Don’t fall over at the average Hawaii vacation cost. Accommodations is now at least five times more than typical Hawaii airfare. Don’t get priced out of Hawaii vacations.
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81 thoughts on “Have You Been Priced Out Of Hawaii Vacations Too?”
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I usually go to Hawaii for 5-6 wks in the winter & am a retiree on a fixed income. I have always been a frugal traveler, but as I see fewer yrs in my future I planned to do a 3 month splurge while my body still works. The sticker shock this yr is devastating. It looks like I will have to scrap my three months and trade it in for 2-3wks if that. The cost has nearly Doubled in one yr!!! Hawaii has become too expensive for the middle class, esp the fixed income retirees. My money will go further in Mexico.
Sorry, I don’t understand your delemma.if you’re staying for three months, you wouldn’t need to stay in a hotel or an STR. Except for the car rental, everything else would be normal prices, which are about what they are in any popular big city (I live here).
So, come ahead.
Its sad and frustrating. I live here on Kauai and can’t afford to travel inter isle. Its cheaper to take a vacation to Vegas! Obviously, different ammenities but just as much to do. HI residents would like to travel to neighboring islands but its crazy expensive. We basically pay same as the tourists. “Kamaaina” discount rates are so rare to find and not much cheaper. Hoping there will be a price break soon.
Vacation rentals are still cheaper than Hotels. You can buy leis at the grocery store and it is still cheaper. Beach towels, trinkets and souvenirs are still affordable if you go to Walmart.
I am not too sure about the vacation rentals being cheaper than hotels these days. The fees and charges, including cleaning, booking, taxes, rental site surcharges such as AirBnB’s, etc are pretty high.
The property taxes charged to owners of short term rental properties have increased exponentially, over owner occupied property taxes, and are being passed on to vacation property renters.
In addition, the huge jump in real estate values have seen many properties being sold and the prices paid then require the new owners to greatly increase the vacation rental rates.
It all adds up to costly accommodations that may previously have been a more budget friendly option.
All true, but the rise has been in tandem with hotels. Just go to, say, Wailea in Maui and look at the hotel prices and compare them with some of the very nice short-term rentals with twice the space and number of bedrooms. Even with all the service and cleaning fees, they don’t even begin to approach the 4-figure per night hotel prices.
All true, but the rise has been in tandem with hotels. Just go to, say, Wailea in Maui and look at the hotel prices and compare them with some of the very nice short-term rentals with twice the space and number of bedrooms. Even with all the service and cleaning fees, they don’t even begin to approach the 4-figure per night prices of hotels.
My husband and I have been coming to Hawaii for 50 years – and loving it until now.
Next year we’d like to spend 2 weeks on the Big Island.
So far we’ve been able to get one week in Kailua/Kona thru our timeshare organization. It doesn’t seem likely that a second week will become available, and it will cost us over $4000 if we have to pay for it ourselves. Since we’ve invited family to join us, we have no choice and must come up with the money.
We can’t afford this. So, unfortunately, this will probably be our last trip.
The only remaining option is Molokai, where we have our timeshare. And, luckily, we know a resident on that island who rents us an old car for $40 a day. This is so sad.
Look at Paniolo Gardens on the Big Island.
We have looked at the options. If you live on the west coast it’s hard to beat fly times to Hawaii as compared to other locations. Those who live on the east coast will probably look elsewhere. If you know how to look, you can still find decently priced options but, it’s nothing like it was. I can remember in 2019 finding a rental car with Discount Hawaii Car Rental for 595.00 for a month well, that’s gone. After many years we are still in love with the place. I’m not sure that foreign travel is going to help Hawaii because, foreign currency is badly devalued against the dollar. We look forward to our return soon.
Aloha
Buy a $10 or less toaster at K mart and have bagels with peanut butter (or cream cheese if you get a room with a mini frig). Some fruit, and you are set for breakfast every day. Then donate toaster to housekeeping or a thrift store before departure.
In 1975, we bought a timeshare because we loved Kauai and knew that when we were retired we wouldn’t want to pay to go there. We’ve added a little to it over the years and are now able to stay 3 weeks on Kauai. We eat in a lot (it has a full kitchen), the grocery prices have gone up but are bearable. We can usually get air by transferring extra timeshare points to airmiles. A lot of people don’t like timeshares and yes, we have to pay maintenance fees,but it has worked for us for close to 30 years.
We still save alot of money traveling with a group and sharing a condo with 2 other couples but the prices for everything are going through the roof, especially since we are Canadians. This may be our last trip to Hawaii because of the cost – we will be traveling to the Caribbean for the next few years as you can get way more bang for your buck and each island country is completely different from each other.
Thanks for the info- it sure seems way pricier than five years ago on the Big Island. Airbnb type accommodations are way cheaper especially if you shop around. Cook most of your own food, buy beverages from Costco. Activities can be cheap or free. You don’t have to do tours- rent kayaks, go snorkeling, hanging out on the beach, hiking, biking. We are doing 3 weeks for what one week “moderate” cost in this article.
We have a condo/car booked thru Costco travel for this coming January. The cost 2 years ago for a 14 day stay was $3700, now for same days it is $7500. This may sadly be one our last trips due to the cost. Understandably food costs are high but it is everywhere.
Mahalo for these articles. My spouse and I have been trying to get back to the Big Island since 2020. We usually go in May. We’ve been to the Big Island 5 times since 2011 and the last time we visited was in 2017. We usually fly HA and book air/hotel through their website as well. We usually book the rental car separately. I’ve been periodically pricing for the last couple of years and the costs have easily doubled for us. We’re hoping to go back next year (I’ve been saying that since 2020 lol), but I’m not hopeful due to the costs.
Any thoughts on the possibility of costs eventually coming down a bit? We’d like to go at least one last time, but we’re not comfy with paying almost $10k before meals, gifts, etc.
Hi Darcie.
We’re doubtful about costs coming down but hopeful about them not continuing to increase.
Aloha.
My husband and I were lucky enough to visit Maui 3 times and Kauai once. This past year will probably be our last. We stayed at the same place on Maui every time because we loved it. Now there is new owners and they raised the rates and with all costs going even higher we have been priced out. Our trips in the past we would eat out twice a day because I’m on vacation I don’t want to cook! This past March there were days we didn’t eat out. Going to the grocery store and getting snacks and ordering pizzas were fine some days. I figured it was about $1000 a day with no excursions. We found all the locals to be very pleasant but did run into rude tourists. Not good! I would love to go back but next year some place cheaper.
We bought a timeshare on Kauai in 1994. Since we’ve been using it almost 30 years, I can’t even recall what we paid. However our maintenance fee for one week at an oceanfront property is $1200. Without this bargain option, we wouldn’t be coming to Hawaii every year like we do. We also use credit card points for our airfare from California. For us, it’s still an affordable and enjoyable vacation and we consider ourselves lucky.
We were planning on going to The Big Island in January. Not now! Air fare from Phoenix is so much more expensive and not much choice with flight times either. We do not do red eyes and that seems to be the way return flights to mainland are going. We will just wait. Oh, and we are those retired people that spend more but not for the airfare prices they want now.
Aloha
Better believe it! We can’t afford it anymore. I love Hawaii. Had to cancel our 2 weeks trip in 2020 and it killed me to do it. I just went on a two week retirement trip but didn’t even consider Hawaii as where to go because of the expense. Unless costs come down drastically, We won’t be able to come back.
We live on Kauai and very quickly found ways to save money. Pack your own lunches when you go to the beach or if you are staying at a resort, bring a cooler to the pool. Believe it or not, 7-11 has great breakfast food and coffee; beats $8 a cup at the Sonesta. Although rental car prices have come down, if you use Turo you will not have long waits for picking up/dropping off your car. There is now a shuttle that will drive you to the Turo lot (back of Target) to pick up your car. It’s seamless!
I have been going to the Big Island since 2010, to other islands since 2003. I love Hawaii.
I have previously rented a Wailoloa Resort condo from an owner once or twice yearly from 2010 to 2017. Last trip, 2017, my monthly rate as a returning guest, was $2795.00 + taxes and fees, total $3386.00. (Cleaning fee was $195.)
The cost currently has skyrocketed to $7770 for the month, so with taxes and fees is now $10,405!! This includes the cleaning fee of $395. All quoted in USD.
Making things worse, our CAD/USD is $1.38. The cost, with exchange, is >$14,000 CAD. This is beyond any reasonable increase.
Now,more than ever, timeshares make sense in Hawaii. 17 nites for maintenance fee of $2400 total! Approximately $141/note! 1800 sq ft, king bed, living room, kitchen, grills outside. Living the dream!
My solution is….Barbados. Oceanfront condo, less than 25% of the cost of non oceanfront in Waikoloa Resort, Island of HI. Barbados Car rental @ Christmas ( high season) $44/ day USD, + VAT, 15 days = $740 USD, $15M insurance coverages included. Lovely people on a lovely island. I truly miss HI but cannot afford it any longer.
Mike, sounds wonderful, but you have to factor in the cost of buying the timeshare to come up with a real cost figure.
We have owned a timeshare on Maui for 20 years. We were able to get out of it last year and at the rates of everything probably will never go back. It’s a shame but when we visited the past few years we felt the locals we rather we not be there. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you. It’s the Bahamas for us now. The craziest thing I’ve ever heard is to pay to visit a beach.
Well I’m very glad we went in 21 and enjoyed ten days there were four of us. 400.00 each so 1600 for 10 days in a nice condo building a two blocks from Waikiki beach. It wasn’t super fancy but very comfortable.
Meals were I’d say reasonable drinks too. We ate out maybe 6 times total. We bbq Ed on a 6th floor pool deck that was nice and cooked in our room. Starbucks and other coffee a little higher but not bad. Got round trip airfare 210 each way. In the way home I upgraded to comfort class seat for 75 dollars.
I’d say personally I spent around 2300 dollars total in 10 days on the island. Oh one the traveling companion had a connection with one of the rental companies. Car was 400 for the ten days. Glad we went when we did. I’ll come bk
Aloha Guys,
It sounds like you stayed at the Mauna Lani when you were here recently.
We live in Kona and used to stay there at really good kama’aina rates, usually about three nights at a time. When Auberge took it over the rates skyrocketed and they no longer offer rates for locals; the best email offers are fourth night free after the higher daily charge. The remodel is nice but not worth the difference.
The Mauna Kea and the Hapuna Beach are offering kama’aina rates on the radio for about what Mauna Lani used to offer.
We did try Canoe House a bit after it re-opened in early 2021. It had also become much more expensive and the menu was pretty limited. Not ready to go back unless we hear it has improved.
Hi Michael.
No we did not stay there. Just ate at their restaurant.
Aloha.
I’m not promoting timeshare but our maintenance fee is the same whether we stay in Poipu or Branson. We haven’t always been happy owners, but currently glad not to have to consider accommodation costs when planning Hawaii travel. With a kitchen, we plan on one meal out & use the Ultimate Guidebooks to research local places with good food & moderate prices. We scout out Happy Hours & Early Bird specials. Thanks for the tip on using massage schools. Heading to Kauai 2023 & will scout one out.
In our 70’s now and after getting married on Maui some 10 years ago, and probably 10 trips to the islands since 2001, it breaks our heart that we may never be able to return. Now doing a lot of travelling in and around Nevada and Arizona.
Aloha Guys.
We are timeshare owners – bought 15 years ago – so that helps a lot. We bring our own snorkel gear and blow-up kayak. We eat out probably 3x/week because we can’t get fish like that in Tucson, and we hardly ever eat out at home! We do a cheaper whale watching boat ride because that’s just to die for and why we only go to Maui in Jan/Feb! The big issue now is the huge car rental cost. We looked into using a shuttle but that would be half the cost of a car rental, so not worth it – might as well pay twice as much and have a car! So many places to go! We would be spending just as much to go to Europe – we don’t think of Hawaii as a “domestic” trip cuz we’re crossing an ocean! Thanks for all your great reporting, BOH – so valuable!
Thank you for saying this. So many want to act like its mainland USA and it just Isn’t.
Our family’s favorite island is Maui, and for as long as I can remember, we have tried to travel there at least twice per year. I completely understand that inflation has been a game-changer for the islands, but when we can now book a trip to Europe (specifically Spain) for close to $3500 (4-5 star hotels, car service and air), compared to Maui that comes in just over $8000, I am definitely leaning towards Europe. Once the prices in Hawaii calm down, we will be back.
Yeah, I think one of the problems is the strong US dollar right now. Great for European vacations, not so good for those based in the states, including Hawaii. I’m sure it will moderate some time in the future, it always does. It will also give wages a change to catch up to inflation. These things go in cycles.
After going to Oahu and Maui for the last 20 years we have decided to forgo any further travels to the islands. Outrages prices on accommodations, high prices on food and rental cars, and the general attitude of locals disliking tourists, we’ve had enough. I’m sure, in the larger picture, we won’t be missed.
My trip to the Big Island is in 13 days but so far the cost has been stellar. Two R/T tickets from Las Vegas to Kona $756. on Southwest. We will leave our car at a hotel in Henderson cost $0 Oct 31 one free night hotel stay prior to departure and one night on our return Nov 8th $68.74. Uber to and from the airport with tip $108 Car Rental in Kona with Budget an economy car booked through Undercover Tourist for seven days of unlimited mileage $267. Two nights at a time share compliments of our son $10.64, four nights at our daughter’s house by the black sand beach, $0. One night back in Kona (to be close to the airport) at an Air BnB with a private pool 1 night $163.75. We will owe for our food and entertainment entire trip under $2000.
Excellent, Carol, that’s the spirit! Instead of whining, you were proactive. Using points, short-term rentals, local car companies, and searching out the places where the locals eat will save you a ton. Congrats!
I adjusted our travel days for our upcoming spring break trip. We were originally planning flights on the weekend, but we saved thousands of dollars on airfare by changing to Monday-Monday flights! My kids will miss one day of school after spring break. Thankfully, I was able to change our timeshare reservations to match the flights (although instead of one place, we now have 4 nights at one place and 3 at another). Our timeshare will have a kitchen and laundry facilities, so that saves money. I’m still rechecking rental car prices to see if we can get a better deal on that.
Like I told Carol, your proactive, positive attitude is really refreshing! A little research and creativity goes a long way!
Just got back from the NCL cruise and it was awesome. Ship is sailing at 40% capacity so lots of upgraded rooms available. Ocean front view at Motel 6 priced
TLDR; we’re not doing a 2023 trip to Hawaii.
Just got back from 3 weeks on Hawaii Island and Oahu, with three types and timeframes for accommodations. Here’s what I saw (these are all for 2-BDR’s):
A reservation originally made through VRBO in 2019 would have been 60% more.
A reservation made in late 2021 would have been 53% higher.
The Marriott timeshare “sales” reservation would have been 200% higher.
Yes, spending 90 minutes saying “No” to a timeshare salesperson is not everyone’s cup of tea, but I can deal with it for a great deal.
Rented SUV’s (2 of them) for about $70/day. Due diligence re-checking rates paid off.
When I look forward, I see nothing but bad news for Hawaiian travel, and will beg off 2023.
Aloha,
Big Island resident here 🙂 One suggestion for the $117 beach towel at the hotel: buy a beach towel at Costco or Walmart for under $20. Same for flower leis, under $20 for a double set. Safeway carries a good assortment of tropical and Mainland flowers. Best deals are found at the farmers market in Kona and at the intersection of Queen K and Henry Street on Saturday. It’s an impromptu flower stand with tropical bouquets from a flower farmer. Many wedding planners shop there.
As for room rates, there are plenty of AirBnb’s under $200 per night in Kona and South Kona that offer excellent quality and top rated hosts. The accommodation cost can be kept under $1500 per 7 nights.
Curious what hotel charges $117 for a beach towel?
I’d love to know more about the air bnb options you mentioned
The Target in Lihue on Kauai has been selling beautiful orchid leis for $12.99 and others for a little more! It’s a great deal …
Extremely happy we visited the islands for over 40 years when they were not very crowded & prices were reasonable. Always rented condos from owners here in NorCal. Ate out occasionally–always the Ono for breakfast in Kapaa–but packed lunches & went to the Sunshine Market weekly. Often had the plate lunch for dinner from the Pono Mkt. Sometimes bought fish off Terry’s boat in the canal. Also frequented #1 Chinese Takeout. Those were the good ‘ole days! Thks to you two for the N/L. Other than a friend in Waimea, you’re our last link to our much loved Kauai. However have hooked a son on going there frequently.
We’ve been to Maui 15 times since ‘15, just returned on 10/12 from a 19 day stay and have a trip booked for next May/Jun….but after that who knows. We love the island but it’s getting to the point where the value becomes less and less worth it each visit. Between the locals who don’t want us there and the “money grabs” that are increasing with each visit it just might be time to use our $$$ in other places. Hard to believe that just a short while ago they were begging us to come back but now we are disposable. Be careful what you wish for Hawaii, you just might get it!!!
Although I’m nearly 74 and way past the age of a timeshare being a great investment, in August we bought with Hilton, primarily to avoid the exorbitant resort fees. Condos also allow for eating in, as I Used to find eating out was the biggest unnecessary expense. Not going to Hawaii is not an option because my only grandchild is there. I also refuse to rent a car—the bus will do.
After years and multiple trips, on this last one a week ago I finally encountered rude tourists on Two occasions. No wonder the locals don’t want us.
Headed for Honolulu soon–used points for the bulk of my flight cost, staying at one of the very few hotels in Waikiki with no resort fee. Sadly, with the recent price increases, this might be my last visit.
I have free airfare with my miles and it’s still not worth it to go. I was going to split my time between Oahu and Maui for 10 days and it’ll still run me about a 1k a day with average type hotels Hilton village and kbh on Maui. From the line at Maui airport to upcharges on parking etc it just gets to a point where you feel like you aren’t welcome and you are just getting milked of every dime you have. For 10k I have better things to do. I lived there almost 20 years and visited for 15 annually spent 10k a trip but that was at the high end places halekulani and kahala and grand wailea etc. but the Maui resort especially are insane !!!!
We’ve been frequent visitors for 10 years but this year opted for Alaska, 2 weeks for the cost of what our Kauai condo ran last January and included a cruise. Next year 30 days in Ireland, Croatia, Portugal and NYC for less than 2 weeks on Kauai. Sorry not sorry. Let foreign travelers pay the premium.
There’s always a way to travel more economically if one chooses to do so. We just came back from the Big Island. We stayed in a VRBO property where have have stayed before, small but perfect with an incredible view, off the beaten track for $140/night. I know that doesn’t work for everyone but it can be done…
BOH, I notice that you tend to talk about and compare only hotel rates. Why not also describe the average short-term rental rates on different islands and on different parts of the islands? Those rates are about 1/3 of the hotel rates, even today, making a Hawaii vacation a LOT more affordable.
Of course, we are only talking about legal, licensed and registered vacation rentals. You might even only include the rates at condo complexes, because of the sensitivity of neighborhoods towards the renting out of single family houses.
This bubble has to burst. It’s crazy. I was once paying $130/night for a condo for a month, not it’s $300/night. I won’t stay as long and I won’t spend as much money. Luckily the beaches are free (for now).
Yes, but at least $300 a night isn’t $1000 a night. Quite a big difference.