Costco is obviously one of the first stops for many Hawaii visitors, for good reason. With food costs among the highest in the country and restaurant prices also high, stocking up at Costco has become part of the Hawaii travel playbook, just as it is for residents. But there’s more to the story than just groceries.
Costco plays an outsized role in how travelers plan, budget, and experience Hawaii, from rental cars to resort stays and even airline gift cards. For locals, Costco becomes a popular spot for spontaneous meetups with friends and neighbors.
How Costco became essential for Hawaii travelers.
Ask almost any repeat visitor to Hawaii, and they’ll tell you that the first stop after picking up the rental car is often Costco. Whether you’re in Kona, Kahului, Lihue, or near Honolulu Airport, the routine is familiar. Load up the cart with fruit, drinks, snacks, wine, beach gear, and enough poke and other pre-made foods to make the next few meals easy. It’s not just about saving money, though that’s a big part of it. It’s about convenience, predictability, as well as having the freedom to avoid restaurants for every meal.
Condos, timeshares, and many hotels in Hawaii make it easy to eat in. Many visitors now choose to dine out very little, perhaps just a few times each trip, and do the rest on their lanai with something from Costco. One longtime reader put it this way: “The best part of a Costco run is not having to wait 90 minutes for a restaurant table with cranky kids.”
Costco’s gas stations typically offer some of the lowest fuel prices in Hawaii, along with credit card rewards. And since you’re going shopping anyway, it’s often one of the easiest ways to conveniently save on your trip. As far as we know, the only Costco in Hawaii without a gas station is Hawaii Kai on Oahu.
Not all Costco locations in Hawaii are created equal.
Veteran travelers know each warehouse has its own vibe and amenities. The Iwilei Costco, located near Honolulu Airport, is one of the busiest in the country. Weekends can feel like a contact sport there, and isn’t for the faint of heart. Parking is tight, lines stretch out the door, and you need aisle-navigating skills to shop. But the payoff? Selection and local finds make the effort worth it.
The Hawaii Kai Costco offers a calmer alternative. Kapolei Costco, located on Oahu’s west side, is a favorite for visitors staying in Ko Olina, where parking is easier.
Maui’s Kahului Costco, conveniently located between the airport and resort areas, is nearly a mandatory stop for arriving travelers. The Big Island’s Kona warehouse sees steady visitor traffic. On Kauai, the Lihue location is a go-to stop on the way to both Poipu and Princeville.
Each warehouse offers a slightly different selection. Some travelers hunt for taro chips, lau lau, poke, island-made cookies, or leis. Others are just grateful for beverages and sunscreen that won’t break the budget. One reader shared, “Kona Costco had everything we needed for two weeks. We were in and out in 30 minutes and didn’t have to eat out again unless we wanted to.”
As a side note, while there is no Costco in Hilo, there is a fun warehouse store, Cost-U-Less. That was also previously found on Kauai, until after Costco opened.
How Costco Travel reshaped Hawaii planning.
Beyond the warehouse walls, Costco has quietly become one of the most influential players of all in Hawaii vacation planning. Costco Travel packages often include deeply discounted rates at high-end resorts, bundled with extras like daily breakfast, resort credits, and car rentals. And their car rentals are frequently the most affordable go-to option available and include two drivers at no added cost. Many readers say these perks alone have made the difference between being able to afford Hawaii or not.
We’ve heard from readers who booked a stay at a luxury resort, such as Grand Wailea, and received thousands of dollars in added value, including spa credits, upgraded rooms, and Costco Shop Cards, while still spending far less than they would have by booking directly. Others use Costco Travel to book rental cars months in advance, then re-check prices frequently and rebook when they drop.
One reader told us, “We booked our trip to Kauai through Costco Travel and got more than we ever expected: nicer room, no resort fee, and rental car included.”
Another reader reported booking multiple Hawaii trips through Costco Travel: “Our Grand Wailea stay came with a $500 dining credit, spa passes, and a $357 gift card. The same trip would have cost us $2,000 more booking direct.”
If you haven’t read it already, see our article on Costco’s growing role in Hawaii travel, including gift cards and bundled resort perks.
The new role of Costco gift cards and airline savings.
Another area where Costco has carved out influence is in discounted travel gift cards. Many visitors have purchased Alaska or Southwest Airlines gift cards at their mainland Costco stores, saving 10 percent or more before even booking their flights. Others use the Costco Visa card to earn percentage cash back on travel and dining, then apply those rewards toward their Hawaii trip.
One reader asked, “Can you really use Alaska gift cards to book Hawaiian flights post-merger? I tried, and it worked for me when booking online through Alaska.” At times, when available, island-bound travelers have also found significant Southwest Airlines gift card savings at Costco, making travel from their mainland gateways or interisland trips more affordable. Whether these deals will return anytime soon, we can’t say. However, some travelers now check Costco for airfare strategies before searching anywhere else.
What readers say about shopping at Hawaii Costco.
Thousands of actual Beat of Hawaii reader comments mention Costco. Some celebrate the poke and pineapple. Others offer survival tips, such as arriving right when the store opens or before the lunch crowd arrives. Or simply airline, car rental, accommodation, and packages. One reader told us, “We were shocked at how many visitors were at the Kona Costco. It felt like the airport baggage claim had just emptied into the meat aisle.”
Another reader shared, “I go to Hawaii for beaches and beauty, not to fight for a parking space and a 20-pack of eggs. But I get why some people do it.” Then there’s the purely practical side: “Without Costco, we couldn’t afford to bring our whole family every year. Period.”
Not everyone agrees. One visitor wrote, “Why fly 3,000 miles just to shop at the same store you have at home? That’s not travel, that’s relocation.” And yet another comment pointed out how vital the stop has become: “After we get our rental car, the first place we hit is Costco. Stock the condo, grab beach towels and snorkel gear, and we’re good to go.”
More visitor reactions can be found in our earlier article on Hawaii Costco finds visitors love.
Why it matters in today’s Hawaii.
For all the talk about over-tourism and pricing out the average visitor, the role of Costco continues to come up in reader comments. The ability to reduce food costs, offset fees with package perks, and avoid overpriced tours has helped many travelers justify their return trips, even as Hawaii has become harder to afford.
Some visitors now structure their entire trip around Costco. Which island has the best resort deals through Costco Travel? Where can you find the least chaotic parking lot? Can you purchase airline gift cards in advance and use them later? These aren’t fringe strategies anymore. They’re central to Hawaii travel planning for a growing segment of visitors.
As one reader put it bluntly: “If Costco ever pulled out of Hawaii, we’d stop visiting.”
What’s next.
Hawaii’s relationship with tourism is still evolving, and travelers are adapting. Whether you’re staying in a $ 1,000-per-night resort or a reasonably priced condo rental, with a Costco rotisserie chicken in the fridge, the strategies are converging. Visitors want to feel like they’re getting value, not just paying more for less. And for now, Costco continues to deliver that value in a way few others seem to.
Next time you roll your oversized cart through a Hawaii Costco with local fish, snorkel fins, macadamia nuts (like those pictured here), and a lei in hand, you’ll know that you’re not alone. You’re part of a growing travel tribe that views warehouse stores not just as a bargain, but as a key to making Hawaii vacations more workable.
What’s your Costco strategy in Hawaii, or do you shop elsewhere? If you found a Costco deal that made your trip to Hawaii better, please comment.
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Costco Hawaii packages are great except for car rental. I endured a two hour wait to get my rental car in Honolulu. It was torture standing there. I knew I had to wait as Costco travel does Not allow you to use your Fast Pass access with Budget. I called Costco Travel. They made up some late excuse that it was not allowed. Why not. If Costco really wants to be the best for customers they should allow the Fast Pass to avoid a two hour wait during their time in paradise. I will Never book through Costco as waiting in line at the car rental agencies is a waster of my vacation time. Money is no object when it comes to vacation.
Whoever told you this gave you bad information.
I put my Fastlane number in with every Costco reservation and it allows me to go to the counter or out to where the cars are without delay. When I recently rented in Denver, the shuttle dropped me off at a dedicated Fastlane booth. I had my car in under a minute.
The only time this did not happen was in Anchorage. But that was not Costco’s fault. Rather, the location didn’t have Fastlane, so you had to wait on line with everyone else.
I use the warehouse in Hawaii Kai. The Iwilie location reminds me more of a UFC Cage Fight then a store… 😀 Don’t forget the massive new Don Don Donki store in Kapolei as well as the older locations. They have Asian centric food and stuff Costco doesn’t at still very reasonable price.
Hope this link is OK to post.
donquijotehawaii.com/store-locations
I recently visited Maui and Oahu with Costco vacation packages, and I also shopped several times at Costco, on Maui and Oahu. On Maui, my family of five stayed at the Hyatt Regency for a week and we saved quite a bit of money with the free breakfast buffet included in the Costco vacation deal (almost $2K!). There was also $450 of resort credit included in the deal, which we used for morning Kona coffees, kids drinks, and dinners at the resort. And, Costco also included the resort and parking fees! However, we also utilized the extra savings from Costco to spend more time and money at local businesses in Hana, Lahaina, and the Maui Swap Market in Kahului. At other times, we frequented the local Foodland Farms and farm stands in Lahaina, to avoid the 30-40 minute drive to Kahului. Nevertheless, Costco may be the key to making any trip to Hawaii a more affordable and enjoyable experience.
I love going to Costco in Hawaii. I always stop there before my flight home to buy local made goodies to take home for my friends and co-workers. Much better prices than anywhere else. The rest of the time I’m there I’m a die hard Foodland fan. Also farmers markets. Gotta support local…..
We LOVE Costco Travel! Have used it for every one of our Hawaii trips. The savings & perks are so wonderful. For instance, our Costco shop card totaled approximately $500 to use after we got b back from our trip. Not bad! Also, we wouldn’t have been able to stay at a certain place we’ve come to love (our “happy place”) unless Costco had a travel deal for it. Also having the car rental be a part of the package is a plus, too. But interestingly, we’ve never shopped at Costco while in Hawaii!
Aloha BOH – besides the basics, Costco is an affordable choice for a wide selection of local food items (Mac nuts, chocolate, coffee, etc), souvenirs and beach-related items. While not necessarily the healthiest option, the fact that Costco has uniform, nationwide pricing at its food courts makes it probably the best meal deal in the state.
A different point of view: We NEVER stop at Costco. There is too much wasted time finding parking, deciding on how much of this and that that you need/want, wasted money on over purchasing and at least a 2 hour delay getting to our destination (on the other side of the island). Instead, we buy locally from Napili Market, Star, Foodland etc. We do not over purchase, as we can easily run to a market (instead of a warehouse) and buy what we are in the mood for. Anyone can download the Foodland app and get the same discounts as locals. The local markets make their poke and sushi/sashimi DAILY and it is excellent and fresh. The other thing I do is to bring my own favorite spices/condiments in mini containers (check out Dollar Store arts and crafts section for itty bitty bottles for spices), staple pantry carbs (rice, pasta), bit of flour/cornstarch, even things like panang curry paste, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, soy sauce all sealed in vacuum sealed bags.
I’m not a visitor who shops at Costco upon landing, but a Hawai’i resident. I shop at Costco (Maui store) before the ‘mainland’ flights land because it’s a nightmare when the visitors converge at the local Costcos (also shopped at Iwilei, Hawai’i Kai and Kona stores). It’s busy enough with just residents shopping at Costco. Unfortunately, some visitors can be ‘pushy’ in their quest to get their goods before heading to their lodgings. FYI – Hilo doesn’t have a Costco, they have a Cost-U-Less store, which carries Costco items, though more pricey than the Kona Costco store. Mahalo!
Don’t forget the value of Costco stores to the local population. Especially the larger families who may be lower income families. Costco is a significant benefit to feeding, clothing and refueling these Hawaiians. Costco is also a significant employment opportunity for islanders. Some may call this a win-win situation. Don’t forget the hot dog deal! It’s my husband’s first request when we land on Maui… gotta get that hot dog and soda for $1.50!
A large pizza for ten bucks is a great deal. We get three meals out of that! During an extended stay we’ll hit Costco two or three times. Love having lunch in the food court on Maui with the chickens!
To each their own. *One time* I got off the 6 hour flight, 1 hour rental car process, and went straight to Costco and hated that choice.
I think if you’re super budget conscious maybe Hawaii isn’t the best spot generally?
You failed to mention that because of Costco, all retailers on all of the islands have had to reduce their prices due to the competitive pricing. Before Costco, retailers, including gas stations price gouged enormously. When Costco came into Kauai, all the retailers said they would not be able to compete and make a fair profit. Well, surprise, surprise they are still in business, pay their employees better wages and still make a profit. This has helped residents and tourists alike.
There is no Costco in Hilo. We drive over to Kona for a Costco run.
“The Big Island’s Kona and Hilo warehouses see steady visitor traffic.” This will be news for all of us living along the Hamakua coast. It would be convenient to have a Costco in Hilo, but there isn’t one now. Do you have inside information or a crystal ball?
Just wait until they try to eliminate 7000 short-term rentals on Maui. Costco may no longer have enough viable business to keep the Maui warehouse open. Short-term rentals are a huge part of Costco’s business on Maui. Everything from food, to appliances, to electronics, and lots of turnover of those items every time those condos change hands.
Closing Costco will affect local residents, in a big way. The locals love Costco, and rely on it to keep their living costs at a sane level.
You forgot the added savings of purchasing Costco E-Gift cards for restaurants in advance. We researched which restaurants have locations throughout the islands, and saved as much as 40% around Christmas one year, then used them at various locations such as California Pizza Kitchen, which has locations around the country. Caution, though: they don’t work in any airports, only free-standing or mall locations and it is always best if possible to check first to make sure they are easily accepted from your phone screenshot or Costco website portal. You may have to print them out here or there, but the savings are well worth it!
Last time we were in Hawaii we stopped at Costco when we drove over to Kona from Hilo.
Gas, Aloha shirts, and chocolate covered macadamia nuts… (and a cheap dinner).