How to budget in Hawaii
Keep reading for my list of budget hotels, but first I want to give some tips on how to get the biggest bang for your buck on the islands.
1. Go during the off season. Seriously. Prices can double or even triple during summer break (June - August), Thanksgiving week, and Christmas/New Years. February is the cheapest month to go to Hawaii, and it'll be super pleasant, not too hot and definitely not too cold.
2. Book a Costco package for your car rental + hotel. Keep your flight separate because you can monitor prices and book when it's cheaper. Some Costco packages will waive the parking fee and resort fee. You'll also get a Costco Shop Card to use after your vacation. The package is 100% refundable up until a week before your trip starts.
3. Rent a car for a day. This one only applies if you are not getting a Costco package. If you know you'll need a car for a day trip, but not the whole trip, consider renting a car for just the day. You can save on parking fees this way.
4. Fly Southwest and you'll be able to re-price the flight if the fare decreases. Southwest also has sales every now and then, so it's recommended to check if you can re-price your flight during a sale. Here's an article on how to re-price your flight:
Oahu
Kauai
Maui
Big Island
Happy travels!
I am constantly updating my guides (including this one), so subscribe to my travel shop for more recommendations ✨
How to budget in Hawaii
Keep reading for my list of budget hotels, but first I want to give some tips on how to get the biggest bang for your buck on the islands.
1. Go during the off season. Seriously. Prices can double or even triple during summer break (June - August), Thanksgiving week, and Christmas/New Years. February is the cheapest month to go to Hawaii, and it'll be super pleasant, not too hot and definitely not too cold.
2. Book a Costco package for your car rental + hotel. Keep your flight separate because you can monitor prices and book when it's cheaper. Some Costco packages will waive the parking fee and resort fee. You'll also get a Costco Shop Card to use after your vacation. The package is 100% refundable up until a week before your trip starts.
3. Rent a car for a day. This one only applies if you are not getting a Costco package. If you know you'll need a car for a day trip, but not the whole trip, consider renting a car for just the day. You can save on parking fees this way.
4. Fly Southwest and you'll be able to re-price the flight if the fare decreases. Southwest also has sales every now and then, so it's recommended to check if you can re-price your flight during a sale. Here's an article on how to re-price your flight:
Oahu
Kauai
Maui
Big Island
Happy travels!
I am constantly updating my guides (including this one), so subscribe to my travel shop for more recommendations ✨