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DE_CH Is it Expensive To Go to Hawaii: The Truth About the Cost of Paradise
Aloha! Are Hawaii?s beautiful coastlines, and sandy beaches with lush green mountain tops, calling out to you? Planning a trip to your dream destination but confused about whether is it expensive to go to Hawaii? We?re here to help you out of your dilemma!
In this article, you will find out what to expect on your trip to Hawaii and how to budget your trip effectively. We will also explore possible ways to get the best value for money regarding travel, accommodation, and meals.
Is Everything Expensive in Hawaii?
Not talking about the elephant in the room, doesn?t make it disappear! Honestly, everything in Hawaii IS expensive. Not only is it one of the most expensive places to visit in the world, but it is also the MOST expensive state in the US.
That being said, it depends on the kind of experience that you are looking for. A luxury-seeking couple on a honeymoon will be spending drastically more than a backpacker ready to live in the van. There?s no limit to how expensive you want your trip to be. However, with the right planning, you can cut down on the costs incurred.
How Much Should I Budget for a Trip to Hawaii?
Undoubtedly, you are excited about your dream vacation but it certainly won?t be fun if you run out of bucks as soon as you reach there. A good idea is to break down your expenses and while you?re doing so, look for pocket-friendly alternatives.
The following activities will cost you the most, with the accommodation being the most expensive and transport the least:
- Accommodation
- Travel
- Tours and activities
- Meals
- Transportation
Additionally, there are some other variables to consider like the duration of stay, the size of your group, the time of the year, and if you?re opting for a packaged trip or a self-guided one.
On average, the cost breakdown of your major expenses will look something like this:
- Accommodation: $45-$200 per night
- Airfare for a round trip: $500- $950 per person (within the US)
- Meals: $70-$80 per day
- Tours and activities: $30-$50 per day
- Transport: $50 per day
How Much Does a Trip to Hawaii Cost All Inclusive?
A seven-day, all-inclusive trip to Hawaii will cost an average of $4000. The above-mentioned expenses can vary based on the variables mentioned. Let?s look at each category in detail so that you?re fully prepared for what?s coming your way.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Hawaii can be one of the biggest expenses of your trip. If you’re looking for a luxurious resort experience, be prepared to pay top dollar. However, there are plenty of more affordable options available as well.
A 4-star resort with a beach view will cost you $380-$450 per night, whereas a 3-star hotel will charge you around $280-$350 per night.
One popular choice is to stay in a vacation rental, such as an Airbnb ($45-$90 per night) or VRBO. Entire guesthouses are also available for rent costing anywhere between $80-$170 per night.
These options often provide more space and amenities than a hotel room and can be more affordable if you’re traveling with a group. However, some islands do not rent out guest rooms and hotels for periods of less than thirty days. Therefore, it is important to research the specific location and host to enjoy a comfortable stay.
The cheapest available option for accommodation is hostels and camping sites. If you?re traveling in a small group, you can obtain a camping permit and camp out in one of the parks. These permits cost around $10 per night.
Airfare
The first expense you’ll encounter when planning a trip to Hawaii is airfare. This can vary greatly depending on where you’re coming from and when you plan to visit.
When traveling from within the US, flights from the west coast cost lesser ($500 on average), as compared to flights from the east coast ($920 on average). It’s also worth checking out budget airlines like Southwest and JetBlue, which now offer flights to Hawaii from various cities on the mainland.
Another way to save money on airfare is to be flexible with your travel dates. If you’re able to travel mid-week instead of on the weekends, you may be able to find better deals.
Is Hawaii Expensive to Eat Out?
Food and drink costs in Hawaii can vary greatly depending on where and what you choose to eat. If you stick to high-end restaurants, expect to pay a premium. Expect your dining costs to be around $70 per single person per day. Eating out is especially expensive on Maui island.
However, there are plenty of affordable options available as well. One great way to save money on food is to take advantage of the many food trucks and local markets around Hawaii. You will find lip-smacking food, that gives a real feel of the place as well. Try a $15 meal out at a local market, and we bet you won?t regret it.
If you?re staying at Airbnb or a vacation rental, you can cook for yourself too. Get all the stuff you need from a farmer?s market at a fraction of what it will cost from a supermarket.
Another thing to keep in mind is that alcohol can be expensive in Hawaii due to taxes and import fees. So, keep your alcohol purchase in check, if you want the trip to stay economical.
Tours and Activities
Hawaii doesn?t fail to impress when you take a look at all that it has to offer. The place is brimming with attractions and leisure activities, which is precisely why controlling your expenses is so difficult.
The Kauai Helicopter Flight over the Na Pali Coast is one of Hawaii’s most high-end activities and will cost you around $400 per person. This is followed by the Maui road to Hana tour which costs $200.
Other interesting activities are the Oahu Jurassic Park tour, Hawaii Sunset Sail, Hawaii Luau, and the Big Island Snorkel with Manta Rays. These activities will fall anywhere between $50-$150.