How to Visit Hawaii on a Budget

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

In the first two weeks after Hawaii announced it was lifting travel restrictions, Expedia says it saw a nearly 30% increase in searches for spring and summer travel to Hawaii's major ports. Domestic travelers no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to enter Hawaii starting March 26, 2022.

Demand in some of Hawaii's top destinations is surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Expedia says it has already seen six times more hotel bookings on the Big Island of Hawaii for September 2022 than in September 2019. Oahu – which Expedia says is one of the most popular destinations – is seeing an increase in double digits of demand this summer compared to September 2019. 2019.

But even though Hawaii offers a laid-back, stress-free vibe, the rules of supply and demand still apply. Add to that the increased travel costs everywhere due to rapid inflationand a trip to Hawaii this year probably won't be cheap.

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

If you've built up a stash of points and miles, flights to Hawaii can be a good way to spend them. There is a lot of ways to book cheap flights to Hawaii with points and miles, especially if you want to transfer miles between partner airlines. Some of the largest airlines serving Hawaii include Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.

If you can win a Southwest Airlines Companion Pass and want to save on flights to Hawaii, this is a great opportunity to use it. The pass is essentially a buy-one-get-one deal on your Southwest flight, where you book one flight with cash or points, and you can book another at no cost aside from taxes and fees ( usually only $5.60 one way). ).

If you can't choose just one island, visit the Hawaiian Islands is quite convenient, as most flights between islands take less than an hour. The key to traveling the islands: flexibility. Most of the best interisland deals are for flights through Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, so consider putting Oahu in the middle of your itinerary to take advantage of its interisland availability.

Also be flexible on dates. Southwest offers many interisland airfares for as little as $45, but if you're married to a specific flight time or booking last minute, be aware that some flights cost more than $200.

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

Hilton is a particularly big player in Hawaii, and its accommodation runs the gamut from affordable to opulent. If you have a Hilton Free Night Certificatewhich can be gained through certain Hilton Credit Cards, direction Maui. There you will find the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. One of Hilton's grandest resorts, the Grand Wailea is home to a 2,000-foot-long pool with waterfalls and slides. Standard nightly rates can easily exceed $1,500, but free night certificates can cover it.

If you're traveling with family or a group, consider booking a vacation rental through a service like Airbnb Or Vrbo. They are sometimes cheaper than hotels and usually don't require you to pay resort fees, which are otherwise common. They also often have a driveway and kitchen, allowing you to avoid expensive hotel parking and the cost of dining out.

Speaking of dining out, it can definitely be part of the Hawaiian experience. But it can also eat up a large part of your budget. Understand when you are paying for mediocre food but stunning views. If you're feeling adventurous, head to a convenience store for some fresh poke and Spam musubi, then find a beach (there's no shortage of them) for a free seaside dinner.

When it comes to entertainment, you can definitely pay hundreds of dollars for your group to attend a luau. While the array of entertainment and buffets may be worth it for some travelers, there are plenty of free ways to watch hula, listen to Hawaiian music, and experience the culture. Many major Hawaii malls, like the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki, offer free shows and classes in lei making, hula, ukulele, lauhala weaving and more. On the Big Island, there are many free tours of coffee plantations.

Some hotels also make their activities available to the public. Head to the Marriott's Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa to experience nighttime lele kawa (cliff jumping).

Some major paid tourist attractions offer certain elements of their tours for free. At the Maui Tropical Plantation, you can pay $25 for a trolley tour, but you can still explore much of the grounds for free, including its market, craft workshops, and cafe. On Oahu, Dole Plantation tours start at $7.75 per person, but purchasing a ticket may not be necessary. Entrance to the grounds is free, and you can usually find free activities like pineapple cutting and chocolate-making demonstrations, as well as a fish feeding pond.

Travel to Hawaii has always been popular – and all signs point to its popularity increasing. According to a February 2022 NerdWallet Survey, 28% of Americans who say the way they travel has changed since the start of the pandemic say they have stopped taking international trips and are only traveling domestically. Meanwhile, 16% only travel to destinations that do not require a COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination. For tourists from the continental United States, Hawaii checks both of these boxes and more. The Aloha State might be one of the best places to travel this year — just have a plan for how you're going to pay for it.

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