Family vacation $520; Romantic vacation $780; Luxury vacation $829; Budget vacation $407.

Why should you book a vacation package to Honolulu?

There are hundreds of reasons for choosing Honolulu vacation packages. Searching Honolulu travel deals is both efficient and rewarding when you have access to the most tempting prices. You'll also save time by booking your Honolulu flight and hotel together rather than over several lengthy steps. Whenever you plan to travel, Honolulu packages are an inspired choice.

When should you book a vacation package to Honolulu?

Honolulu's hot semi-arid climate makes it an appealing destination at any time. Daily temperatures range from 81° in January to 88° in August and September. Although it's more expensive to visit from June to August when the summer season is in full swing, there are still lots of cheap Honolulu vacation packages to choose from. Plan Honolulu trips in the fall when it's less busy, or visit in March for the Honolulu Festival, the island's biggest cultural event.

Where should you stay in Honolulu during your vacation?

For any vacation type in honolulu:.

The Courtyard by Marriot is close to the beach and under a mile from Honolulu Zoo. Take the Waikiki Express shuttle which departs at half-hourly intervals from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

Facilities at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort include 20 restaurants, five pools, waterslides, and a spa. Spread over five striking towers, the hotel can be reached by taxi or shuttle bus from Honolulu International Airport.

For family vacations in Honolulu:

The Laylow, Autograph Collection is a chic boutique hotel close to Waikiki and 3 miles from the Diamond Head hiking trail. From the airport, take the express shuttle service or grab a taxi.

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is ideal for families. Kids will enjoy Disney-themed pool parties and breakfasts while parents can relax at the adults-only pool bar. Rent a car at Honolulu Airport - the hotel is just five miles from Highway 1.

For romantic vacations in Honolulu:

Couples will cherish their time at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina. This luxury resort has its own private beach and it's only a 13 minute walk to Ko Olina Golf Club. Reserve your taxi in advance or rent a car at the airport.

Housed in a romantic pink building overlooking the beach, the Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki was established in 1927. Book a private airport transfer and arrive in style.

For luxury vacations in Honolulu:

Prince Waikiki is a luxurious high-rise resort on Ala Wai harbor, 8 miles by taxi from Honolulu Airport. The hotel is an 11 minute walk from Al Moana beach and facilities include a 27-hole golf course, tennis courts, and a spa.

The prestigious Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach opened in 1901. The hotel offers direct beach access and boasts a glamorous restaurant with ocean views. Take a taxi from the airport.

For budget vacations in Honolulu:

Looking for Honolulu trips on a budget? Holiday Surf Hotel is a friendly apartment-style residence opposite Ala Wai Canal and 10 minutes from Waikiki. Budget-conscious travelers can take the local bus (Route 19) from Honolulu Airport.

The Pagoda Hotel overlooks a Japanese garden and is 8 minutes from the Ala Moana Center shops. This casual-style hotel can be easily reached by bus or taxi from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

Where to stay in Honolulu

Honolulu vacation information, other popular package vacation destinations.

  • Kahului package vacations
  • Key West package vacations
  • Las Vegas package vacations
  • London package vacations
  • Los Angeles package vacations
  • Miami package vacations
  • Miami Beach package vacations
  • Montego Bay package vacations
  • Myrtle Beach package vacations
  • Nassau package vacations
  • New Orleans package vacations
  • New York package vacations
  • Orlando package vacations
  • Paris package vacations
  • Playa del Carmen package vacations
  • Puerto Rico package vacations
  • Punta Cana package vacations
  • Rome package vacations
  • Saint Martin package vacations
  • San Juan package vacations

Southwest’s first red-eye flights are coming. Here’s where and when.

The airline expects to launch overnight flights from las vegas and hawaii.

Southwest Airlines is preparing to launch overnight flights for the first time in its history.

After hinting at the change last year , the Dallas-based carrier plans to add overnight flights from Las Vegas and Hawaii, Chief Commercial Officer Ryan Green said at an air travel conference Wednesday. The airline still has a few technical and labor details to work out before the flights can begin, but it hopes to get them in the air in about two years, Green said.

Green added that he sees an opportunity for about 50 red-eye flights a day at Southwest.

Red eyes, so called for the appearance of travelers’ eyes after missing a night of sleep, are ubiquitous at most major airlines. Travelers book them for what are often cheaper fares than daytime flights. For travelers from the West Coast, they also offer the advantage of leaving after work and arriving on the East Coast the next day in time for a breakfast meeting.

And airlines like overnight flights because they can generate more revenue from an airplane that would otherwise sit idle at an airport until the next morning.

Las Vegas’s Harry Reid International Airport boasted no fewer than 26 overnight flights departing after 9 p.m. on almost every U.S. airline on a random Thursday in March, data from aviation analytics firm Cirium Diio shows. These flights, which are typically over four hours, connect Sin City to cities such as Atlanta, Boston, New York and D.C.

Southwest plays catch up on red eyes

Southwest is beloved by travelers for its quirkiness, all-economy seating with no seat assignments and free checked bags. What it is not known for is being on the forefront of travel technology. Remember the plastic boarding cards you picked up at the gate well into the 2000s ? Or the Great Meltdown of 2022 ?

For most of its 50-plus years flying, Southwest could not offer anything more than daytime flights in the U.S. due to limits with its reservations system. That changed in 2014 when it began implementing a new, modern booking system from airline IT provider Amadeus to launch international flights. Overnight flights became possible in 2017 when the platform was fully adopted.

It took another six years before Southwest began selling tickets with overnight connections last July.

Southwest CEO Robert Jordan in November described the possibility of overnight flights at the airline as the latest “ evolution ” of its business model.

Cheap, easy growth

Southwest, like most airlines, is in a bind. Aviation supply chain issues mean many of the new planes it has ordered from Boeing are years behind schedule. Costs are also up thanks to inflation and new post-pandemic labor agreements.

Boeing’s issues have forced Southwest to cut its growth plans this year. Instead of 79 new 737 Max planes, it will only take around 46.

“We have to be maniacally focused on being efficient,” Green said, adding that the airline wants to grow but without “adding to the cost structure.”

Enter overnight flights.

Savanthi Syth, an airline analyst at investment bank Raymond James, said in an email that adding red-eye flights would allow Southwest to grow at less cost than buying new planes.

“In the Hawaii-mainland U.S. market, red-eye flight capabilities should enable more connections or just a better schedule than Southwest can offer today,” she added.

That’s good news for the many loyal Southwest fliers in, say, Dallas or Kansas City, Mo., whose only flight option home from Hawaii is to lose an entire day to travel.

Similarly, more flights from Las Vegas could help slow fare increases. The average U.S. domestic airfare from the city, not including added fees such as checked bags or seat assignments, was up 12 percent to $264.38 in the third quarter of last year compared with 2019, according to Bureau of Transportation Statistics data . Airfares were down 6 percent when adjusted for inflation.

“Southwest’s significant volume of red-eye flights will bring additional capacity to an already crowded Las Vegas market,” said Seth Miller, an airline analyst and editor of the PaxEx.Aero website. “Passengers should benefit as destination options expand and fares remain competitive.”

More on air travel

Leave flying to the pros: Think you could land a plane in an emergency? Experts say you’re wrong . Here’s what you should actually do if something goes awry during a flight .

Pet peeves: Why do “gate lice” line up early for a flight ? Psychologists explained for us. Another move that annoys airline workers: abusing the flight attendant call button . For more on how to behave on a flight, check out our 52 definitive rules of flying .

Plane mess: Stories about extremely disgusting airplanes have been grossing out travelers. The question of plane cleanups became the subject of a recent debate after a flight attendant allegedly told a pregnant passenger to pick up the popcorn spilled by her toddler.

Frequent flying: Airline status isn’t what it used to be, but at least there are some good movies and TV shows to watch in the air. And somewhere out there, experts are trying to make airline food taste good.

cheap places to travel from hawaii

IMAGES

  1. Cheap Places to Stay on Oahu (2023)

    cheap places to travel from hawaii

  2. The Cheapest Places to Travel for Each Month of the Year

    cheap places to travel from hawaii

  3. 10 Free Things to Do in Honolulu

    cheap places to travel from hawaii

  4. 9 Best Places In Hawaii You Must Visit

    cheap places to travel from hawaii

  5. Best Time of Year to go to Kauai, Hawaii

    cheap places to travel from hawaii

  6. 10 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Hawaii

    cheap places to travel from hawaii

VIDEO

  1. 25 Best Places to Visit in the USA

  2. Hawaii Most Beautiful City in USA

  3. Dubai Downtown

  4. 10 Best Places to Visit in Hawaii

  5. Hawaii Travel Tips

  6. Most beautiful places in Hawaii #travel #hawaii #usa #explore #adventure #travelfika #nature

COMMENTS

  1. 13 Cheapest Places to Fly From Hawaii (Right Now)

    6. Hawaii to San Diego ($273 roundtrip) From the tropical allure of Hawaii, consider venturing to San Diego, a Californian gem that effortlessly marries urban sophistication with laid-back coastal charm. As affordability meets adventure, San Diego stands proud among the top "cheap places to fly from Hawaii.".

  2. Top 10 Vacation Destinations for Hawaii Residents

    Known to many as the 9th Hawaiian Island, Las Vegas is the number one travel destination for Hawaii residents. If you're one who likes to try your hand at a game of blackjack or feed a slot machine, then this is the place as gambling is illegal in the country's 50th state. Las Vegas is the opposite of Hawaii in that each natural attraction ...

  3. 13 Cheapest Places to Fly From Honolulu

    6. Honolulu to Lanai City ($105 roundtrip) If you are in search of one of the most unique and cheapest places to fly from Honolulu, Lanai City is the place to be. Nestled on the smallest publicly accessible Hawaiian island, Lanai City is the epitome of tropical charm without the touristy hustle. First stop: Lanai Airport.

  4. The 10 Best Places To Travel From Hawaii

    If you're looking for a vibrant and exciting destination to travel from Hawaii, look no further than Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation. With its stunning beaches, exciting activities, and vibrant nightlife, it ...

  5. Cheap Flights from Hawaii from $104

    There are loads of places you can fly direct to from Hawaii. The most popular destinations for direct flights among KAYAK users are San Diego, Los Angeles, Hilo, Hana and Honolulu. On average, the cheapest of these destinations on KAYAK over the last 2 weeks for a return flight was Hana at $65, while the most expensive was Hilo, at $299.

  6. Cheap flights from Honolulu International Airport

    Wed, Apr 10 OGG - HNL with Hawaiian Airlines. Direct. from $52. Melbourne.$263 per passenger.Departing Sun, Aug 11, returning Sun, Aug 18.Round-trip flight with Jetstar.Outbound direct flight with Jetstar departing from Honolulu International on Sun, Aug 11, arriving in Melbourne Tullamarine.Inbound direct flight with Jetstar departing from ...

  7. $29 Cheap flights from Hawaii

    OGG. Kahului. $94. Roundtrip. Cheap flights from Hawaii to all destinations. Find best deals for flights from Hawaii from top airlines with great prices at Expedia.com.

  8. Cheap Flights from Honolulu from $102

    Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found tickets from Honolulu to the following destinations at these prices or less: Los Angeles $185 one-way - $253 round-trip; Tokyo $262 one-way - $552 round-trip; San Francisco $188 one-way - $357 round-trip. Morning departure is around 5% more expensive than an evening flight, on average*.

  9. How to Visit Hawaii on a Budget

    Within the first two weeks of Hawaii's announcement to lift travel restrictions, Expedia says it saw a nearly 30% increase in searches for spring and summer trips to Hawaii's major ports ...

  10. Cheap flight deals from Hawaii from $223

    Discover airlines that offer direct flights from Hawaii to various destinations. Avoid layovers and travel efficiently with direct flight options, saving you time and providing a more convenient travel experience. Please note that the direct flight options are based on data from March 26, 2024 and based on user searches.

  11. How to visit Hawaii without going broke

    As a baseline, domestic plane tickets to Hawaii cost $400-1200 per person in 2022. Hotel or Airbnb accommodations cost $150-600 per night. The cost of food varies tremendously, but budget at least $40 per person per day if you'll be eating all your meals at restaurants.

  12. What is the Cheapest Hawaiian Island to Visit? (plus 4 ways to save)

    Oahu is the cheapest Hawaiian island to visit, with a total cost of $3,319. Maui is the most expensive island to visit, coming in at $2,000 more expensive, with a total cost of $5,321. The Grand Wailea in Maui, a luxury resort. Doing the same calculation but inputting vacation rental costs, rather than a hotel shows us that the Big Island pulls ...

  13. 6 Affordable Islands To Visit In Hawaii

    Kauai is well-known for its stunning waterfalls, craggy sea cliffs, and beaches that are recognized across the globe. Given that it is the second-wettest place on Earth, it is not surprising that this verdant Hawaiian island is known as the Garden Isle.From the quirky beach town of Poipu to the magnificent lookouts and stunning, unspoiled beaches along the 15-mile Na Pali coast, Kauai has ...

  14. Cheap Flights to Hawaii from $99

    Best Hawaii Flight Deals. Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours. One-way Round-trip. Honolulu 1 stop $195. Kahului nonstop $192. Kailua-Kona 1 stop $195. Lihue 1 stop $187. Hilo nonstop $158. Hoolehua 1 stop $131.

  15. 10 ways to see Hawaii on a budget

    This guide to daily costs in Hawaii, along with top tips for budget travelers, can help you save your dollars. As of Nov 1, 2023, all areas of Maui (except Lahaina) affected by the devastating wildfires in August are open for tourism. Respectful travel is encouraged to support Hawaii's local businesses that rely so heavily on tourism.

  16. Which is the Cheapest Island in Hawaii to Visit?

    Due to the abundance of hotels, activities, tours, and attractions, Oahu is the cheapest Hawaiian island to visit. Between the competitive prices and myriad of things to do, those looking for a budget vacation to Hawaii will find that Oahu is exactly what they've been searching for. Even though Oahu is considered the cheapest island in Hawaii ...

  17. 32 CHEAPEST Places To Travel In 2024

    Yes, the Philippines are truly one of the cheapest places to travel in the world! Currency: Philippine peso. Accommodation: $10 for a hostel, $30-50 for private accommodation. Transport: Buses are the cheapest way to get around and can cost from $30-10 depending on distance.

  18. How to get to Hawaii: Fly nonstop from 27 mainland U.S. cities

    If you want to fly nonstop into Kona (KOA) on Hawaii's Big Island, you may be able to fly nonstop from the following U.S. mainland cities: Chicago (ORD): United ( starting June 3) Dallas (DFW): American. Denver (DEN): United. Los Angeles (LAX): American, Alaska, Delta, Hawaiian and United. Oakland (OAK): Alaska and Southwest.

  19. 105 Genius Tips for Hawaii on a Budget

    Instead, stay on one island and take advantage of free nights at hotels and cheaper car rental rates. This is my top tip for how to save money in Hawaii. 3. CHOOSE ONE OF THE 4 POPULAR ISLANDS. For a cheap Hawaii vacation, head to Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island.

  20. 7 Cheapest Airports to Fly into Hawaii

    Alaska Airlines, Delta Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and United Airlines often have deals on cheap flights to Kauai. 5. Oahu has one of the cheapest airports in Hawaii. For anyone looking to visit Oahu, the Honolulu International Airport (HNL) is one of the cheapest airports to fly into Hawaii.

  21. Hawaii vacation packages from $197

    Tips for finding Hawaii package deals. There are loads of types of vacations in Hawaii and the cost will depend on what type of trip you're taking and for how long you'd like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travelers: Top vacation $658; Family vacation $598; Romantic vacation $838; Luxury vacation $878; Budget ...

  22. How To Travel To Hawaii Cheaply

    TheBus. TheBus is an affordable and convenient way to get around the main islands of Hawaii once you arrive. The public bus system connects most major towns and destinations across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island with fares starting at just $2.50 per ride.

  23. How to Get A Cheap Ticket to Hawaii: 5 Insider's Tips

    2. Use the Best Flight Search Engines to Get Cheap Ticket. When starting my cheap flight search, I check two websites to get the lowest ticket prices for Hawaii. Check a flight search engine to find the cheapest airline for my dates. Then, go to the cheapest airline's website to find their lowest ticket.

  24. Best Places to Eat in Waikiki on a Budget

    Gina's Barbeque is located in Honolulu, right by Waikiki, and is open from 10:00 am to 8:45 pm every day. 3. Cuckoo Coconuts Waikiki. Another one Honolulu cheap eats is Cuckoo Coconuts, located ...

  25. Honolulu vacation packages from $912

    There are loads of types of vacations in Honolulu and the cost will depend on what type of trip you're taking and for how long you'd like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travelers: Top vacation $594; Family vacation $520; Romantic vacation $780; Luxury vacation $829; Budget vacation $407.

  26. Pizza Hut

    Pizza Hut

  27. Southwest expects to launch red-eye flights in about two years

    After hinting at the change last year, the Dallas-based carrier plans to add overnight flights from Las Vegas and Hawaii, Chief Commercial Officer Ryan Green said at an air travel conference ...