Honolulu on a budget: how to do it well
Short answer
A budget trip to Honolulu is possible but not cheap, because beds and food are expensive. A realistic minimum is about US$200 a day per person sharing a room — US$100 for a bed, US$45 for food, US$20 for sights and US$35 for a shared car, fuel and parking (less if you use TheBus).
A realistic daily budget
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | US$100 | US$200 | US$450 |
| Food & drink | US$45 | US$90 | US$200 |
| Sights & tickets | US$20 | US$60 | US$200 |
| Local transport | US$35 | US$60 | US$100 |
| Per person, per day | US$200 | US$410 | US$950 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Honolulu day-cost table.
Free things to do
- Waikiki Beach and the Duke Kahanamoku statue
- The USS Arizona Memorial programme at Pearl Harbor (timed reservation required)
- Ala Moana Beach Park
- The Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail
- Kapiʻolani Park at the foot of Diamond Head
- Sunset from the beach in Waikiki
Cheap eats
- Plate lunch from a local takeaway — about US$14–20
- Poke by the pound from a supermarket counter — about US$10–15 for a meal
- Spam musubi from a convenience store — about US$2–4
- Shave ice — about US$6–10
- Garlic shrimp from a Kahuku shrimp truck — about US$17–22
Where to sleep for less
Budget travellers stay in Waikiki's few hostels or the cheaper hotels on and around Kuhio Avenue, a few blocks back from the beach. Hostel dorm beds often cost about US$50–80 a night and budget doubles US$180–260 before taxes and fees.
Getting around cheaply
TheBus is the cheapest way around the island (about US$3 a ride, with day passes available) and reaches Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay's area and the North Shore, though slowly. The Skyline light rail is gradually opening. From the airport, TheBus is cheapest if you travel light; otherwise use a shuttle or ride-hailing. Hire a car for one or two days for the windward coast and North Shore.
A sample budget day
- Morning: sunrise hike up Diamond Head (entry reservation, a few dollars)
- Lunch: plate lunch (about US$16)
- Afternoon: Waikiki Beach and Kapiʻolani Park (free), TheBus to Ala Moana (about US$6 return)
- Evening: poke dinner (about US$15) and sunset on the beach
- Total: about US$200 including a hostel bed or shared room (about US$100) and a share of transport
More ways to save
- Stay somewhere with a kitchen and shop at supermarkets; eating out three times a day is expensive.
- Travel in the shoulder months (April–May, September–October) for lower prices.
- Use TheBus for city days and hire a car only for island loops.
- Bring your own snorkel gear to avoid daily rental fees.
- Look for happy hours in Waikiki for cheaper food and drinks.
- Choose free beaches and hikes, and pick only one paid activity, such as a surf lesson.
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Common questions
How much money do I need per day in Honolulu?
About US$200 per person on a budget, US$410 mid-range and US$950 for comfort, sharing a room.
Is the USS Arizona Memorial free?
Yes, the programme is free, but you need a timed reservation online.
Can I get around Oahu by bus?
Yes, TheBus covers the island for about US$3 a ride, but it is slow for long trips.