7 Ways To Save Money on Your Vacation to Hawaii This Summer
Written by
Nicole Spector
Edited by
Amber Barkley
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
Hawaii is a hot travel destination in summer. For perspective: According to the State of Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, there were 171,957 visitors to Hawaii Island in July 2023 and 170,504 visitors in July 2022. These vacationers are dishing out a ton of cash. In July 2023, total visitor spending hovered at $263 million.
Because Hawaii is such a popular destination, a trip there can get pretty pricey. According to a new post on Collections of Waikiki — though the cost varies, depending on how many people you’re traveling with — a one-week trip to Hawaii will set you back about $4,000. In an era where most people can’t afford a $1,000 emergency, that’s a budget-breaking amount to shell out on a vacation.
So, how can you save on a summer trip to Hawaii? Here are seven ways.
Visit a Cheaper Island — Like Oahu — Instead of Maui
The state of Hawaii is made up of 137 islands, islets and shoals, with some locales being more expensive for tourists than others. According to The Hawaii Vacation Guide, Maui is the most expensive island to visit, with a trip there costing $5,321. Check out Oahu instead — it’s the cheapest island, with a total cost to visit of $3,319.
Use Google Flights or Skyscanner and Be Flexible With Dates
Once you’ve decided on a destination, it’s time to find the best deals on flights. Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to search for the cheapest tickets available. Being flexible with your dates is highly recommended.
“Being flexible on travel dates allows you to play around with the cheapest days or weeks to fly,” said Kelly Tolliday, a travel advisor at 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.”
Check Out Groupon and ResortPass
You can potentially save a ton on your summer vacation to Hawaii by using a service like Groupon or ResortPass.
By using these discount marketplaces you can enjoy “attractions, excursions or experiences at high end resorts, without paying the full sticker price,” Tolliday said. “ResortPass allows you to stay at a rental home or cheaper hotel while still gaining access to luxury resort amenities around the island.”
Visit Food Trucks or Food Markets
The steep price of dining out in Hawaii can make a big dent in your vacation budget. Go out on the town in a different way — by checking out 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 said.
Go Grocery Shopping
You may be wanting to leave the hustle and bustle of your working life back home while on vacation, but don’t shelve grocery shopping if you’re looking to save money.
“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 said. “Breakfast is usually an easy, cheap option to cook and enjoy a slow morning at home.”
Volunteer for Discounts
Here’s a pretty unusual way to save on your vacation to Hawaii this summer: Volunteer for an activity such as, say, pulling weeds on the grounds of your hotel. Some hotels are looking for people to give back to the land in exchange for a discount or possibly even a free night’s stay.
Exploring? Rent a Car
Though renting a car in Hawaii is not exactly cheap, it can save you money on transit in some scenarios.
“In my opinion, the cost of a rental car is typically less than the cost of accommodation in more touristy, walkable areas,” Tolliday said. “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.”
More From GOBankingRates
