We were not expecting all these and want you to know about more Hidden costs of Hawaii vacations.
47 thoughts on “More Hidden Costs Of Hawaii Vacations Now”
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We were not expecting all these and want you to know about more Hidden costs of Hawaii vacations.
Comments are closed.
Pack in baggies some ‘you-must-have’ foods that are even more expensive in HI, eg. walnuts, flax seeds, protein powders, salt and pepper shakers, freeze-dried berries, etc.
In addition to the regular airline credit card, many frequent flyer programs like United Airlines Mileage Plus have a Chase United card that gives many perks such as some free bags, bonuses for the air miles, admission to the airport private club (very handy during flight delays). Remember, Hawaii flights generally get thousands of miles/points awarded.
Aloha BOH,
Once again you hit it out of the park with an article jam-packed with useful tips!
Big Hugs to you guys and hope you’re staying well!
Mahalo
Hi Lisa.
Thanks very much!!
Aloha.
Whats the latest requirements for Hawaii travel? Comment below said something about a questionaire??
As of your tip #4- right now, as of 12/17/21, the only thing you need to do is have your vaccine info with Safe Travels and complete a questionnaire 24 hours before your flight from the mainland, yes? I have not seen anything that states Hawaii has re-instated a covid test prior to entering the state.
Aloha Rob and Jeff, I pack a food bag. Sandwich for the plane, English muffins, protein bars, cookies, M+M’s trail mix, granola for breakfast, condiment pkgs. Even pouch of Tuna. These items are expensive in Hawaii and can really come in handy. Also crackers and cheese. The cheese will be fine, I just did it.
The extra taxes Hawaii has placed on the hotels are extreme. I spent 5 nights in Maui last week. The extra taxes were over $225. I paid $600 for a car rental. Thank God the resort we stayed at had no resort fees!
Most people going to Hawaii for their first time don’t likely understand that getting there is the cheap part. Lodging, cars and dining is really expensive. We bought food to supplement the times we didn’t want to go out to eat (we had a kitchen). One paper bag of groceries- +$100
Aloha BoH,
One thing not mentioned, when it comes to banking fees at ATM’s, is that if you bank with a Credit Union, many of them have access to “shared branch” banking. Every island has local ATM and Credit Union’s that do shared branch banking. Check with your CU to verify you have the ability to use it, and you will avoid unnecessary transaction fees. 🤙
Hi Jim.
Thanks for mentioning that.
Aloha.
Many CUA credit unions are not doing shared branching currently unless you are a member of their credit union. Not a big deal if you have a local CU but can be an issue if you are trying to do shared branching and are not a local member.
Consider renting a timeshare for a week. included in most – kitchen (to save $$ on breakfast, snacks, and perhaps leftovers), laundry machines, free parking. No, there probably won’t be a restaurant on site but is it really necessary especially if you are looking to hold costs down. Redweek and tug2 are timeshare groups that list rentals – there are probably others (think or search on timeshare exchange organizations)
Loved our vacation rental on Kauai with parrishkauai.com
Hi, does anyone know how much to budget for food for 10 days in Hawaii. We will be cooking in for some meals. Thank you.
Hi Jen.
Not sure there is a way for anyone to say what you will be eating. Perhaps double what your good costs would be on the mainland.
Aloha.
Hi Jen,
We have been going for 15+ years and you can check out the weekly ads for the local and chain groceries, which help you figure out costs (Longs/CVS has great deals sometimes). It is useful to have a preplanned list of meals and/or staples (I even bring my own, like tea and sweetener). Double check what your vacation rental kitchen is stocked with before you get groceries—they often have staples in the cupboard and fridge. Costco is good, but you can often over buy. Also, checkout the roadside stands for fresh fruits, etc. and the farmers markets—they can save you money. Milk, for example, is expensive, but if you plan and look for sales the cost for food doesn’t have to be super expensive.
Actually, Diana, on the Big Island, Longs had milk for $9.99 a gallon, and Safeway had it for less than $5, so definitely check prices in multiple places, especially if you are staying outside of main tourism areas. In secluded areas prices can be much higher for many products that are shipped in.
I drink long life milk and will be taking my own when I travel next May. I’ll also be taking other essentials such as tea, coffee, sugar, and breakfast cereal. I’m staying in a unit with a kitchen – don’t plan on doing much cooking, but it’s nice to at least be able to have breakfast or a cuppa on the lanai each morning.
Oh, here’s another really good trick if you know you will be shopping and cooking. Join the Kamaaina (locals) club for the stores and look for their app. You can find the stores by Googling “Honolulu Food Store” etc. and check out the ads and saver programs. If they ask you for a local address just give them your hotel/condo.
Yogurt is double (1.50+ for individual container), bacon was just 8+ at Walmart, head of lettuce was 4+, milk about 6+, ice cream about 6 for local brand (10 for Breyers type name brands)
So basically most things about double at home. I’m sitting on Kauai now and that’s what we’ve been paying for 2 weeks. Pineapples were 10 even at the farmers markets (papayas + mangoes 2-3 ea).
Restaurants – some places are about 25 for fish + chips type meal. Others running 40-50 for nice meal, a la carte
Make sure you bring your Costco card if you have one. Not only is their gas cheaper than other gas stations, but food is less expensive as well. For instance, pineapples are always $3.99 each whereas they’re about double that at the farmers markets. A hot dog and a drink are still $1.50 and the rotisserie chicken is a fantastic deal.
The food trucks dotted around all the islands can also be a great deal for a quick meal and you can sit outside so you don’t have to worry about social distancing.
Depending on what island you’re visiting, there are plenty of grocery stores. Check Google for your island. I believe Foodland and Safeway are on Maui, Oahu and Big Island. It’s easy to check on line sale ads. You know what you like to eat! Costco is also a great place to shop, great place to pick up your Hawaiian grown pineapple & liquor for a reasonable price. If you’re on the Big Island, outside of Costco a person sells coffee out of her car for a reasonable price and it is good.