By Hawaii.com Team
Although the following figures are average estimates on what you might spend on necessities and fun in Hawaii, they may help you when planning your vacation budget:
- Breakfast and lunch: $8 to $16 per person
- Dinner: $14 to $25 per person
- Gourmet meal: $25 to $55 per person
- Beer, mixed drinks or specialty drinks: $4 to $9 (each drink)
- Gasoline: $4.25 to $4.85 per gallon – and likely more on certain Islands
- Taxi: average $3 base charge, plus 45 cents per 1/8 mile
- Lu’au: $65 to $110 (adult); children can generally attend for $40 or less
- Movie admission: $9 adults; $6 seniors and children; $5.50 matinees
- Tee times, snorkeling, horseback riding, helicopter tours and more: See our Activities Guide for current pricing
- Concerts, theater, shows: See our Events & Entertainment Guide
- Souvenirs: Expect to spend between $5 and $35 per person you’re buying for (a good-quality t-shirt can cost up to $35).
- Interisland airfare: round-trip, $90 to $165 depending on current promotions. book an interisland flight
- Interisland ferry:
Stretching Your Vacation Dollar
If you’re working with a limited vacation budget, consider the following:
- Get discounts on activities, attractions, shopping and more in Hawaii.com’s Specials/Coupons section
- Try to limit restaurant dining to once a day. Chances are you’ll be on the go most of the time, so carry snacks and sandwiches when you’re out and about.
- To further stretch your budget, dine on what locals call “plate lunch”: a serving of meat or fish with a scoop of rice and a helping of tossed green or macaroni salad. Most plate lunches cost less than $8. Filling and economical!
- Avoid making phone calls from your hotel room or condominium suite. Many establishments charge up to $1.50 per call just to connect to a phone line.
- Stay in a condominium or hotel suite with a kitchenette. Preparing some of your own meals is a primary way to save money.
- If you’re staying on an island with decent public transportation or shuttles to nearby attractions, consider not renting a car. Car rental will run between $250 and $400/week.
- Shop for souvenirs at swap meets and other bargain markets, where you can get cut-rate deals. Always negotiate with the vendor; they’ll sometimes accept a lower price.
- If you plan to experience a bit of Polynesian culture, shop for the best lu’au. Choose a venue and entertainment/food package that fits your budget.
- If you can, bring your own sports equipment. Check with your airline on how to transport large items such as golf clubs.
- Hawaii is truly a Mecca of land, water and sea activity, but be sure to shop carefully for the best deals on outdoor adventures.
- Hawaii’s drinking water is tasty and safe, so there’s no need to purchase bottled water during your stay.
