Budget Guidelines
How to make the most of your vacation buck
Average Expenses
Although the following figures are estimates (per person) on what you might spend on necessities and fun in Hawaii, they may help you plan your vacation budget:
- Breakfast and lunch: $6 to $12
- Dinner: $12 to $20
- Gourmet meal: $20 to $35
- Beer, mixed drink or specialty drink: $3 to $6 (each drink)
- Gasoline: $1.50 to $2.00 per gallon
- Taxi: average $2.50 base charge, plus 25 cents per 1/8 mile
- Lu'au: $35 to $70
- Movie admission: $8 adults; $4 seniors and children; $4.50 matinees
- Tee times, snorkeling, horseback riding, helicopter tours and more: See our Activities Guide
- Concerts, theater, shows: See our Events & Entertainment Guide
- Souvenirs: Expect to spend between $5 and $20 per person you're buying for (a good t-shirt can cost up to $30).
- Interisland airfare: round-trip, $90 to $140. book an interisland flight
Stretching Your Vacation Dollar
If you're working with a limited vacation budget, consider the following:
- Get discounts on dining, activities, shopping and more in Hawaii.com's Coupon 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 $6. Filling and economical!
- Avoid making phone calls from your hotel room or condominium suite. Most establishments charge up to 75 cents 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.
- 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.