least expensive hawaiian island to visit

Which is the Cheapest Island in Hawaii to Visit?

If going to Hawaii is on your bucket list, you might be wondering what the least expensive Hawaiian island to visit is. The answer: Oahu.

If only trips to paradise were free, right? Everyone knows traveling to Hawaii is not cheap. But that doesn’t deter people from visiting. In fact, travelers save up for months with the goal of visiting one or more of the islands.

Which Hawaiian Island is the Cheapest to Visit

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.

Even though Oahu is considered the cheapest island in Hawaii to visit, you still need to do your research. Price shopping for hotels, activities, and transportation ensures you find the lowest prices available.

When scouring the Internet for affordable travel rates, keep these tips in mind:

Skip the Rental Car

If you were debating renting a car while visiting Oahu, think again. Oahu’s public transportation is easy to use and inexpensive.

Related Post: Getting Around Oahu When You Don’t Know What You’re Doing

When you visit Oahu, use a combination of public transportation, ride-sharing services, and Turo for days when you want to go to the North Shore.

Be Selective of Hotel Location

While the hotels on Waikiki Beach are gorgeous and full of amenities, so are the hotels a few blocks away. Try to find a hotel that isn’t directly on Waikiki Beach for lower nightly rates.

These hotels are also within walking distance of the beach and other Waikiki area attractions. Why pay more for beachfront access when these convenient hotels cost far less?

Visit in the Off-Season

For even cheaper rates on hotels, flights, and activities, visit Oahu in the off-season. Typically, the spring and fall seasons boast smaller crowds and better prices.

Be sure to double-check the calendar and make sure you’re not booking a trip during a school break either!

Inexpensive Things to Do on Oahu

Since Oahu is considered the cheapest Hawaiian island to visit, you’re probably wondering what there is to do on the island. Oahu is bursting with exciting (and cheap) activities to do, including:

• Snorkeling ($)
• Botanical Gardens ($)
• Hiking Trails – Diamond Head (Free)
• Ziplining ($)
• Pearl Harbor (Free/$)
• Bishop Museum ($)
• Going to the Beach (Free)
• Food Trucks ($)
• Surfing (Free/$)
• Touring the Dole Plantation ($)
• Waikiki Aquarium ($)

To make sure you stay within budget, have an itinerary planned out for each day. That way you’ll know exactly how much you’re spending on food, transportation, and fun!

Tripster also has the best rates on fun watersports excursions like parasailing and sailing around the Pacific shore on your own Personal Yamaha Watercraft.

Related Post: Oahu North Shore Attractions You Can’t Miss

What’s more, Oahu has some of the best whale-watching adventures for you to see the majestic humpbacks in all their glory. We have great deals with guaranteed whale sightings or your money back!

Cheapest Hawaii Island to Visit on a Budget?

While the cheapest island to visit in Hawaii is Oahu, that doesn’t mean you can’t explore the other islands for less!

Planning a Hawaii vacation on a budget is easy, so long as you do your research and follow our advice. We have “ 10 Absolutely Free Things to Do in Poipu, Kauai ,” and other handy information right at your fingertips.

Take Advantage of Free Activities

Which Hawaiian Island is cheapest to visit for free activities?

When you visit any of the Hawaiian islands, you’re instantly immersed in a lush tropical paradise full of adventure.

Each island offers an extraordinary amount of free things to do including lounging on pristine beaches, exhilarating hikes, snorkeling, nature walks, sample the best coffee at Kona Hawaii and so much more. Do your research and stretch your budget by taking advantage of these free activities.

We have extensive guides on nature trails through state parks, the best places to swim and museums to browse, across all the islands. Check out “ 8 Fun and Free Things to Do on Big Island. ”

And, while not all activities are free, many are affordable. Renting a mask, snorkel, and fins cost me a whopping $12 for the day on the North Shore of Oahu. That’s it!

Hawaii Cheapest Island to Fly To

Arguably the most expensive part of a Hawaiian vacation is the flights. Depending on where you are coming from in the world, flights can annihilate a travel budget.

With this in mind, if you want it is imperative you book your flights strategically. In addition to being on the lookout for airline sales and other travel promotions, use these tips to find a cheap flight:

Which is the Cheapest Hawaiian Island to Fly To?

Unless you plan to use airline miles or points to book your flight, it is in your best interest to be flexible with your travel plans.

Everything from the airline you book with to the time of day you fly has an effect on which is the cheapest Hawaiian island to fly to.

Being flexible with these factors can help you secure the least expensive flight to your island of choice.

Related Post: Where to Stay in Hawaii on a Budget: A First Time Visitor’s Guide

For instance, I found it was far more affordable to book a ticket to LAX on one airline and the next flight to Honolulu on another.

You may find that flights later in the day offer cheaper rates. Be flexible and shop around!

Don’t Book Too Soon or Too Late

A study showed that booking a flight anywhere from 3.5 months to 3 weeks in advance is the “sweet spot” for prices. Booking too early or too late can lead to a surge in fares.

When searching for flights, be sure to use a site with a pricing indicator that suggests the best time to buy.

Book a Condo or Suite

At first glance, this bit of advice may seem counterintuitive. Don’t condos and suites cost more than a typical hotel room? While, yes, they are more expensive, you save more in another area of your trip to Hawaii: food .

Condos and suites often have a kitchen or a kitchenette, which allows you to cook your own food. While I highly encourage you to sample Hawaii’s heavenly cuisine, you can save money by cooking breakfast and lunch for yourself.

Cheapest Places to Visit in Hawaii with Hawaii Vacation Packages

For even more budget friendly savings, look for opportunities to combine your hotel and activities into a vacation package. Package options from Tripster are the perfect way to save!

Build your own vacation package with your choice of hotel, luau, and activities, and watch the savings roll in. You can also save a bundle when you combine lodging with activities like luau concerts and spectacular area helicopter rides.

Cheapest Island in Hawaii to Visit: Planning and Research

With a bit of planning and research, you can travel to Hawaii without spending far too much. Those looking for the least expensive Hawaiian island to visit should book a trip to Oahu .

Related Post:  33 Incredibly Fun & Free Things to Do in Hawaii

However, it’s also possible to travel to Maui , the Big Island , and Kauai without draining your travel budget.

Ready to Plan A Trip to the Most Affordable Hawaiian Island?

Related post: how to plan a budget hawaii vacation.

Oahu is the least expensive island in Hawaii but with Tripster’s discount tickets and Hawaii vacation packages you can save some serious cash for your wallet. What other money saving tips do you have for visiting Hawaii?

Written by Anne Mercer

2 comments about “Which is the Cheapest Island in Hawaii to Visit?”

Waimea Bay Beach is great for cliff jumping (8m backflips), plus there is Diamond Head for hiking to the top. Turtle Bay we saw turtles there. We went there in July, 2021.

We are going to need to see photos of those backflips!! 🙂 Tag us @tripster

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Visiting Hawaii on a budget (2024): all the tricks and tips you need to know

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Most people think that “Hawaii” and “budget” don’t belong in the same sentence. After all, it’s supposed to be a splurge to visit a gorgeous tropical paradise… right?

We’re here to tell you that traveling to Hawaii on a budget is possible and can be even more rewarding than what the brochures from expensive resorts show you. There are so many opportunities for how to do Hawaii on a budget in every category – from airfares to discount accommodations in Hawaii to saving money on activities. Keep reading for our best tips to save money on a trip to Hawaii.

And listen – please only share this post with people you really like, because I’m sharing all of our very best secrets for visiting Hawaii on a budget. It’s very long because I don’t want to leave anything out, so you may want to save or bookmark the post to come back to later!

Finding the cheapest way to go to Hawaii

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Trying to plan a Hawaii vacation on a budget? Make sure you don’t blow it before your feet even touch the sand! If you’re traveling from mainland US to Hawaii, there’s a very good chance that you can score an awesome deal on your airfare to Hawaii and there are lots of ways to do it. Read on for insider tips on how to go to Hawaii on a budget.

First, be flexible about your dates and which island you visit – within reason. Since airfare and lodging are the two biggest components of your Hawaii trip cost, you’ll want to balance those two to minimize your costs. Second, weigh the many options you have for using cash or points to book those plane tickets. Here are just a few ways to save money on airfare to Hawaii:

Find the cheapest airfare for cash payment

Sometimes the simplest thing to do is pay cash for a plane ticket, and with the great deals you can often find from America’s west coast it just might make sense. The first place to start your search is on Skyscanner .

We love using Skyscanner to find flights because it allows us to reflect our total flexibility – we can allow nearby airports on both ends and search for whole months at a time to land the best rate. Even if you don’t end up paying cash, it’s always important to know the going rate for flights when evaluating whether or not an award redemption is worthwhile.

Look for special deals

In early 2019 Southwest launched their much-anticipated service to Hawaii. Introductory fares were as low as $49 each way from select airports and eligible for Companion Pass! Now fares have settled in higher, but still cheaper than plenty of mainline carriers. Southwest’s Companion Pass only requires that you pay taxes, so it can be a really great deal. The fastest way to earn your companion pass is by opening a Southwest credit card – even faster if you open a personal card and a business card.

The catch is that they don’t have an extensive route map if you live outside of the West Coast: currently they only offer non-stop service from California, Phoenix and Las Vegas to Hawaii, with the most extensive service to Oahu in Maui . Some US cities also get flights to Kauai and Big Island . There are also inter-island flights, but it’s definitely worth comparing prices versus local carrier Mokulele Airlines to find the cheapest option.

Still and all, the Companion Pass is such an amazing value that I recently opened two Southwest credit cards in anticipation of a return visit to Hawaii. I only have to pay $5.60 to bring another family member with me! See the latest Southwest credit card promotions to get your Companion Pass.

❗ Learn more: How to get the Southwest companion pass

Many frequent flyers have heard of Southwest’s Companion Pass that you can earn through credit card sign up bonuses , but did you know that Alaska Airlines offers a similar one too? Alaska’s is a little different (only one per year and generally $99 per companion ticket plus taxes, but the base fare is often waived in the first year with promotions) but Alaska Airlines has tons of flights to Hawaii ! You can earn one with an Alaska Airlines credit card .

And it’s not one of those gimmicks where you have to pay an exorbitant price for the first ticket in order to use a companion fare on the second one (as with some old Amex promotions), you can just buy any regular ticket on the website. Especially for west coasters who already have access to bargain plane tickets to the Aloha State, this might be one the cheapest way to travel to Hawaii.

Book with frequent flyer miles

Obviously the cheapest way to go to Hawaii is not to pay for it! When your friends ask you how to go do Hawaii on a budget, this is usually the first trick you’ll want to tell them about. “Free” is the cheapest way to get to Hawaii and one we’ve taken advantage of many times.

We recommend targeting at least 2 cents per mile, but sometimes it makes sense to redeem for as little as 1.5 cents per mile if you really don’t want to spend the money out of pocket (after all, if you’re buying four plane tickets to pretty much anywhere you’re looking at a minimum of a thousand dollars). While many airlines now offer dynamic (= more expensive) point redemptions, here are the major airline baseline award redemptions for from the continental US to Hawaii as of October 2022 (economy class for us, folks):

American Airlines – 45,000 peak; 40,000 off-peak

United Airlines – 45,000

Delta Airlines – 45,000

Alaska Airlines – 40,000

British Airways – 26,000 from west coast , 51,500 from east coast (operated by AA)

From the chart above, it’s clear where the value in frequent flyer tickets to Hawaii lies. Alaska Airlines and sometimes British Airways can offer far better value than the mainline US carriers. British Airways offers a distance-based award chart, so passengers coming from the west coast only need 26,000 miles for a round trip, while east coasters would need a whopping 51,500 miles!

Ok, so how can you earn enough British Airways Avios points as an American? Simple: open up a Chase Sapphire Preferred , Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Ink Business Preferred card and once your sign-up bonus hits, do an instant transfer to your Executive Club account! Then redeem here through your account BA account. As of August 2023, the Sapphire Preferred sign up bonus is 60,000 points as is the Chase Sapphire Reserve sign up bonus , while small business owners get a 100,000 point sign up bonus with the Ink Business Preferred. That’s almost enough to get a family to Hawaii and back from the West Coast. You can also follow our lead and get both personal and business cards for each adult in the family cards to really juice up your award travel options.

Southwest’s frequent flyer redemption is fare-based so it varies a ton, but you can combine it with your Companion Pass discussed above to get two tickets to Hawaii for just the miles you’d need for one ticket. If you can find an affordable time of year using their low fare calendar, it’s a dynamite option to fly to Hawaii for cheap. Apply for a Southwest credit card here to start earning your Companion Pass. If you also have the Chase cards I mentioned above, know that you can transfer those Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest as well if you’re a little short.

If you’re in a city with lots of United flights, the most straightforward option might be to grab a United Mileage Plus Explorer credit card . The usual fee is $95 per year (though sometimes the first year fee is waived) and it comes with 50,000 bonus miles – enough to cover your ticket. We love that it includes free checked baggage when you use the card, even if you’re just covering taxes on an award ticket redemption, and you’ll get two passes to the United Club lounge. We carry this card and use it whenever we’re booking United flights.

Redeem Chase Ultimate Reward Points

Wondering how to go to Hawaii on the cheap? The final way to save money on plane tickets to Hawaii is actually how we picked up three of our four tickets on one trip to Hawaii. Since we’ve accumulated a ton of Chase Ultimate Rewards points through our Sapphire Preferred , Sapphire Reserve and Ink Business Preferred cards, we’ve sometimes taken advantage of their flexibility to buy our tickets.

One of our favorite features of Ultimate Rewards points is that you can redeem them for almost any travel expense through the portal; your redemption rate is 1-1.25 cents per point with most Chase cards and 1.5 cents per point if you have the Sapphire Reserve card (even if the points were earned on a different Chase card and transferred or pooled).

In our case tickets on Alaska were $445 each if purchased with cash, so we redeemed almost exactly 30,000 points for each. Ultimate Rewards points do not transfer to Alaska Airlines, but by purchasing through the portal we had no out of pocket expense – not even taxes. Pretty sweet!

Want to plan the ultimate Hawaii vacation? Click here for step-by-step Hawaii travel planning help!

Save money by going carry-on only!  Check out our full (but minimalist) women’s packing list for Hawaii .

Hopefully we’ve gotten you to Hawaii without putting too big of a dent in your wallet. The other huge chunk of the cost of a Hawaii vacation is accommodation. If you really want to plan a budget trip to Hawaii, consider a home exchange.

Check out this map to find (slightly) more budget-friendly options:

Vacation Rentals in Hawaii

Vacation rentals can be a great option in Hawaii, but it’s important to know what you’re getting in to. In June 2019, the mayor of Honolulu enacted strict limits on unhosted short-term vacation rentals on Oahu – essentially stifling the market for Airbnb on Oahu outside of designated tourist zones like Waikiki, Ko Olina and Turtle Bay. Newer restrictions are even tougher.

Other areas will still have some vacation rentals available, but limited in number and they have to be licensed. Likewise, other parts of Hawaii have limits on short-term rentals. Vacation rentals can be one of the best options for how to do Hawaii on the cheap, but check listings carefully!

If you find an awesome legal rental in Hawaii, that can be a great way to stay! You’ll be able to save money on groceries, parking and more while also enjoying a different kind of feel.

Here are some great options to consider for each island (though “cheap” is a relative term and varies somewhat by island):

• Cheap vacation rentals on Oahu
• Cheap vacation rentals on Maui
• Cheap vacation rentals on the Big Island
• Cheap vacation rentals on Kauai

Hotels in Hawaii

Would you rather just stay in a hotel in Hawaii? There are so many to choose from, even if you’re planning a trip to Hawaii on a budget!

The cheapest way to stay at a hotel in Hawaii is for free, obviously. We recently grabbed a World of Hyatt credit card so that we can use the sign-up bonus for an upcoming trip to Kauai and Maui! While there are tons of hotel loyalty programs out there, Hyatt has the most generous award chart and often requires only half as many points per night as competitors like Marriott and Hilton. In addition, award stays pay no resort fee and still count toward achieving elite status. We really love the Hyatt program!

If that all sounds great, I have even better news for you. The Chase Sapphire Preferred , Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Ink Business Preferred cards credit cards that our family uses can transfer their points to Hyatt as well! Obviously you need to use your credit cards responsibly and pay the balances every month, but if you’re strategic about your sign up bonuses you can land a mostly free trip to paradise by combining one of the airline programs I mentioned above with the Hyatt hotel program.

Another budget-friendly hotel option for Hawaii is to try to look for ones that offer a kitchen and laundry to avoid pricey meals out and laundry services. You’ll still get the resort amenities like beautiful pools, on-site restaurants and quality staffing. Check out these great options on each island:

Oahu : – Beach Villas at Ko Olina – Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club (also check here for deals ) >>> Check out this area-by-area guide to where to stay on Oahu

Maui : – Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas (this is where we stayed during our first trip to Hawaii with a baby and it was wonderful!) – Honua Kai resort

Kauai : – Plantation Hale Suites (***bargain alert!) – Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club – Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons – Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas – Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu We haven’t visited Kauai yet, but check out this detailed guide to the best of kid-friendly Kauai !

Big Island : – Inn At Kulaniapia – Orchid Tree B&B – Hilo Bay Oceanfront Bed & Breakfast – Kilauea Lodge & Restaurant – Hilton Waikoloa Village – Waikoloa Village vacation rentals (we stayed in one of these on our last visit and it was wonderful) – Mauna Lani Point Villas – The Islands At Mauna Lani – Mauna Lani Resort (I felt so pampered when I stayed here many years ago!) – Westin Hapuna Beach Resort – Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (we love the beach here, arguably one of the Big Island’s best)

Read more: Check out these simple tips for saving more on your reservations!

If you or a loved one is a member of the US military, make sure to check out the Hale Koa Hotel on Waikiki Beach. As a “thank you” to service members, this fairly basic hotel offers a world-class location and comfortable amenities as prices that can be half or even a third of the price of surrounding resorts. Find more details here about this wonderful option for service members wondering how to visit Hawaii on a budget.

Home Exchange in Hawaii

There are so many reasons why we love home exchange, and a few that are extremely relevant to planning a Hawaii family vacation on a budget.

First, your cash expense to do a home exchange in Hawaii will be less than one night in a hotel .

Second, having a real home with a kitchen means you can avoid pricey restaurant meals – and they sure are pricey in Hawaii!

Third, being away from the main tourist areas means almost everything will be less expensive (not to mention less crowded) – groceries are cheaper, our long-term Home Exchange house on Oahu had its own parking and the house even came stocked with boogie boards and snorkel gear so that we didn’t have to rent.

Beyond the economics, doing a home exchange in Hawaii had other amazing benefits. Everyone had plenty of space to stretch out. We had our own laundry facilities. We hung out at “locals only” spots rather than the crowded tourist beaches. There was a second fridge for all our Costco supplies. Oh, and we even had enough space that both grandmas came to join us for a few weeks during our slow travel on Oahu! Want more tips for planning a multigenerational vacation ?

Camping in Hawaii and RV in Hawaii

Another option for the truly budget-minded is camping on Hawaii. Every island has some wonderful, gorgeous places to pitch your tent though the amenities vary tremendously by site. Check out this helpful roundup of where to camp on Kauai .

If you want to combine your accommodations and your transportation, consider renting an RV in Hawaii . There are tons of beautiful campgrounds on every island and you’ll save money overall compared with renting a car and a hotel room.

Renting a car in Hawaii seems, like many things, to be more expensive than on the mainland. In some places like Honolulu and Waikiki you can stay amidst the tourist throngs and get by without a car – walk to popular beaches, walk to mini marts, walk to tourist restaurants, and rely on hotel concierges to book activities on other parts of the island that include transportation. You can take buses to some places on Oahu, but they can be very time consuming.

Read more: 10 things you NEED to know before renting a car in Hawaii

If you are a solo traveler in Hawaii, it might make sense to go stay in one of the cities the car-free route since all of those small (or large) premia are only impacting one traveler. For couples or families, though, you’ll more than make up the cost of a rental car by saving money on pretty much everything else . You’ll also gain the freedom to explore beautiful, peaceful spots that most tourists don’t get to see. Moreover, in many parts of Hawaii you absolutely need a car to get around.

Bringing the kids? Save money on your rental by bringing your own travel car seats . Click to read all the best tips.

We have a few favorites for finding deals on car rentals in Hawaii (and everywhere else). The most straightforward is good old RentalCars.com . You can quickly search for the type of car you want across tons of providers of all sizes and reserve without any upfront payment . Nearly every reservation can be cancelled, so we often check back weekly leading up to our travels and rebook if we see a better rate.

A great local option is Discount Hawaii Car Rental . They work with all of the major Hawaii car rental companies and have Hawaii-based customer service in case an issue comes up. That can be especially helpful if you’re arriving when it’s late in the day on the mainland.

Another option to consider is joining AARP . The membership costs about as much as a Starbucks run but can save you up to 30% on rental car rates (in addition to discounts on some hotels)! Surprisingly, you don’t have to be a senior or retired to join AARP.

Our rental car ended up being by far the most expensive component of our 5 week trip to Hawaii. We needed a minivan for part of our trip, but it would have been the same price as renting one compact car for five weeks and a second compact car for a week and a half in the middle when we were joined by a few grandmas.

Though the minivan was pricey at $1600 for five weeks, it was handy to have for hauling around a big stack of boogie boards, beach towels and cases of food from Costco (more on that below). If you plan to shop at Costco and haul around lots of beach gear, you may want to consider sizing up from the smaller options. For reference, the quote we received for an intermediate car for 10 days was just shy of $500. Thanks to rental car shortages after the pandemic, rates may be significantly higher if you’re booking a shorter rental period.

What’s the best place to get gas in Hawaii? It’s often Costco. Seriously, folks. On average gas was 70 cents cheaper per gallon at Costco than at other local gas stations during our last visit. That’s more than $10 saved every time you fill up! That said, other local gas sellers have upped their game by lowering their prices so it’s worth peeking at Safeway and Sam’s Club prices when you drive by, as the Costco gas lines can be long. My favorite tip for comparing gas prices in Hawaii is that on the store detail page for each Costco warehouse you can expand the “Gas Station” section to see hours and the current price! (Note that Hawaii Kai does not have gas, but all other Costco warehouses in Hawaii do.)

Not sure which island to pick? Find the best Hawaiian island for your family vacation.

If you prefer simplicity in your travel arrangements, one option to consider for Hawaii vacations on a budget is a package deal. That’s how we went on our first Hawaii vacation!

Before booking a package deal, you need to carefully consider the value of everything that’s included to make sure it’s actually the cheapest way to vacation in Hawaii for the dates you want. We booked ours as a Black Friday special, so it was deeply discounted.

Here are some great places to look for discount Hawaii vacation packages:

• Expedia (that’s where we booked ours)
• TravelZoo (we’ve gotten great deals for other destinations)
• Costco Travel

If you’re planning a budget Hawaii vacation, you’ll need to think carefully about how and where you’ll eat. Many items have to be transported to Hawaii by ship, so food prices in Hawaii can be anywhere from a few cents to a few dollars more than on the mainland. Having a plan for food is one of the keys to how to travel to Hawaii on a budget.

Of course the best way to save money on food in Hawaii is to book a vacation rental with a kitchen and prepare food yourself. But even if you plan to make all your meals at your home away from home, you’ll have to be judicious in you grocery purchases. But we’ve done some scouting for you and have a few suggestions to help you through since grocery prices in Hawaii can be quite daunting.

First, let’s discuss Costco. If you already have a membership and you’ll be visiting Hawaii with a few other people, Costco in Hawaii can be a great value ! Prices are nearly the same as at Costco on the mainland, and prices are much cheaper than local grocery stores for items like dairy, eggs and meat. There are seven Costco locations in Hawaii, including four on Oahu.

In addition to food and pantry staples, you’ll find some beach gear, Hawaiian shirts and other handy items. While you’re there, grab a meal at Costco – it doesn’t require membership and the whole family can eat for less than $10! It’s not a nutritious choice to make every day, but if you’re going to Costco in Hawaii once every week or two it’s a great way to save a little money without cooking at home.

Pro tip: If you don’t have a Costco membership but know someone who does, have them buy you some Costco Cash cards (gift cards). You can use these without a membership!

All that said, before you dive in on a Costco membership for your cheap trip to Hawaii consider whether or not you’ll actually make it through a 20 pound bag of rice during your vacation. And where will you store all that food? What should you do if you’ll only be in Hawaii for a short time or you aren’t bringing an entire football team? Head to Target!

That’s right, the big red bullseye of value has made it to paradise! You’ll find locations on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island and the stores are full of all your favorites from the mainland – plus some local specialties in the “Aloha Shop”. Since Target carries groceries – both house brand and national brands, it might just be the best place to do your grocery shopping in Hawaii. Similarly, if you prefer to shop at Walmart you’ll find tons of stores on Oahu and one or two on the other islands.

You may notice that prices in those stores are a little higher than what you’d find on the mainland, but fear not: both stores offer price match guarantees . Just pull up the item you want on your phone from the store’s website – or another major website – and they’ll give you the lower price right there at the register! I saved 20% on our sunscreen that way. Target will definitely be your friend when you travel to Hawaii on the cheap.

Another local option is Foodland. We found many items there that were only a little more expensive than at our local grocery stores on the mainland, though some things (like dairy and eggs) were much more expensive than we found at Costco. Sign up for their Maika’i card for extra discounts and make sure to check out the poke counter in the back of the store – we got an inside tip that many locals hit Foodland for their own poke fixes.

One of the great things about a vacation in Hawaii is that there are so many amazing things to do for free that take full advantage of what makes the Aloha State special. You can relax on the beach, hike to a waterfall , go on a scenic drive and even attend a hula performance – all for free! It’s one of the best places to travel to without a passport if you’re American.

We’ve had plenty of days in Hawaii when we didn’t spend a dime (except on shave ice, but that’s a different story). But what about big ticket paid activities? Can you still do them even if you’re visiting Hawaii on a budget? Here are a few ideas for how to have those special experiences without busting your budget.

Read more: 10 things to do on Oahu under $10

Go Oahu Card

The Go Oahu Card by Smart Destinations bundles multiple activities together to save you money. There are two different options to choose from: All-Inclusive or Build Your Own.

With their All-Inclusive pass you pay a fixed rate based on the number of days you’d like to use the card (which can be spread over a two week period) and then you can do as many of those activities as you can squeeze in! There are options ranging from luaus to catamaran snorkeling trips to hikes to movie tours, and many activities offer free transportation from Waikiki in case you don’t have a car.

You can choose cards for 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 days – cards for 3 days or more include your choice of one “premium” activity like a luau, a sunset dinner sail, snorkeling with wild sea turtles or even a semi-private surfing lesson.

If you’re visiting Oahu for a week, we think the 3 day card is the sweet spot for value at $219 per adult and $189 per child. Why? In addition to great activities like the Polynesian Cultural Center, you’ll get to choose one premium activity like a snorkel boat tour. There are plenty of other high-value activities included for the other two days so that you’d easily get plenty of value from the 3-day card .

Read all about the Go Oahu card and how to make the most of it when you’re traveling to Hawaii on a budget.

Check out just a few activities you can do with your Go Oahu card :

Shaka Gold Card

The Shaka Gold Card only came on my radar after our family’s 2024 trip to Hawaii, and I’m bummed that I didn’t know about it sooner! For just a $30 membership, you gain access to meaningful discounts on some top activities. I learned about it directly from the company we sailed with on Kauai so it’s absolutely a legitimate way to get discounts.

How big are the discounts? We would have saved almost $180 on just a single activity. There are boat tours, luaus, horseback riding, zip lines and more.

>>> Get your Shaka Gold card

Entertainment Book

Remember the Entertainment Book that our families all used to buy during fundraisers in the 1980s? They’re still around. And they actually offer some pretty good deals in Hawaii on several islands!

As with most deals in the Entertainment Book , you’ll generally find 2-for-1 type coupons. You’ll find coupons for plenty of restaurants, but also coupons for wonderful attractions like the helicopter tours, snorkel rentals, Twogood Kayaks, the Bishop Museum, the Pacific Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor and more. If you use it for even one or two activities in Hawaii, it’ll pay for itself. You can even choose a digital book to have all the deals at your fingertips!

>>> See all the deals available in the Hawaii Entertainment Book.

Check out more awesome things to do on Oahu with kids

Admission to National Parks in Hawaii

If you plan to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island or Haleakalā on Maui, you can get in  FREE with your America the Beautiful annual pass . For just $80 per year, you can get into nearly all federal government-run recreational lands. It will generally pay for itself in just three or four uses (or even two if you’re visiting some of the popular/expensive parks). Pick up your pass today.

Shopping for someone else? Consider these great National Park themed gifts !

Groupon and Living Social

Other great resources for saving money in Hawaii are daily deal sites like Groupon and Living Social. You can find discounts on sailing trips, helicopter rides, parasailing and more. If you’re looking for things to do in Hawaii on a budget, make Groupon your first stop! Check out the deals here.

Use your memberships

You might have the key to cheap and free activities right in your wallet! If you’re a AAA member, always ask when booking hotels or activities if they offer a special rate.

And if you are a member of a science center back home that participates in the ASTC Passport program, bring your card to the wonderful Maui Ocean Center to receive free admission. It’s the perfect free activity if you’re trying to visit Hawaii with kids on a budget!

Note: The Bishop Museum on Oahu previously participated in the ASTC Passport program but appears to have left as of 2024.

Military discounts

There are almost 50,000 US military personnel and their dependents living in Hawaii (population around 1.5 million). Military families vacationing in Hawaii will find discounts almost everywhere on admission to attractions. You’ll also benefit from lower hotel rates and access to four commissaries on Oahu, plus an exchange where you can buy discounted gifts. Thank you for your service!

There are two schools of thought about “island hopping” in Hawaii as it relates to the cheapest way to visit Hawaii.

First, the “pro island hopping camp”: Flights from mainland US to Hawaii are generally long and expensive. It’s cheaper to fly to Hawaii once and visit several islands while you’re there than it is to pay for separate roundtrip airfares. This is especially true if you’re coming from the east coast or if Hawaii is a once-in-a-lifetime splurge for you! The cheapest way to travel between Hawaiian islands is to look for a deal on Southwest and use companion pass if you have it, especially if you’ll need to check a bag.

Second, the “anti island hopping camp”: If you’re trying to plan a trip to Hawaii on a budget, you’ll economize more by staying in one place. Many vacation rentals offer a weekly rate. Rental cars are much cheaper by the week – often 5 days cost more than 7 days ( see the difference here ).

If you visit two islands (or more!) you’ll have to either eat out all the time or buy small, expensive quantities of food – and then buy them again on your next stop.

Plus you have to pay to get from one island to another, often around $75 each way. You can limit that to one segment if you book an “open jaw” into one island and out of another, but check that pricing versus a regular roundtrip plus an inter-island roundtrip.

Where do we fall? We suggest that you sit back and enjoy the aloha on one island at a time! Hawaii will always be waiting for you to return. The exception is if you’ve already been to some of the islands and want to visit a new on, but flight availability isn’t great. Now that we live in the Midwest it might work out better for us to stop on Oahu or Maui en route to Kauai since it has fewer inbound flights from the mainland.

If you’re planning a family vacation to Hawaii on a budget, some of the tips we’ve already mentioned will be extremely helpful! Here’s a quick roundup:

• Look for companion pass deals for airfare
• Grab an Airbnb with a kitchen – make sure it has a decent sized fridge if you plan to shop at Costco in Hawaii
• Encourage your kids to eat fresh, local food rather than food that’s packaged and sent from the mainland (you can bring a box of cereal in your luggage if that’s a must-have)
• Bring your own car seat to avoid paying for one with your rental car
• Use your science museum membership from home for free admission to the Bishop Museum
• If possible, avoid major school break times

Obviously prices vary a ton depending on where you’re coming from and style of travel. As a baseline, domestic plane tickets to Hawaii cost $400-1200 per person in 2022. Hotel or Airbnb accommodations cost $150-600 per night. The cost of food varies tremendously, but budget at least $40 per person per day if you’ll be eating all your meals at restaurants. Even “cheap trips to Hawaii” aren’t really cheap by true budget travel standards unfortunately.

Oahu can be very inexpensive thanks to abundant choices for lodging and food, and staying in Waikiki can remove the need for a rental car. The Hilo side of the Big Island also offers good value for the money, as it’s one of the less popular tourist areas. All things considered, the Big Island is probably the cheapest island in Hawaii.

We’ve found great deals almost anytime outside of school breaks! Fall is the quietest (and thus, cheapest) time for tourism in Hawaii. January and February can also be inexpensive times for flights as long as you avoid the end of winter break and the long weekends during the season.

If you’re flying at an off-peak time of year, you can often snag deals just a week or two in advance from the west coast. For flights over holiday periods or from the east coast, you’ll want to buy your tickets several months in advance for the best deals.

Prefer a visual version? Check out our Hawaii on a budget web story !

See all of our Hawaii travel planning resources in one place Travel planning resources: Compare rental car prices for Hawaii Buy a top-rated travel insurance policy 5 simple money-saving tips for booking.com General Hawaii resources: How to visit Hawaii on a budget Renting a car in Hawaii: 10 things you NEED to know What to pack for Hawaii Is a cheap GoPro knock-off worth it? Hawaii with kids: What’s the best Hawaiian island for families? Is it worth visiting Hawaii with a baby? Ultimate packing list for Hawaii with kids Top 10 things to do with kids on Oahu The best snorkel gear for kids of all ages Oahu resources: Best Oahu travel guide book Perfect 7 day Oahu itinerary Where to stay on Oahu Family-friendly Oahu vacation rentals Cheap Places To Stay On Oahu 10 Fun Things to do on Oahu for $10 or less Getting the most bang for your buck on your Go Oahu discount card Insider tips for visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center The best beaches on Oahu (and why to visit them) Where to find the best shave ice on Oahu The best easy hikes on Oahu North Shore Oahu complete visitors guide Kayaking to the Mokes with Twogood Kayaks Family-friendly kayaking with Holokai Adventures Visiting Pearl Harbor Maui resources: Best Maui travel guide book Family Activities in Maui We Absolutely Love Perfect 3 day Maui itinerary 5 Things You NEED To Do Before You Visit Maui Cheap Places To Stay On Maui Big Island resources: Best Big Island travel guide book Perfect 5 day Big Island itinerary Cheap Places To Stay On the Big Island Kauai resources: Best Kauai travel guide book Best Things to Do with Kids on Kauai Perfect 3 day Kauai itinerary Cheap Places To Stay On Kauai

What are your secrets for how to do Hawaii on a budget?

Many thanks to our awesome partners in paradise, including Home Exchange, Smart Destinations, Polynesian Cultural Center and Twogood Kayaks; all opinions are my own.

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13 thoughts on “visiting hawaii on a budget (2024): all the tricks and tips you need to know”.

Yayyyyyyy!!! We went for our honeymoon, so I’m loving this! Now I know we can actually go back with the kids one day and not break the bank… so cool that you were able to be there for so long!

Out of all the states I have visited the only state I still have to go to is Hawaii. I always thought it is super mega expensive. Your post proves the opposite and I think it’s the time to start planning a trip. Can’t wait to go!

This is such a great post. We live in Aus and spent a month in Hawaii on our honeymoon back in 2016. Your photos took me right back. We did find accomodation so expensive, even through Airbnb- I wish we’d known about the house exchange back then! Thats such a good way to save some money while seeing the world.

I hope to visit it one day! great post #fearlessfamtrav

I’d love to visit Hawaii, but have always been turned off by the potential price! This post was awesome for me. Saving it for the future. ##fearlessfamtrav

Great tips! We loved Hawaii but not the cheapest #fearlessfamtrav

I love posts like this! Showing how seemingly expensive places are accessible for budget travellers. Good call on the Costco card, although great tips all round. Thanks for linking up to #fearlessfamtrav

Amazing tips, we are going to Hawaii on a home exchange so will already save a bit of money but these tips will be really helpful.

That’s so exciting! Which island are you visiting?

Thank you for these budget tips you shared to us. Hawaii is the best place for vacation lots of delicious foods and shopping center their. I hope i can go their next year.

I was under the impression that Hawaii is very expensive but your article proved me wrong.I would love to visit Hawaii soon

This is a great page. It’s very engaging and well written. I’ll come back from time to time for more posts like this one.

This is a really cool page. One of the best posts I’ve come across in quite a while. I hope to see more.

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What is the Cheapest Hawaiian Island to Visit?

If you’re looking for an affordable vacation in Hawaii, you may be wondering which island is the cheapest.

While each island offers unique attractions and experiences, one stands out as the cheapest to visit: Oahu . With its beautiful beaches, rich history, and vibrant city life, Oahu offers a great mix of relaxation and adventure at a much lower price.

This Travel Dream contains affiliate links, and we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you if you purchase using one of these links. You can read our  disclaimer  for more information.

How did we come to this conclusion?  We gathered data from the  Hawaii Tourism Authority ,  Discount Hawaii Car Rental , and  Kayak . We then compared the average cost of hotels, flights to each island, and rental car rates for two people . Oahu emerged as the clear winner, with an average price of $3,316/person for an eight-day stay. Maui was the most expensive island to visit, with a total cost of $5,611/person.

In this article, we’ll look at the data in more detail and explain why Oahu is the cheapest Hawaiian Island to visit. We’ll also share insider tips on how to save when visiting the four main Hawaiian Islands.

Cost of Accommodations

Since accommodations is the biggest expense of any trip, we’ll start by looking at hotel prices. We will use data from the  Hawaii Tourism Authority  to compare the average hotel room price on each island.

When it comes to hotel rates, Oahu is the clear winner for budget-conscious travelers. The average daily rate for a hotel room on Oahu in 2021 was $225.31. This is significantly lower than the rates on the other main Hawaiian Islands.

While Oahu takes the top spot for affordability, Maui is the most expensive island in Hawaii when it comes to hotel rates. According to the same data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the average daily rate for a hotel room in Maui in 2021 was $536.47. This can be attributed to the island’s popularity as a honeymoon and luxury travel destination.

That being said, there are still ways to save money while visiting Maui. Consider staying in a vacation rental or Airbnb, which is often more affordable than traditional hotels.

Cost of Airfare

We gathered average flight costs from LAX to each island using Kayak.com . Since most flights to Hawaii leave from the West Coast, this data gives us a good snapshot of what to expect when booking flights.

To avoid giving you a data dump of all the research and analysis we did, we will provide the average cost of airfare for mid-July 2023 for an eight-day stay.

Based on our analysis, the Big Island had the lowest average airfare at $592.25 for a round-trip ticket, while Oahu had the second-lowest average airfare at $595. Maui had a slightly higher average airfare of $596.50, while Kauai had the highest average of $679.75.

However, keep in mind that these are average prices and that actual costs may vary depending on the airline, route, and time of booking.

Cost of Car Rental

Finally, let’s look at the cost of car rentals. When exploring the Hawaiian Islands, renting a car is the most convenient way to get around.

We gathered data on car rental prices from Discount Hawaii Car Rental for the same eight-day stay in mid-July 2023 on each island for a standard car.

Based on our analysis, Maui had the lowest average car rental price at $90.26 for the eight-day stay, followed closely by the Big Island at $103.27. Oahu had a slightly higher average car rental price at $114.84, while Kauai had the highest average car rental price at $125.97 for a standard car.

Overall Most Affordable Hawaiian Island

Our data analysis shows that Oahu is the cheapest Hawaiian Island to visit, with a total cost of $3,316.20 per person. This is primarily due to the relatively low hotel rates and the slightly lower average airfare and car rental prices compared to the other islands.

Maui is the most expensive island to visit, with a total cost of $5,610.34. This is primarily due to the significantly higher hotel rates, which are more than double the price of hotels in Oahu. 

Kauai is the second most expensive island to visit, costing $4,281, while the Big Island is slightly cheaper at $4,203.08.

It’s worth noting that these prices are based on averages and can vary depending on the time of year, length of stay, and individual preferences.

How to Save Money Vacationing in Hawaii

Fortunately, there are still plenty of ways to save money while vacationing in Hawaii:

Be Flexible About Your Travel Dates

Booking your trip during the off-season can often yield lower rates on airfare, hotels, and car rentals.

We always start our search with  Google Flights  to see when the cheapest day to travel is. After deciding on the day, we check various websites, including the airline’s, to ensure we are getting the best pricing available. 

Kayak, Skyscanner, and cheapflights.com are a favorite of mine since they tend to have some of the cheapest airfare.

Another trick I learned was to check and see if booking one-way flights might be cheaper. This might not always work, but it has worked for me multiple times.

I flew from ATL to LAX (2022) for about $135 and bought a separate ticket from LAX to HNL for another $135, bringing the total cost of my trip to $270 one way.

I used my Chase credit card travel points, and the total cost was $0 out of pocket. That same route would have cost me $420 one way if I hadn’t booked the tickets separately.

I also could have found or paid a lower price if I was willing to fly with a different airline, but I wanted to travel with  Delta  because they’re my favorite. I frequently fly out from Atlanta, GA, and they have many options available.

Lodging in Hawaii: Cheapest Way to Vacation on the Islands

Outside of the cost of airfare, accommodations will be where you spend most of your money. Compared to many places in the world, Hawaii is generally costly.

Vacation Rentals

If you want a budget-friendly vacation in Hawaii, we recommend looking into vacation rentals like  Airbnb  and  VRBO . I am a huge fan of Airbnb, and I usually stay in an Airbnb (if I am on a budget trip) while on vacation, as it helps me save more money.

I love the luxury of being able to make my breakfast before I head out or being able to make dinner for days that I don’t feel like going out. I usually spend a minimum of two weeks while on vacation, so eating out gets old quickly and can get very expensive. 

Hotels in Oahu

If you must stay in a hotel, there are still many great, affordable options. You’ll likely have to book these in advance to get better deals.

I would also recommend a hotel that has either a full kitchen or a kitchenette; that way, you can cook/make some meals at home to avoid extremely pricey restaurant meals (because Hawaii has a lot of these). After all, eating out three times a day does add up.

I mainly use  Booking.com  and  Expedia.com  to find hotel deals.

Rental Car in Hawaii: Do You Need One?

Well, this depends on which island you are going to and how you want to spend your vacation. For example, a rental car is not necessary if you’re happy with lounging on the beach and staying at your resort the whole time.

However, we recommend venturing out and exploring Hawaii’s many beautiful sights.

If you’re going to Oahu and are staying in Waikiki the entire time, you can get by without a rental car as Waikiki is quite walkable, and there are many public transportation options.

Even if you are staying in Waikiki/Honolulu, we highly recommend renting a car at least once to see and explore the beauty of the whole island.

My favorite part about Oahu was taking drives to the  east (windward)  and west (leeward) sides and the North Shore . These places have so much beauty and should not be missed.

On the other hand, you will need a car on the Big Island, Kauai, or Maui since these islands are pretty spread out, and public transportation could be better.

Many rental car companies in Hawaii offer great deals on cars. We use Discount Hawaii Car Rental since they have the best prices and good customer service.

How to Save Money on Food

Like many things, food in Hawaii can be costly, but we’re here to tell you that with proper planning, you can also save money on food. Most of the food in Hawaii is transported by ship, which adds to the higher cost relative to the mainland.

Here are our recommendations on how to save money in this area:

Go to Costco

I love love LOVE Costco and cannot say enough good things about this magical place. Their prices are almost the same as the mainland prices, and they are way cheaper than the local grocery stores for basic needs such as eggs and dairy. 

We always stock up on groceries, including snacks, fruit, and food. Also, Costco has some great pre-made meals that you can pop in the oven (if your accommodations have one). You can get pizza and hotdogs for a very low price as well. We saved a lot of money by shopping and eating at Costco.

Here is a tip for those who do not have a Costco membership: If you know someone with a Costco membership, ask them to buy you a gift card or two. You can use these without a membership, but I would get a Costco card if I were you because it’s fantastic.

Also, I always use my Costco card for gas. They had the cheapest gas on the island. Some wise people have told me that Costco has the best gas, so I use that as an excuse to always get my gas from there, even on the mainland.

Eat Where the Locals Eat

I always ask locals for recommendations on where to eat. On the way to our hotel, we asked our Uber driver for recommendations, and they took us to Zippy’s. This place had fantastic Hawaiian fusion-type food and was affordable too. This tip has helped me save money over the years.

Also, food trucks are cheaper than most restaurants and usually serve delicious food. If you are going to Oahu, check out our list of  food trucks on the North Shore , and if you are in Kauai, check out the  best food trucks on the island .

Share Meals

I found the portions to be big in Hawaii (especially the local spots). Cody and I end up sharing meals often. The times that we both ordered our own meals, we ended up having leftovers, and by the time we got home, the food was bad from being out all day.

Budget-Friendly Activities in Hawaii

One of my favorite things about Hawaii is the free or affordable activities. Hawaii offers a lot of nature and many free adventure opportunities.

Here are our recommendations on free/cheap activities to do:

Go to the Beach

Like many people, this is probably why you came to Hawaii. The beaches here are public and do not cost a thing. So put on your favorite beach attire and experience what paradise looks like!

Go Snorkeling

Hawaii has some of the best snorkeling I’ve ever seen. The options are endless!

The hikes in Hawaii are some of the best in the world (if I do say so myself). I’m the outdoorsy type, and hiking is where I find an abundance of happiness.

Here are my top recommendations on some  easy to intermediate hikes to do in Oahu :  Diamond Head ,  Lanikai Pillbox Hike , and  Koko Head . 

Waterfall hikes are also a favorite while on the island of Oahu, which has some of  the best waterfall hikes  I have ever been on.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for the cheapest Hawaiian Island to visit, look no further than Oahu. Oahu is amazingly beautiful and is by far my favorite island to visit in Hawaii, right after Kauai.

Regardless of which island you choose to visit, Hawaii is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. From the stunning beaches to the vibrant culture, Hawaii has no shortage of things to see and do.

Whether you’re looking to hike to a waterfall, surf the waves, or relax on the beach, Hawaii is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature!

Mahalo for reading our post. Until next time, Aloha!

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Hi, I'm Trysta B, a travel expert passionate about exploring Hawaii. Having visited Hawaii multiple times, I've developed a deep understanding and appreciation for the local culture, food, and hidden gems that make this place unique. As co-founder of This Travel Dream, I'm dedicated to sharing my knowledge and love for Hawaii with fellow travelers, helping them create unforgettable experiences in paradise. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned Hawaii veteran, I'm here to help you make the most of your trip!

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What is the Cheapest Hawaiian Island to Visit?

Do you dream about visiting hawaii but don’t have a huge travel budget keep scrolling to find out what is the cheapest hawaiian island to visit, this post about what is the cheapest hawaiian island to visit was written by marcie cheung (a hawaii travel expert) and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

Aloha, travelers! Hawaii, with its golden beaches and shimmering waters, is a dream vacation spot for many.

It’s a place where you can listen to the sound of ukuleles, watch hula dancers, and relax under a palm tree.

But let’s be real, vacationing in paradise can sometimes tug at our wallets. That’s why budgeting is key.

Why should you take my advice? I’ve visited Hawaii more than 40 times and bring a depth of firsthand Hawaii expertise unmatched in the travel sphere.

Ever wondered which Hawaiian island lets you enjoy all the magic without emptying your bank account?

Let’s dive into finding out the most affordable Hawaiian island to visit.

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Hawaii itineraries complete with daily schedules, fun activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

Factors Influencing Cost of a Hawaiian Vacation

When dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, it’s easy to picture yourself in a luxurious resort, sipping a tropical drink, and listening to the waves.

But, like any other vacation spot, the cost of a trip to Hawaii can vary. Several things can influence how much you spend.

Time of Year: Peak vs. Off-Peak Seasons

Just like there are times when ice cream shops are super crowded, Hawaii has its own busy and quiet periods.

Visiting during peak seasons like summer and winter holidays might mean higher prices. But if you come during the off-peak times, you could catch some cool discounts.

Transportation: Flights and Getting Around Hawaii

Plane tickets can sometimes be as unpredictable as the weather. Prices can shoot up during popular travel times.

And once you’re in Hawaii, hopping between islands isn’t free. Always check for deals and consider if you really want to visit multiple islands or just stick to one.

Accommodation: Sleeping in Style or Saving Pennies

Hawaii boasts breathtaking luxury resorts, but they come with a price tag. On the brighter side, there are plenty of budget-friendly options like motels, hostels, and vacation rentals that won’t break the bank.

Activities: Fun Times on a Dime

Sure, there are super famous tourist spots that everyone talks about. And some of them might be a bit pricey.

But guess what? Hawaii is filled with incredible activities that are absolutely free! Think of beach days, hikes with mind-blowing views, and local festivals.

When planning your trip, it’s smart to think about these factors. They can help you figure out how to get the most aloha for your dollar!

Overview of Each Island’s Cost Factors

Hawaii is a true paradise, with each island offering unique experiences. While some islands are buzzing hubs of activity, others offer a serene escape.

But which one will give you the best bang for your buck? Let’s dive into the cost factors of each.

The Gathering Place , Oahu is Hawaii’s most populous island and home to the capital city, Honolulu.

Direct International Flights

If you’re coming from afar, Oahu is a primary entry point, which means competitive flight prices.

Affordable Public Transport

TheBus system in Oahu is both efficient and budget-friendly, making it easier to explore the island without a car.

Touristy Spots Can Be Pricey

Places like Waikiki can be expensive, from dining to activities.

With popularity comes crowds, which could lead to higher prices and less personal experiences.

Known as The Valley Isle , Maui offers a blend of stunning beaches and lush mountains.

Mix of Accommodations

Whether you’re looking for a beachfront resort or a cozy bed & breakfast, Maui has you covered.

Diverse Activities

From the Road to Hana to whale watching, there’s a range of experiences that cater to different budgets.

Entrance Fees

Attractions like the Haleakalā National Park come with fees.

Rental Car Necessity

To truly explore the island’s beauty, you might need to rent a car.

Big Island (Hawaii)

The Island of Adventure , Big Island boasts everything from volcanoes to rainforests.

Diversity in Accommodations

From luxury resorts in Kona to affordable stays in Hilo, there’s something for every pocket.

Free Natural Attractions

Visit places like the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and many beaches without spending a dime.

Size of the Island

Its vastness means you’ll likely need to rent a car to explore fully.

Variable Weather

Different regions can have contrasting climates, so you might end up spending on unexpected gear or clothing.

The Garden Isle is a haven for nature lovers, boasting dramatic cliffs and verdant landscapes.

Nature-based Activities

Many of Kauai’s best experiences, like hiking the Na Pali Coast or visiting Waimea Canyon, are free.

Less Commercial

Fewer tourists mean a more laid-back vibe and sometimes better prices.

Fewer Flight Options

Kauai isn’t as big a hub as Oahu or Maui, potentially meaning pricier flights.

Limited Nightlife

If you’re looking for bustling nightlife, Kauai might not be your first pick.

Lana’i & Moloka’i

These lesser-visited islands provide a more authentic Hawaiian experience.

Less Touristy

Fewer visitors mean you’re likely to find untouched beauty and solitude.

Potentially Cheaper Accommodations

While choices are limited, you might find some great deals, especially outside the peak seasons.

Less Developed

These islands aren’t as commercialized, so expect fewer amenities.

Fewer Budget Dining Options

With fewer restaurants, prices might be higher, and choices might be limited.

In the end, the “cheapest” island hinges on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Each Hawaiian island offers its own unique charm and attractions.

With a bit of planning, you can find the perfect balance between adventure and budget, ensuring memories that’ll last a lifetime.

Whether it’s the bustling streets of Waikiki or the serene landscapes of Lanai, Hawaii awaits with its spirit of Aloha!

7 Tips to Save on Your Hawaiian Vacation

With a little bit of smart planning and some insider tips, you can enjoy paradise without emptying your bank account. Here are some essential money-saving tips for your Hawaiian getaway:

To Book in Advance or to Hunt for Last-Minute Hawaii Deals?

Booking in advance.

This is the safest bet for travelers. Planning your trip several months ahead can save you a good chunk of money, especially during peak seasons.

Airlines and hotels often offer early-bird discounts. Plus, it’s nice to have everything set and not worry about availability.

Last-Minute Deals

If you’re flexible with your dates and a bit adventurous, this option can be a goldmine. Some airlines drop their prices if they have unsold seats, and hotels might reduce rates to fill vacant rooms.

The risk? You might not get your first choice of dates or accommodations. But if you’re open to surprises, you can snag some incredible deals.

Dine Like a Local

Skip the fancy restaurants with views (at least, not every day!) and head to where the locals eat.

From roadside food trucks serving mouth-watering shrimp to mom-and-pop diners dishing out traditional Hawaiian meals, you’ll not only save money but also get a genuine taste of Hawaii.

And don’t forget the local farmers’ markets, where you can sample fresh fruits , poke bowls, and homemade treats at wallet-friendly prices. Check out the best cheap eats on Oahu , Maui , Kauai , and the Big Island .

Search for Local Deals and Discounts

Just like any other tourist destination, Hawaii offers numerous deals for visitors.

Look for coupon books at the airport, or ask your hotel concierge. These often have discounts for popular tourist attractions, restaurants, and activities.

Group Tours = Bigger Savings

Want to go snorkeling, hiking, or embark on a scenic island tour? Consider joining a group tour. Not only will you save money compared to a private tour, but you’ll also meet fellow travelers.

Companies often offer discounts for larger groups, so if you make friends along the way, you can join forces and book together.

Plus, these tours often include extras like lunch or gear rentals, saving you even more.

Use Public Transportation or Rideshares

While renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, it’s not always budget-friendly, especially when you add in parking fees and fuel.

Islands like Oahu have decent public transportation. TheBus in Honolulu, for example, covers most major attractions and is super affordable.

Rideshare apps, like Uber and Lyft, can also be cost-effective, especially if you’re traveling short distances.

Free Activities Are Everywhere

Hawaii is nature’s playground, and guess what? Nature is free. Public beaches, hikes, waterfalls, and even some historical sites don’t cost a dime.

Do a little research, pack a picnic, and set out on an adventure without touching your wallet.

Stay Connected for Deals

Sign up for newsletters from Hawaiian travel sites, airlines, and accommodations. They often send out special promotions and codes that aren’t available to the general public.

Plus, following these companies on social media can also alert you to flash sales.

A Hawaiian vacation doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With the right strategies and an open mind, you can enjoy all the islands have to offer without stressing about expenses.

After all, the best things in Hawaii – the sunsets, the Aloha spirit, the feeling of sand between your toes – are priceless.

So, pack those bags and get ready for a memorable, budget-friendly Hawaiian escape!

Cheapest Hawaiian Island to Visit FAQs

What is the least expensive island of hawaii.

Often, Oahu is considered the least expensive Hawaiian island to visit, primarily due to the availability of more flight options to Honolulu, a wide range of accommodations, and numerous affordable eateries. However, costs can vary depending on your specific travel choices.

What is the cheapest island to fly into Hawaii?

Oahu, specifically Honolulu International Airport (HNL), is typically the cheapest island to fly into, as it’s the major hub for international and inter-island flights. This results in more competitive flight prices compared to the smaller islands.

What is the best part of Hawaii to visit on a budget?

If you’re traveling to Hawaii on a budget, the Waikiki area in Oahu offers a range of affordable accommodations, and the island itself has numerous free or low-cost attractions like Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head , and various public beaches. Additionally, Oahu’s public transportation system can help save on transport costs.

Is Kauai or Maui more expensive?

Both islands offer a range of accommodations and dining options, from budget to luxury. However, Maui tends to have more high-end resorts, especially in areas like Wailea, which might push the average cost slightly higher than Kauai.

That said, the specific expenses will depend on travel choices. It’s possible to visit either island on a budget with careful planning.

Does it cost a lot to travel between the Hawaiian islands?

Inter-island travel can be pricey. It’s recommended to stick to one or two islands if you’re on a tight budget.

Is it cheaper to book flights to Hawaii last minute?

While there are occasional last-minute deals, it’s generally cheaper and more reliable to book flights in advance.

Are there affordable accommodations outside of hotels and resorts in Hawaii?

Yes! Consider vacation rental homes, hostels, or even camping as budget-friendly alternatives.

Which Hawaiian island has the most free or low-cost attractions?

The Big Island offers many natural attractions like volcanoes, beaches, and hiking trails which are free or low-cost. Each island, however, has its own set of affordable attractions.

Is dining in Hawaii expensive?

While there are upscale dining options, travelers can save by eating at local eateries, food trucks, or buying fresh produce from local markets.

What’s the best way to get around the islands on a budget?

Oahu has a reliable public transport system. For other islands, consider renting a car, especially if you’re traveling in a group, to save on costs and have flexibility.

Are there any off-peak seasons where traveling to Hawaii is cheaper?

Yes, the shoulder seasons (mid-April to early June or September to mid-December) usually offer better deals on flights and accommodations.

Do all the islands have similar costs for activities and attractions?

Not necessarily. More touristy areas might have higher prices, but each island has a mix of paid and free attractions.

Is it free to visit Pearl Harbor?

Yes, it is free to visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial , but there is a charge for some of the on-site museums and attractions.

What are the cheapest West Coast airports to fly to Hawaii?

The cheapest West Coast airports to fly to Hawaii typically include Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), and Seattle (SEA).

Where can I find the cheapest airfare to Hawaii?

You can find the cheapest airfare to Hawaii by using online comparison tools and flight deal websites.

What’s the most expensive island to visit?

Often, Maui is considered the most expensive island to visit due to its high-end resorts and attractions.

Are Hawaii botanical gardens free?

While some Hawaiian botanical gardens have an entrance fee or recommended donation, others are free to the public.

Is Oahu’s North Shore cheaper than Waikiki Beach?

Generally, Oahu’s North Shore tends to be less touristy and can be cheaper in certain aspects than Waikiki Beach , but costs vary based on specific accommodations and activities.

How can I ensure I’m getting the best deals for my trip?

Research thoroughly, compare prices, consider package deals, and stay updated on any special promotions or discounts for the period you plan to travel.

Cheapest Hawaiian Island to Visit Wrap-Up

Choosing the cheapest Hawaiian island to visit depends on many things, like when you travel and where you stay. Remember, it’s not just about saving money.

The memories and experiences you’ll get from any island are priceless. Every island has its own magic and adventures to offer.

So, whether you’re on a tight budget or not, Hawaii’s beauty and Aloha spirit await you. Dive in and explore all the amazing things these islands have to share!

Looking for more tips for visiting Hawaii on a budget? Find out where to stay , things to do , where to eat , and what to pack !

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Save on Hawaii Travel Even as Demand Soars

Sally French is a travel rewards expert who joined NerdWallet in 2020. She previously wrote about travel and credit cards for The New York Times and its sibling site, Wirecutter.

Outside of work, she loves fitness, and she competes in both powerlifting and weightlifting (she can deadlift more than triple bodyweight). Naturally, her travels always involve a fitness component, including a week of cycling up the coastline of Vietnam and a camping trip to the Arctic Circle, where she biked over the sea ice. Other adventures have included hiking 25 miles in one day through Italy's Cinque Terre and climbing the 1,260 steps to Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi, Thailand.

She lives in San Francisco.

Megan Lee joined the travel rewards team at NerdWallet with over 12 years of SEO, writing and content development experience, primarily in international education and nonprofit work. She has been published in U.S. News & World Report, USA Today and elsewhere, and has spoken at conferences like that of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Megan has built and directed remote content teams and editorial strategies for websites like GoAbroad and Go Overseas. When not traveling, Megan adventures around her Midwest home base where she likes to attend theme parties, ride her bike and cook Asian food.

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When deciding where to travel, Hawaii checks all the boxes for many tourists. The islands’ lush, tropical landscape provides a contrast from two years of mostly staying at home. It’s a far-off getaway that doesn't require a passport, and there’s no shortage of luxury.

Within the first two weeks of Hawaii's announcement to lift travel restrictions, Expedia says it saw a nearly 30% increase in searches for spring and summer trips to Hawaii’s major ports. Domestic travelers no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to enter Hawaii as of March 26, 2022.

Demand in some of the top destinations in Hawaii is outpacing pre-pandemic levels. Expedia says it’s already seeing six times more bookings for hotels on Hawaii’s Big Island for September 2022 than it did in September 2019. Oahu — which Expedia says is one of the most popular destinations — is seeing double digit-percentage increases in demand this summer versus 2019.

But while Hawaii might have a laid-back, low-stress vibe, the rules of supply and demand still apply. Couple that with rising travel costs everywhere due to rapid inflation , and a trip to Hawaii this year likely won’t be cheap.

However, you can still save money on a Hawaiian vacation. Here’s how to travel to Hawaii on a budget.

Save on airfare to Hawaii

If you’ve accumulated a stash of points and miles, flights to Hawaii can prove a good way to spend them. There are many ways to book cheap Hawaii flights with points and miles , especially if you’re willing to transfer miles between partner airlines. Among the biggest airlines flying to Hawaii are Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines.

If you can earn a Southwest Airlines Companion Pass and you’d like to save on flights to Hawaii, this is an excellent opportunity to use it. The pass is essentially a buy-one-get-one deal on your Southwest flight, where you book a flight with cash or points, and you can book another at no cost aside from taxes and fees (typically just $5.60 per one-way trip).

If you can’t choose just one island, island-hopping in Hawaii is fairly convenient, as most flights between islands take less than an hour. The key when island-hopping: flexibility. Most of the best interisland deals are for flights through Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, so consider placing Oahu in the middle of your itinerary to take advantage of its interisland availability.

Be flexible on dates, too. Southwest has plenty of interisland airfares for just $45 — but if you’re married to a specific flight time or book last-minute, realize that some flights cost more than $200.

Use hotel points or free night certificates to save on lodging

Most of the major hotel brands have a strong presence in Hawaii, which can be handy if you have hotel points or free night certificates.

Hilton is an especially big player in Hawaii , and its lodging runs the gamut from affordable to opulent. If you have a Hilton free night certificate , which can be earned through certain Hilton credit cards , head to Maui. There you’ll find the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. One of Hilton’s most grandiose resorts, the Grand Wailea hosts a 2,000-foot-long pool complete with waterfalls and slides. Standard nightly room rates can easily run more than $1,500, but free night certificates can cover it.

If you’re traveling as a family or with a group, consider booking a vacation rental through a service like Airbnb or Vrbo . They are sometimes cheaper than hotels and typically don’t require you to pay resort fees, which are otherwise common. They also often have driveways and kitchens, so you can avoid expensive hotel parking and the cost of dining out.

Other ways to visit Hawaii on a budget

Dine out strategically.

Speaking of dining out, it can certainly be part of the Hawaiian experience. But it can also eat up a huge chunk of your budget. Understand when you’re paying for mediocre food but a stellar view. If you’re up for adventure, head to a convenience store for fresh poke and Spam musubi, then find a beach (there’s no shortage of them) for a free, oceanfront dinner view.

Sidestep the paid luau

As far as entertainment, you can certainly pay hundreds of dollars for your group to experience a luau. While the array of entertainment and buffet food can be worth it for some travelers, there are plenty of free ways to watch hula, hear Hawaiian music and learn about the culture. Many major malls in Hawaii, such as Waikiki’s Royal Hawaiian Center mall, offer free shows and classes in lei making, hula, ukulele, lauhala weaving and more. On the Big Island, free coffee farm tours are abundant.

Some hotels also make their entertainment available to the public. Head to Marriott’s Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa to watch the nightly lele kawa (cliff jumping).

(Photo courtesy of Sheraton Maui Resort)

Swap ticketed activities for cheaper counterparts

Some major, ticketed tourist attractions offer some components of their tours for free. At the Maui Tropical Plantation, you might pay $25 for a tram tour, but you can still explore a good chunk of the grounds, including its market, craft studios and cafe, at no cost. On Oahu, Dole Plantation tours start at $7.75 per person, but purchasing a ticket might not be necessary. Admission to the grounds is free, and there you can typically find no-cost activities like pineapple-cutting and chocolate-making demonstrations, as well as a fish feeding pond.

The bottom line

Travel to Hawaii was always popular — and all signs point to its popularity growing. According to a February 2022 NerdWallet survey , 28% of Americans who say the way they travel has chanced since the beginning of the pandemic say they have stopped going on international trips and only travel domestically. Meanwhile, 16% only travel to destinations that don’t require COVID-19 testing or proof of vaccination. For tourists from the continental U.S., Hawaii checks both of those boxes, and a lot more. The Aloha State might be one of the best places to travel to this year — just have a plan for how you’ll pay for it.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2022 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee:   Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards:  Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card  

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

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Hawaiian Islands price comparison: Which is the best value?

Long white sand beaches, encounters with dolphins, sea turtles and whales, drinks on the cliff side, treks through jungles to hidden waterfalls. These are just a few reasons why the Hawaiian islands are some of the most visited islands in the world. Time and time again, visitors fall in love with the islands, returning year after year.

But what of the prices? Even though the islands together are a prized destination, individually they are their own unique world, each with different prices for the same thing. This, for some, is a deciding factor on which island to visit that year. But with so many different prices listed online, it’s difficult to judge exactly what you should budget for each island. To make this process a bit easier, we’ve complied a little bit of information regarding general prices for tourist activities, food and accommodation for each of the four main islands- Big Island, Oahu, Maui and Kauai.

But before we get into the prices, lets take a quick look at what each of these islands have to offer.

Accommodation

There are many different choices that cater to your accommodation needs from sleeping in a small hotel to a bed and breakfast to large resorts. For this price comparison, where going to take a look at a few famous resorts that can either be found on all the islands, or at least a few. We’ll look at summer pricing as well as winter pricing. Each price reflects a single night for one person.

Four Seasons

• Summer: $725-$725
• Winter: $850-$941
• Summer: $1148-$1313
• Winter: $909-$1148

• Summer: $217-$270
• Winter: $236-$247
• Summer: $250-$273
• Winter: $192-$306
• Summer: $389-$479
• Winter: $499-$599

• Summer: $199-$280
• Winter: $257-$280
• Summer: $275-$275
• Winter: $275-$338
• Summer: $172-$203
• Winter: $239-$251
• Summer: $193-$347
• Winter: $167-$346

The prices are a bit all over the place, but in the end Kauai stands with the lowest prices while Maui holds the highest hotel prices.

Airport Rental Cars

• Compact car: $40
• Premium SUV: $230

• Compact car: $39
• Premium SUV: $209
• Compact car: $44
• Premium SUV: $181
• Compact car: $66
• Premium SUV: $148

As you can tell with the prices above, compact car rates vary little with one exception- Big Island. On the other end of the spectrum, Premium SUVs vary a bit with the cheapest prices found on the Big Island.

Food prices vary a bit from island to island but most see the change as little compared to other expenses. Below we’ll take a look at a few key food items you’ll experience during your trip.

• Shave Ice: $2.75-$5
• Added ice cream: $0.50-$1
• Added condensed milk: $0.50-$o.75
• Added beans: $o.75-$1

Spam sandwiches

Generally gas stations and eateries charge a bit more while grocery stores and farmers market charge less.

• Spam sandwich : $1.50-$2.25
• Spam sandwich with egg: $1.75-$3.00
• Double spam sandwich: $2.50-$3.50

Poke prices vary a lot from island to island and store to store. If you have a Costco card, put it to good use as the best place to find poke on the cheaper side is Costco. Prices are per pound.

• Big Island: $10.95-$13.95
• Oahu: $14.95-$20
• Maui: $12.95-$14.95
• Kauai: $11.95-$13.95

As you can see, the cheapest island for poke is the Big Island. However, keep in mind that prices change all the time so it’s best to keep a look out.

Snorkeling Tours

• Big Island: $106-$129
• Maui: $88-$139
• Oahu: $99-$114
• Kauai: $122-$169

Horseback Riding Tours

• Big Island: $72-$99
• Maui: $130-$229
• Oahu: $85-$99
• Kauai: $99-$135

• Big Island: $67-$119
• Maui: $37-$47
• Oahu: $28-$68
• Kauai: $55-$109

Helicopter Tours (Blue Hawaiian)

• Big Island: $220-$450
• Maui: $168-$253
• Kauai: $239

As far as activities are concerned, pricing suggests that Maui and Oahu have the cheapest prices overall.

Which island is the cheapest overall

Keep in mind, these prices reflect tourist activities. If planning to move to the islands, you’ll find that living prices are completely different.

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Which Hawaiian Island Should I Visit?

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You’ve decided to take a trip to Hawaii (great decision) and now you’re trying to figure out what island to visit. Everyone has their favorite island and will swear that island is absolutely the best. 

But let’s get one thing out of the way: there is no “best” island .  But there is a best time to visit Hawaii !

Each island offers something different and you should decide what island to visit based on what you’re looking for. In this article, I’ll give you a quick comparison of the four most frequently visited Hawaiian islands, and then we’ll dive deeper into each one.

Hawaiian Island Comparison: A Quick Overview

Want a 30-second overview of the Hawaiian islands? Here you go:

• Kauai is the lush Garden Isle. Known for its dramatic cliffs and coastline, hiking and outdoor enthusiasts will love this island.
• Maui has a little of everything. Excellent and easy snorkeling, luxury resorts, plentiful vacation rentals, and the Road to Hana. 
• Hawaii (the Big Island) is perfect for volcano enthusiasts and people who want plenty of space to roam.
• Oahu is the big city and is known for Waikiki Beach, cultural sights, plenty of things to do, shopping, and an active nightlife. 

Need more than a 30-second overview? I don’t blame you. Here’s a more thorough explanation to help you make your decision. 

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Who Should Visit Kauai?

Kauai is the second oldest and northernmost island. Called the Garden Isle, the island features a lush rainforest, jaw-dropping cliffs of the Na Pali coast, excellent hiking, numerous waterfalls, golden sand beaches, and stunning botanical gardens. 

Of the four most-visited Hawaiian islands, Kauai is the least populated and smallest — it’s home to just 72,000 people. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, in 2019 Kauai had fewer visitors than the other three main islands . 

Kauai Highlights

When you visit Kauai there are a few must-see and do things that should make your to-do list:

• Visit Waimea Canyon: Nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon is a highly rated destination, worth a day trip. There are plenty of hiking trails and lookout spots to fully experience this natural wonder. 
• Wailua Falls: Kauai has some of the best waterfalls and many of them, like Wailua Falls, are easily accessible. 
• Poipu Beach: Once named one of the best beaches in the US, Poipu is one of the most popular beaches on Kauai. With golden sand and a reef that protects the bay, it’s an easy place for people of all abilities to swim and enjoy the ocean. 
• Na Pali Coast: Accessible only by boat or foot, the Na Pali coast offers jaw-dropping views. Take a boat ride and you’ll be able to snorkel off the coast while enjoying the dramatic view. 
• Kalalau Trail: This 11-mile trail leads you along the Na Pali coast and is one of the most beautiful — and possibly most dangerous — trails you’ll find in the US. 
• Hanalei: On the north of Kauai you’ll find the picturesque town of Hanalei. With its laid back vibe, it’s perfect for hitting the beach, the shops, or one of the wonderful restaurants or food trucks. 

Kauai Wayfinder Itinerary

Get the kauai itinerary.

The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights. You’ll get six carefully planned excursion days to help you see the can’t miss stops no matter how limited your time is.

Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Kauai.

Things to Consider Before Going to Kauai

While Kauai is a fantastic destination, there are some things to know before you go:

• A quiet island: If you’re looking for nightlife, Kauai is not the ideal island for you. It’s quiet and there is little nightlife that exists outside of the resorts (which are also quiet). 
• More rain: Kauai is lush, but that jungle landscape also means that the island gets a lot of rain. More rain in fact, than any of the other Hawaiian islands. That doesn’t mean your beach days are going to be ruined, but just know to expect showers. If you’re heading to Kauai in the winter, be sure to check our rainfall chart below.
• Winter waves: We love Hanalei Bay and Tunnels beach, but we stay far away from these places in the winter. The waves in the winter are big and unpredictable, which makes swimming and snorkeling a bad idea. 
• Traffic: All of the islands have traffic, but Kauai seems to get hit especially hard as there’s only one main road around the island. 

Explore the 35 best things to do on Kauai .

Honeymooners, babymooners, and anyone looking for a romantic vacation will love Kauai because it’s quiet, less crowded than other islands, and romantic. Thrill-seekers will also find excellent activities with the Kalalau trail hike and watersports. And families with older kids will have access to most activities.

We love going to Kauai with our toddler but know that when he’s older we’ll enjoy going even more because he’ll be able to do more of the activities, like the Na Pali coast boat ride. 

Planning a trip to Kauai? Read our Kauai Travel Guide . 

Should You Visit Maui?

Maui, the Valley Isle, is the second-largest island in size and third largest in population with 145,000 residents. When you visit Maui, you get three islands: included in Maui county and just a ferry ride away is the islands of Lanai and Molokai. 

Maui is the second most popular island to visit and it’s easy to understand why. Maui is known for whale watching, world-famous beaches, excellent snorkeling, the Road to Hana, and more. 

Maui Highlights

When you visit Maui there are some must-see and do things to add to your list , then check out our 33 things to do on Maui list.

• Road to Hana : It’s truly about the journey and not the destination. This full-day drive includes 620 curves, 59 bridges , countless waterfalls, and takes you to the quieter, more lush side of the island. We highly recommend staying a night (or more) at the Waianapanapa State Park Cabins or the Hana Maui resort.
• Haleakala Park: Experience sunrise or sunset from the top of the volcano. Reservations (and a very early wake up) are required for the sunrise tour only. After your visit to the Volcano, spend your day exploring upcountry and see another beautiful side of Maui. 
• Whale watching : If you visit Maui between December and April, plan to spend some time on the water whale watching. Tours range from large boat tours to kayak tours and provide an amazing (and sometimes up close) experience with Humpback whales. 
• Historic Lahaina Town : Previously the capital of Hawaii from 1820 – 1845, Lahaina now features a charming main street (Front Street), shopping, lively restaurants and nightlife, and activities that leave from the Lahaina harbor.
• Snorkeling: Call us biased, but we think Maui has the best snorkeling of any Hawaiian island. There are plenty of spots to snorkel all over the island, bays that make it easy to snorkel in calm waters, and a rich variety of sea life. 
• Day trip to Lanai : If you’re really looking for a full-day trip, consider a sailing trip to Lanai. Snorkel, see dolphins, enjoy the beach, and a small hike on another island before returning to Maui. 

Related Read: What to Pack for Your Hawaii Vacation

Maui Wayfinder Itinerary

Get the maui itinerary.

Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Maui.

Things to Consider Before Going to Maui

Maui is a popular destination loved by many, but there are some things you should know before you go:

• It’s expensive: Maui is the most expensive island to visit, which means that if you’re looking for a budget-friendly trip, you’ll find better options with the other islands.
• A lot of tourists: Maui can get a bad rap for being a touristy island. It’s true: there are a lot of visitors to Maui. So if you’re wanting to steer clear of the crowds, Kauai or the Big Island would be a better bet. But if you come to Maui and want to escape the crowds, there are plenty of places to visit that are off the beaten path and away from the resorts. 

See our Maui Trip Planning for Happy Travelers for more considerations on visiting Maui.

Who Should Visit Maui?

If you’re seeking an adults-only vacation (like a honeymoon), Maui is your stop with the only adults-only resort in Hawaii . Bringing a family? Maui also has a huge number of family-friendly resorts and activities that make it an easy vacation. Maui is great for beach bums, adventure seekers, and people looking for a luxurious vacation experience. 

In addition, we think Maui is a great place for first-time Hawaii visitors because you get to experience a little bit of everything — there is something here for everyone. 

Heading to Maui? Read our Maui Travel Guide . 

The Big Island (Island of Hawai’i)

Calling all volcano and geological enthusiasts — the Big Island is where you want to be. Technically called the Island of Hawaii and also nicknamed the Orchid Isle, the Big Island is the largest island. It also has the second-largest population, with 200,000 residents. Because the Big Island is so big, it often feels empty, leaving you plenty of space to roam and explore. 

Another cool fact about the Big Island: it encompasses 11 of 13 of the world’s climatic zones. Come to the Big Island for outdoor activities, Manta Ray night snorkeling , an up-close look at a volcano, and some world-famous Kona coffee. 

Big Island Highlights

The Big Island has unique opportunities that you won’t find anywhere else:

• Volcanoes National Park: Any geology or volcano enthusiast will love this park. You can spend days hiking on the hiking train, walk through lava tubes at the Thurston Lava Tubes or drive the crater road to spend a full day visiting sites. 
• Visit historic Hilo and Kailua-Kona towns: Visit two historic towns on different sides of the island.
• Mauna Kea Observatory: Watch a sunset or go stargazing at the Mauna Kea Observatory and get the views from nearly 14,000 feet in altitude. 
• Kona coffee: Visit the many Kona coffee farms and sample the different beans and blends.
• Manta Ray night snorkeling : When the sun goes down don your suit and head out onto a boat and get an up-close view of these big creatures.  

Things to Consider Before Going to the Big Island

• It’s a big island: The Big Island may be big, but it’s easy to get around. You’ll find that beaches and activities are spread out and you may spend a little extra time in your car, but the driving is easy. 
• Hilo is a rainforest: If you’re planning to visit Hilo (which we recommend!), know that it’s a rainforest and you might encounter a lot of rain. It adds to the charm and the lush scenery, but it can put a damper on your vacation if you’re not prepared.

Big Island Wayfinder Itinerary

Get the big island itinerary.

Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Hawai’i (Big Island).

Who Should Visit the Big Island?

Volcanologists, astronomers, cowboys, and adventure seekers will find the Big Island has more than enough to offer. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, you’ve not forgotten: the luxury resorts on the Kohala Coast offer a wonderful stay. 

Ready to pack your bags? Read our Big Island Travel Guide . 

Welcome to the state capital and the most populated island, with more than 1 million people. Oahu has everything: every armed force has a base on Oahu, they have triple crown surfing competitions, famous Waikiki Beach, and more. The island is full of culture, nightlife, things to do, and visitors. Oahu is the most visited of the Hawaiian islands. So yes, this island is crowded.

Oahu is actually the cheapest island to visit so it tops our list as a great island for a family vacation. Not only are there tons of activities for kids, but you’ll be able to stretch your travel budget. 

Oahu Highlights

• Waikiki Beach: Iconic Waikiki Beach is crowded but beautiful. Two-miles of white sand beach flanked by hotels and restaurants with a view of Diamond Head in the distance, this is the image most people think of when they picture Oahu. 
• Pearl Harbor: The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is a historic landmark on Oahu, approximately 30 miles west of Waikiki. Immerse yourself in one of the five historic sites that make up the memorial.
• Culture: Take a walk through Honolulu Chinatown, tour the Bishop Museum, and visit Iolani Palace. There’s more than enough to see to immerse yourself in the culture and the history of the island. 
• North shore: Get away from the bustling downtown and head to the North Shore for hiking, surfing, and a countryside feel. 
• Disney’s Aulani Resort: Die-hard Disney fans will enjoy the only Disney resort in Hawaii.

Explore our 40 things to do on Oahu for more ideas!

Things to Consider before going to Oahu

• The cheapest Hawaiian island: Oahu is actually the cheapest Hawaiian island to visit, so if you’re looking to stretch your travel dollars, this is where you want to be.
• Traffic: Honolulu is a proper city, which means it comes with a lot of traffic and high rises. We’ve heard Honolulu referred to as LA of the Pacific, so if you’re looking to avoid large buildings, traffic, and people, this might not be the best spot for you. 
• Nightlife: Most of the other islands get quiet when the sun goes down. But Oahu has a real nightlife scene.
• Wide range of hiking: Oahu offers the most hiking options. From steep ridge hikes to simpler waterfall walks, Oahu has it all.

Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary

Get the oahu itinerary.

Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Oahu.

Who Should Go to Oahu?

Oahu is best for people looking for a lively vacation, historians looking to learn more about Hawaii’s history, singles and others looking to enjoy the nightlife, and anyone looking for a slightly less expensive Hawaii vacation.

Off to Oahu? Read our Oahu Travel Guide . 

But Really, Which Hawaiian Island Should You Visit?

I know it’s difficult to choose just one. We recommend that first-timers visit Maui because it has something for everyone. You have your choice of accommodations — from luxury resorts to budget-friendly options. There are activities for everyone and you’ll generally have the best chance of sunny days at all times of the year. 

Whatever island sounds appealing to you, make planning your trip better (and easier) by using one of our Wayfinder itineraries to help you plan your trip. 

Learn more about our itineraries for any island and get planning!

Cruising Hawaii Guide

I'm the co-founder, with my husband Jordan, of The Hawaii Vacation Guide. We have lived on Maui and Oahu and continue to travel, experience, and learn about the Hawaiian Islands. We travel with our kids, Henry and Edith. I am a planner! I love to plan trips from the mainland and island-hopping adventures, excursion days, and everything in-between. I spend a lot of my time in Hawai'i on a SUP and my favorite time of year in Hawai'i is whale season!

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These are the best islands in Hawaii, according to frequent visitors

No matter where you go in America's 50th state, Hawaii's islands offer a wide variety of topographies, accommodations, activities and experiences.

Related: The best ways to get to Hawaii using points and miles

Hawaii is an incredibly unique place to visit, and each island has its own distinctive vibe. How do you choose between so many different versions of paradise? Here's a guide to finding the right Hawaiian island to visit on your next vacation.

• First-time visitors to Hawaii.
• Single travelers.
• Large groups.
• Budget travelers.

Oahu is Hawaii's most bustling and urban island. It's home to the state's largest city and commercial center, Honolulu, which is known for an epic rush hour that sometimes rivals the one in Los Angeles. Within city limits, Waikiki Beach is the place to see and be seen — shop, dine and enjoy the amenities of huge high-rise resorts.

Related: The best time to visit Hawaii this year

But Oahu's offerings are more diverse than just Honolulu. The growing resort area of Ko Olina is not as built up but still has several upscale accommodations, including Disney's Aulani Resort and the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina . On the way to Ko Olina from Honolulu is Pearl Harbor , one of the most visited historic sites anywhere on the islands.

Oahu's North Shore provides another vibe that's downright chill with its beach-hopping, food-truck-loving, small-town surfer scene. Hikers will find plenty of trails all over Oahu, from the peaks of Diamond Head to less-traveled spots like Makiki Valley and Waimea Valley. Some popular spots do require advance reservations.

Oahu's gateway for travelers, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) has the most air service of any location on the islands, making it the cheapest destination for travelers from the mainland. It also offers the most nonstop flights.

Related: Best ways to redeem points and miles on Hawaiian Airlines

• Travelers with kids.
• Multigenerational travel.
• Anyone looking for resort-based condo properties.

The second-most-visited island in the state and also its second largest, Maui is home to the famed Road to Hana , Haleakala National Park and the best whale watching anywhere in Hawaii during the winter months.

For many travelers, a vacation on Maui is the best of both worlds. The island offers some of the same infrastructure, conveniences and activities of Oahu without the traffic and urban sprawl. It's possible to have an active vacation here and visit a lot of attractions, or you can just enjoy some island rest and relaxation at a resort.

Maui is a great pick for families with kids of school age because of its many activities. It works well for multigenerational groups because it has experiences that grandparents and grandkids can enjoy, such as the Maui Ocean Center or catching a sunrise at Haleakala National Park.

The island of Maui also has many amazing hotels and resorts at a wide variety of price points. Most are clustered in two major areas: on the Lahaina/Ka'anapali/Kapalua corridor on the northwest side of the island and in Kihei/Wailea farther south.

Related: 29 hotels in Maui, Hawaii, you can book with points

For its size, Maui offers an impressive variety of hotels for travelers to book a hotel stay with points. Most major chains are represented, and many properties offer condo accommodations that work for families or larger groups. The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa ; The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas; The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, Ka'anapali; the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort ; and the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort have all scored well with TPG contributors and readers.

Hawaii (the Big Island)

• Romantic couples getaways.
• Luxury travelers.
• Adventure seekers.

The island of Hawaii, called the Big Island , is the largest and newest island in the chain. Because it's so big, seeing everything requires close to a week, but it offers many different travel experiences from day to day.

The vast majority of Big Island visitors stick to the western side of the island near the city of Kailua-Kona and the Kohala Coast, where the large resorts are located. Luxury seekers can enjoy high-end properties like the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai ; the Mauna Lani , an Auberge Resort; and the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection.

Families on a moderate budget can find ample hotel offerings, too. In particular, the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa and the Hilton Waikoloa Village cater to travelers with kids. Pool complexes are a big draw.

Related: Top hotels on the Big Island, Hawaii, for your next vacation

Although it's entirely possible to spend a week on the Big Island relaxing on the beach of a resort, the island can also be an adventure traveler's paradise. On the northern part of the island, travelers can zip line, take all-terrain-vehicle tours, jump into waterfalls, scuba dive or snorkel with giant manta rays, or flume down historic sugar cane irrigation channels.

On the southern part of the island, you can visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, although some areas remain closed for safety precautions. The town of Hilo on the eastern side of the island has its own local vibe that can be a great getaway for travelers looking for an authentic Hawaiian experience.

• Romantic couples getaways and babymoons.
• Adventure junkies.
• Relaxation seekers.

Kauai's lush greenery makes it, in my opinion, the most beautiful of all the Hawaiian islands. It is home to waterfalls, hiking trails and a variety of eco-adventures. Most travelers seek out Kauai to avoid the hustle and bustle of Oahu and Maui and have a more unplugged vacation experience.

Unfortunately, Kauai's natural beauty also makes it less reliable as a vacation destination. The island's greenery comes from the substantial rainfall it gets, which makes it possible that your vacation in paradise is a damp one. For that reason, it's probably best to plan for a longer trip just in case the weather doesn't cooperate all the time.

Hotel offerings on Kauai are ample. For families, the hands-down winner is the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa in Poipu, known for having one of the best waterslides and pools anywhere on the island. The Grand Club lounge is quite special, too, with easy access to breakfast, drinks, snacks and more.

Poipu to the south is home to quite a few other major resorts, including the Sheraton Kauai Resort . Princeville to the north has many others, such as The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas .

Related: True aloha spirit at the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort

Smaller islands: Lanai and Molokai

• Returning Hawaii visitors looking for new experiences.

Although the vast majority of travelers to Hawaii visit Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and Kauai, there are two smaller islands that tourists can visit as well. Getting to both of them requires a little extra effort, as neither has air service from the mainland.

Lanai, the island owned by Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, is accessible by boat from Maui. It has two Four Seasons resorts on the island (one is adults-only), so it's also luxurious and pricey.

Related: Off the beaten path: Tips on visiting and exploring Lanai, Hawaii

Molokai, by contrast, has no name-brand accommodations, making it a place of refuge for local residents and travelers looking for authentic Hawaii travel experiences. Molokai has commuter air service from HNL and Maui's two airports: Kahului Airport (OGG) and Kapalua Airport (JHM).

Related: Off the beaten path: Tips on visiting and exploring Molokai, Hawaii

I wouldn't recommend that travelers head to either of these places until they've visited several of the larger Hawaiian islands first. You'll likely get more out of them (and know which one is the right fit for you) once you have more context to appreciate them.

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Which hawaiian island is the best to visit our 2024 ranking.

Though it can be easy to assume the six most visited Hawaiian Islands offer similar experiences, they are more diverse than you can imagine. From Waimea Canyon to Waikiki Beach, Hawaii’s wealth of natural beauty (think: cerulean waters, verdant vegetation and stunning white sand beaches ) is just waiting to be explored. To help you decide which Hawaiian Island is ideal for your next vacation, U.S. News took into account sights, expert opinion and reader input to determine the best Hawaiian Islands to visit. Vote for your favorite island below to have a say in next year's list. 

Kaua'i

Hawaii - the big island, honolulu - oahu.

Though it's perhaps most famous for the fabulous coastlines of Ka'anapali Beach and Wailea Beach, Maui is a great option for both couples and families looking for variety in their vacation. Away from the sand, you can drive the Road to Hana, enjoy a bird's-eye view during a helicopter tour , see one of the world's largest dormant volcanoes at Haleakala National Park and get up close to marine wildlife while snorkeling in Honolua Bay or around Molokini. Then, for an experience you won’t forget, relax on the volcanic coastline of Wai'anapanapa State Park, where jet-black sands meet vibrant sapphire waters.

With a more easygoing environment than other islands like Oahu and the Big Island, the Garden Isle lets its wild, natural beauty speak for itself and is perfect for an adventurous getaway. The main attractions here are Koke'e State Park and Waimea Canyon, otherwise known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." But you also won’t want to miss Kaua'i’s breathtaking Wailua Falls or dreamy Po'ipu Beach. And if a challenging hike is what you’re after, it doesn’t get more scenic than the Kalalau Trail along the rugged Napali Coast. Just remember to pack galoshes and a rain jacket – Kaua'i is one of Hawaii's rainiest islands.

The island of Hawaii's bevy of one-of-a-kind attractions and family-friendly activities makes it ideal for travelers who prefer a jam-packed itinerary. Not only does the Big Island offer white and black sand beaches , including the famous Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, it is also home to lush rainforests and two active volcanoes at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. History buffs will love visiting Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site (home to one of Hawaii's largest restored temples) and Kealakekua Bay (where British explorer James Cook first arrived in 1779). Or, head to Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park to see petroglyphs, ancient Hawaiian fishponds and green sea turtles.

The least-developed island on this list, Moloka'i was made for those who don’t mind going off the beaten path. With lush rainforests, miles of beautiful beaches and some of the tallest sea cliffs in the world, Moloka'i is a great place to reconnect with nature, whether you’re staying overnight at one of Moloka'i’s quiet oceanfront cottages – there is only one hotel on the island – or visiting on a day trip from one of the other Hawaiian Islands. Top activities here include soaking up some sun on secluded Papohaku Beach, snorkeling Moloka'i's 28-mile reef or joining a guided cultural hike through Halawa Valley.

Dubbed The Gathering Place, Oahu is home to plenty of famous sites and a great jumping-off point for first-time visitors to the Hawaiian Islands. On the South Shore, you'll find Waikiki Beach, Hanauma Bay, Pearl Harbor National Memorial and Le'ahi (Diamond Head) State Monument, all in or near the capital city of Honolulu. Meanwhile, the North Shore is home to a more laid-back vibe, as well as the renowned waves at Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach, which host major surfing competitions every year. After exploring along the coast, head inland to the tranquil Byodo-In Temple, a replica of a Buddhist temple in Uji, Japan.

For a secluded, nature-centric escape, set your sights on Lana'i. Centrally located between Maui and Moloka'i, this remote hideaway makes a great home base for inter-island travel. Travelers can take a four-wheel-drive vehicle to spots like Kaiolohia (Shipwreck Beach) and Kaunolu Village, a prehistoric fishing village that was once frequented by King Kamehameha I, or spend their days sunbathing on Polihua Beach. In winter, head to Hulopo'e Bay for terrific whale-watching opportunities. Then, make your way to Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods), an enchanting rock garden that was once part of a native dryland forest, for a breathtaking Lana'i sunset. 

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Destination Molokai: What To Do On Hawaii's Least Visited Island

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7 cutest small towns near seattle in 2024, 7 underrated mountain towns in oregon, read update.

There Are Endless Reasons To Come See Beautiful Molokai, Hawaii

• Molokai offers a unique and authentic Hawaiian experience with fewer crowds, empty beaches, and a close-knit community of locals.
• Explore the rich history and culture of Molokai through attractions like Kalaupapa National Historical Park and St. Joseph's Church.
• Enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking in Halawa Valley, visiting beautiful beaches, biking along scenic routes, and kayaking around the island.

Every tourist destination has a least visited place. The place that only a few people ever care about, mostly because of the nearby popular places. One thing to know about the least visited place is that it usually has lots of things to offer. In fact, in some cases, it might be the best-kept secret. This is the case of Molokai - the least visited island in the state of Hawaii . Maui may have sea turtles, and Kauai may have hiking trails . Still, Molokai has both and some things the other popular islands do not have - fewer crowds, empty beaches, and a more intimate Hawaiian experience. With fewer families living on the island, the people know each other and work together to ensure travelers enjoy an unforgettable visit. This makes it the best place for those seeking empty beaches, quiet hiking trails, and the original Hawaiian lifestyle with no chaotic resorts or noisy cruise ships.

To begin an exploration of this island, here are some of the most exciting things to do.

Travelers can also explore Hawaii's smallest towns while they search for the least visited Hawaiian island.

UPDATE: 2023/08/21 21:30 EST BY LUANA FERREIRA

Hawaii has 137 islands, and Molokai seems to be the best destination for tourists seeking an authentic experience, as the island is the least affected by the tourism hub. This list was expanded to include more things to do when visiting Molokai.

RELATED: 10 Beaches That Host The Best Luau In Maui

14 Kalaupapa National Historical Park

Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Molokai preserves the poignant history of a former leprosy settlement. Visitors can witness the haunting beauty of the isolated peninsula, learn about patients' lives, and explore historical structures.

Highlights include Father Damien's Church, which honors the priest who cared for patients, and the stunning Kalaupapa Overlook. Access to the park is mainly by guided tours due to its remote location. While there's no fee for park entrance, tour fees contribute to maintaining the area and honoring its significant past.

Visitors don't need to pay a fee to enter the park , but getting a permit is mandatory. Permission is often given when booking a guided tour.

13 Joseph's Church

St. Joseph's Church stands as a historical treasure on Molokai. Dating back to 1876, it's one of the oldest Hawaiian churches in continuous use. Located in Kamalo, its charming architecture and serene surroundings offer a glimpse into the island's spiritual heritage.

Visitors can explore this sacred site, admiring its timeless design and learning about its significance in the local community. St. Joseph's Church provides a serene and reflective stop, allowing travelers to connect with Molokai's history and cultural roots.

• Address: Kamehameha V Hwy Kamalo, HI, 5910 Kamehameha V Hwy, Kaunakakai, HI 96748, United States

12 Molokai Plumeria Farm

Hawaii must be famous for its pineapple farms , but flowers are just as impressive. The Molokai Plumeria Farm invites visitors to experience the enchanting beauty of plumeria flowers on the island. This farm showcases vibrant blooms and offers insights into plumeria cultivation.

The best time to visit is during the blooming season, typically from May to October. Travelers can wander through fragrant groves, learn about the flowers' care, and witness various colors and scents. The Molokai Plumeria Farm provides a sensory journey, perfect for flower enthusiasts and those seeking an aromatic Hawaiian escape.

• Address: 1342 Mauna Loa Hwy, Kaunakakai, HI 96748, United States

11 Molokai Museum and Cultural Center

The Molokai Museum and Cultural Center beckons visitors with its rich heritage and insights into the island's past. Exploring this center is a window into Molokai's history, showcasing artifacts, exhibits, and stories that span generations.

Visitors can discover the island's cultural evolution, learn about its people, and gain a deeper appreciation for its traditions. The museum offers a captivating journey through time, from ancient Hawaiian artifacts to historical photographs. A visit to the Molokai Museum and Cultural Center is essential for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the island's unique identity.

Address : 1795 Kalae Hwy, Ho'olehua, HI 96729, United States

10 Go Hiking In Halawa Valley

Hiking Halawa Valley is the first thrilling thing travelers can do in Molokai, not just because of the valley’s lushness but because of the history of this area. Halawa Valley is the location of one of the first settlements in Hawaii, as archaeological findings here date back as early as the 7th century . While hiking the trail, one will be met with sights of a beautiful church from the early 1800s, an impressive waterfall, and a pool where one can enjoy a refreshing swim.

• Length: 3.4 miles round trip

9 Visit Halawa Beach Park

Halawa Beach Park is the place to find the most beautiful beaches on the island. The park features two beaches - Kawili Beach and Lama’alaea Beach. During summer, these beaches are great places to swim and enjoy a relaxing seaside moment. Other activities one can do on these beaches include fishing and surfing.

During winter, the beaches can become dangerous for swimming due to the strong waves.

8 Take A Helicopter Tour

Those who have seen the island from the ground might as well see it from the sky. There’s no better way to do this than taking a helicopter tour. This activity offers a bird’s eye view of the unique landscape of this laid-back island. Most Helicopter tours offer opportunities to see West Maui and Molokai in a single helicopter trip, as the two islands are located close to each other.

• Duration : Approx. 55 minutes
• Price: Starts at $369

Related: Important Traditions Worth Knowing Before Visiting Hawaii

7 Visit Papohaku Beach Park

At Papohaku Beach Park, visitors will be presented with one of the longest stretches of white sand shoreline in the state of Hawaii. One would think such uniqueness would draw in so much crowd, but that’s not the case here. Papohaku Beach Park is one of the least visited beaches in the country, which means one will have the entire beach to oneself at any time. Those lucky to visit such a secluded paradise should take the time to enjoy the peacefulness, take a barefooted long stroll on the white sand, swim in the water when the tides are low, and suck in the scenery at sunset. The surf here is also amazing.

• Open 24 hours

6 Explore Kamakou Preserve

Kamakou reserve is home to Kamakou - the highest peak in Molokai and also hundreds of rare Hawaiian plants, which are unique to this place as well as some rare species of birds. Hiking the short boardwalk is the best way to see this pristine and lush area, as one will be presented with melodious songs of birds and beautiful views of the surrounding vegetation.

• More than 200 species of trees
• Spanning 2.774 acres

Related: Hawaii’s Youngest & Oldest Island Is One In The Same, Here’s How

With miles of paved paths lying empty, biking is a must-do activity in Molokai and a unique way to see the island. One of the best biking routes to take on the island is from Kaunakakai to Halawa Valley, where one will enjoy more than 20 miles of empty road and lots of natural beauty. The ride also leads to some of the island’s beautiful beaches, and bikers can stop to relax on these shorelines before hitting the road again.

• Where to rent a bike: Molokai Bicycle, Malokai E-bike Rental

There are many guided Kayak tours offered in Molokai for those seeking to explore the island from the sea. This activity can only be done during summer as the waters are usually too turbulent during winter. One can explore the entire island on a kayak by paddling from one valley to the other, camping, and exploring the numerous attractions on the way. Many Kayak tours on the island include snorkeling as well, so one can explore the reef and marine life in the water. Kayaking in Molokai is best left for experienced kayakers as the waves of the sea can be challenging even during the calmest month.

• Where to rent: Bring me a Kayak, Malokai Outdoor, Molokai Outdoor Activities

3 Post A Nut

Imagine being able to post a well-decorated coconut from a remote island such as Molokai to a friend or family. That’s one of the unique things one can do on this island. This service is offered at the island’s local post office, and visitors only have to pay the delivery fees. The coconut and the art tools are completely free. One can paint the coconuts personally or request a more catchy design which may come at an extra cost. Delivery fees can be anywhere between $13 and $20.

2 Visit The Farmers Market

Visiting the Molokai Farmers market is a must-do while on the island. The market usually runs every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., and the majority of the island's population comes to purchase their fresh produce during this time. Visitors who want to explore the island’s local produce and also witness the vibrant nature of the people should not miss out on this weekend market.

• Every Saturday from 9 am to 12 pm

1 Visit Pala'au State Park

Pala'au State Park is an area endowed with a lush forest and one of the best views in the area. The park offers activities such as camping and hiking, and one of its hiking trails even leads to an overlook that presents an impressive view of the beautiful Pacific Ocean and the Kalaupapa Peninsula.

• Entrance Fee: None

10 ways to see Hawaii on a budget

Nov 11, 2023 • 9 min read

Hawaii is expensive, but these budget tips can make your money go a bit further © Getty Images / iStockphoto

There’s a saying in Hawaii : there’s a cost to paradise. Among the US states, Hawaii had the highest cost of living in 2022, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. The median price of a single-family home on Oʻahu is more than $1 million. And gas costs around $5 a gallon.

There are, however, plenty of low-cost (and even free) ways to enjoy the best of the islands  –  pristine beaches , local flavors, stunning natural beauty  – which will allow you to stay for longer and experience more. This guide to daily costs in Hawaii, along with top tips for budget travelers, can help you save your dollars.

As of Nov 1, 2023, all areas of Maui (except Lahaina) affected by the devastating wildfires in August are open for tourism. Respectful travel is encouraged to support Hawaii’s local businesses that rely so heavily on tourism.

Plan a fall or spring vacation

Hawaii is a year-round destination, and that’s good news for budget travelers. You can find deals on airfare and accommodations during the slower shoulder months  – September and October, January and February, April and May – avoiding peak travel times like summer, winter and spring break.

Be smart about island-hopping...

Why fly all the way to Hawaii and stay on one island? If you’re set on seeing more than one island on your vacation, you should take advantage of cheaper options on interisland airfares.

Southwest Airlines offers one-way rates that are sometimes as low as $39 with no-frills service and no assigned seating. Mokulele Airlines operates Cessna 208EX Grand Caravans that seat up to nine passengers and fly into smaller airports, offering round-trip fares for less than $200 per person.

Planning tip: If you’re on Maui and want to visit Lanaʻi , you can book a ride on the Expeditions Maui-Lanaʻi Passenger Ferry , but be aware this business was severely impacted by the wildfires and is still rebuilding. Tickets start at $30 one way and take about an hour. Bonus: if you’re traveling between islands from January to April, you may see humpback whales along the way.

...Or simply stay on one island

Island-hopping can be pricey – you’re paying for additional airfares and accommodations, and if you’re not on Oʻahu , you’ll likely have to rent a car, the price of which fluctuates with demand. 

By staying on one island , you can really explore everything it has to offer. Oʻahu is bustling, with tons of restaurants, shopping, beaches, museums and hiking trails. Maui is just as vibrant, with more country charm and quaint towns like Hana and Makawao.

Kauaʻi is the most laid-back of all the islands, with verdant landscapes, breathtaking beaches and a quieter pace. Hawaiʻi Island, aka the Big Island , boasts active volcanoes, rolling ranchland and old-Hawaii charm.

Keep your car-rental period short

While opting out of renting a car during your entire vacation may be the most cost-effective, it’s also very limiting – even on Oʻahu, which boasts a great public bus system. You’ll want to get out of resort areas and venture into different neighborhoods, find hole-in-the-wall eateries and experience the islands the way locals do.

Instead of renting a car for the duration of your stay, consider a car hire for just a few days, optimally keeping your costs under $100.

Use local ridesharing services and rentals

All of the main islands have ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft, with O‘ahu featuring the best coverage. But there are new local services as well.

In June 2021,  Holoholo , a new rideshare company, launched on Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi Island and Lanaʻi with a wider selection of rides – hybrid, electric and luxury vehicles, rides with vaccinated drivers and drivers pre-approved to enter US military bases and options for those requiring additional mobility assistance.

Fares are based on distance and calculated up front, and rides can be scheduled in advance. Turo also recently entered the Hawaii market, offering the more affordable option of renting vehicles directly from local owners.

Hui Care Share is a round-trip, station-based car-share program on Oʻahu only, where you can book a vehicle by the hour or day, now or in the future. The service includes 170 vehicles parked at 65 stations throughout urban Honolulu  – downtown, Waikiki , Kakaʻako, Ala Moana, Mānoa, Kaimukī – and Ko Olina. The best part? Gas, insurance and roadside assistance are all included.

Take public transportation

You can also ditch the cars entirely – no worries about parking! – by using public transportation.

On Oʻahu, there's TheBus , a public bus service with a fleet of 542 buses providing daily services on 101 routes across the island. Adult fares are $3 (one way), to be paid in cash upon boarding, with discounts for seniors aged 65 and up and youth ages 6 to 17. TheBus conveniently stops at some of the island’s most popular visitor destinations, including Waikiki, Ala Moana Center, Bishop Museum , Kualoa Ranch, Polynesian Cultural Center , Pearl Harbor , Waimea Valley and Hanauma Bay.

Maui also operates a public bus system  with service in various parts of the islands, from Kaʻanapali to Upcountry .

Get around by bike

Another option is to ride around Oʻahu on a bike using the island’s only bikeshare program, Biki , which has 1300 bikes at more than 130 self-service Biki Stops throughout Honolulu.

It’s a great option for short jaunts to the beach or to grab lunch nearby. Rides cost $4.50 per bike for a single ride for up to 30 minutes, $12 for unlimited rides within 24 hours or $30 for 300 minutes to use in any increment for one year (the best option to use over an entire vacation stay).

There are fees for some of Hawaii's beaches, hiking trails and gardens

Enjoy the best parts of Hawaii – its beaches, gardens, parks and hiking trails  – without spending much.

Most beaches in Hawaii are free and accessible year-round. Some – like Hanauma Bay on Oʻahu and Hāʻena State Park on Kauaʻi – require reservations with a small fee for visitors. Pristine nature reserve Hanauma Bay has an online reservation system , limiting the number of visitors to fewer than 800 a day. It costs $25 per person to enter (free for Hawaii residents and children aged 12 and under) and another $3 for parking ($1 for residents).

To visit Hāʻena State Park  – which includes Kēʻē Beach and the start of the Kalalau Trail along the famed Nāpali Coast – you’ll need to secure a reservation and pay a $5 entry fee and $10 for parking (free for residents).

While state-run hiking trails are normally free to access, some have small fees. For non-residents, it costs $5 to hike to the top of Diamond Head (Lēʻahi in Hawaiian) on Oʻahu, plus $10 for parking (both payable by credit card only), or to visit the popular ʻIao Valley State Monument on Maui. Reserve your place in advance online .

Most botanical gardens charge a nominal entrance fee, though some, including the popular city-run Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden on Oʻahu, are free to explore.

Eat affordable local dishes: bento boxes and poke bowls 

While each island boasts upscale farm-to-table restaurants that will break your food budget, Hawaii is also known for its homestyle local cuisine. Plate lunches, bento (Japanese box meals) and poke bowls (cubed ahi, raw and seasoned, and served atop rice) are plentiful – and affordable.

Get loaded plates of teriyaki beef, shoyu chicken or hamburger steak and gravy at popular drive-ins, such as  Rainbow Drive-In on Oʻahu, Hawaiian Style Cafe on Hawaii Island and Tin Roof on Maui.

Seek out okazu-ya (Japanese deli-type eateries), which serve à la carte portions of local favorites – shoyu pork, chow fun noodles, shrimp tempura and  musubi (rice balls). Some popular ones are Kawamoto Store on Hawaiʻi Island, Fukuya Deli on Oʻahu, Honokowai Okazuya & Deli on Maui and Po’s Kitchen on Kauaʻi. And poke bowls are everywhere – affordable and filling meals you can grab even from convenience stores.

Planning tip: If your short-term rental has a kitchen, you may want to save money by cooking in. Hit up one of the many farmers markets run by the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau Federation or FarmLovers Markets . You can meet local farmers, buy fresh and local produce and even pick up artisan-made gifts, such as jams, hot sauces, cookies, vinegars and honey. Many serve prepared foods too.

Find free and low-cost activities and tours

You can still immerse yourself in Hawaii and its rich culture without a pricey lūʻau or helicopter tour through free (or cheap) classes around town .

Many hotels and malls offer free entertainment and classes in cultural practices, such as lei-making , ukulele-playing and hula. The Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki offers all that, plus lauhala-weaving and free Hawaiian entertainment.  Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel  by Outrigger on Maui provides complimentary cultural classes to its guests at its Hale Hoʻokipa; learn to hula, make tapa cloth, restring kukui-nut leis, speak short words and phrases in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) and even find your way around with pānānā , or traditional navigational techniques.

On Oʻahu you can rent surfboards at stands along Waikiki Beach for about $20, or pay a little more for a lesson from a beach attendant. You can also rent surfboards, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, boogieboards with fins, snorkel gear and more from Surf in the City Waikiki .

Opt for self-guided tours to save some money. Hōlualoa Kona Coffee Company on Hawaiʻi Island offers free coffee-roasting tours and samplings for a small fee. Stroll the grounds of the state’s largest coffee grower, Kauaʻi Coffee Co , at your leisure to learn about coffee and its history in the islands.

For about $35 you can go on a walking tour of Oʻahu’s historic Chinatown district with the Hawaiʻi Heritage Center , where you learn about the rich history of the neighborhood, Chinese immigration to Hawaii and architecture. The fee includes gallery entry, visits to sites with cultural and historical significance, and food from neighborhood shops and restaurants.

Planning tip: Download the Shaka Guide app for self-guided GPS audio tours of popular attractions across the islands. Featured tours include Road to Hana on Maui, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Hawaiʻi Island and Waimea Canyon on Kauaʻi. Each tour costs $20 and works offline.

A guide to daily costs in Hawaii

Hostel room: $40 to $150 a night Basic room for two: $150 to $300 a night Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): $80 (for a private room) to $6000 a night (where President Obama stayed in Kailua) Public transport ticket: Adult fares on TheBus on Oʻahu are $3 (one way), with discounts for seniors aged 65 and up and youth aged 6 to 17. Coffee: $2.25 (hot coffee at Starbucks) to $12.50 (Kona Estate coffee brewed fresh, using the Chemex pour-over brewer at Honolulu Coffee) Sandwich: $7 (Andy’s Sandwiches & Smoothies) to $13 (at Sprout Sandwich Shop) Dinner for two: $50 to $500 Beer/pint at the bar: $7 to $12

This article was first published Apr 1, 2016 and updated Nov 11, 2023.

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Travel to Hawaii on a Budget

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Traveling to Hawaii on a Budget

Traveling to Hawaii on a budget is something that sounds impossible. If you know where to look and how to book, then traveling to Hawaii on a budget is no problem for the savvy penny pincher. Some primary considerations have many possibilities to save money on the trip.

Some of the more popular budget items include:  

• Taking a cruise
• Finding cheap flights
• Finding the perfect lodging 
• Discounts on activities
• Food savings

Regardless of the way you arrive on the Island; Transportation is your second largest expense. Deciding how to get to the Island can make or break your entire trip. A Cruise gives you many benefits, but if you plan on staying on one Island, then the flight options may be the better choice. Here is how you travel to Hawaii on a budget and still have the time of your life!

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Taking a Cruise

Taking a cruise is far cheaper overall than flying into the islands and booking a hotel stay. Not only do you get the already paid for food from the cruise ship, but you also get to see all the islands. If you do not mind spending longer at sea than on land, maybe a cruise is a better option. 

Most cruises also do not visit every Island in Hawaii but will put the most popular islands on the schedule.  Make sure to check the stops and times with the cruise line to ensure that you have enough time at each Island. Most cruise ships will stop at each Island for a day , sometimes two days. If you know where you are going, one day is plenty of time to see one or two landmarks and grab a few meals. 

Typically, a cruise will cost anywhere from $500 to upwards of $5000 depending on several different factors, including the time of year, cruise line, cruise theme, departure port, etc. A Typical cruise to Hawaii can be anywhere from seven days to 14 days. 

The most significant benefit of booking a cruise is the savings from expensive hotel restaurants and taking advantage of the free cruise ship restaurants. Some of the other advantages include:

• No planning pack a bag and show up.
• No or little added lodging costs
• No or little added food cost
• Professional staff to help with directions and all the “hot spots.”

Visit our Hawaii Reopening What You Need to Know article for the latest on cruising the Hawaiian islands during the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Flying to Hawaii

If air is more your arrival style and you want to spend your days relaxing at the beach and hanging out with the locals, you are probably looking forward to flying over there. Most flights from the West Coast are anywhere from 5-7 hours, and airports in different locations will fly you over to a western airport that makes the flight regularly. 

When flying to Hawaii, you most likely will be planning everything yourself, including booking your hotel and your activities. Knowing how to find the lowest airfare to the islands is important before you book your flight(s). Some activities can be fully booked at high traveled times of the year. It is recommended that you book your activities when you book your stay. 

Booking through a travel agent or an online aggregator can significantly help arrange everything from rental cars to hotel stays.  You get discounts from different groups at different rates. A rental car may be one price on one site and another price on another site. The best way to get the most discounts is to use multiple sites to find the cheapest option combinations.  

Airlines, Hotels, and Rental car companies all share the same ups and down in tourist/travelers simultaneously, so the best time to save the most is when there are very few people. March-April and September-October is the consensus for the best time to purchase airline tickets. When you book between 21 and 120 days in advance during the offseason, you typically get the best rates.

There are several different options for finding the correct lodging for your trip outside of a cruise ship or a hotel stay.  

Shared hotel stays usually run anywhere from $30-$150 a night, depending on the hostel and options you chose. In some cases, as with the Polynesian hostel, you are closer to the beach than the hotels are! You do not have to worry about your safety either; you can view reviews left from other patrons well in advance at hostel world . 

You could rent anything from a Dodge Grand caravan for two people up to a full class A  motorhome. It gives you a place to sleep, prepare food, and travel to and from destinations, all for around $100 per day. If you combine this with our next option, camping, you will save quite a chunk of change while maintaining water and food access.

Camping in Hawaii is probably one of the most rewarding experiences you could have. Campsites range from $5.00 a night up to $150 a night for full cabins.  There are campgrounds everywhere in Hawaii; it is safe to say that you would be able to find a spot without reserving it first.  Some campgrounds even have showers and other fine amenities such as a convenience store or fish and tackle spots. We can not recommend camping in Haleakala National Park on Maui enough.

Airbnb and Other Home-Share Programs

Airbnb and other home-share programs are beneficial in finding a shared space to rent for the trip. You can rent a room or an entire house to yourself. The only thing to look out for here is the legitimacy of the Poster. Airbnb is regulated in Hawaii, and these establishments must hold a license to rent the home to you.

Save on Activities!

Many local tour companies have some discounts on their tours, all you need to do is ask them when you contact them to book.  We suggest booking through local companies since most of the island's residents are more than happy to show you Aloha and what the local culture is all about. Also, check with them on what the current mask-wearing and social distancing rules are.

Here a few fun activities you can book early in Hawaii: 

• Whale Watching
• Sandbar turtle tour
• BYOB dinner and cruise
• Helicopter Ride
• Deep-Sea Fishing
• Snorkeling 

Save on food!

To save the most money on your trip when it comes to food, we suggest getting a place with a kitchen and buying your food at the local grocery stores and farmers' markets. If you decide to go the Airbnb route, Costco, Target, and Walmart with price match will help get you through the trip. Most items are slightly more expensive than the mainland, but not overzealously priced. 

Groupon is wonderful for restaurant deals if you buy in advance of where you are going to stay.  Most restaurants want the added business, especially during the slower months of tourism. Aside from Groupon, hotels will have coupons for popular restaurants if you are staying in a hotel. 

Doing a mix of both strategies will save you the most money! $3.00 sandwiches from Walmart Deli for Lunch, $29.99 meal from Groupon, and a bowl of oats or breakfast you took your average cost down from $40 per person/meal to about $12 per person.  Another popular item on the menu is a plate lunch. It is a plate of one meat, one salad, and some rice for around $8.00 a plate.

Just remember to carry plenty of snacks with you on the go, and maybe even a picnic lunch for those out and about all day excursions, such as the Road to Hana on Maui.

Hawaii is a fun place to visit, and even though it can be expensive, there are ways to travel to Hawaii on a budget and still have the time of your life.  There is no imaginable way to do everything in one trip to Hawaii; pre-planning will save you a lot of money on the trip.  

Taking a cruise is fun and rewarding, but there are other ways to save money; camping, glamping with an RV, or an Airbnb are all great options. The perfect package is usually one that you create yourself, a morning of zip lining followed by an afternoon of whale watching and a dinner cruise; they do not make packages like that for a reasonable price.

2024-2025 Hawaii Budget Calculator

Estimate the cost of your hawaii vacation.

Aloha, guest readers can calculate five (5) trip cost estimates for Hawaii each day. Rates included within this calculator are based on projected 2024-2025 rates aggregated from current OTA pricing. Rates will be updated regularly.

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Calculator overview.

This calculator is designed to provide both a comprehensive and regularly updated budget estimate for planning a trip to Hawaii. Currently, rates are applicable for 2024-2025. Generally, these rates should provide a good estimate for any time period between 2024 and mid 2025.

This budget tool considers all of the following:

• Hawaii Flight Costs including airfare from various destinations, baggage fees, etc.
• Hawaii Accommodation Costs including different lodging types, Hawaii's now roughly 18% accommodation tax, parking fees (if applicable), which island you're staying on, etc.
• Hawaii Vehicle Rental Costs including various types of vehicles, fuel costs, and number of miles driven daily.
• Additional Costs including dining + gratuity, visitor fees to parks, etc., and Hawaii Tours and Activity costs.

Hawaii Flight Costs

First, consider your flight costs to Hawaii. Select your departure location, update the number of travelers (if applicable), and check whether you expect to pay baggage fees, below.

Hawaii Accommodation Costs

Next, let us know which island you'll be visiting (select the primary island if you're visiting more than one), select a lodging type/classification, update the number of nights (default is set to a week), update the number or rooms (if applicable), and check whether you expect to pay parking fees (common in more densely populated areas on Oahu and/or Maui).

Statewide Rate : 18%

Hawaii Car Rental Costs

Now, let's consider your vehicle rental costs (if applicable). If you're not renting a car, select 'No Car,' but for most visitors, we highly recommend a rental. Update the number of days (which will default to +1 day more than you selected in accommodation nights) and choose an estimate for your mileage each day. If you're not sure, we recommend you leave the default option selected.

If you select 'No Car' this will be zeroed out by default!

Other Hawaii Costs

Finally, consider a few last potential costs and fees for your trip. There's dining (we've included gratuity in the estimates), and we've selected all three meal options by default. Then, there are potential fees for parks and other attractions, which are a relatively new factor to now consider when estimating a Hawaii budget; select the applicable options below. Finally, select the amount, if any, you expect to spend on Hawaii Tours and/or commercial Activities. Be sure to update the number of people dining and people the fees/tours apply to if applicable; these numbers will default to the same number of people you selected previously for this trip estimate.

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You may not have exact dates yet, but provide a rough guess or estimate below. This will help us refine the calculator and provide more accurate data throughout the year. Mahalo!

Final Question

If you're visiting another island, please let us know below. This will not affect the estimate or rate you're provided. This is for research and calculator improvement purposes only. Mahalo!

- Click To Estimate Trip Cost -

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How to Choose the Best Hawaiian Island to Visit

• I regularly visit family in Hawai’i, and have visited every major island more than once.
• Here’s my advice to help you choose the best Hawaiian island for your next visit. And the one after that, too.

The question should not be if you go to Hawai’i, but rather when . With vast biodiversity, rich cultural heritage, magnificent natural features, and consistent temperatures, Hawai’i offers something for all visitors at any time of year. Hawaii vacations may be the stuff of dreams, but there’s every reason to turn that dream into a reality. Deciding on where to go will help the rest of the trip fall into place. Here’s what you need to know to choose the best Hawaiian island for your trip.

Choosing the Best Hawaiian Island to Visit for You

Something I love about Hawai’i is how much there is to see, do, and learn while you’re there. Whether you go to learn about the history of Native Hawaiians in places like the Bishop Museum (O’ahu) or the City of Refuge (Hawai’i), to play on magnificent beaches like Big Beach (Mau’i) or Hanalei (Kauai), or to hike awe-inspiring trails like the one to Hanakapi’ai Falls (Kauai) or across Kilauea Iki Crater (Hawai’i’), the Hawaiian Islands will not disappoint.

FARE FLIGHTS: 16 Great Sites for Booking Cheap Airfare

But with so much to do and see, it can be tricky figuring out how to plan a Hawaii vacation. Here’s everything you need to know about how to choose a Hawaiian island and plan your Hawai’i family vacation.

Jump to a section:

• How to Be a Good Tourist

Hawaiian Islands Overview

Getting around on the islands, popular destinations in hawai’i, know before you go, how to be a good tourist in hawai’i.

Even before the pandemic, Hawai’i’s identity as idyllic tourist spot was a tricky one for locals; yes, tourism means jobs, cash flow, and business opportunities for local entrepreneurs, but it also means congestion, higher prices, and most importantly, a seeming sense of disregard for the the a’ina (land) and Hawaiian tradition and culture.

CONNECT DEEPER: Hawaii Invites Visitors to Volunteer on Vacation

That said, as a tourist to any island in Hawai’i, you can demonstrate your humanity (and common sense) by showing respect and deference to local ways. Be sure to treat the land as if it is one giant national park, abiding by the principle of LNT (leave no trace = anything you bring in should end up in its proper receptacle) and local guidelines; this means giving marine life wide berth (minimum six feet with turtles), applying reef safe sunscreen (it’s the law) long before you go in the water (so it has time to soak in and not just rinse straight into the water), and appreciating lava rock and plant life but leaving them in their place.

Also, ask questions about local practices, read about local activism, visit historic sites and museums, and even seek out service opportunities . Imagine Hawai’i as another country—the cultural norms, language, arts, and landscape are unique to this rich and beautiful land and people.

There are six Hawaiian Islands open to visitors: Kaua’i, O’ahu, Maui, Moloka’i, Lana’i, Hawai’i (also known as The Big Island). There’s plenty to do on each of the islands. They are quite different, one from the next, but travelers generally do best limiting a first visit to one or two islands.

Inter-island travel is easy, but like any air travel, cost fluctuates from reasonable to exorbitant depending on the time of year. Flights between islands should be planned and booked ahead of time as last-minute flights can be prohibitively expensive.

KICK BACK: 6 Best Hawai’i All-Inclusive Resorts

Each Hawaiian Island has its own unique charm and attractions and of course, all are worth visiting. So, how do you decide? Here’s a rundown on the appeal and character of each Hawaiian island. I’ll go deeper into each island (and show you pics) below, but here’s a high-level rundown:

• Kaua’i is known as the Garden Island and visitors will find plenty of experiences and adventures in nature here—think hiking, boating, and beach-ing. Lush greenery meets the beach in many spots, and visitors can find challenging hikes or simply drive to sweeping vistas.
• O’ahu , the “Heart of Hawai’i” and what visitors sometimes refer to as the “main” island, is home to Honolulu and the famous North Shore surf spots. With multiple historic and cultural sights including The Bishop Museum, Punchbowl Cemetery, Pearl Harbor and the Polynesian Cultural Center, those who don’t want to do the beach-all-day thing will have more than enough experiences to choose from (though of course, beautiful beaches circle the island).
• Mau’i’ s reputation for beauty and activities is well-earned. From the other-worldly landscape of Haleakala to the winding Road to Hana, natural wonder abounds on Mau’i. Other popular attractions include the Maui Ocean Center aquarium and Maui Arts and Cultural Center.
• Moloka’i feels most like what people think of as “Old Hawai’i”. Only 38 miles long and 10 miles wide, sea cliffs, coral reefs, and Papohaku Beach, one of Hawai’i’s largest white-sand beaches, make for the perfect outdoor adventure setting for visitors year round.
• Lana’i offers both luxurious resort accommodations and rugged terrain. With only a few lodging options, Lana’i both welcomes visitors and challenges them to take on the adventure of its mountainous back roads.
• Hawai’i , also known as The Big Island, offers vast diversity of experiences, from black sand beaches and white sand beaches to exceptional snorkeling. You’ll also find the otherworldly landscapes of Volcanoes National Park , stargazing opportunities at 9,000 feet, and bustling farmers’ markets with a seemingly infinite supply of tropical fruits. Made up of five distinct volcanoes, Hawai’i is one of the most ecologically diverse places on Earth. Note that the west side (Kona and north) of the island tends to be dryer than the rainier east (Hilo) side.

No island has significant public transportation (though O’ahu’s system is the most elaborate, and around Honolulu, buses are readily available), so no matter where you’re headed for your Hawaii vacation, you will either need to rent a car or book taxis, tours, and/or shuttles.

Most tour companies will do pick-ups at larger hotels and resorts, and there are both independent and hotel-run airport shuttles in some locations. Uber/Lyft operate on Kaua’i, O’ahu, Maui and The Big Island, but be aware that they are readily available only in places that are densely populated/touristed. In recent years, rentals cars have sometimes been in short supply so if you’re thinking about renting a car in Hawaii, this is one of those times you’ll want to book well in advance.

WHEELS FOR MILES: 10 Best Car Rental Booking Sites

Hanakapi’ai Falls

The Kalalau Trail is the only one visitors can use along the Na Pali coast of Kaua’i. Though you don’t need a permit to undertake this challenging—but amazing—trip, you do need a reservation. Parking is limited, and you will be grateful that the trail isn’t full of throngs of people.

Prepare for an intense hike; even the “easy” four-mile round trip will take you up to two hours. The eight-mile round-trip hike is an all-day experience. Come prepared with the right shoes and plenty of water and be ready to turn back if the water crossings seem too intense along the way. You will be rewarded with magnificent views and lush forest on this hike, but just know that it isn’t a stroll.

BEST TRIP EVER: 50 Best Family Vacation Ideas for All Ages

Waimea Canyon

Though dramatic in its landscape, Waimea Canyon is actually accessible in a variety of ways. Four drive-up lookouts pepper the road at mile markers 10, 13.5, 18 and 19.

Visitors can also hike in from a variety of trails in Koke’e and Waimea Canyon State Park. Cliff Canyon and Black Pipe Trail works well for families because of its relative ease, great views, and culminating swim near Waipo’o Falls. Visitors can also experience the Canyon via bike tour; it’s best to do this through an outfitter. Lastly, the most impressive views of Waimea Canyon are via helicopter tour . Both breathtaking and expensive, it’s up to you if this is the best option for your Hawaii family vacation.

Diamond Head Crater

This iconic feature of O’ahu can’t be missed from any Waikiki vantage point. Hiking Diamond Head is an awesome experience. Perched high above and slightly beyond Honolulu, the perspective from the top, after a dramatic staircase climb, is unforgettable. You’ll get a windswept selfie and a memory that you won’t forget. Despite the dramatic vista, this is actually only a 1.6 mile round-trip hike and is considered moderate; that said, the terrain is dark gravel and dry, so come prepared with sunscreen and plenty of water.

ALL THE WOWS: 7 Iconic U.S. Attractions Kids Should See Before They Grow Up

Polynesian Cultural Center

Identified as a TripAdvisor Top 10 US Experiences attraction, the Polynesian Cultural Center combines the history, culture, food, arts, and music of island influences in one place.

Though at first glance, it may seem a bit too touristy and like Hawai’i-as-Disney, but the Polynesian Cultural Center is the real deal. Through hands-on activities, food, and entertainment, visitors learn about the origins of the people who came to make up the Hawai’ian Islands. Different packages give visitors a variety of access options, but young and old alike will be captivated by the learning and beauty at this awesome spot.

Haleakala National Park includes the southern flank of the dormant volcano and extends to its 10,000+ foot summit. Known for its other-worldly terrain, particularly at the summit, Haleakala is worth the visit, especially if you plan ahead. Many are drawn to the incredible sunrise views, and while it is extraordinary and a rare lifetime experience, it is also crowded and now requires reservations if you’re arriving between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m.

Equally awesome is a sunset visit, and while reservations are not needed, parking areas close once they are full. A bonus to a sunset visit is the amazing stargazing opportunity that this isolated, high elevation setting provides.

Permits are required for overnight camping, but day hikers certainly can get a great experience on any number of the 30 miles of summit trails. Any visitor to Haleakala at any time of day should come prepared—it’s quite hot by midday and quite chilly before and after sunrise, and always high altitude, so pack layers and lots of water. 

Makena Beach State Park

Made up of two beaches—Big Beach and Little Beach— Makena State Park reflects the idyllic setting Hawai’i is known for. With white sand and a beautiful shore break, visitors to Maui shouldn’t miss Makena Beach State Park. Note that it’s best to swim only at lifeguard-stationed beaches, so while a stroll or a sit down at Little Beach is encouraged, swim only at Big Beach when lifeguards are present and say it’s safe to do so.

This low-lying peninsula was once a quarantine site for those suffering from Hansen’s disease (leprosy), but today, the historical park is designed as a meeting place for those impacted by the disease and the visitors (ages 18+) who want to learn about them. Kalaupapa is both a historical landmark and a refuge for those who are now cured of the disease but were once isolated to this spot.

Temporarily closed (as of Summer ‘22) to visitors due to Covid-19, once open again, this National Park will have restrictions for visitors including number per day, access method, and age. Though certainly worth the trip, it’s essential to research and plan ahead prior to visiting Kalaupapa.

Popahaku Beach and Maunaloa Town

One of Hawai’i’s longest beaches, Popahaku Beach is three miles long and over 100 yards wide and is very lightly trafficked year-round. With views of O’ahu, one can sit for hours at this magnificent beach; that said, from October to May, visitors should be mindful of dangerous conditions and should heed all signs.

During calmer surf months, there are still no lifeguards and visitors swim at their own risk. Up the hill from Popahaku is Maunaloa, the former pineapple plantation community. A stroll through the quiet and beautiful neighborhood necessitates a stop at the Big Wind Kite Factory ; large open swaths of grass and the expansive beach at Popahaku will give your family ample opportunity to test out Big Wind’s awesome designs.

Hulopoe Beach

Enjoy a white sand beach, a great snorkeling opportunity, and hiking access at this Lana’i beach. Once you’ve had your fill of relaxing, swimming, and experiencing the abundance of the reef thanks to the Manele-Hulopoe Marine Conservation District, you can, from here (shoes on), stroll to Puu Pehe and experience the tide pooling at the end of the trail while catching a glimpse of Cathedral Rock and Shark’s Bay. From the other end of Hulopoe Beach lies Fisherman’s Trail, a hike dotted with signage that teaches you about local history and culture.

City of Refuge

Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park , also known as the City of Refuge, should not be missed. With both NPS App-guided tours and on-site talks, Honaunau is one of the best places to learn about and see Hawai’ian history.

A self-guided tour along the half-mile trail will take you back in time and teach you about the kapu laws that led ancient Hawai’ians to this safe haven. Divided into Royal Grounds, Place of Refuge and Village, visitors learn about the lifestyles of both the people of Hawai’i and the royalty and its corresponding intrigue. In addition to being a treasured historic site, this beautiful spit of land gives visitors a unique perspective on the bay it faces (where there is outstanding snorkeling) and the lush hillside that abuts it.

Volcanoes National Park

Arguably one of the most impressive national parks in the country, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offers visitors unparalleled access to earth formation in progress. While it may or may not have active lava flowing or bubbling at the time of your visit, this national park should not be missed.

Those looking to get a bird’s eye view, can experience the park by and large from a guided drive with an NPS audio tour or a much beloved “Shaka Guide” audio tour. Visitors willing to stroll a bit will enjoy the the dimly lit Nahuku (formerly Thurston) Lava Tube and the flat, paved, yet impressive Devastation Trail. More adventurous walkers will love the Kilauea Iki trail—an unparalleled opportunity to hike alongside then across a lava lake surrounded by native forest.

LAVA-TASTIC: Tips for the Best Trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Depending on eruption status (check with the national park before you go), visitors might be treated to a view of Halema’uma’u bubbling (as of Summer ‘22, this is about a one-mile walk from a parking area to the viewing area) or even lava flows downslope. In addition to checking on eruptions, anyone looking to go to Volcanoes should also check the weather (oftentimes socked in with clouds or rain) and bring plenty of water, very sturdy shoes (no flip flops/slippahs), and a strong flashlight for night viewing. Though it takes some preparation and forethought to make this visit, you will not be disappointed.

Hawai’i does not abide by Daylight Savings, so the time will be either two or three hours behind Pacific Time, depending on the time of year. 

Getting There

The Hawaiian Islands are the most isolated land mass in the world, so getting there will take you a hot minute. But, with direct flights from the West Coast (about five hours) and even from cities such as Boston, New York, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Austin, flying to Hawai’i is relatively straightforward. You’ll find the most flights to Honolulu (O’ahu), Kahului (Maui), and Kona (Hawai’i’/The Big Island). Airlines that fly to Hawaii from the U.S. mainland include:

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• United Airlines

More from FamilyVacationist:

• 11 Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.
• 27 Bucket List Vacation Ideas
• 10 Best Hotel Booking Sites for Families and Groups

The post How to Choose the Best Hawaiian Island to Visit appeared first on FamilyVacationist .

• Travel Guides
• Budget Friendly

This Affordable City May Be Hawaii's Most Underrated For A Crowd-Free Tropical Vacation

On August 21, 1959, Hawaii joined the union as America's 50th state. Since that time, it's become a magnet for tourists wanting to embrace its incredible beauty. For an archipelago that sees over 10 million visitors annually, it can sometimes be difficult to find a spot that doesn't feel a bit overrun. After all, the essence of Hawaii isn't only in the beauty of her land, but in the heart of her people. If you're looking for a less-traveled area of the state to explore, you'll find lower costs and an abundance of local culture in The Big Island's east coast city of Hilo.

Every Hawaiian island has its charms, and only you can establish which island is right for you. From iconic waterfalls to idyllic beaches, hiking, snorkeling, and visiting Pearl Harbor, the list of the best Hawaiian activities is long. But if budget and off-the-beaten-path experiences are what you're after, Hilo just may be the perfect solution.

Hilo's charms

While the sandy beaches of the west coast on The Big Island of Hawaii garner most of the attention, if you head to the other side you'll find Hilo situated on the well-connected east coast. Hilo is the town many of the locals who don't work in tourism call home. With a population of 43,000 people, you'll find local vendors selling and shopping at the farmer's market, hanging out at the beach, and going about their daily lives. Prices are low enough to find reasonable lodging, entertainment, and restaurant fare, especially compared to many other areas of the state. However, the price of groceries keeps pace with the rest of the island and others in the chain, so it's best to buy local ingredients if you plan to cook.

Hilo offers a glimpse of Hawaii 70 years ago. With its low-rise buildings and tropical foliage it delivers on charm. Then there's the rugged and varied coastline. You can watch fishers try their luck or head to one of several beaches to spend the day snorkeling, surfing, or lounging on the shore. It's important to note that while Hilo does have several beaches, these aren't fluffy, white sand beaches like the best beaches in Maui . Instead, they are a result of the volcanic activity on the island. Some don't have sand at all, while others offer black sand or even a nearly-solid footing of hardened lava. Several of the beaches were lost and reborn due to volcano flows, creating a unique experience and immersive learning opportunity.

The surrounding region

Hilo is the perfect launching point for some of the best sites on the island. Around an hour away, you'll find the must-see Volcanoes National Park, one of the most dynamic and potentially dangerous parks in the world . It's packed with opportunities to hike and explore. Plus the town of Volcano features the historic Kilauea Lodge and Restaurant, with its fabulous food and gorgeous grounds. Also in the area is the Volcano Winery Tasting Room and the Akatsuka Orchid Gardens.

Back at Hilo, take the highway north for a myriad of natural interactions. Thanks to frequent rains, the Hilo side of the island hosts several botanical gardens and lush tropical landscapes. It's also where you'll find some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Hawaii. Check out Rainbow Falls on the outskirts of Hilo, Peʻepeʻe Falls up the trail a bit further, and ʻAkaka Falls inside the state park by the same name, located about 30 minutes up the coast. Just beyond that, you can access Umauma Falls, but it's on private land so there is a fee to visit. Look for signs that lead to the Umauma Experience to find it. Hilo is easily accessible from the local airport, or you can fly into Kona and drive a rental car across the lava landscape to Hilo.

Recommended

Maui on the Cheap: How to Visit Maui on a Budget (14 Tips)

Alert for Visitors: Maui has experienced significant wildfires in August 2023, causing major disruption for both locals and tourists. For your safety and up-to-date information, please visit the Maui County website before planning any activities or travels. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated. Stay safe!

Planning a trip to Maui  on a budget and want to know some cheap things to do on Maui HI? Keep scrolling to find out how to have a cheap vacation on Maui that rocks!

This post about how to visit maui on a budget was written by hawaii travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

Are you looking for a way to visit Maui without breaking the bank?

For a lot of people, a vacation to Maui is a dream come true. But for others, it’s just not in the  budget . If you’re one of those people who can’t afford the expense of traveling to this beautiful island, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!

In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to visit Maui on the cheap and still enjoy your time there as much as possible.

If you want to see all of the beautiful sites that Maui has to offer but don’t have thousands of dollars lying around, this how-to-do Maui on a budget article is for you.

Here are some budget Maui tips and tricks we’ve gathered from our own experiences traveling with kids so that your next trip doesn’t have to break the bank. Let’s get started!

Keep scrolling for my guide to visiting Maui on a budget!

Don’t have time to read a bunch of Hawaii blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting Maui on a budget.

Best Budget-Friendly Maui Activities

• Glass Bottom Boat (this is cheaper than the submarine ride and still really cool)
• 90-Minute Whale Watching Tour (this is a short and affordable boat tour during winter months)
• Molokini Snorkel Tour (this is one of the cheapest snorkeling tours on Maui)
• Shaka Driving App (it’s like going on an island tour (including Road to Hana) at a fraction of the price)

Best Budget-Friendly Maui Hotels

• Aina Nalu Resort (this is in the heart of Lahaina town and totally walkable to shops and restaurants)
• Maui Beach Hotel (this is in Kahului and it’s easy to get to all areas of the island)
• Paia Condo (amazing North Shore location right at the start of the Road to Hana)

Want to Rent a Car in Hawaii? One of the best places to rent a car in Hawaii is Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they get the best rates from top national companies like Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Payless.

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Maui Itinerary, complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

Is Maui Expensive? How Much Does the Average Trip Cost?

While Maui may not be the cheapest vacation to take, it is also possible to  plan your trip  on a budget.

A Maui Hawaii vacation cost will all depend on how many days you plan on spending in Maui, along with how many people you take on your dream vacation. If you plan on island-hopping to the other Hawaiian islands during your trip, that will add to your cost as well.

The average Maui vacation cost for a week-long trip to Maui is  around 3,000 dollars for two people , and costs will increase if you’re planning on taking the whole family. 

Many of the affordable places to stay in Maui will give discounts if you stay five or more days, which can help you cut costs as well. You might be able to find some cheap Maui packages with some cheap hotels too!

A trip to Maui cost can be quite low if you stay in the Maui budget hotels, go during the cheapest time of year to visit Maui, and enjoy all the free and cheap things to do in Maui!

You can cut costs in many different ways throughout your trip-planning process, and some are very simple, so you can visit Maui on a dime!

If you’re trying to plan a budget for a cheaper trip to Maui, then keep reading to see the ways you can cut costs and still have the best Maui budget vacation you deserve!  

What is the cheapest month to go to Maui?

The cheapest month to go to Maui is usually in the spring or fall, which is considered  the Maui off seasons  for most travelers. The best months are going to be  April ,  May ,  September , or  November .

You want to visit the island when the weather is enjoyable, but the crowds aren’t too congested. This is why spring and fall are the perfect times to go for a cheap stay in Maui. 

The weather remains temperate in the mid-70s to 80s during the day, with the only issue being that the nights will be chilly, reaching into the 60s. So, there will still be plenty of good weather to experience the island to the fullest without paying the premium prices and braving the summer crowds.

If you are wondering how to go to Maui on a budget, this is one of the best Maui travel tips to follow!

When should you not go to Maui?

You should avoid going to Maui in the height of the summer, in  June  and  July . This is because the crowds and hotels are packed with the summer rush of vacationers.

Since Hawaii is a popular travel destination for many individuals, the summer is the perfect opportunity for travelers, and the tourist state’s prices rise accordingly. So, in order to avoid the higher costs of flights, hotels, and activities, it is best to avoid traveling during the high-traffic seasons.

If this is the only time you can travel, you might still be able to cut the cost of Maui vacation down a bit with the other tips.

How can I save money on Maui vacation?

The best way to save money on a vacation to Maui is to travel in the off-season. This is one of the best ways to budget for your trip, as you can avoid costs that have risen up due to “supply and demand.”

You can also save by flying out during off times, like in the week, instead of on the weekend.

Hotel and rental properties can also be found for cheaper when you book package deals or are willing to book away from city hubs and direct beachfront properties. This is one of the best ways to find Maui accommodations on a budget.

Finding Cheap Flights to Maui

If you are traveling to Maui on a budget, here are ways to get great deals on flights!

Plan to Fly in the Off Season

A great way to find cheaper flights to Maui is to fly in the off-season. By avoiding planning your flight during the high-traffic summer months, you can avoid the costs that come from the price hikes.

The increase in travelers creates a higher demand for flights to popular vacation destinations such as Hawaii, so by booking during months in the spring and fall, like April, May, September, or November, you will be buying at lower prices because the demand is not as high.

It is one of the best ways to get cheap trips to Maui!

Book your Flight during the week

To further increase your savings when booking flights to Maui, you can plan on flying out during the week.

If you are taking a week or longer vacation, then a good way to save is to fly out on a weekday rather than a weekend. While this may not always be true, it is a great plan to search for flights during the week and compare them to the weekend flight prices.

Saving on plane tickets by flying out during the week will help to decrease the costs of one of your trip necessities.

Use Flight Service Sites  

Sites like Priceline, Expedia, and Orbitz tend to have standby tickets that are cheaper than tickets sold directly from airlines. These sites allow you to check the prices of all airlines and services and compare them to get the lowest possible rate for the tickets.

Be aware that if you wait days after, the deals may change, so you should search when you are ready to commit and have planned out the dates.

The sites usually offer the cheapest way to travel to Maui, Hawaii, on a budget.

Getting around Maui for Less 

Here is how to travel in Maui on a budget so you can explore Maui and all it offers with the best deals on rental cars and other ways to lower your Maui trip cost.

Use Public Transportation

Maui has its own   public transportation system  that has 14 routes, and they run seven days a week, including holidays. This system could be a cheap option for travelers who would prefer not to use a rental car.

These systems and routes do not cover every possible destination, but they do run from the airport to several destinations and shopping centers that are helpful to travelers. The bus fare is also fairly cheap, and you can purchase daily passes for only 4 dollars.

It is an easy way to have a Maui vacation on a budget.

Find Cheap Rental Car Options 

To cover more ground and reach any possible destination in Maui, travelers will likely need to use a rental car. While this prospect may seem expensive to many travelers, there are several ways to cut costs on rental cars.

For example, you can use several travel sites like Priceline, and Expedia, or you can even use memberships from your own car insurance. This way, you can shop around and find the cheapest price.

Another great way to save is to book an economy rental car which is the cheapest option among rental cars.

The cheapest place I’ve found is  Discount Hawaii Car Rental . They get the best rates from top national companies like Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Payless.  Check out the latest prices and more details.

Rent Bikes 

If you book accommodations close to the beach or other activities that you want to frequent on your trip, then you can save money on transportation by renting bikes or mopeds to travel short distances in the area.

You can save money by not renting a car, but if you are close to the beach and shopping centers, then you can travel to many different activities with just a bike in the area.

Best Places To Stay in Maui on a Budget

If you are looking for where to stay in Maui on a budget, here are some of the best budget accommodations Maui has to offer.

Maui is full of natural beauty and wonders, with a lot of public parks that offer campsites for a low reservation price. If you wish to save money on accommodations and want to connect with the nature of Maui, then this is a unique option.

You can also find cheap camp gear rentals in the area and through other rental sites.

Also read: Ultimate Guide for Families Camping on Maui with Kids

North Shore Hostel

Hostels are frequently used by young travelers and those wishing to travel on a budget, as they offer cheap prices and genuinely nice accommodations.

The only downside with hostels is that they are shared spaces. For example, the North Shore Hostel offers a shared kitchen and shared rooms with bunk beds.

This is a great option for single travelers, couples, and small groups as they can save a lot of money on accommodations because rooms here are generally around 100 dollars a night. It’s perfect for visiting Maui on a tight budget.

Vacation Rentals

Cheap options for Airbnb may seem impossible to find, but it just takes a search to find out if there are more affordable options than the brand-name hotels that abound on the island.

Even some of the cheapest hotels in Maui might still be over your budget, but not vacation rentals.

A vacation rental on sites like these can sometimes be cheaper because the price is determined by the owners of the properties and not a chain, such as in hotel circumstances.

This is usually the cheapest way to stay in Maui and what most people do, even if you are planning a Maui honeymoon on a budget!

Best Cheap Hotels in Maui Hawaii

Staying in Maui on a budget can mean different things to everyone since everyone has a different opinion on what “cheap” means when determining their budget Maui vacation.

For some, there are plenty of the best affordable hotels Maui offers that work right in their budget!

If you want a honeymoon in Maui on a budget, you will probably like a hotel or resort for their romantic packages. You can find plenty of affordable resorts, Maui is full of them if you know where to look!

Check out some of the best affordable hotels in Maui

Cheap and Free Things to do in Maui on a Budget

Here are some of the best things to do in Maui on a budget everyone will love!

Visit the Beach

Beaches in Maui are completely free to the public and are one of the biggest draws for travelers visiting the island. It will cost you nothing to set foot on any of the beaches, except the possibility of paying for parking if you have to drive.

This means you can have fun with a multitude of different beach activities, swimming, or just taking in the beachside views.

If you pack snorkeling gear or have any other sports equipment, you can use them freely on the beach without spending money on hefty rental fees.

During whale season, you might even see some humpback whales right from the beach without going on a whale-watching tour. Many of the beaches in Maui also have a sea turtle or two lying around.

A beach day is one of the cheapest things to do in Maui since it doesn’t cost you a thing!

Go See the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm

A budget travel option in Maui that you won’t soon forget is the beautiful and aromatic  Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm . This farm offers self-guided tours of the facility and gorgeous flowers for only 3 dollars!

You can also book craft classes or a picnic lunch with food included for only 26 dollars per lunch.

There is much to do on this picturesque lavender farm, and you can even browse some of the teas, jellies, lotions, and oils that are made on the farm itself.

It is another one of the Maui Hawaii things to do on a budget your entire family will love!

Visit the Surfing Goat Dairy Farm

The  Surfing Goat Dairy Farm  is free to enter for visitors, and you can even sample cheeses made at the farm for free as well! This is a fun experience, and you can see the local farm life of the goats that make a large variety of different cheeses.

If you want a full tour, casual tour, or to get a chance to interact with the goats or cows on the farm, then it will just be an extra cost of 12 dollars for the shorter tour and 39 for the full tour.

Though there are many things to do for free at this farm, it is still fairly cheap to enjoy all they have to offer.

It is one of the inexpensive places to see during your Hawaii vacation on a budget.

Hiking in Maui

Many hikes in Maui are free to enjoy, while others charge a small entrance fee. Hiking is another one of the top cheap activities in Maui.

Discover a bamboo forest or explore all the national parks on the island. Whether you are in South Maui, West Maui, or East Maui, you will find plenty of great hikes for all levels.

Check out the best Maui hiking trails to explore

Cheap Maui Vacations FAQs

For inexpensive things to do in Maui, check out the Nakalele Blowhole for a spectacular sight. The Surfing Goat Dairy is also a fun place to play with goats and taste goat cheese truffles. You can also drive the Road to Hana if you have a rental car. And the best thing to do in Maui is to see the sunrise or sunset from Haleakala National Park.

A Maui family vacation doesn’t have to cost a lot if you mix in free activities. Some of the coolest free things to do on Maui include watching free hula shows, seeing surfers, listening to live music, lounging on the beach, going for a beach walk, hiking trails, and stargazing on Maui.

There’s a really cool walking path in Wailea that’s perfect for sunrise or  sunset strolls . You can also  window shop  at The Shops at Wailea and get free samples at Honolulu Cookie Company. There’s also a really cool hiking trail called the Hoapili Trail, close to Wailea.

Usually, the cheapest time to go to Maui is either April or September. These are the Maui low-season, so you can find the top cheap places to stay in Maui, Hawaii, along with cheap flights to help you travel to Maui on a budget.

You will want to bring plenty of money for food, souvenirs , resort or hotel fees, and fun activities for each person. The best places to eat in Maui for cheap are usually the local stops or food trucks. Many of the cheap places to stay on Maui also don’t require daily fees which helps you save money too!

With the proper planning, you can plan an affordable vacation to Maui

Now you know how to plan a trip to Maui on a budget!

If you are worried that you can’t afford a trip to Maui, then hopefully, this article on how to do Maui cheaply changed your mind! By using these tips and tricks, you can save some money and budget enough to enjoy the vacation you deserve.

Beginning with the price of plane tickets, you can begin cutting costs throughout your entire trip, including prices for transportation and other accommodations.

There are even many free or low-priced activities you can participate in on Maui to fully enjoy the wonders of the island. And there are plenty of  cheap places for eating in Maui on a budget .

Now you know the cheapest way to visit Maui, get started planning your dream vacation!

Want more Maui on a Budget resources? Check out the  cheapest places to stay on Maui ,  how many days to spend in Maui , things to do in Maui at night ,  Maui packing list , and  cheap things to do on Maui .

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The Best Time to Visit Hawaii for Low Prices and Beautiful Weather

These are the best times to visit Hawaii, according to your travel preferences.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

Hawaii is a perennially popular destination for many reasons. The Aloha State is home to an extraordinary culture, pristine landscapes, and idyllic beaches. If you're searching for the best time to visit Hawaii, we've got you covered. The islands are beautiful at any time of year, but individual preferences can dictate the best time to book your tropical vacation. To help you decide, you can think of the state's calendar in the following way.

• High Seasons: June to July and the month of December
• Shoulder Seasons: January to May and August to November

Whether you want to save a few bucks, find uncrowded attractions, or spot a majestic humpback whale, here are the best times to visit Hawaii.

Michela Buttignol/Travel+Leisure

Most Popular Times to Visit Hawaii

With an annual visitor count that regularly approaches 10 million, Hawaii is beloved throughout the year. However, some periods are busier than others. According to the Hawaiian Tourism Authority, the most popular months for tourists are almost always June, July, and December (in some configuration). July usually takes the top spot — as it did in 2022, when it drew more than 919,000 visitors to the islands.

This aligns with the fact that Hawaii is a popular destination for families during school breaks. Summer vacation attracts many travelers, and so does winter break, especially among visitors from cold climates who'd like to spend their holidays singing "Mele Kalikimaka" on a warm, sunny beach .

Spring is another time that can draw considerable crowds. In addition to bringing American spring breakers, spring also draws Japanese travelers celebrating the so-called Golden Week , a stretch in late April and early May when four holidays are celebrated over seven days.

Best Times to Visit Hawaii for Smaller Crowds

Since school breaks are the most popular times in Hawaii, the months when school is in session tend to draw the smallest crowds. February and September consistently rank near the bottom of the tourism board's list of busiest months — in 2022, they saw 630,000 and 703,000 visitors respectively — and the months surrounding them tend to be quiet, too.

Given the holidays that happen in the spring, though, fall is perhaps the best time to plan a trip if you're looking for a long stretch of uncrowded days. There are fun events to be found at this time of year, too, like the Aloha Festivals in September and October's Hawaii Food & Wine Festival.

Best Times to Visit Hawaii for Good Weather

The weather in Hawaii is consistently warm, with temperatures slightly lower in the winter months (November to April) than in the summer (May to October). Hawaii's average daily winter temperature at the beach is 78 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average daily summer temperature is 85 degrees, according to the Hawaiian Tourism Authority . Water temperatures are usually pleasant, too: they average around 74 degrees most of the year but inch up to around 80 degrees in the summer.

Rainfall is at its lowest in Hawaii from April through October, but even the wetter winter months aren't too bad. Rain is most common on the northeastern (or windward) sides of the Hawaiian islands , meaning sunseekers can stick to the leeward southwestern edges for the best chance of clear skies. Hawaiian rain showers are also famous for producing rainbows — so drizzly days have their perks.

The timing of severe weather can sometimes be hard to predict, since tropical storms and cyclones can happen year-round in the Pacific. But the Hawaii Department of Health warns that hurricane season officially runs from June through November.

Best Times to Visit Hawaii for Lower Prices

Hawaiian Airlines reports that traveling to the state is generally cheapest in the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall — and they should know, considering they operate both nonstop flights to Hawaii from the United States, Asia, and the South Pacific, as well as inter-island flights that can get you from one Hawaiian island to another. For more savings, the airline suggests booking your flights so you're arriving and departing on weekdays, not weekends. Generally speaking, hotel rates soar in Hawaii during the Christmas and New Year holidays in late December and early January, and again during spring break and summer vacation dates. So, if you want to cut costs on both accommodations and airfare, avoid those times of the year.

Another way to visit without worrying about airfare and hotel costs is to hop aboard a Hawaiian cruise . Choose an itinerary that visits outside of the peak tourist seasons, and you'll have great odds of experiencing all that Hawaii has to offer without any exorbitant on-shore costs.

Best Times to Go Surfing in Hawaii

Visitors and locals can surf year-round on Hawaii's famous waves, but there are a few things to keep in mind if you're planning to hang ten . Waves are usually larger during the winter months, says the Hawaiian Tourism Authority, especially on the islands' north-facing shores, so conditions aren't ideal for beginners learning to surf.

If you want to watch the experts tackle some big waves, though, this can be a fun time to visit. Some of the world's greatest surf contests happen in Hawaii during the winter, like the Vans Triple Crown — held on Oahu's North Shore every year since 1983 — and the Eddie Aikau Invitational , held any winter when waves consistently reach 40 feet in height.

Best Times to Go Whale Watching in Hawaii

Humpback whales can be seen off the islands' coasts from December through May, so visitors who come to Hawaii with whale watching in mind will be in luck for much of the year. The peak of the season is generally considered to be January, February, and March — that's when the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration calls on the public to help monitor whales and contribute to its annual Sanctuary Ocean Count .

Worst Times to Visit Hawaii

In an environment as beautiful as Hawaii, it's hard to call any season a "bad time" to visit. But if you want to avoid high prices and giant crowds at the islands' most popular destinations , you might consider skipping the busy months of June, July, and December.

No matter when you visit, bear in mind that Hawaii has a unique ecosystem and a vibrant Indigenous culture — both of which have sometimes been put at risk by overtourism. If you travel to the islands, do so responsibly by respecting the locals you meet, keeping a safe distance from wildlife, and patronizing Hawaiian-owned businesses when you can. Be sure, as well, to prepare adequately for any outdoor activities you want to try. There's never a good time to be stuck on a steep mountain trail or stranded in choppy waters!

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21 Cheapest Island Vacations that are Surprisingly Affordable (and Gorgeous)

Posted on Published: December 4, 2020  - Last updated: February 2, 2024

Dreaming of an island getaway right now? What about one that’s surprisingly affordable? Well this list is for you! Here are the 21 cheapest island vacations that you need in your life.

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my  disclosures .

As a beach-lover and someone who’s always making my vacation dollars stretch, I’ve been on some pretty cheap island getaways. But I know I haven’t seen them all , so I recruited some back up.

I asked my favorite travel bloggers to help! Covering regions from all over the world, this list of the cheapest island vacations is going to inspire you to start searching for flights !

Cheapest island vacations – where are they?

Click and zoom on this map for the locations of these dream-worthy islands. And check out the photos and tips below on how to make it work, and what to do in each location.

Just a quick note: cheap can mean many things to different people, so this list has a variety of island destinations you can travel to on a budget.

Save money on travel with points: Check out the best credit card offers to save big money by using rewards points for flights and hotels. They’re so good; I regularly have 2-3 in my wallet and book most of my travel with points!

Best of the Caribbean – island vacations for cheap

Let’s head to one of my favorite regions of the world first – the Caribbean! Crisp, white sand beaches meet beautiful, warm water. You’ll find a diverse culture in the Caribbean, with delicious food and even more sought-after beaches.

1. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana is one of the most famous destinations in the Caribbean. While there are definitely a lot of luxury resorts in the area, it’s also possible to travel to Punta Cana for a cheap island vacation.

When traveling on a budget, you have 2 options to organize your vacation in Punta Cana. If you like a beach vacation with food, drinks, entertainment and activities included, you can book one of the cheap all-inclusive resorts Punta Cana has to offer. For as low as $60 USD per person per night, you can get decent accommodations.

In general, the quality in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic is amazingly good, considering what you get for your money. Even in an affordable all-inclusive resort, you have food, drinks and entertainment included all day long.

If you prefer to travel on your own, you can also book one of the several Airbnbs in Punta Cana or individual accommodations. In Bavaro, rates start from around $15 USD per room per night. This is particularly recommendable if you want to explore all the hidden gems Punta Cana has to offer.

Secluded waterfalls, off-the-beaten-track hikes and pristine beaches are just some of the things you can explore. Public transport in Punta Cana is available for as low as 1 USD per ride.

Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic are safe to visit either way. For whatever way of travel you decide, you’ll have a great island vacation for cheap in Punta Cana!

Recommended by Chris of Punta Cana Travel Blog

2. Caye Caulker, Belize

A short boat ride from Belize City sits the tropical island of Caye Caulker. It’s just 5 miles long and a few blocks wide. The aqua blue waters will have you thinking you’ve just stepped onto a Caribbean island. T he prices on the island will make you believe you’ve stepped back into the 1980’s.

From world-class snorkeling and scuba diving to renting a bicycle and traversing the few square miles of this mostly desolate island, Caye Caulker , Belize is the ultimate cheap island getaway in Central America . The food, drinks and accommodation on the island will set you back just a fraction of the cost of a Caribbean getaway. And you’ll see far fewer people, too.

But arguably the coolest trait about this spectacular vacation destination is that the only cars allowed on the island are government vehicles that fix powerlines and other utilities. Otherwise, you won’t hear honking horns and there will be no cars to watch for when crossing the bicycle and golf-cart filled dirt streets.

It’s pretty easy to do Caye Caulker on a budget . It’s easy to save big if you stay in a hostel, take in the plentiful happy hours and go snorkeling for free off the many nearby reefs , including Iguana Reef at the edge of town.

Recommended by Jarrod of Ramble Around the World

Related: 20 Things to Do in Belize for an Epic Vacation

3. Turks & Caicos Islands (one of my favorite cheap island getaways)

If you’re looking for soft white sand with the most turquoise blue water you’ve ever seen, you need to go to Turks and Caicos! The best part of visiting this island chain is that it’s cheaper than you’d think!

You’ll find plenty of things to do in Turks and Caicos , including some of the best beaches in all of the Caribbean!

Here are 4 ways to doing Turks and Caicos for cheap:

• Stay in a vacation rental off the beach. Skip the pricey hotels on this island to save big!
• Book cheap flights using flight alerts like FareDrop . I saved hundreds on flights this way!
• Avoid peak tourism season for better prices. Travelers typically escape to Turks and Caicos over the winter and summer months, so try a trip in the spring or fall instead.
• Hit the grocery store when you first arrive. Packing simple meals for the beach means less money at pricey restaurants.

Turks and Caicos islands are one of my favorite cheapest island vacations I’ve ever done. I’d 100% recommend adding this one to your bucket list!

Recommended by me – Nikki of She Saves She Travels

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4. Isla Holbox, Mexico

Mexico is one of the best destinations for budget travelers who are looking for beaches and beautiful weather. However, many people never make it beyond Mexico’s tourist hotspot of Cancun. It’s a shame, because just a few hours away there’s a stunning island waiting to be discovered.

Isla Holbox is the perfect island destination for people who love relaxed and laid-back vibes and cool street art. There are almost no cars at Isla Holbox, so the best way to get around and explore this small island is by bike or golf car.

Some of the best things to do are going on boat tours to visit more islands around Isla Holbox, check out the mangroves and potentially crocodiles, see bioluminescence, go whale shark watching, chill at the beach, and of course sip cocktails at sunset!

Which brings us to one of the best budget-saving tips for Isla Holbox.

Generally speaking, island life is more expensive than living on the mainland, and the same applies to Isla Holbox. However, we’re still talking about relatively cheap Mexican standards here, making it one of the cheapest island vacations there is.

Yet, one way to save a lot of money on Isla Holbox is by utilizing Happy Hour. Seriously, if you want you can just find a happy hour every hour, just make sure you’re at the right bar at the right time! Find budget-friendly accommodations and hostels with this guide to the best hotels in Holbox .

Recommended by Lara of The Best Travel Gifts

5. Varadero, Cuba

Just 2 hours east of Havana, Cuba, Varadero is the beach you’re likely picturing when you think of a Caribbean. It has perfectly crystal waters and endless white sand . Despite being a favorite for visitors to Cuba and within Cuba alike, it still remains a budget friendly getaway.  

One secret to  travel to Varadero  that makes it budget friendly comes from its expansive length of white sand beach. It’s almost 18 kilometers, most of which is public, and with public entrances every few blocks.

With access to relatively private and serene spots all up and down the beach, you won’t feel like you’re missing out on anything. Especially if you’re not staying in an expensive all-inclusive resort just a few minutes’ walk down the beach.  

Airbnbs and private home rentals in Varadero can be quite inexpensive as well. Some are beachside or just a block or 2 from the water. Just a few blocks off the the main road where many restaurants and bars cluster, you’ll find a variety of inexpensive restaurants. Delicious Cuban food goes for just $4 or $5 for a complete meal.

A favorite budget splurge in Varadero is fresh lobster, which you can find for under $10. You can enjoy beach excursions by catamaran to nearby white sand cays. Also popular are trips to nearby underwater caves with their own swimming holes under the stalactites. 

Recommended by Carley Rojas Avila of Home to Havana

Cheapest island vacations in the USA

It may be hard to believe that an island vacation in the USA can be affordable, but it’s possible! Cheap island vacations are kinda my thing and I’ve been on many USA getaways on a dime. Here are a few of my favorites!

6. Oahu, Hawaii

Most people think Hawaii is a very expensive spot. But there are ways to have a very cheap vacation to the islands. If you visit the main island hub at Oahu, more flights are offered to Honolulu. Many with cheap flight incentives to travel to the island.

Also cheaper hotels, bargain website offerings, staying at vacation rentals and even camping can be cheaper alternatives. Visiting the main attractions can also be affordable if you do them on your own and take public transportation which is easy.

Outdoor adventure activities like snorkeling, swimming and renting a cheap boogie boards are an inexpensive way to enjoy a day at the beach. One of the best, inexpensive ways to see the island is on foot, like these easy Oahu hikes that are perfect for beginners or traveling families.

Eating can also be fairly cheap with food trucks, food courts and take out counters with delicious local food offerings. If you do a lot of picnics with a view, you’ll definitely save from high fine dining prices. And you’ll get the same or better views!

Here are some of the best  free or cheap things to do around Oahu  for more inspiration. You’ll find that you really can stretch your budget here and have a fantastic vacation in Hawaii.

Recommended by Noel of This Hawaii Life

7. Key West (a surprisingly cheap island vacation)

Key West, Florida is a super fun island the furthest south you can drive in the continental USA. The Florida Keys are individual islands connected by over-the-water bridges, making this island chain a unique part of the United States.

Furthest south you’ll find Key West. It’s a common stop for Caribbean cruises and has a reputation as a party city. But with all the history and family-friendly activities, it can be enjoyed by most anyone looking for a cheap island getaway.

Key West can be pricey if you’re not careful, but can also be done for cheap if you get creative!

Flights directly into Key West can be expensive, so the best way to get there is to fly into Miami. From there, and take a Miami to Key West road trip . But don’t hang onto the rental car during your time on the island. Bikes are the preferred way to get around and can be rented for a fraction of the cost.

Also be sure to avoid peak season, which is the winter months. They’re the priciest and the beaches will be full.

When you’re in Key West, make sure to catch a sunset at Mallory Square, take a kayaking tour through the mangroves and dine on a delicious slice of world-famous key lime pie!

Key West is also included on this epic list of 26 Gulf Coast beaches , if you’re looking for more beachy ideas!

8. San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico is an absolutely gorgeous city on the northern coast of the Caribbean island. It is also one of the cheapest island destinations in the USA.

The reason it’s so affordable is that most people still haven’t discovered this gem. San Juan is known for its historic old district bubbling with risque bars, old taverns and the birthplace of the Pina Colada.

One of the best things to do in Old San Juan is walk the cool city. You’ll discover the proud castles Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo de San Cristobal that stand on the edge of the cliff.

You’ll find other interesting places like Chocobar Cortes and the famous Calle Fortaleza with the hundred hanging umbrellas. Of course, the gleaming beaches spread across Puerto Rico are equally enticing. (A favorite among beach lovers is the stunning Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico .)

The bioluminescent bays sparkle like a thousand stars during the night and visitors love to take tours to see them in the bays near San Juan. Lastly the El Yunque rainforest is probably one of the most gorgeous hikes you will ever do.

The best thing about San Juan is that it is a very affordable destination. If you are a budget traveler you’ll find plenty of good clean hostels. The food and transportation are also surprisingly very low compared to the other good beach destinations. San Juan is definitely one place where you can enjoy the best of both worlds .

Recommended by Kanupriyaa of My Lost Camel

You might also like: Culebra, Puerto Rico – 25 Things to Do + Best Beaches and How to Get There

9. Kauai, Hawaii

Well it might be hard to believe that Hawaii can be on this list of cheapest island vacations. As someone who’s been to Kauai on a budget, it’s 100% possible and also 100% amazing!

The first thing I’d recommend is watching for cheap flights using FareDrop . You could also use credit card or airline rewards points !

For accommodations, skip the pricey hotels. I’ve visited Hawaii many times and can tell you that you’ll likely be spending most of your time outside. So you really don’t need a pricey hotel room.

Lastly, opt for cheap entertainment. While one of my favorite memories on a trip to Hawaii was a helicopter tour over the NaPali coast , it was a splurge. Instead, hit the best beaches in Kauai – which are all free!

And if you’re an avid hiker, then this is your paradise! My favorite easy hike was the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trial (with spectacular ocean views). A more challenging hike was the Waimea Canyon Trail , which opened up to one of the most stunning views of Kauai ever.

Affordable islands in Europe

Let’s head to Europe for the next few islands! A region known for it’s picturesque blue water and and stunning sea-side villages, you’ll surely find a European island vacation for cheap to visit.

10. Ios Island Greece

In the last few years, Ios has become a haven for backpackers thanks to its buzzing nightlife, stunning towns and beaches, and relatively cheap accommodation. Whether you’re there to dance ’til dawn or not, you can certainly find a load of great things to see and do on Ios island on a budget.

Some of the best free things to do in Ios island include wandering around the pretty harbor and main town (Chora). Plan to visit churches and chapels scattered across the island including the Church of Agia Irini. Also check out the site of Homer’s Tomb which can be reached from the town of Plakotos.

Other cheap attractions include the Bronze Age settlement of Skarkos and the Archaeological Museum which has entrance prices of just $4 each.

Travelers can find dorm beds in some of Ios’ best hostels for 15-20 per night. Or, if you’re traveling as a couple on the cheap, you can find a budget hotel room or Airbnb for less than between 25-50 a night.

If you’re really looking to save money on your cheap island vacation, try traveling outside of peak season. And book your accommodation and ferry tickets in advance. Buy your own food and drink to enjoy in the comfort of your apartment for some of your meals.

Recommended by Chrysoula of Travel Passionate

11. Tenerife, Canary Islands (a beautiful and cheap island vacation)

Tenerife in the Canary Islands is the ideal island destination for a cheap vacation. Tenerife has year-round sunshine and many affordable accommodation options from 2* to 5* most of which offer an all-inclusive package which can be great value for money.

If you don’t stay all-inclusive then options for eating out are extensive. You can find restaurants to suit any taste from traditional Spanish to Italian, Chinese and English cuisine.

Many local restaurants offer a menu del dia which is excellent value for money for 3 courses. It often includes tasty local dishes like tapas and paella, some even include a free glass of wine.

Tenerife has many exciting things to do and it’s not just about visiting the beautiful beaches which have both yellow and black sand. You can find tours for whale watching, jeep tours of Mount Teide, snorkeling with turtles or even scuba diving at one of the many  dive sites on Tenerife .

The best way to explore the island is to rent a car from as little as 7 euro per day . Taxis can get very expensive, so this will also give you chance to explore the island thoroughly. Be sure to drive up through the quaint little villages on the mountain and explore all the beautiful beaches and towns around the coast.

Recommended by Steph & Lewis of Book It Let’s Go

12. Madeira, Portugal

Madeira is a hidden Portuguese gem located in the Atlantic Ocean. The island has a warm climate all year long which makes it the perfect place to visit during the off peak season. The Portuguese archipelago is quite often compared to Hawaii.

It’s a destination for nature lovers with hundreds of hiking trails and walks spread across the island. If you love wild beachy landscapes, you have to go to the Eastern Peninsula of São Lourenço. You can hike there for a few hours and enjoy the incredible cliffs and volcanic landscapes.

Funchal, the capital of the island also offers exciting activities. You can visit the botanic garden, enjoy a panoramic view of the city with the cable car or go sledding with the traditional toboggan ride.

This destination is perfect if you travel on a tight budget as everything is very affordable. You can easily eat for cheap on so many restaurants, with tasty local seafood and the Madeira wine you definitely have to try. And the Portuguese food is delicious!

You can expect to pay about $50 per person per day for a one week trip . And that includes great accommodation, meals and the car rental . This is one of the cheapest island vacations on the list. It’s highly recommended for family holidays, hiker lovers or even for a romantic trip with your love one.

Recommended by Lauriane of Always Ready to Check-in

13. Sifnos, Greece (one of the cheapest island vacations in Europe)

One of the best islands to visit in Europe is the small island of Sifnos, Greece . This hidden gem in the Cyclades island group has a laid back beach vibe that you notice as soon as you arrive.

It’s full of soft sand beaches, whitewashed buildings, hiking trails, authentic restaurants and the perfect amount of island nightlife . Sifnos is also famous in Greece for its pottery and hand-crafted souvenirs. You can hunt for the best items at affordable boutiques and shops all over the island. 

Sifnos is easily reached by ferry from Athens or other island routes. The main ferry is in the port of Kamares, which is also an ideal place to stay. There you’ll find Kamares beach surrounded by rocky hills with whitewashed houses.

It’s circled with beach bars and cafes that you can enjoy from a rented beach chair with drink service. Kamares is a short trip to other lovely waterfront destinations like Vathy Beach. It’s more remote and local with nearby tavernas along the gorgeous protected cove.

Faros Beach is one of the most authentic beaches on the island. It’s located adjacent to a small fishing village with a long stretch of sandy coastline. The picturesque village is one of the most serene places on Sifnos island with incredible views.

Sifnos is an affordable alternative to some of the other Greek islands. It’s got some of the best soft sand beaches in Greece and so much to do and see while you’re there. It’s a cheap island vacation in Europe, and one you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Recommended by Derek and Mike of Robe Trotting

Cheapest island vacations in Asia

Know for it’s luxurious – and dirt cheap – accommodations, Asia is the perfect place to book an island vacations for cheap. Depending on your location, getting there can be expensive. Be sure to check out these budget travel tips for finding cheap flights.

14. Belitung Island, Indonesia

Belitung Island is not a famous beach destination in Southeast Asia like Bali, Lombok, or Phuket, but that doesn’t mean its breathtaking natural landscape is inferior to others. If you’re looking for a cheap island vacation, you should add Belitung Island in Indonesia to your list.

Belitung is one of the many perfect islands you must visit in Indonesia . The island is surrounded by more than 100 islands decorated with perfect soft-white sand, granite rocks, and heavenly scenery that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s a perfect place to laze on the beach.

So after arriving in Belitung, what can you do to utilize your great escape here? If you’re only going for a short visit, here are some of the many tourist attractions to check out in Belitong , as the locals pronounce it.

There’s the most famous little island called  Pulau Lengkuas . You can see the historic lighthouse that was built by the Dutch colonial in 1882. Climb up the 50-meter tall tower, although the highest level you are allowed on is the third floor, you’ll be able to enjoy the most perfect view there.  Pulau Lengkuas  is also a must-visit place if you enjoy snorkeling.

Not all of the tourist attractions in Belitung are beaches. You can also visit Andrea Hirata Museum, the colorful literary museum. It’s a montage to Andrea Hirata, who introduced the island with his best-selling novel, and also  Danau Kaolin , a man-made lake as a result of kaolin mining activity.

Recommended by Marya of The BeauTraveler

15. Koh Chang, Thailand (one of Asia’s best island vacations for cheap)

Nowhere does beaches quite like Thailand, and Koh Chang is one of the best islands to visit in the country. It is often overshadowed by other islands and doesn’t make it into everybody’s Thailand itinerary , but that makes it not too touristy and the beach is unspoiled. It’s the perfect destination for those wanting a relaxing beach break, but also keen for a little bit of adventure!

Lonely Beach is the main backpacker area of the island. It’s still relatively chilled. There’s no full moon beach parties here, but if you are looking for some bars with a bit of atmosphere, it’s a fun place to visit.

Other things to do in Koh Chang include diving, hiking to waterfalls, touring around the island (with a guide or by motorbike!), and taking a Thai cooking class. 

Koh Chang is also one of the best cheap island vacations in Thailand . There’s less tourism here than elsewhere in the country.

From Bangkok, you can take a cheap bus to Trat and then a boat to Koh Chang. I’d also recommend avoiding the peak season (October to February) if you’re looking to stay in Koh Chang on a budget.

Recommended by Claire of Claire’s Footsteps

16. Boracay, Philippines

Boracay has won the title of the best beach in the world on more than one occasion. It’s probably the best known of the over 7000 islands that make up the Philippines.

A 4-kilometer stretch of white sand down one side of the island makes up White Beach. It’s the tourist hub of the island and the water is incredibly blue! The beach is lined with hotels, stores and restaurants and people selling their wares during the day. At night the sand transforms into pop-up bars with bean bags on the beach looking out over the water while performers busk for the coin that supports them.

From White Beach you can organize a variety of water activities including cruises, glass bottom boats, diving and island tours. Or you can relax under the palm trees on the sand. Make sure you take a walk to the top of White Beach at sunset to catch the exceptional  Boracay sunset !

For visitors from the West, Boracay is an incredibly cheap island getaway. It’s possible to spend less than $2,000 on a couple of weeks including all the flights, accommodation, food and activities.  

During happy hour you can enjoy 2 cocktails for under $5, and have a full body one-hour massage with the waves as a backdrop for under $15. The people are incredibly friendly, but as with any poorer country it is wise to keep valuables secured. Check out the D’Talipapa for fresh seafood straight from the fishermen, and choose your cooking style from the restaurants there.

Recommended by Holly of Globeblogging

17. Hiriketiya Beach, Sri Lanka

If you’re looking for soft sand beaches with gentle waves and warm seas all the while not breaking your budget, you’re looking for Sri Lanka. This tiny teardrop-shaped island in South Asia is often overlooked by beach-goers who instead flock to the overcrowded islands of Thailand and Bali.

But when it comes to picking the best beach in Sri Lanka  it comes down to personal preference. The entire southern coast of the country is packed with lovely stretches of sand. If you enjoy a cheap surf spot you might like Hiriketiya Beach.

As one of the cheapest island vacations on this list, the secret to traveling Sri Lanka on a budget is taking advantage of their massive public bus system. Oh, and staying in the cheap guesthouse scattered all over the country. Buses cost as little as $0.25 a ride (they pick you up anywhere along the road). You can score comfortable guesthouses for as little as $6 a night.

As for activities, you don’t need anything except a towel, a book, or maybe a surfboard rental ($3 for an hour). If you’re looking for a more active beach day, you can also rent snorkel gear to spot sea turtles, stingrays, and coral reefs far beneath you. 

Recommended by Geena of Beyond the Bucketlist

18. Koh Lipe, Thailand

Koh Lipe is a beautiful island in southern Thailand. With its picturesque beaches and unbelievably turquoise water, you could almost believe that you have actually landed in the Maldives. In contrast to travel destinations such as the Maldives, you can easily visit the island in  Thailand on a budget .

Especially during the rainy season, there are some huts right on the beach for little money. But even during the high season, an overnight stay here costs much less than in many other exotic beach destinations.

Koh Lipe is a relatively quiet island. So if you are looking for nightlife and full-moon parties, Koh Lipe might probably not be the right destination in Thailand for you. On the contrary, Koh Lipe is excellent for everyone who wants to spend a relaxing vacation on paradisiacal beaches. Koh Lipe is also a great fit as a honeymoon destination.

There are great opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, or even diving for those who are a little more active. There are also various tours on offer that you can take part in.

If you don’t want to spend money on tours, it’s worth bringing your own snorkel gear and swimming around the island. You’ll be able to discover a lot of exotic fish in the crystal clear water.

Recommended by Vicky of Vicki Viaja

19. Bohol, Philippines (one of the best island vacations for cheap in Southeast Asia)

Bohol is an island located in the Central Visayas region in the Philippines. While there are some better known destinations nearby like Boracay and Cebu, Bohol is equally as stunning while being a bit quieter and cheaper for tourists. 

There’s a long list of activities that are unique to Bohol and are either free or inexpensive. The best known are the: 

• Tarsier Sanctuary (less than $2)
• Chocolate Hills (free)
• Hinagdanan Cave ($1)

Closer to the water there are also island hopping trips, snorkeling, dolphin watching, and some great beaches in every corner of the island.  

The bus network will get you to all of these places. And while this will cost you less than $1 per trip, if the bus is full you may end up on the roof dodging tree branches….. not very safe, but it’s fun! Or you can negotiate with a taxi driver to just take you around for the day. 

There’s a cluster of hotels, beaches and farms hidden away on a tiny adjacent (Panglao) Island just near Bohol airport. I’ve stayed at the Amarela Resort multiple times and while it’s a 4 star hotel Bohol prices are generally cheap and it’s worth treating yourself.

The hotel is quiet and relaxing, and has plenty of outdoor space. It opens up onto a beautiful white beach which is almost deserted most of the tim!. 

Nearby you also have the Bohol Bee Farm which has some amazing food and honey products on sale. Plus a restaurant that overlooks the water looking back towards Amarela that is again very affordable.

Recommended by James of The Expat Angle

20. Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

A tropical vacation is always the need of the hour. We all love whisking away to exotic islands with the bluest blue waters and a laid back yet fun island life. To top it off, a tropical paradise that doesn’t break the bank truly makes up for the perfect island escape.

One such affordable island getaway is jetting off to this place called Gili Trawangan. It sits on the northwest coast of Lombok in Indonesia. While here, your perfect  Gili Trawangan itinerary  must include swimming in clear waters of the Indian Ocean, lying on the beaches with the view of a volcanic mountain in the distance and diving in to swim with turtles .

This island is packed with activities. But at the same time, perfect for those who want to enjoy a quiet laid back island life. Being the biggest of the 3 Gili islands, there are plenty of accommodation options ranging from hostels to luxurious resorts for guests to take their pick.

The same goes for food choices as well to sit, sip, and devour delicious meals at restaurants or even beach shacks for a reasonable price. Cycle around the island during the day. End your nights with dinner under the stars along with open-air movie nights right on the beach.

This is one island getaway that’s truly an all-rounder, easy on the eyes and on the pocket too. 

Recommended by Harshi and Aman of Trot.World

One more of the cheapest island vacations…

21. southport, tasmania.

The island of Tasmania has dozens of gorgeous beaches dotted around its coastline. Plenty are famous, like Boathouse Beach or Wineglass Bay, but when you ask a local where their favourite is for a  Tasmania road trip  then Southport Beach will be right at the top of the list!

It’s a real stunner, with soft, white sand stretching into the distance. Calm, cool waters are perfect for stand-up paddling and swimming. Families love the location because the water is so shallow and sheltered it’s perfect for kids to get their first taste of beach life.

It isn’t all about the beaches either, with beautiful caves located just 15 minutes away, immersive bushwalks through the rainforest, and even gem-fossicking in nearby Lune River.

Southport itself is a sleepy little ‘shack town’ where locals and visitors go to escape the rat race, unwind, and recharge. Forget luxury hotels and expensive high rises… Airbnbs are plentiful, with some so close to the water’s edge you can even go fishing from your front balcony! It’s the perfect way to do an island vacation for cheap!

Or for an even more cost-effective getaway you’ll love setting your tent or campervan up on the lush green grass of the Southport Hotel and Caravan Park. Whichever is your preference, make the most of off-season pricing. Plan your visit for autumn or spring when the weather is still great, but prices aren’t quite as high as at summer’s peak.

Dining options are limited to the Southport Hotel (great Aussie pub fare!) and self-catering – but that’s part of the charm of this quiet beachside town. No stress, no car horns, and plenty of relaxation at your own pace. And if you really need to try something new then you can always drive 20 minutes up the road to Dover where you’ll find plenty more options.

If you love the quiet life then you’ll love a Southport Beach escape!

Recommended by Andrew of Lap of Tasmania

Cheapest island vacations – which will you choose?

Alright so did you find it? The perfect (and cheap) island getaway just right for you? With a list like this, I hope you found more than one! 😉

Let’s recap – here are the cheapest island vacations:

• Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
• Caye Caulker, Belize
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• Isla Holbox, Mexico
• Varadero, Cuba
• Oahu, Hawaii
• Key West, Florida
• San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Kauai, Hawaii
• Ios Island, Greece
• Tenerife, Canary Islands
• Madeira, Portugal
• Sifnos, Greece
• Belitung Island, Indonesia
• Koh Chang, Thailand
• Boracay, Philippines
• Hiriketiya Beach, Sri Lanka
• Koh Lipe, Thailand
• Bohol, Philippines
• Gili Trawangan, Indonesia
• Southport, Tasmania

Woah, I hope you’re as motivated as I am to add every one of these islands to my bucket list!

So, which one will you visit first?

Related content you won’t want to miss: 35 Budget-friendly Beach Vacations: Swoon-worthy Destinations You Need to See 101 Travel Bucket List Ideas 30 Destinations for Escaping the Cold During Winter 28 Underrated Travel Destinations in the US You Need to See

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Saturday 13th of February 2021

What a great list! We've been to Isla Holbox, Portugal Algarve, Tenerife and recently Cozumel. I will definitely bookmark this for future reference!

Thanks Tanya! Those are really fun islands and I'm glad you added a few more to your list. :)

Ashlee Fechino

Saturday 16th of January 2021

My husband and I were just day dreaming about where we want to go on our next trip post-COVID - he said somewhere warm and tropical on a beach! Saving this for later :)

Monday 18th of January 2021

Oh cool! Yes, there's plenty of beachy spots here and all of them perfect for couples!

Sunday 13th of December 2020

Great collab piece. I have NO DOUBT that this list will be very useful to me when planning future trips! Every beach listed looks incredible. Thanks.

Monday 14th of December 2020

Yay! So glad you're considering adding these to your travel list. :)

Saturday 12th of December 2020

How amazing are those beaches! I can't believe I haven't seen any of them! Thanks for all those recommendations!

Oh Ophelie it's time to start planning a trip to one of them!

Abigail Ebb

will have to keep this list for when we can travel again :) Thank you!!

Welcome, Abigail! Glad you found some inspiration!

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With over 130 islands that make up the Hawaiian archipelago, picking the right Hawaiian island for your next vacation can be overwhelming. If you’re looking to escape the crowds and experience authentic Hawaiian culture, finding the least touristy island in Hawaii is key.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Molokai is widely regarded as the least touristy of the inhabited Hawaiian islands, offering pristine nature, quiet towns, and intact cultural traditions well off the beaten tourist track .

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore in detail the factors that make Molokai the best bet for avoiding other travelers in Hawaii. We’ll compare visitor statistics across the islands, highlight what makes Molokai so untouristed, and provide travel tips to help you plan the ultimate off-the-grid Hawaiian adventure.

What Makes an Island Touristy in Hawaii?

When it comes to choosing the perfect Hawaiian island for a true escape, it’s essential to consider the level of tourism. Some islands in Hawaii are known for their bustling tourist scene, while others offer a more secluded and authentic experience. Here are a few factors that contribute to an island being considered “touristy” in Hawaii:

Visitor Arrivals and Occupancy Rates

One of the key indicators of a touristy island in Hawaii is the number of visitor arrivals and occupancy rates.

Islands like Oahu and Maui tend to attract larger crowds due to their popularity and accessibility. They have a higher concentration of hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals, resulting in higher occupancy rates.

In contrast, less touristy islands such as Molokai or Lanai have fewer accommodations and lower visitor numbers, providing a more serene atmosphere.

Development and Commercialization

The level of development and commercialization also plays a significant role in determining how touristy an island is.

Islands with extensive resort complexes, shopping centers, and entertainment venues are more likely to draw large numbers of tourists. These developments often cater to the needs and preferences of visitors, offering a wide range of amenities and activities.

On the other hand, islands with limited development and a focus on preserving their natural beauty, such as Kauai or the Big Island, provide a more genuine Hawaiian experience.

Accessibility

Another factor that contributes to an island being touristy is its accessibility. Islands that have direct flights from major cities or frequent ferry services tend to attract more tourists. For instance, Oahu, with its international airport and the capital city of Honolulu, is easily accessible for travelers from around the world.

In contrast, islands that require multiple flights or have limited transportation options, like Molokai or Niihau, tend to have fewer visitors and a more off-the-beaten-path feel.

Molokai: The Least Visited Hawaiian Island

If you are looking for a true Hawaiian escape, Molokai is the perfect destination. With its minimal visitor numbers, limited resorts and attractions, and hard-to-reach location, Molokai offers a unique experience that is far from the typical touristy hustle and bustle.

Minimal Visitor Numbers

Unlike the popular islands of Oahu and Maui, Molokai sees significantly fewer tourists. This means you can enjoy a peaceful and serene vacation without the crowds . With fewer people around, you can truly immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty and experience the authentic Hawaiian culture.

According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Molokai has consistently had the lowest number of visitor arrivals compared to other Hawaiian islands . In fact, in recent years, Molokai has only received a fraction of the total tourist arrivals to Hawaii. This makes it the perfect choice for those seeking a more secluded and tranquil getaway.

Also read:   Would Hawaii Survive Without Tourism?

Limited Resorts and Attractions

Molokai is known for its limited resorts and attractions, which adds to its charm as the least touristy island in Hawaii. Unlike other islands that are filled with high-rise hotels and commercialized attractions, Molokai offers a more rustic and untouched experience .

Don’t expect to find large resorts or fancy amenities here. Instead, you’ll find a handful of smaller accommodations, such as bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals , which blend in harmoniously with the island’s natural surroundings. This allows you to truly connect with the island’s rich history and culture.

When it comes to attractions, Molokai offers a different kind of experience. Instead of bustling tourist hotspots, you can explore the island’s stunning landscapes, including the majestic sea cliffs of Kalaupapa National Historical Park and the pristine beaches of Papohaku Beach . You can also immerse yourself in the local community by visiting the quaint towns and participating in cultural activities.

Hard to Reach

Molokai’s remote location adds to its allure as the least visited Hawaiian island. Getting to Molokai requires a bit more effort compared to other more accessible islands.

There are no direct international flights to Molokai, so most visitors arrive via connecting flights from Honolulu or Maui . Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Maui to Molokai, which offers a scenic journey across the ocean.

This remoteness means that Molokai remains largely untouched by mass tourism. The island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage have been preserved, allowing you to experience the true essence of Hawaii.

If you’re looking for a true Hawaiian escape away from the tourist crowds, Molokai is the perfect choice. Its minimal visitor numbers, limited resorts and attractions, and hard-to-reach location make it a hidden gem in the Pacific . So pack your bags and get ready to discover the untouched beauty of Molokai!

What to Expect by Visiting Molokai

If you’re seeking a true Hawaiian escape away from the crowds, Molokai is the perfect destination for you. Known as the “Friendly Isle,” this hidden gem offers a unique and authentic experience that is unlike any other in Hawaii.

When you visit Molokai, you can expect pristine and secluded beaches, untouched nature and wildlife, authentic Hawaiian small towns, and an abundance of outdoor activities to keep you entertained throughout your stay.

Pristine and Secluded Beaches

Molokai is home to some of the most pristine and secluded beaches in all of Hawaii. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax and soak up the sun or an adventurous beach for snorkeling and surfing, Molokai has it all.

One of the must-visit beaches on the island is Papohaku Beach, which stretches for three miles and offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean . With its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters, it’s no wonder why Molokai’s beaches are considered some of the best-kept secrets in Hawaii.

Also read:   Hawaiian Beaches – A Comprehensive Overview

Untouched Nature and Wildlife

Molokai is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The island is home to pristine rainforests, dramatic sea cliffs, and stunning waterfalls that will leave you in awe of its natural beauty.

As you explore the island, you may come across native Hawaiian plants and animals that are found nowhere else in the world. Keep an eye out for the rare and endangered Hawaiian monk seal , which can often be spotted lounging on the beaches of Molokai.

The untouched nature and abundant wildlife make Molokai a haven for those seeking a true connection with the natural world.

Authentic Hawaiian Small Towns

One of the highlights of visiting Molokai is experiencing its authentic Hawaiian small towns. Unlike the bustling tourist hubs on the other Hawaiian islands, Molokai’s towns offer a glimpse into the traditional Hawaiian way of life.

Kaunakakai , the island’s main town, is a charming and laid-back community where you can find local shops, restaurants, and markets. Stroll through the streets and immerse yourself in the warm and welcoming atmosphere that is characteristic of Molokai’s small towns.

An Abundance of Outdoor Activities

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do on Molokai. From hiking to biking, fishing to kayaking, the island offers a wide range of activities for every adventurer.

Explore the scenic trails of the Halawa Valley and discover hidden waterfalls along the way. Take a boat tour and witness the majestic sea cliffs that tower over the ocean. Go snorkeling or diving and discover the vibrant marine life that thrives in Molokai’s crystal-clear waters.

With so many outdoor activities to choose from, you’ll never have a dull moment on this captivating island.

So, if you’re looking for a true Hawaiian escape that offers pristine beaches, untouched nature, authentic small towns, and a plethora of outdoor activities, look no further than Molokai.

Plan your trip to this hidden gem and experience the beauty and tranquility that can only be found on the least touristy island in Hawaii.

Travel Tips for Visiting Molokai

Getting to molokai.

Molokai is often referred to as the “Most Hawaiian Island” due to its untouched beauty and rich cultural heritage . To get to Molokai, you can take a short flight from the neighboring islands of Oahu or Maui.

Hawaiian Airlines and Mokulele Airlines offer regular flights to Molokai’s Kalaupapa Airport and Molokai Airport. Alternatively, you can also take a ferry from Maui’s Lahaina Harbor . The ferry ride provides stunning views of the Maui Channel and the chance to spot dolphins and whales.

For more information on flights and ferry schedules, you can visit the official websites of Hawaiian Airlines and Mokulele Airlines .

Where to Stay on Molokai

Molokai offers a range of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s preferences. From luxurious beachfront resorts to cozy vacation rentals, you’ll find something that fits your needs.

One popular option is the Molokai Shores , a beachfront condominium complex that offers stunning ocean views and easy access to nearby attractions. If you prefer a more secluded experience, consider staying at the Pu’u O Hoku Ranch , which offers charming cottages nestled amidst lush greenery.

For a complete list of accommodation options on Molokai, you can visit the official website of the Hawaii Tourism Authority .

Getting Around the Island

While visiting Molokai, it is recommended to rent a car to explore the island at your own pace. Several car rental agencies are available at both the Kalaupapa Airport and Molokai Airport.

However, if you prefer a more eco-friendly option, you can also rent a bicycle or take advantage of the island’s public transportation system. Molokai’s shuttle service, known as the “Molokai MEO Bus,” provides affordable transportation to various destinations around the island.

Best Time to Visit Molokai

Molokai enjoys a pleasant tropical climate throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for a Hawaiian escape.

The island experiences less rainfall compared to other parts of Hawaii, with the driest months being May through September. This period also coincides with the peak tourist season, so if you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the shoulder months of April or October.

Regardless of when you choose to visit, Molokai’s natural beauty and cultural richness will surely leave you in awe.

Also read:  The Worst Hawaiian Island For Tourists – Why You Should Avoid Molokai

If you’re searching for an authentic Hawaiian experience away from mass tourism, Molokai delivers. With the island’s tiny population, lack of resort development, and remoteness, you’ll be immersed in natural splendor, local culture, and tranquility.

Just be sure to respect the land and people by following proper etiquette as an outsider. By visiting Molokai, you can enjoy Hawaii’s stunning beauty without the crowds on this least touristy island paradise.

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Jane Smith is a Hawaii resident and author born and raised on the island of Oahu. Her Hawaiian heritage shines through in her writing, infusing it with the Aloha spirit and local flavor.

Jane draws inspiration from the tropical island lifestyle - outrigger canoeing at sunrise, beach picnics, hiking to hidden waterfalls. Her works immerse readers in the beauty and culture of Hawaii.

An avid surfer since childhood, Jane often wakes early to catch waves along the North Shore. She also enjoys practicing Hawaiian crafts like lei-making, lauhala weaving, and kapa cloth printing.

When not writing or adventuring outdoors, you can find Jane sipping mai tais at the local tiki bar, listening to ukulele music at the night market, or cooking up a big pot of stew at home.

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