How Much Is An All-Inclusive Trip To Hawaii?

Looking to book an all-inclusive Hawaiian vacation but wondering what the total cost will be? With flight, accommodation, food, and activity prices varying widely, nailing down your total budget can be tricky.

This comprehensive guide breaks down expected costs for every component of an all-inclusive Hawaii trip so you can set realistic expectations.

If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: An all-inclusive 7-night trip to Hawaii for two people costs $5,000 to $10,000 on average, with luxury packages running over $15,000.

Average Flight Prices

Mainland US Departure Cities

Flights to Hawaii from major mainland US cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, and New York City typically range from $300 to $700 roundtrip depending on the time of year.

The cheapest month to fly is usually September while the peak summer months and holidays are the most expensive with fares over $1000 roundtrip.

Here’s a breakdown of average flight prices from some of the most popular mainland departure cities:

As you can see, the further east you are from Hawaii, generally the more expensive the flights become. West coast cities like LA and San Francisco consistently offer the best deals.

Canadian and International Departure Cities

Flights to Hawaii from Canadian cities like Vancouver and Toronto typically range from $500-$1000+ roundtrip. Cities in Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America generally see fares from $800-$2000+ roundtrip.

Why the huge difference? Hawaii’s remote island location in the central Pacific Ocean makes it much further to reach from cities outside mainland North America. And the fewer direct flight options available drives up pricing.

That said, you can sometimes find great flight deals from Canada and abroad, especially during shoulder seasons. Signing up for airfare deal alerts and booking early guarantees the lowest fares.

Pro tip: Search for flights to Hawaii’s secondary islands like Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. They are typically cheaper than flying directly into popular Oahu (Honolulu).

Accommodation Costs

Hotels

When planning an all-inclusive vacation to Hawaii, one of the biggest costs to consider is hotel accommodations. Hotel prices in Hawaii can vary widely, with nightly rates ranging from around $150 USD for basic hotels to over $500 USD per night for high-end resorts.

Generally, hotels found in popular tourist destinations like Waikiki tend to be more expensive. However, there are deals to be found if you search.

Some ways to save on Hawaii hotel costs include:

• Travel in the off-season when room rates are lower
• Look for package deals that bundle airfare, hotel, and possibly activities
• Use hotel rewards programs to earn free nights
• Consider condos, apartments, or vacation home rentals

Condos and Vacation Rentals

Renting a condo or vacation home can be up to 50% cheaper than getting a hotel, allowing you to save hundreds per week. Popular websites like VRBO.com and HomeAway.com offer Hawaii condo rentals starting around $100 per night, with full apartments and homes starting around $150 per night.

Multi-bedroom rentals that allow you to split costs among friends or family are widely available.

The main benefits of a Hawaii condo rental over a hotel include:

• More space for the price
• Access to a kitchen to prepare some meals
• Separate bedrooms for privacy
• On-site amenities like pools and barbeque areas
• Often better locations away from major resort areas

All-Inclusive Resorts

All-inclusive resorts bundle accommodations, meals, drinks, and activities into one nightly rate. In Hawaii, the only major all-inclusive resort option is Aqualani Resort on Kauai’s south shore, which opened in 2022.

Nightly rates at Aqualani for two guests start at around $400 per night. While pricey compared to condo rentals, this rate includes all dining, drinks, watersports like surfing and snorkeling, cultural classes, and more.

With most activities averaging $50-$100+ per person if booked separately, the value can be significant.

As the table shows, nightly accommodation costs can vary widely across hotel types. While condos generally offer the best rates, Hawaii also has options at every price point. And when you factor in packages or all-inclusive bundles that provide meals, activities and more, the total value differs across options.

Food Costs

Food can be a major expense on an all-inclusive trip to Hawaii. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for meals:

Resort Meals

If you book an all-inclusive package, most or all of your meals will be covered at the resort restaurants. Buffet meals generally range from $15-30 per person, while a la carte dinners at nicer restaurants within the resort can cost $30-60 per entrée.

Some all-inclusives allow guests a certain number of reserved meals at the upscale restaurants, while others provide unlimited access. Be sure to check the fine print of your package.

Groceries

If you plan to prepare any meals in your condo or vacation rental, grocery prices are quite high in Hawaii, as most food items have to be shipped in. Expect to pay 25-50% more than typical mainland prices. For example, a gallon of milk may cost $8-10 and a loaf of bread around $5-7.

Buying local produce like pineapple and banana is a good way to save. Stop by farmers markets and roadside fruit stands to get the best deals.

Casual Restaurants

If your all-inclusive package does not cover all restaurant meals, or if you want to experience local Hawaiian flavors, expect to pay $15-30 per entrée at casual spots. Some good budget-friendly options are plate lunch joints, food trucks, and beachfront bars, where you can often order fresh seafood meals under $20 per person.

Fine Dining

For an upscale dining experience on par with what you’d find in major mainland cities, entrees generally start at $30 and can exceed $60+ at the most elite restaurants in Hawaii. Some of the best fine dining on Maui, for instance, averages around $100 per person with wine pairings.

Be prepared to splurge if you want to enjoy gourmet Hawaiian fusion cuisine or sample cutting-edge menus from celebrity chefs.

Activity and Transportation Budget

Rental Cars

Renting a car is a convenient way to get around Hawaii’s islands. Prices for compact cars typically range from $30-60 per day depending on the rental company and season. SUVs and convertibles cost more at around $75-150 per day.

When budgeting, remember to factor in taxes, fees, gas, insurance, GPS rentals, car seats, etc. which can add $20-50 per day.

To save money, book car rentals well in advance online for the best deals. Sites like Expedia, Priceline, and Costco Travel offer discounted rates. Consider renting an economy car if you won’t be road tripping far. Sharing a rental car with friends is another money-saving tactic.

Public Transportation

Public buses are an affordable transportation option on Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, and Kauai. The bus is especially handy for getting around Oahu, with routes extending across the island. A 4-day visitor pass costs $35 while a monthly pass is $70.

Buses typically run from early morning to late evening. The earlier you board, the more likely you’ll get a seat.

While the bus offers scenic views, the tradeoff is trips take longer. Mapping routes and connections can also be confusing for visitors. If relying solely on the bus, lodging near public transit stops is recommended.

Tours and Excursions

Booking organized tours and excursions makes for easy island-hopping and sightseeing. Costs range widely based on group size, destination, and inclusions like meals and hotel transfers. Budget minded travelers can find tours from $50 per person while luxury outings run $500+.

To maximize savings, look for deals on sites like Groupon and Viator. Traveling shoulder season also brings lower prices. And choosing group tours means dividing costs across more people. No matter your budget, there are fabulous Hawaiian adventures to enjoy!

Estimating Your Total Trip Budget

When planning an all-inclusive getaway to Hawaii, determining your total budget is key. This spectacular destination offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences, but also carries a higher price tag than other tropical locales.

By researching costs ahead of time, you can set realistic expectations for what you’ll spend on your island retreat.

Factor in Airfare and Accommodations

Two primary expenses for Hawaii travelers are flights and lodging. Roundtrip airfare from major US cities averages $400-$800 per person. You’ll likely pay on the higher end traveling from the East Coast and less departing from West Coast cities.

As for hotels, all-inclusive resorts in Hawaii average $500-$1,000 per night. Luxury properties like Aulani Disney Resort, Fairmont Orchid, and Four Seasons Hualalai fall on the upper end of the range. Expect to budget several hundred dollars more per night if staying at these elite resorts.

Account for Food, Activities and Incidentals

Since you’ll be exploring an exotic locale, also make sure to account for:

• Restaurants – While all meals are covered at your resort, you’ll likely dine out a few times. Budget $15-$50 per entrée at local eateries.
• Activities – From snorkeling to helicopter tours, plan for a few splurge-worthy excursions. These generally range from $100-$500+ apiece.
• Incidentals – Don’t forget smaller items like sunscreen, souvenirs, tips, and airport parking/transportation. Set aside an extra $100+ per traveler to cover these odds and ends.

As this breakdown shows, you’re looking at around $3,500-$7,000+ per traveler for a 5-7 night all-inclusive Hawaii vacation. While not cheap, this once-in-a-lifetime tropical vacation is worth the spend for many globetrotters!

Conclusion

Planning an all-inclusive Hawaii vacation requires factoring in costs for your flights, accommodation, food, transportation, activities, and more. While rack rates at resorts can exceed $15,000 per couple for a week-long stay, it’s possible to plan a fantastic tropical getaway in Hawaii for $5,000 or less if you’re flexible on lodging and strategic with flight deals.

Use the average pricing estimates provided in this guide as you work out your own personalized Hawaii itinerary and budget.

Sharing is caring!