“Isn’t Hawaii outrageously expensive?” It’s often the first question I hear on the phone. I’ve lived in Pāʻia, on Maui, since 2005 and have been planning tailor-made trips ever since: the islands aren’t cheap, but a well-built budget avoids nasty surprises. Here is what a Hawaii trip really costs in 2026, line by line, with official fees checked and the prices of our own trips.
The main costs of a Hawaii trip
Every Hawaii budget breaks down the same way: international flights, lodging, rental car, inter-island flights, activities, food and the small extras people forget (taxes, parking, park fees, ESTA). Lodging and long-haul flights weigh the most, and they are also where your dates and choice of accommodation make the biggest difference. Flight prices vary widely with season and booking date, which is why our prices never include international flights. Avoid the Christmas holidays if you can: it is the busiest period.
Lodging: the biggest line, and its taxes
In Hawaii, the nightly rate is never the final price. Since January 1, 2026, the state Transient Accommodations Tax rose from 10.25% to 11% (the so-called “Green Fee”). Each county adds 3%, and hosts may pass on up to 4.712% General Excise Tax. Count on roughly 19% in taxes on top of the room rate, before resort fees and hotel parking. In our trips we mix styles by island: comfortable hotels on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi, B&Bs on the Big Island, an independent studio on Maui.
Rental car and inter-island flights
Outside Waikīkī, a car is essential; there is one on every island of our trips, included in the price. Between the main islands you fly – there is no ferry. Inter-island flights are short, but checked bags are not always included. In our trips these flights are included; only luggage fees are extra.
Parks and reservations: small amounts that add up
Good news: the $100-per-person nonresident surcharge introduced in 2026 at eleven mainland national parks does not apply in Hawaii. Official fees to plan for:
- Haleakalā (Maui): $30 per car for 3 days, + $1 sunrise reservation.
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes (Big Island): $30 per car.
- Tri-Park Pass: $55 for a year, covering both parks and Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau.
- Diamond Head (Oʻahu): $5 per person, + $10 to park in the crater.
- Hanauma Bay (Oʻahu): $25 per person aged 13+, + $3 parking.
- Waiʻānapanapa (Road to Hāna): $5 per person + $10 per car.
- Pearl Harbor: free visitor center, $1 fee per USS Arizona Memorial boat ticket.
- Hāʻena (Kauaʻi): shuttle from Hanalei $45 per adult, entry included.
Most of these sites must be booked ahead: see our guide to the reservations to make before you go.
Food and activities
Everyday costs are high since almost everything arrives by ship. To keep food costs in check, we favor lodging with a kitchen or kitchenette, farmers’ markets, food trucks and the small local spots we know. Each of our trips includes several activities (Pearl Harbor, night manta snorkeling, kayaking, a helicopter flight on Kauaʻi depending on the trip); you add the rest as you like.
What do our tailor-made trips cost?
Starting prices of our six trips, per person for two travelers, international flights not included; nights, car, inter-island flights, several activities and our day-by-day program are included:
- Maui & Kauaʻi, Gardens of Eden (13 days) : $4,200 per person
- Big Island & Maui (15 days) : $4,500 per person
- Beaches & Volcanoes (15 days) : $4,690 per person
- Hawaii’s Volcanoes (16 days) : $4,600 per person
- In the Footsteps of Jurassic Park (16 days) : $5,200 per person
- The Four Islands (20 days) : $5,970 per person
For families the per-person price drops: $4,090 per person for four on the Four Islands trip. Add international flights, the ESTA ($40.62 on esta.cbp.dhs.gov – avoid third-party sites that charge more), meals, park fees and bags.
FAQ
What does two weeks in Hawaii cost?
Our 15-day trips start at $4,500 per person (2 travelers), excluding international flights, meals and park fees. To price your own dates, try our trip calculator.
Are Hawaii’s national parks more expensive for foreigners?
No. The $100 nonresident surcharge only applies at eleven mainland parks.
Are there extra taxes on lodging?
Yes: 11% state tax, 3% county tax and up to 4.712% GET, about 19% in total.
Want to know what your own trip would cost? Try the calculator: you get a first proposal straight away, then we talk it through.
Official sources (checked on November 3, 2026)
- CBP – Official ESTA website (fee $40.62)
- Federal Register – FY2027 ESTA fee, effective Oct. 16, 2026
- Hawaiʻi Dept. of Taxation – TAT changes (Act 96)
- Hawaiʻi Dept. of Taxation – TAT brochure (Rev. Aug. 2026)
- NPS – Haleakalā Fees & Passes
- NPS – Hawaiʻi Volcanoes Fees & Passes
- NPS – Nonresident fees (11 parks)
- NPS – Haleakalā Sunrise Reservations FAQ
- Recreation.gov – USS Arizona Memorial tickets
- Hawaiʻi State Parks – Diamond Head
- Hawaiʻi State Parks – Waiʻānapanapa FAQ
- City & County of Honolulu – Hanauma Bay
- Go Hāʻena – reservations
