How Much Does Honolulu Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Honolulu is one of the most expensive island destinations in the United States, often drawing comparisons to high-end Caribbean resorts. Visitors should expect a significant range in costs, with solo travelers typically spending between $138 and $1,445 per day depending on their level of luxury. The high price of real estate in the Waikiki district keeps accommodation costs elevated, while the island's remote location contributes to higher-than-average food and beverage prices. While natural attractions like beaches and hiking trails are often accessible for a low fee, expenses such as resort fees, parking, and organized tours can quickly accumulate. Planning for current prices is essential to navigating this tropical capital without unexpected financial strain.
Is Honolulu expensive to visit?
Honolulu is a high-cost destination where travelers should budget between $138 and $1,445 per day depending on their accommodation and activity choices.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Honolulu
$138
per person /day
$488
per person /day
$1,445
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $413 | $1,465 | $4,335 |
| 5-Day Trip | $687 | $2,442 | $7,226 |
| 7-Day Trip | $963 | $3,418 | $10,115 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is recommended to maintain a 15–20% budget buffer to cover the 17.962% combined accommodation tax and mandatory resort fees, which typically range from $29–$59 per night. Additionally, visitors should account for the standard 18–20% tipping culture at restaurants, which can add approximately $25 to a mid-range meal for two.
How Does It Compare?
See how Honolulu stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Honolulu
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Meal for Two (Mid-Range, 3-Course) Excludes drinks and the typical 18–20% tip (~$25 extra). | $124 |
| Cappuccino (Regular) Oahu has some of the most expensive coffee in the US (~$8). | $8 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L Draught) Happy hours (typically 15:00–17:00) can reduce this to ~$5.89. | $8.97 |
Transport (5)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| TheBus Single Adult Fare Requires a HOLO card for transfers. A single cash ride is ~$2.99. | $2.99 |
| TheBus Daily Price Cap Once you spend ~$7.47 in a day, subsequent rides are free on the HOLO card. | $7.47 |
| Charley's Taxi Flat Rate (Airport to Waikiki) Standardized flat rate (~$35) is cheaper than a metered cab or peak Uber rates. | $35 |
| Waikiki Trolley 1-Day All-Line Pass Includes access to all 4 lines (Blue, Red, Green, Pink). Saves ~$64 compared to separate tours. | $64 |
| Biki Bike Share Single Ride Great for short hops between Waikiki and Ala Moana. Costs about ~$4.48. | $4.48 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Dorm bed in a Waikiki Hostel One of the few budget options in Waikiki. Prices often rise to ~$65 during peak season. | $52 |
| Mid-range Hotel Nightly Rate Typical for hotels like The Equus or Pearl Hotel Waikiki. Does not include taxes/resort fees. | $296 |
| Luxury 5-star Hotel Nightly Rate Rates for top-tier properties like Halekulani or Ritz-Carlton Residences. | $826 |
Activities (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Diamond Head State Monument Entry Non-residents must book a time slot in advance online (~$4.98). | $4.98 |
| Hanauma Bay Entry Fee (Non-Resident) Reservations open 2 days in advance and sell out in minutes. Cost is ~$25. | $25 |
| Battleship Missouri Memorial Admission Located on Ford Island; shuttle transport from Visitor Center included (~$40). | $40 |
| Polynesian Cultural Center Alii Luau Includes village entry, buffet dinner, and show seating (~$197). | $197 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Airalo USA eSIM (20GB) Digital eSIM (~$42) is the most convenient way to stay connected. | $42 |
Other (2)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| ESTA Authorization Fee Mandatory for Visa Waiver Program travelers (~$21). | $21 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) Standard adult price for weekend showings (~$20). | $20 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The dining landscape in Honolulu ranges from casual plate lunch spots to high-end beachside dining, with a mid-range three-course meal for two costing approximately $124. Daily staples reflect the island's high cost of living, with a regular cappuccino priced at $8 and a domestic draught beer typically costing $8.97. To manage costs, many visitors utilize happy hours (typically 15:00–17:00) or frequent local favorites like the Musubi Cafe Iyasume.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Musubi Cafe Iyasume
$2.5–$5.98Waikiki · Local chain
The most iconic budget snack in Hawaii; two musubis make a light lunch for under ~$7.06.
Marugame Udon Waikiki
$7.47–$15Waikiki · Local chain
Lines are long but move fast. A full meal for ~$12 is the best value in Waikiki.
Rainbow Drive-In
$11–$16Kapahulu · Street food area
Order the 'Mix Plate' for a classic Hawaiian experience at ~$14.
Leonard's Bakery
$1.99–$4.98Kapahulu · Bakery
Famous Portuguese donuts. Grab a dozen to share for ~$24.
Maguro Brothers Hawaii
$15–$25Waikiki/Chinatown · Street food area
Top-tier fresh fish. A bowl costs about ~$16 and is enough for a large meal.
Helena's Hawaiian Food
$15–$30Kalihi · Local chain
James Beard award winner. Authentic Hawaiian food for ~$25.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Public transportation via TheBus is the most economical way to get around, featuring a single fare of $2.99 and a daily price cap of $7.47 when using a HOLO card. Within the compact Waikiki area, the Biki bike-share system is popular for short trips at $4.48 per ride, while flat-rate taxis from the airport to Waikiki provide a predictable cost of $35.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging is the primary expense for most travelers, with mid-range hotels like The Equus averaging $296 per night and luxury 5-star properties reaching $826. For those on a strict budget, dormitory beds in Waikiki hostels are available for approximately $52, though availability is limited.
Accommodation Budget in Honolulu
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Use the HOLO card for all public transit to take advantage of the $7.47 daily price cap.
- 2 Eat at Marugame Udon Waikiki for high-quality, freshly made noodles at a fraction of typical restaurant prices.
- 3 Visit Musubi Cafe Iyasume for spam musubi and light snacks frequently priced under $5.89.
- 4 Attend happy hours between 15:00–17:00 to find draught beers for approximately $5.89 instead of the usual $8.97.
- 5 Walk or use the Biki bike-share for $4.48 to avoid Waikiki's valet parking fees of $47–$65 per night.
- 6 Book the Diamond Head State Monument online in advance to secure the low $4.98 entry fee.
- 7 Shop at ABC Stores for pre-packaged meals and beach essentials rather than hotel gift shops.
- 8 Take the Pink Line of the Waikiki Trolley for travel to Ala Moana Center, which is often discounted or free for certain credit card holders.
- 9 Opt for the Charley's Taxi flat rate of $35 from the airport to avoid unpredictable metered or ride-share surge pricing.
- 10 Pick up a local 'plate lunch' at Rainbow Drive-In in Kapahulu for a filling meal that offers better value than Waikiki sit-down restaurants.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Dec, Jan, Jun, Jul, Aug
+30-50%
Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov
-20-30%
May, Sep
Late spring (May) offers the best balance of dry weather and hotel rates before summer crowds. Avoiding Christmas/New Year can save over ~$177 per night.
Events to Watch
- ● Honolulu Marathon (Mid-Dec): +60% hotel spike
- ● Golden Week (late April/early May): Japanese tourist surge
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Watch the sunset from the sands of Waikiki Beach.
- 2 Attend the free Hula show at the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound, typically held several evenings a week.
- 3 Explore the Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden in Kaneohe for stunning mountain views.
- 4 Hike the Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail for coastal scenery and seasonal whale watching.
- 5 Visit the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific located within the Punchbowl Crater.
- 6 Take a photo with the iconic Duke Kahanamoku Statue at Waikiki Beach.
- 7 Walk through the historic Hawaii State Capitol and surrounding grounds in Downtown Honolulu.
- 8 Explore the Manoa Falls Trail (note: the trail is free, though nearby parking may have a fee).
- 9 Enjoy the panoramic views of the city and coastline from the Tantalus Lookout.
- 10 Visit the USS Arizona Memorial (tickets are $0, though a very small reservation fee applies for online booking).
- 11 Stroll through the Ala Moana Regional Park for a quieter beach experience away from the Waikiki crowds.
- 12 Wander through the art galleries and street murals of the Kakaako district.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tour (Blue Skies of Oahu)
The only way to see Sacred Falls and the hidden valleys of the North Shore. Costs about ~$288.
Polynesian Cultural Center Super Ambassador Package
The ultimate cultural experience with private guides and premium show seating for ~$293.
Skyline Hawaii Zipline Tour
High-altitude views of the ocean and North Shore for ~$188.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Honolulu
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Honolulu and what they cost
North Shore (Haleiwa & Laniakea)
$75 by rental car
Free
$120
Kailua & Lanikai Beach
$7.47 by bus
Free
$35
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
US Dollar (USD)
No
Everywhere from food trucks to luxury boutiques.
Mandatory: 18–20% in restaurants, ~$2.12 per bag for bellhops, and ~$1.18–$2.35 per drink in bars.
Use bank-affiliated ATMs (First Hawaiian, Bank of Hawaii) to avoid ~$5.3–$7.06 surcharges at convenience store machines.
Connectivity
eSIM: $4.12–$42 for 1GB to 20GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $35–$53 at T-Mobile/Verizon stores for unlimited data
WiFi: Excellent in Waikiki hotels, shopping malls, and Starbucks.
Airalo eSIM for data and Charley's Taxi for airport transfers.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Honolulu.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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