Frugal Hawaii may not seem like words that go together, but they certainly do in 2022! And still, it’s always easy to get caught in Hawaii’s tourism money trap. We’re here to say there are so many creative ways that run the gamut to help you reduce costs.
We like to make it all a game instead of a burden while saving on airfare, accommodations, ground transportation, and activities. Below you will find just updated tips and tricks that may be new to you. We look forward to more ideas from our savvy readers like you. Also, if you don’t already, subscribe to our free email updates and never miss a Hawaii deal.
1. Ride the “Southwest Effect.” With Southwest Hawaii’s recent expansion in Hawaii, airfare to Hawaii has never, repeat never been cheaper. Competition with Hawaiian Airlines is fierce, as is also the case with Alaska Airlines and others. Recently we’ve had fares as low as $77 each way!
2. Travel during the off-season when you can. One of our perennial top tips. Even coming to Hawaii at the shoulder seasons, like late summer instead of mid-summer, will result in far lower costs across the board, plus reduced crowding. The most expensive times to visit Hawaii are over the Christmas holidays, followed by summer (June 15 to early August), then spring break.
3. Plan far ahead for peak seasons or be spontaneous and wait for Hawaii deals.
4. Consider travel insurance, whether or not you eventually buy it. Do not purchase through an airline, tour company, or cruise ship. Read how travel insurance saved us $600. Start shopping within a few days of making your first trip reservation as waiting can result in reduced coverage options. Consider how much money is at risk (think non-cancellable) and how much you are willing to lose in the event of trip cancellation, early termination, or loss of luggage. Shop around for the best insurance for your specific needs and do not buy on a whim. You need to do your homework to avoid throwing away money and perhaps even then not getting the coverage you need.
5. Be creative in buying Hawaii activities. Go to the vendors’ website and you may find online deals for a direct booking. We have seen this many times for boat tours and restaurants. Read how we saved $144 each and had a blast using the Go Oahu card.
6. If you’re coming here to celebrate a special event, be sure to mention this. Birthdays, honeymoons, and anniversaries may all qualify for that potential upgrade or another perk. Keep in mind, however, that it doesn’t always work, and it has been tried oh so many times.
7. Check restaurant websites and Yelp too. Many restaurants have discounted menus on certain days of the week or for early dining. We’ve also found discounts and freebies for Hawaii restaurants on Yelp.
8. How far are you willing to drive to save money on airfare? Consider neighbor airports to you. One example is San Jose and another is San Diego. Both frequently have great Hawaii deals on airfare when compared with neighboring airports. It doesn’t always work, but it is certainly worth checking.
9. In Honolulu, if you aren’t going to rent a car, consider in advance how to get from the airport into town. The Bus is definitely the cheapest way at $2.75 if you don’t have oversized luggage. Or buy an all-day pass for just $5.50. There will be a rail system in the near future. Otherwise, our unequivocal pick is Uber (which can now pick up and drop off at airports). Alternatively, there are many choices of taxis, shuttles or tour buses, none of which come totally cheap.
11. Car rental prices can be all over the map. Look at our guide to save money on 2022 Hawaii car rentals. And by the way, don’t forget to check the gas. Our recent rental came to us with a nearly empty tank, but we were so busy looking for dings that we forgot to check the gas until well after we’d left the rental lot. Ugg.
12. Travel with a nylon duffel bag. Especially if you’re traveling with only a carry-on, this can be helpful when buying too much on your Hawaii vacation and are needing to check a bag on the return.
13. Hawaii is replete with wonderful and abundant free activities. Take advantage of them from hiking to beaches to incredible Hawaii sunsets and more.
14. Purchase a buffet breakfast at your hotel. Yes buffets are returning, and many Hawaii hotels offer lavish buffets where you can eat enough to only need to buy dinner. Find out in advance what’s offered. When purchased with a room rate, these can often be had at about half the cost of buying them at the restaurant once you’ve arrived.
15. Please share your best Frugal Hawaii tips!
Updated 11/8/21.
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Jessica says
We rebooked our Thanksgiving trip due to crazy prices. Now we are traveling to Maui from the Bay Area (Oakland, SF or San Jose), California on 7/26-8/2/2018. Thoughts on when to purchase and what airline? Mahalo!!!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Jessica.
Normally for those dates we’d suggest buying now. However since 2018 will not be normal, suggest waiting until more flights are announced and there is additional competitive pricing from all of the airlines.
Aloha.
Jill says
Thank you for the tips! We are traveling from Minneapolis to Maui in March 2018. What is a good price for airfare and when is the best time to purchase our tickets? Thank you!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Jill.
Expect to pay from $600’s with a good connection the first half of the month, then going up by $200 or more for spring break in second half. If travels are during spring break probably best to buy now. Otherwise you can safely wait until fall or after.
Aloha.
Stacy says
HI …Is there a discounted way to get to Pearl Harbor from the big Island. Thanks much!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Stacy.
You’ll need to fly inter-island and arrange transport to/from HNL to Pearl Harbor. For help in putting it together, possibly Google for tour companies or find reputable ones in Oahu Revealed guidebook.
Aloha.
Melanie says
Aloha! We are traveling to the Big Island and staying in the Waikoloa area. My son is an avid basketball player, and he is wanting to shoot hoops/play pick-up while we are there. Is there a place you would recommend he go (a park or gym) to play? Mahalo!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Melanie.
Suggest Googling for that. We are not that familiar personally with things at Waikoloa on BI.
Aloha.
Hazel says
Traveling to Hawaii can be very expensive when you don’t know some tips and tricks on how to spend less while enjoying more. This post will surely help travelers planing to visit Hawaii. Thank you for the tips!
Tarin says
I just wanted to add a comment here to mention thanks for you very nice ideas.
Kali says
I sign up for the local grocery store rewards card when I travel. Most of my shopping is at Costco, but inevitably there will be a need to stop in to a local grocery.
Foodland in Kihei has the “Maika’i” program; using this, I can get the sale prices, plus I have linked it to earn HawaiiMiles as well!
Sarah R. says
My family and I are planning to visit the Hawaiian Islands in August of 2017. We are highly considering staying at Disney’s Aulani Resort. The thing is that none of us have ever been to Hawaii. We’d need to book a flight from San Jose, CA. Has anyone been to this resort? I want to make this trip affordable by saving up starting now in February through August. We are 8 people total. I want advice from the readers of this website on how to save money?Where to visit? Where to hike? Where to shop? What to eat if we only are vegetarians? Would we need to rent a car or is that another unnecessary expense, when the economic substitute is to use LYFT or UBER? Am I Asking all the right questions? What else should I be considering?
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Sarah.
If you wait you can target a best price of low $400’s RT. As for your other questions, we’d suggest you pick up the definitive guidebook, Oahu Revealed.
Aloha.
Kay H says
Go to local markets which vary between different cities to eat food at markets, delicious with lots of choices & prices very reasonable. Loco Moco is a dish that your hungry boys should check out before they get to island, I had 3 meals of mine from Lehua Café in Pahoa. Most of Hawaiian cafes are known for extra sized portions with sides of rice, pasta salad, etc. so go Local…
Michele S says
I have found one way to save money is to book my rental car as far in advance as possible. The prices only go up the closer one gets to the arrival date. And with Discount Rentals there is no charge until you get there. Watch the cancellation date but I usually have the car I want for at least half the price if I had waited until the month before leaving. Gook a bit longer than you need if you haven’t made flight arrangements yet. You can cancel excesses but additional days are at the current price when added.
Jordan W says
Hey Sarah R,
It may be a little late for this recommendation. However, if you are still looking at staying at Aulani with 8 guests, you might consider looking for someone selling Disney Vacation Club points online (I believe DVC may sponsor a site that allows this transaction). There are reputable sellers online, and using points can help reduce the cost of a stay a the Resort (which is fantastic, I highly recommend staying at the Aulani). Using DVC points, you can rent a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom villa which all come with a full kitchen (with all necessary utensils) and a washer and dryer (clutch when you’re really active on the island – no one wants to repack stinky clothes). Having the kitchen will help cut down on costs, and there are Safeways and a Costco on the way to the Resort from the Airport. Although, for a small fee, Aulani will stock your fridge for you. They have a shopping list online that you can fill out.
The Resort is expensive, but totally worth it (for adults and kids). If you can swing it, I’d recommend staying there for a few nights.
If you want to explore the island, you’ll need a car. However, this is expensive (like $40 a day) at Aulani. However, if you use DCV points your parking is included, so it’s an extra $40 in savings every day. Also, we’ve tried to Uber / taxi / shuttle to the Aulani, but its an expensive trip from the Airport. We always rent a car because we like to explore.
I hope your trip goes well.
Kirsten says
Greetings,
I will be traveling with my three teenage sons to The Big Island the end of March. Do you have any suggestions on restaurants where the boys will get filled up but not cost a fortune? We will be traveling all the way around the island. Thanks so much for your suggestions – we appreciate it!
Kirsten
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Kirsten.
Have you tried the Big Island Revealed guidebook? Highly recommend by us and others.
Aloha.
Joyce says
Hi Kirsten,
I recommend Kalapaki Beach Hut and Kauai Pasta in Lihue for your 3 teenage sons, and as others have mentioned Costco; the dining area is outdoors so you don’t need to be a member to eat there.
Aloha!
Halei says
Aloha, I have 2 boys also, I have been to the big island several times and staying for months at a time. Costco offers the hotdog/drink deal for 1.50 and other quick grabs like pizza (same price) and even salads that wont break your budget, quality is outstanding and 1-2 of them would fill a boys appetite at a great price (they are the 1 lb. size) I would suggest also packing your lunches to save money, skip milk unless you dont mind paying 7.00 a gallon. Depending on where you’re staying will determine the cost, subway on Ali drive is a good healthy stop (no parking so hope you’re close) for dinner I highly recommend “Big Island Grill” near the heart of Kona, best food for the buck on the island, I eat there always when Im in town, huge platters for 8-10.00 amazingly fresh a local favorite. skip (or run away) from LL BBQ, worst food you will ever eat, I promise Im saving you. Try Poke’ you can get it fresh in several small markets,its an Hawaiian staple and sell out almost as fast as its made, can get inside costco too (in the seafood part of the store) If in Hilo, there is a farmers market. The Parker Ranch is a nice drive, dont eat there, over the top prices will make you run back to Kona! Hope you have a wonderful stay and this helps. Costco is probably the best cost effective place but there is only 1 and its in Kona. Beware small groceries as freshness is not always priority and costs can be triple. Ask locals.
Cindy says
Hi,
I wanted to add to Kristen’s post. Check out car rental rates online and pick up a car at the airport. I would find the cheapest rate on a big enough car, and then check back every day until you leave. One poster says book early, because the rate goes up, that can be true so book as early as possible, but check back because half the time for me, the rate went way down as the date got close (the other times it went up, it just depends on inventory.)
I stock up at Target or Costco before reaching the hotel with a kitchen, at least for breakfast and snacks if not lunch and a dinner or two. This saves so much money and your digestion too! Also, if you have laundry at the hotel try and reduce how much you pack. My family gets away with just carry-ons and backpacks.
Casey says
We will be in Kauai in March. Any suggestions on restaurants that are not the typical tourist traps? Good food; not over priced.
Thank you!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Casey.
Think we’ll take the 5th on this one. Best food on Kauai will be what you buy locally (think farmers markets, fresh fish etc.) and prepare in your vacation rental. No doubt about that. Would not truly recommend any restaurants here, unless you are hungry and/or cooking isn’t an option. In that case, try using Yelp for reviews.
Aloha.
Marilyn says
There is a costco on Kauai. Usually our first stop prior to our hotel check in. Keiko’s was good we thought but expensive.
cassandra says
Love this post! We aren’t too concerned about lodging (got a good lead or ten there) or activities (we’ll mainly hike and cook food in our kitchen) but love the tips about groceries and packing food to ship as your luggage. Are there are basic hacks for discounting airfare? We were thinking maybe buying someone’s flight vouchers or opening a card with airline miles. We are traveling in March (off season) but on a weekend (Fri or Sat departure). Is timeshare a thing on the hawaiian islands for getting discounted/free tickets for excursions? Specifically, we’re sorta eyeing Kona.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Cassandra,
We don’t get into hacks for airfare. You can probably buy someone’s miles but that could be very problematic and is likely non-compliant terms of the mileage programs. There are free companion tickets with Alaska Airlines Visa card that might be worth checking out. Likely you can also go to a timeshare presentation in exchange for something of value too but again that isn’t something we are focused on.
Aloha.
Peggy Sellers says
Another great way to get to Hawai’i is to go to Delta.com and click on vacations….I used them several times to plan vacations….two to Hawai’i and one to Las Vegas…AWESOME package deals, air, hotel, car rentals!!! If you’re not renting a car, some hotels have package deals to Hawai’i that include a lei greeting and transportation to and from the hotel/airport! And you can make payments! Check it out! (And no I don’t work for Delta…just a great fan of their’s!!!)
Michael says
Most condos have rice cookers. Buy some poke, or two or three different kinds, and serve it over rice – you’d pay a lot for that at a sushi bar. Add a salad and you have a dinner you couldn’t get at home. Plenty of small spots have great fresh poke, Foodland and Times Markets as well. Take time to shop in Chinatown or if you’re on Oahu, buy fresh poke at Tomashiro’s in Honolulu or Poke Stop in Mililani just off H3 next to McDonalds. Poke Stop has great plate lunches, as well.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Michael,
Four of us had a beach picnic last night. Homemade salad, with seared ahi and dipping sauce from local fish market. Cost less than most fast food restaurants while quality exceeded anything we find at gourmet restaurants here. And the view was incredible.
Couldn’t agree more.
Aloha.
Ross says
I love your website!
My family and I are hoping to vacation in Waikiki in January 2017. Granted we are 6-7 months away, could you please give us recommendations as to what price we should be paying traveling from Boston and when do you think prices will start dropping? Thank you so much
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Ross.
Thank you. Best hope target price is about $700 with a good connection. January is high season, so may or may not happen, and if it does, can’t say when. Perhaps 90 days in advance as a guesstimate.
Aloha.
Karen says
I love this website!! My family is going on the NCL cruise in August. Looking forward to your review. When are you going??
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Karen,
We’re going in September. Have a great time. And Mahalo!
Aloha.
Leslie says
As far as I could see, the cruise departs from Hawaii, so do you mean you pay to fly there plus the cost of the cruise?
Betsy says
I agree with Koli on her tip for bringing food from the mainland. I’d like to add that I pack household items and food in a cardboard box (either leftover from a delivery or purchased from Staples). On the little island of Lanai–which is a part time home for me–selection is limited and prices are high. My frequent flyer status allows me to bring two bags for free. Airlines also offer upgrades that allow extra seat room and a second “bag” for free, thus no up charge for the cardboard box. Make sure that your box is wrapped well with strong tape and anything that is glass is packed well. Then simply dispose of, or recycle your box once you reach your destination.
Sue says
Just a heads up… In your post the link to the Polynesian Cultural Center has a minor typo in the web address so it doesn’t work.
I do love your website. I’ve gotten several deals from your tips so please keep up the good work!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Sue.
Thanks for that – yes a typo!
Aloha.
Sally says
Will be going to San Diego then Kona in October.from Philadelphia . We have miles for the first leg to San Diego. Alaska airlines has a one way flight from San Diego to Kona on 10/22/16 for $244 non stop and a one way flight from Kona to Philadelphia for $418. Do you think these prices will come down or is it time to buy?
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Sally,
Those are both very good prices. They aren’t likely to come down.
Aloha.
Koli says
I’m taking my grandkids for their first trip this coming week – I’ve been over to hawaii as a visitor for both business and vacation probably 70+ times since my first trip in 1975. I’ve learned so many money saving tips – here are a couple:
1. BUY a resale timeshare – many good ones are going for $100 or less on sites like redweek.com because people who own aren’t traveling or need to get out from under the deed. Maintenance fees run on average $1,000/year-where can you get a 1 bedroom resort condo for a whole week for $1,000??? It will cost $400 to have the escrow and deed recorded and the seller pays the transfer fee to the resort. Or RENT someone’s week that is posted – most just want to pay that year’s maintenance fee which for a TWO bedroom is around $1500 for a resort like Marriott. Learn about the resorts by reviewing tripadvisor reviews. Most are pretty spot on.
2. COSTCO, COSTCO, COSTCO…. for groceries if bringing a family, and for booze for couples, PLUS the discount cards for the restaurants and activities. Normally cost $79 for $100 worth. A 21% savings already!
3. We use a Rubbermaid tub and fill it full of non-perishable food items, and things like foil, baggies, paper plates, plastic picnic forks — it holds a lot and you can pack it to 50 lbs and it will cost you $25 as luggage. Strap it down with duct tape so that nothing gets pilfered. The $25 fee will be heck a savings $$$ when you see how much everything costs in the islands. Better to buy it mainland side and donate the leftovers with the tub to the local food bank and condo workers. They’ll appreciate it and YOU!
4. We “check out” a mifi from my employer’s work – that gives you internet access via cellular plans and the employer is more than willing to have him check email once in a bit. Internet plans at some resorts cost up to $8-$12 a day.
5. UBER – it’s now in the islands and if you can’t take “the Bus” which is a favorite for us, check out a quote using UBER to your destination. We found that many times we don’t need a car because we are just going to the resort and maybe out a couple of times, thus public transportation works or UBER. But when we do rent a car….I’ve found that the very best weekly rates are normally six month + prior to the trip date via hawaiidiscountcarrental.com
6. Shows and Tours – I’ve called the day before, just before closing, to see if any availability for the next day (or even 1-2 hours before a show time) and if there is, I ask if they offer last minute discount. Many times they will reply YES, just because they want to fill the place and I get a good discount. I’m always chatty, polite, appreciative and basically the best guest they have talked to that day. Why not? I’m in paradise!
7. Don’t be shy – if you’re over 50 or 55, ask for when their senior day is. e.g., we know stores like Ross offer senior day, go shop on that day. Or ask any vendor – perhaps they don’t have one but they’ll make one up for you. e.g., one Waikiki restaurant during shoulder season (beginning of May) told me “yes, we offer Senior Discounts for dinner between 5-6 on Mon, Tues and Wed. (and yet there was nothing posted like that but we got 15% off. It never hurts to ask is my motto.
8. Follow Beat of Hawaii and buy the Reveal books that are written for Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island. Well worth the latest edition to get good guidance for those that are fairly new to the islands.
Beat of Hawaii says
Thanks Koli!
Aloha.
diane says
Nice list. I would add spices to cook with as they are expensive there. We bring one check in for snorkeling gear and fill there extra space with food cooking gear etc. No fresh produce. Not allowed. After eating it you have extra room for purchases. I also add some old clothes I plan on leaving behind. Condos save money by allowing place to cook wash and dryer and more room to spread out. They also allow privacy for families with kids. Many have balconies that are pleasant and make you want to eat in. Also allow you to cook healthy. Most resteraunts totally over salt their foods so if you have blood pressure issues you can avoid eating out so much. Renting only condos allows us to save a ton of money and afford more trips there. And the kids are not right on top of us like in a hotel room. We skip all the tourist stuff also. We hike swim snorke and sight see. All free except the price of gas. We stock up at Costco when we get there for groceries when it is near by as well as using it for a cheap meal. Hawaii doesn’t have to be a pricy vacation. If I was younger I would camp also to save money. Many lovely options.
Richrd says
Stay in a condo for longer stays and cook some of your own meals. Make your own mai tais and shop at Costco fro some groceries like poke and pineapple and macadamia nuts. Go to half priced night restaurants and early dinners for discounts.We often get free airfare to Hawaii and return and find following these directions makes an inexpensive trip. Often three weeks for less than $4000 total for two and we eat out once a day and at nice restaurants three or four times a week and then a couple plate lunches.