Backpacking Through Hawaii: How to Island Hop Without Breaking the Bank

Sep 15

Why Island Hopping is the Ultimate Backpacking Adventure

Backpacking through Hawaii is all about variety. Each island has its own personality. Maui, with its golden beaches and lush valleys, Big Island with its active volcanoes and rainforests, Oahu with its surf culture and city life, and Kauai with its rugged cliffs and world-class hikes. The beauty of Hawaii is that you don’t have to choose just one. With a little planning, you can hop between islands and experience them all, even on a backpacker’s budget.

The trick is knowing how to move between islands affordably, when to book your flights, and which islands to pair together to make the most of your time.

How Much Does Island Hopping Cost?

Contrary to popular belief, getting between Hawaiian islands doesn’t need to be expensive. If you plan ahead, flights can be as low as $40–$70 each way. Daily costs vary depending on the island, but most backpackers can keep their budget between $50–$80 per day with smart choices on food, transport, and accommodation.

Here’s a quick look:

Flights: $40–$100 per hop if booked in advance
Ferry: $30–$60 for Maui to Lanai or Molokai options
Hostels: $25–$40 per night for dorm beds
Food: $10–$20 per day if mixing hostel cooking with local eats

The good news is that many of the islands’ best experiences, beaches, hikes, and scenic drives are free.

Best Ways to Get Between Islands

There are three main options for island hopping in Hawaii:

Inter-Island Flights

Flights are the most common way to travel between islands. Carriers like Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest operate multiple daily routes. Flights rarely take more than 40 minutes, so you’ll be up and down in no time. Pro tip: book mid-week for cheaper fares.

Ferries

While ferries aren’t available between all islands, there are scenic options worth considering. The Maui to Lanai ferry is a beautiful 45-minute ride across the channel. Prices are around $30 each way, and it’s a fun way to mix up your transport.

Travel Light

Whichever method you choose, packing light saves money. Airlines charge for checked bags, so a single backpack is the smartest option. Plus, it makes bus rides and hostel check-ins so much easier.

Which Islands Should Backpackers Visit?

Each island has something different to offer, and the best route depends on your time and budget.

Maui: Ideal for waterfalls, snorkeling, and the famous Road to Hana. Staying at Howzit Hostels Maui keeps you close to beaches and adventure without blowing your budget.
Big Island (Hilo): The most affordable island, known for volcanoes, rainforests, and black sand beaches. Howzit Hostels Hilo is the perfect base to explore it all.
Oahu: Best for city energy, surf culture, and nightlife. Great if you want to mix nature with urban vibes.
Kauai: Known as the “Garden Island,” it’s a hiker’s dream with trails like the Napali Coast and Waimea Canyon.

If you’re short on time, combining Maui and Hilo gives you the perfect mix of classic island beauty and authentic local culture.

How to Save Money While Island Hopping

Traveling between islands doesn’t need to drain your savings. Here are some backpacker-approved tips:

Book Early: Flights are cheapest when booked in advance, especially outside of peak seasons.
Fly Midweek: Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have lower fares.
Travel Off-Peak: Avoid holiday weeks and school vacations for the best deals.
Use Hostel Kitchens: Cooking your own meals saves big money compared to eating out for every meal.
Split Costs: Team up with fellow hostel guests for car rentals, taxis, or group tours.
Plan Smart Routes: Don’t zigzag. Group islands that are geographically close to save on flights.

Sample Itinerary for a Backpacking Trip Across Hawaii

If you’re trying to maximize your time without overspending, here’s an example of how you might plan a two-week island-hopping adventure:

Days 1–5: Maui
Stay at Howzit Hostels Maui, explore the Road to Hana, snorkel at Molokini, and catch a sunrise at Haleakalā.
Days 6–10: Hilo, Big Island
Head to Howzit Hostels Hilo. Visit Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, chase waterfalls like Akaka and Rainbow Falls, and relax on black sand beaches.
Days 11–14: Oahu or Kauai
Finish your trip with either city energy and surf breaks in Oahu or epic hikes and cliffs in Kauai.

This balance gives you a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences without overspending on transport.

Backpacker Mistakes to Avoid

Island hopping can be a blast, but a few common mistakes can cost you extra:

Overpacking: Heavy luggage leads to extra baggage fees and slows you down.
Booking Too Late: Last-minute flights can be double or triple the cost.
Trying to Do Too Much: Don’t rush all four islands in a week. Slow travel saves money and lets you really experience the places you visit.
Ignoring Bus Systems: Both Maui and the Big Island have affordable buses, perfect for budget travelers.

Final Thoughts: Backpacking Hawaii on a Budget

Island hopping in Hawaii doesn’t need to be expensive if you plan ahead and travel smart. By flying mid-week, packing light, and staying in budget-friendly hostels, you can explore multiple islands without blowing your budget. From the beaches of Maui to the volcanoes of Hilo, Hawaii is the ultimate backpacking destination for travelers who crave both adventure and culture.