Budgeting for Your Trip

Although the following are average estimates on what you might spend on necessities and fun in Hawaii — they should help when planning your vacation budget:

• Breakfast and lunch: $8 to $16 per person (though you can find plate lunches for less than $8)
• Dinner: $14 to $25 per person
• Fine dining: $30 to $55 per person
• Beer, mixed drinks or specialty drinks: $4 to $9 (each drink). Look for happy hour specials, where prices are generally half off.
• Gasoline: $4.25 to $4.85 per gallon — and at times more
• Taxi: average $3 base charge, plus 45 cents per 1/8 mile
• The Bus (Honolulu only): Adults (over 17) one-way fare $2; 4-day passes $20. Youth fare one-way, $1
• Lu'au: $75 to $130 (adult); children can generally attend for $40 or less
• Movie admission: $9 adults; $6 seniors and children; $6 matinees
• Tee times, snorkeling, horseback riding, helicopter tours, bus tours and more: $40 per person and up. See our Activities & Attractions guides for current pricing
• Concerts and shows: Generally between $60 and $100 per person
• Souvenirs: Expect to spend between $5 and $40 per person you're buying for (a good-quality t-shirt can cost up to $35).
• Interisland airfare: roundtrip $90 to $165 per person depending on current promotions.
• Interisland ferry: Oahu to Maui, roundtrip $80+ per passenger depending on travel day; vehicles roundtrip $120+ depending on travel day. NOTE: Not all rental car companies allow ferry travel; check with your provider.

Stretching Your Vacation Dollar
If you're working with a limited vacation budget, consider the following:

• Look for coupons and specials on activities, attractions, shopping, dining and more at Hawaii.com and in 101 Things To Do magazine you'll find in airport and street racks when you arrive.
• Try to limit restaurant dining to once a day. Chances are you'll be on the go most of the time, so carry snacks and sandwiches when you're out and about. To further stretch your budget, dine on what locals call "plate lunch": a serving of meat or fish with a scoop of rice and a helping of tossed green or macaroni salad. Most plate lunches cost less than $8. Filling, "local" and economical!
• Avoid making phone calls from your hotel room or condominium suite. Some establishments charge up to $1.50 per call just to connect to a phone line.
• Stay in a condominium or hotel suite with a kitchenette. Preparing some of your own meals and snacks is a key way to save money.
• If you're staying on an island with decent public transportation or shuttles to nearby attractions, consider not renting a car. Car rental will run between $250 and $400/week, not including the gas.
• Shop for souvenirs at swap meets and other bargain markets, where you can get cut-rate deals. Always negotiate with the vendor; they'll sometimes accept a lower price.
• If you plan to experience a bit of Polynesian culture, shop for the venue and entertainment/food package that best fits your budget.
• Hawaii is truly a Mecca of land, water and sea activity, but be sure to shop carefully for the best deals on outdoor adventures. Booking them online, before you get here, can also save you money.
• Hawaii's tap water is tasty and safe. There is no need to purchase bottled water during your stay.

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