United States · tool
How much does Honolulu cost?
Daily budget breakdown across three tiers — so you can realistically plan your Honolulu trip before you book anything.
Photo by AussieActive on Unsplash
Honolulu, United States travel budget
Realistic daily cost per person across three spending tiers. All figures in USD.
Budget
$120–$200
per day
Hostels, street food, public transit
Accommodation
$40–$70
Hostel dorm bed or a budget-friendly Airbnb outside of Waikiki.
Food
$30–$50
Local plate lunches, food trucks, and grocery store snacks.
Transport
$10–$20
TheBus public transportation system and walking.
Activities
$20–$30
Free beach access, hiking Diamond Head (small fee), exploring local markets.
Misc
$20–$30
Souvenirs, sunscreen, and other incidentals.
Mid-range
$250–$420
per day
3-star hotels, mix of restaurants, some taxis
Accommodation
$100–$180
Mid-range hotel in Waikiki or a comfortable Airbnb.
Food
$60–$100
Casual to mid-range restaurants, including some seafood or Hawaiian cuisine.
Transport
$30–$50
Occasional Uber/Lyft rides, Waikiki trolley, or rental car for a day.
Activities
$40–$60
Pearl Harbor tour, surf lessons, Honolulu Museum of Art.
Misc
$20–$30
Shopping, small tips, and personal expenses.
Luxury
$550–$1050
per day
4-5 star hotels, premium dining, private transfers
Accommodation
$250–$500
Luxury resort or a high-end beachfront hotel in Waikiki.
Food
$100–$200
Fine dining restaurants, tasting menus, and premium cocktails.
Transport
$50–$100
Private car service, airport transfers, or a full-day rental car.
Activities
$100–$150
Private catamaran cruise, helicopter tour, or guided cultural experiences.
Misc
$50–$100
Spa treatments, high-end shopping, and generous tipping.
Destination-specific money tips
- •While most places accept major credit cards, always carry some cash for smaller vendors or local markets.
- •Be aware of potential ATM fees from your bank and the local ATM provider; larger banks like Bank of America or Chase often have better networks.
- •Parking in Waikiki can be extremely expensive, often $30-50 USD per day for hotels and public lots.
- •While many tourist activities are priced similarly to mainland US cities, local food from non-touristy spots (like plate lunch places) can offer good value.
- •Tipping 15-20% is standard for restaurant servers, bartenders, and service providers; bellhops and housekeepers also expect tips.
Plan the rest of your Honolulu trip
Trip budgets elsewhere