How To Live In Hawaii On The Cheap

With its sandy beaches, lush landscapes, and year-round sunshine, Hawaii is considered a paradise by many. However, the high cost of living means it can be tough to make ends meet in what many consider an island paradise.

If you’re looking for a quick answer: Reduce housing costs by getting roommates or living further from prime beach areas, use public transportation to get around islands, visit free beaches and attractions, and cook meals at home.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover proven strategies for enjoying island life in Hawaii without going over budget.

Find Affordable Housing Options

Share costs by getting roommates

Getting roommates is a great way to cut housing costs in half or even thirds in Hawaii. Whether you split a 2-3 bedroom house or rent a room in an existing shared home, sharing costs makes the aloha state much more affordable.

Popular roommate websites like Roomies.com and Craigslist can connect you with potential housemates.

Consider less central locations

If living right on the beach or in downtown Honolulu isn’t a must, consider looking 5-10 miles outside the main tourist centers. Rentals and homes to buy are often 25-40% cheaper just a short drive inland or up the coast.

Areas like Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Waianae, and Wahiawa on Oahu or Lahaina and Kihei on Maui can offer good deals.

Look for long-term rental deals

Many homeowners offer discounts for long-term renters signing 6-12 month leases. Longer rentals give them reliable income without having to constantly turnover the property. Be upfront about wanting a long rental term when inquiring about listings, and don’t be afraid to try negotiating the price down 5-15%.

Sites like VRBO and Airbnb list many long-term rentals in Hawaii.

With some savvy planning, you can absolutely live affordably in paradise. Getting roommates, looking just outside the main tourist zones, and signing longer lease terms can add up to major savings in Hawaii!

Use Public Transportation to Get Around

Take the bus around islands

One of the most affordable ways to explore multiple islands in Hawaii is by taking the public bus system. The buses are operated by the Hawaii Department of Transportation and have routes across O’ahu, Maui, Hawai’i Island, Moloka’i and Lana’i.

For example, you can take the bus from Honolulu to popular places like Waikīkī, Pearl Harbor, North Shore, and Windward O’ahu. On Maui, the bus goes between main towns like Kahului, Wailuku, Lahaina, and Kihei. There are also routes to Hana and upcountry Maui towns.

The same goes for the Island of Hawai’i, with buses between Hilo, Volcano, Waimea and Kailua-Kona.

The bus costs just $2-2.50 per ride depending on the island, with many routes offering breathtaking coastal views along the way. Monthly passes are available for frequent riders. The buses have large storage capacity underneath for luggage and gear. They are also wheelchair accessible.

While the buses don’t run as frequently as other major cities and may take longer than driving, they provide an affordable way to hit multiple hotspots without a rental car. Over 6 million people ride Hawaii’s public buses each year.

Walk and bike within cities and towns

Another eco-friendly and cost-effective way to navigate your Hawaiian destination is by walking or biking within the towns and cities. Places like Waikīkī Beach on O’ahu, Lahaina on Maui, and Hilo on Hawai’i Island are all small and charming enough to traverse by foot or bike.

Not only can you save money on gas and parking, but walking and biking allows you to truly immerse yourself in the tropical landscape. You’ll stumble upon more hidden local spots, like the Pineapple Garden Maze in Maui or King Kamehameha Statue in North Kohala.

Free maps from the visitor centers outline the best walking and biking trails to hit must-see stops. And with Hawaii’s average high temperatures hovering between 85-90°F year round, the weather is ideal for pound-the-ground exploring nearly any time of day.

Just remember to wear sun protection, stay hydrated, and watch out for vehicles when biking along roads without designated lanes. Enjoy the flexibility to roam off the beaten path and take spontaneous detours down charming alleyways when covering ground under your own foot power!

Enjoy Free and Low-Cost Activities

Visit free beaches and parks

One of the best things about Hawaii is enjoying the natural beauty and outdoor activities without spending much money. There are tons of free public beaches and parks to explore. For example, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve on Oahu offers one of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii and only charges $1 for parking.

Waimea Valley on Oahu’s North Shore features lush botanical gardens, waterfall hikes, and cultural exhibits with a reasonable entry fee. For pure sand and surf, head to Papohaku Beach on Molokai or Hapuna Beach on the Big Island – no entry fee required.

Attend free community events

The spirit of aloha is strong with free events happening year-round. Many towns and communities host annual festivals celebrating the diverse cultures. The Prince Lot Hula Festival on Oahu features non-stop hula dancing and Hawaiian music over multiple days.

Maui hosts the Whale Day Festival when 10,000 humpback whales make their annual visit to Hawaii’s warm waters from December to April. You’ll find booths with educational activities, crafts for keiki (children), and more ways to celebrate these majestic creatures.

There’s also Friday night outdoor concerts, farmers markets, and art walks to enjoy with family and friends often at no cost.

Explore inexpensive museums and attractions

You can soak up some history and culture in Hawaii’s museums without overspending. The Bailey House Museum on Maui offers discounted admission to kamaʻāina (Hawaii residents) and charges only $7 for non-residents.

On Kauai’s west side, Russian Fort Elizabeth State Historical Park provides a glimpse into Hawaii’s past for just $5 per person. For a fun interactive experience, the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center costs only $10 per person and lets the whole family play and learn.

Many luaus and Polynesian Cultural Center packages come bundled with hotel deals or discounts. And you can view volcanic landscapes in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for just $30 per vehicle and all occupants get in for a full week.

Save Money on Food and Essentials

Grocery shop and cook at home

One of the best ways to save money while living in Hawaii is to grocery shop and prepare meals at home. Hawaiian supermarkets offer affordable local produce like pineapples, bananas, avocados, and more. Shop for ingredients and cook your own meals rather than dining out every day.

Seek out farmers markets for the freshest local fruits and vegetables at reasonable prices. The KCC Farmers Market is popular with locals for finding deals. Meal prepping can also help cut food costs. Make a large batch of chili, curry, or stir fry at the start of the week to have quick, healthy meals ready to go.

Seek out happy hour deals

To enjoy dining out in Hawaii while sticking to a budget, be sure to take advantage of happy hour food and drink specials. Many restaurants offer discounted appetizers, meals, and cocktails for a few hours in the late afternoon or early evening.

Some top spots for happy hour deals in Hawaii include:

– Duke’s Waikiki: 50% off appetizers and cocktails from 4-6pm

– Monkeypod Kitchen: 20% off food and drinks from 3-5pm

– Roy’s: 50% off pupu menu from 3-5pm

Join mailing lists from your favorite restaurants to get alerts about daily happy hour specials and other exclusive discounts.

Buy secondhand items and clothes

From furniture to beach gear to aloha shirts, you can save a bundle in Hawaii by shopping secondhand. Browse consignment shops and thrift stores like Red White & Blue Thrift Shop or Goodwill for clothes, kitchenware items, surfboards, and more at a fraction of retail price.

You can often find brand name and designer fashions at consignment boutiques for as much as 90% off original prices. Also check sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for locals selling used goods in good condition.

Buying secondhand not only saves you cash, but also keeps items out of landfills and reduces waste. It’s a win-win for your wallet and the environment!

Conclusion

Hawaii has a reputation for being an expensive place to live, but with strategic planning it is possible to enjoy the tropical lifestyle on a budget. By opting for affordable housing, making use of public transit, taking advantage of free activities, and finding ways to save on food and other costs of living, you can make your Hawaiian dream a reality, even without a big budget.

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