Even though I didn’t go to Hawaii as a backpacker, I’m constantly in the mindset, so I noticed a few cost-cutting methods if you’re adding to Hawaii to your RTW itinerary. Which, by the way, you should.
Transportation
This is the biggest expenditure for anyone traveling to Hawaii because it isn’t really close to anything and once you’re there, you will need to get around each island and visit other islands.
Flights to Hawaii
Domestic and International Fares
It requires a good bit of shopping around, especially if you want to pay less than $1,000 USD round trip. I paid about that coming from Sydney on JetStar, but could have gone cheaper if I had booked sooner. Continental, Delta, Hawaiian Airlines and plenty of others fly there, so check out Travelzoo and Airfare Watchdog for the best deals.
Inter-Island Fares
You don’t have much of a choice here if you want to see more than one island, which I promise you will. Go! and Hawaiian are the two airlines that fly inter-island, but I found out Hawaiian was the better choice after hearing about how Kristin Luna of Camels and Chocolate had her Go! flight cancelled 6 days in advance due to some vague mechanical problems. It also helped that the staff of Hawaiian were super nice and the planes are clean and efficient.
Buses
Each island has its own public transportation system. Oahu’s is aptly named The Bus and goes all the way to the North Shore, while The Kaua’i Bus covers Kauai and Hele-On covers the Big Island.
Cars
Rental Cars
This was our chosen option when on the islands because there were four of us and it gave us more flexibility. We rented from every agency (Dollar, Enterprise, Advantage, Budget, Avis) and I found them all to be pretty much the same, with compact cars from $25 per day and going up from there. I should note that you have to be 25 to rent a car in the US, which rules this out as an option for many backpackers.
Ride Share
Check out the Couchsurfing forums to see if anyone is going the same way as you. It’s a free option, although you should offer to split the gas for good backpacker karma.
Hitchhiking
I don’t endorse this as an option because of obvious safety reasons (especially for those of you who have seen Wolf Creek), but I saw people doing it, of all ages and genders and on every island, so use your best judgment.
Accommodation
Couchsurfing
I list Couchsurfing as the first option because of the obvious free factor and it’s a great way to meet locals.
Hostels
There are plenty of hostels to choose from, but I came across these in my time there. I can’t vouch for them since I didn’t stay there, but the locations were good for all of them.
Oahu
- YMCA Central Honolulu
- Seaside Hawaiian Hostel
Kaua’i
Big Island (Hawaii)
- Hilo Bay Hostel
- Hilo Backpackers Hostel
Eating and Drinking
Food Trucks
The craze sweeping the nation has had a presence on the islands for a while now. You can get everything on wheels, including but not limited to Mexican, Chinese and my new favorite, spicy shrimp. For the best shrimp truck, track down Giovanni’s on the North Shore of Oahu. Street Grindz has the full list of food trucks in the area.
Buffets and Family Style
If you have a big appetite but a small budget, Hawaii has hundreds of seafood buffets and family-style restaurants. Order a couple of plates and split between friends. Honolulu’s Side Street Inn is the perfect place for cheap beer and shared pork chops.
Happy Hour
Drinking gets pricey, so that’s why God invented Happy Hour. Happy Hour Hawaii tells you the best happy hours throughout the islands. Honolulu’s Play Bar advertises $1 drinks on Sundays.
Activities
Free Tours
Kona Brewing Company offers free tours every day at 10:30 and 3 p.m. There are only 15 slots available, so show up early. The tour ends in free samples. Most of the coffee and macadamia nut plantations also offer free tours.
Bike, Kayak and Surfboard Rentals
Instead of paying for tours, you can see the island yourself with cheap bike, kayak and surfboard rentals. Most of the ones I saw were under $25 per day. Each town may have different prices.
My tip for renting a car in Honolulu: Don’t bother at the airport and just take a bus/taxi to your hotel in town (assuming you are staying in Waikiki). Once in town, there are loads of local places were you can rent for the day if you are 18, plus it’s way cheaper AND you don’t have to worry about paying for parking at your hotel (rip-off!), if you only rent for one day (or a day at a time and return the car everyday and just rerent daily, a pain, but cheaper and a good option if under 25). And, unless during peak season, no need to book in advance, just rock up and rent!
Hi Caroline, Don’t miss the fish tacos too! ;) There are some great food markets to get fruit and veggies you can eat raw too – a good way to save money because the markup on fruits is insane in the islands. If you’re local you can find the little noodle shops, rice places, and save a good bit by eating there. I lived on Oahu for 4 yrs and Maui for a couple. I found the cheap places to eat at least as good as the expensive restaurants. Better (fatter though!) food! Aloha!
Great information. I am planing to visit Honolulu with my mom next month.I suppose I will book some hostel. It sounds like as appropriate option. I was checking for useful info. Thank you for sharing this article! Best regards!