There’s something special about Hawaii. Ever since I first visited the Hawaiian Islands in 2011, they’ve been on my must-return list.
As we start to plan future travel, Hawaii is coming out on top. That said, it isn’t known as a budget destination.
BUT, if you’re savvy, it’s possible to do Hawaii on a budget and still have a great time.
If you’re planning a trip to the Hawaiian islands or want to know how to save money in Hawaii, these tips are for you.
How to Save Money in Hawaii
Table of Contents
- How to Save Money in Hawaii
- 1. Attend a timeshare presentation
- 2. Travel in a group
- 3. Bundle entry prices with a Go Oahu card
- 4. Check out a pro surfing comp on the North Shore
- 5. Travel in low season
- 6. Drink the tap water
- 7. Throw in some camping in the wilderness
- 8. Use cashback sites for accommodation bookings
- 9. Do nothing
- 10. Book Flights with Price Alerts and Flexible Dates
- 11. Shop at Local Farmers’ Markets
- 12. Use Public Transport or Rent a Car Strategically
- 13. Eat Like a Local
- 14. Take Advantage of Free Cultural Activities
- 15. Download Useful Apps
- Enjoying Hawaii Without Breaking the Bank
I know, I know — timeshare, eye roll. BUT if you have the resolve of a bear and don’t get easily frustrated, attending a timeshare presentation can be a clever way to score luxury accommodation at a fraction of the price. Perfect if you’re planning a budget-friendly Hawaii holiday.
You’ll usually need to spend an hour or two listening to a sales pitch, but the payoff (discounted resort stays, activities, or gift cards) can be worth it.
👉 Tip: Holly from The Simple Dollar says, “The key to resisting the high-pressure sales component is standing firm in your decision to decline.”
2. Travel in a group
Travelling with friends or family? Group travel can make Hawaii surprisingly affordable.
Splitting the cost of a vacation rental means you can access luxury properties — like a 3-bedroom villa in Maui with a pool — for less than the cost of individual hotel rooms.
Plus, you’ll have a kitchen to cook meals together and plenty of space to relax and create memories.
3. Bundle entry prices with a Go Oahu card
Planning to visit multiple attractions on Oahu?
The Go Oahu Card offers huge savings on popular sites like the Polynesian Cultural Center, Dole Plantation, and Pearl Harbor.
It’s perfect for active travellers who want to see and do a lot without blowing the budget.
🧭 Visit the Go City Oahu website to plan your days and maximise your savings.
4. Check out a pro surfing comp on the North Shore
When I last visited Hawaii we were driving around the beaches on the North Shore of Oahu and came across a pro surfing competition happening on the beach, right next to the road.
We parked up and strolled over expecting to be charged an entry fee to watch. But no, it was completely free. Can you believe that?
These were professional sportspeople, at the top of their game, and we were able to watch them completely free. To find out what’s on and when check out: Aloha Surf Guide
5. Travel in low season
Hawaii is popular year-round, but certain months offer better deals and fewer crowds.
For the best value, travel during:
- Late January to February
- March to April (avoid school holidays)
- Mid-September to mid-December
We visited in February and were lucky enough to go whale watching — a magical, once-in-a-lifetime experience that was still surprisingly affordable.
Tours depart from Lahaina Harbour on Maui, and whale season runs from December to May.
6. Drink the tap water
Hawaiian tap water is safe and delicious — often sourced from mountain rain filtered through volcanic rock.
Bring a sturdy reusable water bottle to stay hydrated without spending on bottled drinks.
7. Throw in some camping in the wilderness
Want to really stretch your budget? Add a few nights of camping to your itinerary. It’s a great way to experience Hawaii’s natural beauty and save big on accommodation.
Some state-run campgrounds in Kauai charge as little as $3 per night per adult! You can bring gear from home or grab essentials at Walmart when you arrive.
🛑 Just be sure to check the camping rules and permit requirements for each island — they vary.
8. Use cashback sites for accommodation bookings
I love using cashback sites for saving money on my accommodation costs.
Rakuten (US), Cashrewards (AU/NZ) and Shopback (NZ) all have a ton of travel providers including Expedia, Hotels.com and Booking.com so you can get cashback on your travel bookings.
It’s a great way to pad your vacation budget.
9. Do nothing
Hawaii is one of the few places where doing absolutely nothing still feels amazing. Find a peaceful beach, go for a walk, read a book under a palm tree — the simple things are often the best.
Many of the top experiences in Hawaii — hiking to a waterfall, watching the sunset, or swimming in the ocean — are free or nearly free.
10. Book Flights with Price Alerts and Flexible Dates
Flights are often the biggest expense when travelling to Hawaii. Use tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper to set up price alerts and monitor deals.
💡 Pro Tip: Being flexible with your travel dates — even by a day or two — can save hundreds.
Flying midweek is often cheaper than weekends.
11. Shop at Local Farmers’ Markets
Hawaii’s farmers’ markets are not only budget-friendly but also a great way to experience the local culture.
You’ll find fresh fruit, local snacks, and ready-to-eat meals at a fraction of restaurant prices.
🌺 Tip: Look for “Sunshine Markets” on Kauai or the Kapiolani Community College Farmers Market on Oahu.
12. Use Public Transport or Rent a Car Strategically
Renting a car in Hawaii can be expensive (and parking tricky), especially on Oahu where TheBus system is reliable and cheap.
🚎 For inter-island or short-distance exploring, see if you can get by with shuttles, rideshares or public transit.
Save the rental car for one or two days when you really need it — like driving the Road to Hana or exploring Big Island’s volcano parks.
13. Eat Like a Local
Skip the tourist restaurants and eat where the locals do.
Look for plate lunch spots, food trucks, and mom-and-pop eateries for generous, authentic meals that won’t bust your budget.
Some budget favourites:
- Rainbow Drive-In (Oahu)
- Tin Roof (Maui)
- Da Poke Shack (Big Island)
14. Take Advantage of Free Cultural Activities
Many hotels and resorts (even if you’re not staying there) offer free cultural activities like hula shows, lei-making, and ukulele lessons.
🌴 Tip: Check the free events calendar for shopping centres like Ala Moana Center in Honolulu — they often host local performances.
15. Download Useful Apps
- AllTrails – Great for finding free hiking trails
- TheBus App – For navigating public transit on Oahu
- GasBuddy – To find the cheapest petrol if you’re driving
I hope these tips for traveling to Hawaii on a budget have been helpful.
With a little savvy and planning ahead, you can have an amazing time in Hawaii without taking on a second mortgage.
Although they might be slightly pricier than home, the grocery stores have full selections of food so you can prepare your own meals and snacks.
And yes, they have Costco so you can use your membership there – because it’s recognised worldwide.
Enjoying Hawaii Without Breaking the Bank
Hawaii might have a reputation for being pricey — and yes, it can be — but with a bit of planning and a dash of flexibility, it’s absolutely possible to enjoy a Hawaiian holiday without blowing your budget.
From scoring discounted stays via timeshare presentations to sharing stunning vacation rentals with friends, there are plenty of ways to make your money go further.
Mix in a few nights of camping, shop smart at grocery stores or Costco, and embrace the simple joy of doing nothing on a gorgeous beach — and you’ve got the recipe for a rich experience without the hefty price tag.
Take advantage of free events, use public transport or rent a car only when necessary, and don’t underestimate the value of a reusable water bottle and a well-timed off-season flight.
With the right balance of savvy planning and island spontaneity, you can experience the magic of Hawaii — the food, the culture, the breath-taking landscapes — all on a budget that works for you.
Because in Hawaii, the best things often are free: the sunsets, the surf, the aloha spirit, and the lifelong memories you’ll make.
You’re on island time now — and your dream Hawaii trip doesn’t need to cost the earth.
