Many dream of traveling to the warm Hawaiian Islands, but because of how far away the state is, you may question whether you can afford a vacation there.

The price is determined by how far in advance you make your reservations. Understanding a few ways of saving money on these islands will ensure you make your vacation as affordable as possible.

Are you ready to learn more and check a bucket list destination off your list?

Let’s dive in.

Start Budgeting Well in Advance

A trip to Hawaii should never be made on a whim because of the time required to plan everything, which is why most turn to custom Hawaii vacation packages rather than braving all of the planning on their own. Start your planning several months in advance. This also gives you enough time to start budgeting for the extra expense.

Do some research to establish a realistic budget that covers food and accommodations but doesn't go overboard. While you may not want to pay the highest price of staying at a resort, you also don't want unpleasant accommodations. 

Take some time to look for other areas in your budget where you can cut expenses. It's all about prioritizing what is important to you.

You may value a trip to Hawaii more than eating out several times a month. If you still have student loans, consider refinancing them.

This can save money each month because of the lower interest rate you might end up with. If you want to know more about this option, you can look at a guide on how often you can refinance.

Stay on One Island

Traveling between islands can get pricy quickly, so if you are on a budget, stick with only one island during your vacation. This saves you money, and it can be less expensive to get a rental car as well.

Oahu is a larger island, but there are also more options for food and accommodations, making the prices lower than other islands that don't have as many options.

You might not even need a rental car if you stay in an area with plenty of public transportation. Going during the off-season can further lower the overall costs of staying here.

Budget for Transportation

Getting to Hawaii and traveling around might be one of your biggest expenses, especially as travel restrictions have lifted.

Many are eager to travel after the pandemic, and they are booking more airfare and rental cars, which is driving up the cost of these things. If you have any airline miles on your credit cards, consider putting them toward your trip. 

Because of the nationwide car shortage, getting rental cars is more expensive than ever. Finding something ahead of time allows you to save as much as possible, and many sites like Costco allow you to reserve without having to pay upfront.

You can cancel that reservation if you find a better deal somewhere else. You might be able to score a deal if you schedule your vacation during an off-season, and don't be afraid to fly late in the day or early in the morning.

Or you can also look into renting on Turo, which also helps support the locals.

Wrapping up

Making your dream trip to Hawaii a reality is certainly possible. You can make the dream trip come to life with a reasonable budgeting plan, research, and preparation.

Remember that the planning and preparation are just as important as the actual trip itself. Enjoy the journey, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures and videos to share your experience with family and friends.

Aloha, and have a great time in Hawaii!