Renowned for its beautiful landscapes and lively culture, Hawaii offers travelers a range of options for an affordable tropical getaway. Among the islands, Molokai is often considered one of the cheapest to visit. Embracing simplicity and tranquility, Molokai invites visitors to experience the authentic Hawaiian way of life without breaking the bank. With fewer tourist crowds, this island provides:
- An intimate connection to nature.
- Featuring lush landscapes.
- Pristine beaches.
- The iconic sea cliffs of Kalaupapa.
Engage in cultural exploration, savor local cuisine, and relish Molokai’s affordability, making it an ideal destination for those seeking budget-friendly tranquility in the heart of it.
What Is The Cheapest Island To Visit In Hawaii?
All the islands are worth visiting and have unique appeal—most first-time visitors like to focus on the most familiar Hawaiian islands, Maui and Oahu. Maui is known for its stunning black sand beaches, while Oahu is known for iconic Waikiki and Pearl Harbor.
Regarding pricing, Oahu and the Big Island are the most affordable. Maui and Kauai are the least affordable.
Airfare To Hawaii
Ok, you already know that our research shows that Oahu is the cheapest. Surprisingly, it didn’t have the most affordable average airfare cost. Using Kayak, which offers the average airfare price over the past two weeks, we looked up the average fare from LAX to each island.
Data For The Islands Include
- Big Island (Kona): $403 roundtrip
- Oahu: $418 roundtrip
- Maui: $428 roundtrip
- Kauai: $451 roundtrip
Lodging In Hawaii
Staying in Hawaii can be expensive. There are plenty of options — hotels, rentals, and timeshares — but budget accommodations are few and far between.
To get the average rate, we used the Hawaii Tourism Authority data, which tracks average daily rates for hotels, vacation rentals, and timeshares.
You could camp on the beach or sleep in your car and save money. If that’s your plan, you can omit this from your calculation. But for the rest of us, here’s how the average hotel and vacation rental costs break down:
Average Daily Rate For Hotel Rooms
- Oahu: $306
- Big Island: $442
- Kauai: $458
- Maui: $656
Average Daily Rate For Vacation Rentals
- Big Island: $236
- Oahu: $247
- Maui: $359
- Kauai: $386
Rental Car In Hawaii
Our point is the rental car. This is where the big island makes a bit of a leap in cost, ahead of Oahu:
- Oahu: $49 per day (economy)
- Maui: $50 per day (intermediate)
- Kauai: $57 per day (economy car)
- Big Island, Kona: $70 per day (intermediate)
You noticed that more people rent an intermediate car when reached Kona and Maui. It’s similar because visitors want to drive to the volcanoes on each island or the road to Hana on Maui.
Which Islands Are The Best To Visit?
All the islands are worth visiting and have unique appeal—most first-time visitors like to focus on the most familiar Hawaiian islands, Maui and Oahu. Maui is familiar for its beautiful black sand beaches, while Oahu is known for iconic Waikiki and Pearl Harbor.
Regarding pricing, Oahu and the Big Island are the most affordable. Maui and Kauai are the least affordable.
What Is The Cheapest Time Of Year To Visit Hawaii?
There can be a cost difference in Hawaii based on the time of year you go. The off-season in Hawaii is between April and May and then between September and early December.
If you go during this timeframe, you’ll save money on everything compared to going in high season or peak season, mid-December through March and Summer Break. If you want to go to Hawaii on a budget, don’t go during peak travel times, including spring break!
How Long To Go To Hawaii?
Hawaii is far from the mainland USA. Therefore, you should go to Hawaii for a minimum of 7 days. Plus there are so many things to see and do, if you’re not there for at least seven days, you won’t have time to do as much as you should! And, if you stay for 7+ days in the same place, you’ll most likely get a discount on your lodging!
How Much Does It Cost To Go To Hawaii?
The most significant variables in the cost of a Hawaii vacation are Lodging, airfare, and Food. Finding good deals on these items is essential!! If you make the right decisions with these three items, the rest of your trip will fall into place and budget.
Nonstop Or Not?
But, if you’re traveling from a bigger city like Denver, you can choose a nonstop flight, BUT it will cost more. If I had the choice, I think I’d do it nonstop. It’s a long flight, but there’s no waiting around an airport on the West Coast to change planes.
Once you’re in Maui and want to island hop to Oahu (or hop over to other islands, the quick plane trip will cost you less than $200. Hawaiian Airlines or Southwest Airlines are typically your best bet for the best flight prices.
But the cheapest way to island hop may involve something other than flying. Did you know you can take a ferry between some Hawaiian Islands? Yep! I found that out while researching this article.
Food Costs For Hawaii On A Budget
You’ll save money on food if you stay somewhere that has a kitchen. Even if your place only offers a small cooktop and mini-fridge, that’s enough to make breakfast or brunch every day and save you tons of cash just by making some of your meals. If you eat out most meals, you’ll pay a ton and don’t need those extra costs. Wouldn’t you instead spend that money on doing fun things?
It’s a fact that any touristy town is known for high-priced restaurant meals. There’s no getting around it. Unless you consciously do NOT eat out a lot, that is! I like having coffee for breakfast, then having brunch, then dinner.
The best way to save money is to eat where the locals do – this will allow you to save money! This will be outside of tourist trap restaurants! You can get coffee in the hotel (obviously!) Or go to a coffee place – if you spend $5, it is no big deal in the grand scheme of things, so don’t feel guilty! It’s your trip to Hawaii, too!
Thanks For reading
