Budget-friendly Bliss: 7 Ways to Enjoy a Hawaiian Vacation Without Breaking the Bank

Hawaii is a popular summer travel destination. To put this in perspective: The State of Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism reported 171,957 visitors to Hawaii Island in July 2023, compared to 170,504 in July 2022. These vacationers are spending a lot of money. In July 2023, overall visitor expenditure hovered at $263 million.

Because Hawaii is such a popular destination, trips there can be quite expensive. According to a new post on Collections of Waikiki, a one-week trip to Hawaii will cost around $4,000. The cost varies based on the number of people traveling. In an era when most people cannot afford a $1,000 emergency, that is an exorbitant sum to spend on a vacation.

1. Visit a cheaper island, like Oahu, instead of Maui

Hawaii is made up of 137 islands, islets, and shoals, some of which are more expensive for tourists than others. According to The Hawaii Vacation Guide, the most costly island to visit is Maui, where a journey costs $5,321. Instead, visit Oahu, which is the cheapest island, with a total cost of $3,319.

2. Use Google Flights or Skyscanner, and be flexible with the dates

Once you’ve decided on a trip, the next step is to research the greatest flight deals. Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to find the cheapest tickets available. Being flexible with your dates is strongly advised. “Being flexible on travel dates allows you to play around with the cheapest days or weeks to fly,” said Kelly Tolliday, a travel agent with Fora Travel. “Google Flights even has a feature where you can search for the cheapest tickets for a 2-week trip to Hawaii in the next 6 months, giving you the ultimate money savings on flights.”

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3. Check out Groupon and ResortPass

You may save a lot of money on your summer vacation to Hawaii by using a service like Groupon or ResortPass.

Using these cheap markets, you may enjoy “attractions, excursions, or experiences at high-end resorts, without paying the full sticker price,” Tolliday noted. “ResortPass allows you to stay at a rental home or cheaper hotel while still gaining access to luxury resort amenities around the island.”

4. Visit food trucks or markets

The high cost of dining out in Hawaii can deplete your vacation budget. Go out on the town in a unique way by visiting food trucks or food markets.

“Food trucks are massively popular across Hawaii, and you can find insanely delicious meals for much cheaper than you would in a restaurant,” Tolliday stated.

5. Go grocery shopping

You may want to leave the stress and bustle of your working life at home when on vacation, but if you want to save money, don’t skip grocery shopping.

“While grocery shopping can be expensive in Hawaii, you can still save some bucks by cooking a few meals at home, if you are in a home rental or have a kitchen to use,” Tolliday stated. “Breakfast is usually an easy, cheap option to cook and enjoy a slow morning at home.”

6. Volunteer for discounts

Here’s an unconventional method to save on your Hawaii vacation this summer: Volunteer for an activity, such as picking weeds on your hotel’s grounds. Some hotels are looking for customers willing to give back to the land in exchange for a discount or even a free night’s stay.

7. Exploring? Rent a Car

Renting a car in Hawaii is not inexpensive, but it can save you money on transportation in some cases.

“In my opinion, the cost of a rental car is typically less than the cost of accommodation in more touristy, walkable areas,” Tolliday stated. “I also love the option to be able to explore more remote areas of whichever island I’m staying on and not rely on expensive Ubers or taxis to get around.”

Conclusion

Consider these cost-effective strategies for making the most of your summer vacation to Hawaii. There are numerous ways to save money while visiting Hawaii, including choosing cheaper islands such as Oahu, using flight comparison sites, exploring local food trucks, and volunteering for discounts. Enjoy your travels!