How Much Are Hotels In Hawaii? A Detailed Breakdown

With its world-famous beaches, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant culture, Hawaii remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. If you’re planning a Hawaiian getaway, no doubt lodging costs are a key consideration.

In short, hotel prices in Hawaii can vary widely, ranging from budget options under $150 per night to luxury resorts over $800 per night, with the average daily rate around $300.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the average hotel prices in Hawaii by island, region, hotel type, season, and more factors to help you set realistic expectations and budget for your Hawaiian vacation.

Average Hotel Price by Hawaiian Island

Oahu

As the most populated Hawaiian island and home to the state’s capital Honolulu, Oahu has a wide variety of hotel options ranging from affordable to luxury. According to recent data, the average daily rate for Oahu hotels is around $230.

Waikiki is the epicenter of tourism on Oahu and home to many large chain hotels like Hilton and Marriott, with nightly rates averaging around $250. Smaller boutique hotels and B&Bs outside of Waikiki can offer lower rates, often between $150-200 per night.

During peak seasons like summer and holidays, expect to pay 10-25% more on average.

For a convenient but still affordable stay, check Hotels.com’s top-rated Honolulu hotels, with options starting around $125/night.

Maui

As Hawaii’s second most visited island, theValley Isle draws visitors with its breathtaking scenery. This high demand means hotel rates on Maui tend to be quite expensive, averaging around $330/night.

West Maui resort areas like Kaanapali and Lahaina command premium prices, usually upwards of $400/night at luxury oceanfront resorts. More affordable options can be found in central Maui and old plantation towns like Paia, with rates from $175 for condos and B&Bs.

For a good balance of price and location, check out Maui hotels in Kihei which start around $200/night on average. The south shore offers great beaches and proximity to attractions for a bit less than the busy resort areas.

Kauai

Known as the Garden Isle, Kauai enchants visitors with its lush tropical interior and dramatic coastlines. With high seasonal demand but more limited accommodations than Maui or Oahu, hotel rates on Kauai average over $325 per night.

The island’s north shore, home to the stunning Napali Coast, commands some of Hawaii’s highest hotel prices. Resorts in Princeville and Hanalei can cost upwards of $500/night in peak season. Poipu on the south shore offers lower rates from around $250/night on average.

For good deals under $200/night, look for condos and B&Bs in Lihue and other central towns. Last-minute deals can also bring down costs at the island’s resorts during quieter spring and fall months when prices dip to around $275/night.

Big Island of Hawaii

As Hawaii’s largest island geographically, the Big Island offers great diversity including volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, and stunning beaches. Average hotel room rates are around $260/night, making it generally more affordable than Maui or Kauai.

The Kohala Coast resort area commands the highest rates, averaging over $400/night for luxury oceanfront rooms. Kailua-Kona and the island’s dry western side offers solid mid-range options from $175-250/night on average.

For great deals look to charming towns like Volcano and Waimea in the island’s interior, with comfortable rooms and cottages often available for under $150/night. The Big Island’s scale means longer drives to attractions, but the savings can be worth it.

Average Prices by Hotel Type

Luxury Hotels and Resorts

Hawaii’s most luxurious hotels and resorts offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences with lavish amenities, stunning views, and exceptional service. According to the Hawaii Magazine, room rates at 5-star properties in Hawaii average around $500-800 per night.

Iconic hotels like the Royal Hawaiian in Waikiki and the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on the Big Island command rates over $1,000 per night during peak seasons.

For the ultimate indulgence, Hawaii’s top luxury resorts such as Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach provide private plunge pools, 24/7 concierge service, fine dining, and spa treatments starting at $800-1000+ per night.

Beach Hotels

With asks starting from $250 per night, beach hotels place guests closest to Hawaii’s spectacular shorelines. Popular spots like the Sheraton Waikiki and Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort overlook world-famous Waikiki Beach, while the Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy and Maui’s Royal Lahaina Resort offer easy access to the island’s most legendary beaches.

Many beach hotels in Hawaii offer rooms with ocean views and balconies alongside amenities like pools with cabanas and beachside bars & grills. However, luxury touches and extensive facilities found at high-end resorts are less common.

Boutique Hotels

For travelers seeking charming, intimate stays, Hawaii has many one-of-a-kind boutique hotels to discover. Room rates typically range from $150-300 per night at these smaller, design-focused properties like The Laylow in Waikiki, The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club on Oahu, and Travaasa Hana on Maui.

Hawaii’s boutique hotels often have less than 100 rooms along with signature restaurants, poolside cocktail bars, and spa services. While included amenities vary by property, personalized service and vibrant cultural touches are hallmarks of the island’s top boutique hotels.

Family-Friendly Hotels

Finding suitable lodging for vacationing families is easy with Hawaii’s wealth of family-friendly hotel options. Average starting rates range $200-400 per night for properties catering to kids and multigenerational groups.

In addition to amenities like kiddie pools, games rooms and group activities, many family-friendly Hawaii hotels offer room types suitable for families. For example, the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani in Waikiki features rooms that sleep up to 5 with prices from around $250, while the Aston Aloha Beach Resort on Maui has rooms with full kitchens starting around $300 per night.

Budget Hotels and Hostels

Although Hawaii is an expensive destination overall, budget travelers can still find hotel rooms for under $150 per night. In high season, rates for 2-3 star hotels near Waikiki start around $100-150 such as Aqua Pacific Monarch and Ewa Hotel Waikiki.

Hostels and guesthouses offer even cheaper lodging on the islands, with shared rooms starting from $30-50 per night. Examples include Maui Sunseeker LGBT Resort on Maui and Polynesian Hostel Beach Club near Waikiki offering an affordable way to stay in paradise.

Seasonal Differences in Hotel Rates

High Season (Mid-December through Mid-April)

Hotel rates in Hawaii tend to be at their peak from mid-December through mid-April. This is due to the surge in tourism during the winter months when people from colder climates flock to the Hawaiian islands to escape the cold and enjoy the tropical weather.

According to data from Hotels.com, average daily rates during this high season range from $250-500 per night depending on the hotel and room type.

Some popular high-end resorts like the Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island and Halekulani in Waikiki command rates from $800-1200+ per night during peak holiday periods like Christmas and New Years when demand is very high.

More affordable hotels and condos can still cost $150-300 per night during high season.

Shoulder Seasons

The spring shoulder season from mid-April to early June and the fall shoulder season from September through mid-December generally have moderately high hotel rates though not quite as expensive as peak winter months.

During shoulder seasons, you can typically find hotel rooms from $175-400 per night depending on the property. Beach resorts and hotels in popular areas like Waikiki and Lahaina on Maui will be towards the higher end while more affordable condos and hotels in less touristy parts of the islands are lower.

Low Season (May through mid-December)

From May through mid-December when the weather is warmer and drier, hotel rates drop down to their lowest points outside of peak winter travel season. During these months, average hotel rates range from $125-300 per night across the islands.

While low season rates might be more affordable, crowds are generally lighter as well so you’ll have more space and availability for popular activities and attractions.

Average Prices in Popular Hawaii Destinations

Waikiki Beach (Oahu)

Known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, Waikiki is one of the most popular tourist spots in Hawaii. As a busy tourist hub, Waikiki commands some of the highest average hotel rates in Hawaii.

According to leading hotel booking sites, visitors can expect to pay around $230 – $280 per night for a standard double room during the high season.

Some insider tips for saving on Waikiki hotels:

• Book further in advance for the best rates
• Consider a condo rental instead of a hotel
• Visit during shoulder seasons like April/May and September/October

Lahaina and Kaanapali (Maui)

Famous for their stunning beaches, Lahaina and Kaanapali are两个 of Maui’s most popular resort areas. As prominent tourist destinations, hotel rates here are quite high compared to other parts of Hawaii.

According to Expedia.com, Lahaina’s average hotel rates run around $350 per night, while Kaanapali averages around $400 per night. These destinations cater heavily to upscale travelers, so luxury resorts with rates over $500/night are common.

Poipu (Kauai)

On Kauai’s sunny South Shore, Poipu is home to many of the island’s top beach resorts. As one of Kauai’s most visited areas, Poipu hotels do not come cheap.

According to TripAdvisor’s 2023 data, nightly rates in Poipu average around $320. Luxury resorts like the Grand Hyatt Kauai often run $500+ per night. For a more affordable stay, visitors should target the shoulder seasons in the Spring and Fall.

Kona Coast (Big Island)

Stretching along the Big Island’s dry, sunny West coast, the Kona Coast offers easy access to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park plus iconic Kona coffee farms. Average Kona Coast hotel rates run around $230 per night, which is very reasonable for Hawaii.

Some money-saving tips for the Kona Coast:

• Stay in North Kona to be closer to the beach
• Rent a condo instead of getting a standard hotel
• Visit during the off-season for better deals 👍

Tips for Saving on Hawaii Lodging

1. Book Early for Best Rates

Booking your Hawaii hotel room or vacation rental early, ideally 3-6 months in advance, can lead to significant savings compared to last minute bookings. Early birds often get rooms for 20-50% off standard rates. Set a reminder to start comparison shopping rates as soon as you settle on travel dates.

2. Be Flexible on Location and Travel Dates

Expanding your search across various Hawaiian Islands and travel date ranges opens up cheaper hotel and airfare options. According to Cheap Hawaii, lodging prices can vary by 40% or more just by tweaking your destination and trip dates a little bit.

Consider stays during shoulder seasons for cheaper rates too.

3. Consider a Vacation Rental or B&B

Vacation home rentals in Hawaii average 25% cheaper per night than equivalent hotel rooms, plus they come with extra space and amenities. Additionally, small bed and breakfast inns provide charming digs for typically 10-15% less than big resorts.

Sites like VRBO, Airbnb, and Bed & Breakfast.com unlock these lodging savings.

4. Join Hotel Loyalty Programs

Many big hotel chains like Marriott and Hilton run loyalty programs that reward frequent guests with perks like room upgrades, free Wi-Fi, late checkout, and most importantly, 10-15% discounts off room rates.

Sign up for as many as make sense based on where you like to stay in Hawaii to maximize savings.

5. Use Bid Sites for Last Minute Deals

If you’re flexible on lodging and able to pack up last minute, sites like Priceline and Hotwire offer opaque discounted Hawaii hotel rates 35-55% below average. You place a blind bid for a hotel matching your criteria and only find out the name after booking.

Conclusion

With Hawaii’s stunning blue waters, laidback culture, and near-ideal year-round weather, it’s no wonder why travelers flock here from around the world. By understanding the average prices at hotels across the islands and seasons, knowing where deals are most likely found, and using creative budget tips, you can make your Hawaiian vacation dreams a reality without overspending.

Have fun planning your island-hopping getaway soon!

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