How much money will I spend a day in Hawaii?

We generally spend about $200 to $300 a day on average when we go, but our habits might be entirely different from yours.



For a mid-range traveler in 2026, you should budget approximately $600 to $850 per day in Hawaii, including accommodation. According to recent 2026 statistics, the average daily spend on an island like Oahu is around $276 per person purely for food, transportation, and activities, excluding the cost of the hotel. Accommodation adds a significant layer, with 4-star beachfront resorts in Waikiki or Maui typically starting at $450 to $650 per night. Food costs are also high due to most items being imported; a casual lunch for two can easily cost $60, while a nice dinner with drinks can exceed $200. To manage costs, many visitors utilize "plate lunch" trucks or grocery stores for breakfast. Budget-conscious travelers can get by on $300 to $450 a day by staying in hostels or inland rentals and using public transit like "TheBus," while luxury travelers can easily spend $2,000+ per day on private tours, fine dining, and five-star resorts in areas like Wailea or the Kohala Coast.

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I usually bring $500 cash and then use bank machines when I need more. It really depends on what you're going to be doing there. If it was me I would budget $100 per person per day to eat. If you rent a condo you could buy groceries for probably $40 a day.

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Honestly, prices in Hawaii are not greater than mainland US. Some restaurants DO charge high prices depending on where (usually ocean side dining costs more, eating at high-end chain restaurants or hotels is expensive). However, there are places to eat where you can expect to pay prices you are familiar with.

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Oahu is the cheapest Hawaiian island to visit, with a total cost of $3,015. A Ko Olina Resort lagoon on Oahu. Maui is the most expensive island to visit, coming in over $2,000 more expensive, with a total cost of $5,142. The Grand Wailea in Maui, a luxury resort.

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How much is a meal for 2 in Hawaii? Although the following figures are average estimates on what you might spend on necessities and fun in Hawaii, they may help you when planning your vacation budget: Breakfast and lunch: $8 to $16 per person. Dinner: $14 to $25 per person. Gourmet meal: $25 to $55 per person.

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It's always advisable to bring money in a variety of forms on a vacation: a mix of cash, credit cards, and traveler's checks. You should also exchange enough petty cash to cover airport incidentals, tipping, and transportation to your hotel before you leave home, or withdraw money upon arrival at an airport ATM.

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Most establishments on Oahu–particularly in tourist areas–accept all major credit and debit cards. Nonetheless, having a small amount of cash on hand can be extremely useful. To avoid ATM withdrawal fees, bring cash with you from home. We suggest carrying a small amount with you each day–around $50 should be good.

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For a one week trip, that means you'll spend anywhere from $350 to $1000 per week. Just remember that if you do choose to get a car rental in Hawaii, you'll need to be aware of parking fees. Parking fees around the cities cost just a few dollars per hour.

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RESTRICTED OR PROHIBITED ITEMS:
  • Pineapple and bromeliad plants and fruits.
  • Passion fruit plants and seeds.
  • Cruciferous root vegetables (radish, turnip, daikon, horseradish, rutabaga)
  • Corn on the cob.
  • Citrus and pulpy fruits from Florida & Puerto Rico.
  • Taro and dasheen.
  • Coconuts.


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Most establishments on Oahu–particularly in tourist areas–accept all major credit and debit cards. Nonetheless, having a small amount of cash on hand can be extremely useful. To avoid ATM withdrawal fees, bring cash with you from home.

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The US Dollar is the official currency used in Hawaii. Major credit cards and traveller's cheques are widely accepted, plus there are plenty of ATMs and currency exchange stores at the resorts, shopping centres and throughout each of the islands.

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Hawaii's currency is the US dollar. Traveler's checks aren't necessary since credit cards are widely accepted and ATM machines are plentiful. Don't worry if you forget something. Hawaii's retail stores and malls have everything you need, including plenty of sunscreen.

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Top 10 Foods & Drinks You Must Try in Hawaii
  • Poke. Perennially beloved by locals and visitors alike, poke is a rich dish full of flavorful, simple ingredients. ...
  • Poi. Taro root, a vegetable similar to sweet potato, forms the basis of this classic side dish. ...
  • Lomi Lomi Salmon. ...
  • Kalua Pua'a. ...
  • Lau Lau. ...
  • Haupia. ...
  • Pipi Kalua. ...
  • Loco Moco.


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There are also a handful of items that are cheaper in Hawaii than in many parts of the U.S., such as locally grown avocados and tropical fruits like apple bananas, papaya, and dragonfruit.

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April thru June and mid-August thru mid-September are Hawaii's low seasons, and airfares are lower then. No matter what time of year you travel, you may be able to score better deals if you travel midweek.

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Due to the abundance of hotels, activities, tours, and attractions, Oahu is the cheapest Hawaiian island to visit. Between the competitive prices and myriad of things to do, those looking for a budget vacation to Hawaii will find that Oahu is exactly what they've been searching for.

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For instance, 20–25% tips are the norm in restaurants. Many workers in Hawaii are paid less than minimum wage with tips factored into their regular pay similar to the US mainland. It can be considered rude to fail to tip or under tip your host or hostess.

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