How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Maui and the Big Island? (2025 Budget Breakdown)
Budgeting for Hawaii in 2025
Hawaii has a reputation for being pricey, but the good news is, with a little planning, you can explore Maui and the Big Island without draining your savings. Whether you’re a backpacker, solo adventurer, or traveling with friends, knowing what to expect for daily costs makes your trip smoother.
In this breakdown, we’ll cover the big categories: accommodation, food, transportation, and activities, along with some insider hostel tips to help you save.
Accommodation: Where to Stay Without Overspending
Hawaii accommodations range from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hostels, and the choice makes a huge difference in your daily costs.
Luxury resorts: $300–$600+ per night, mostly found in Kona and West Maui. Perfect if you’re looking for pools and spas, but tough on a backpacker’s budget.
Mid-range hotels and vacation rentals: $150–$300 per night. Good for small groups splitting costs, but not ideal for solo travelers.
Hostels: $45–$65 per night in a dorm bed, with private rooms available for slightly more. Hostels like Howzit in Maui and Hilo not only save money, but also make your trip more social.
Insider tip: Booking directly with hostels rather than through third-party sites often gets you the best rates and fewer fees.
Food and Dining: Eat Like a Local
Hawaii’s food scene is amazing, and you don’t need fancy restaurants to enjoy it.
Budget eats: $10–$15 meals from food trucks, plate lunch spots, or poke counters. These local gems are where you’ll find the real flavor of Hawaii.
Mid-range dining: $20–$40 per person at casual restaurants or cafés. Perfect for a sit-down dinner after a long day of exploring.
Splurges: $60+ per person at fine dining or beachfront restaurants. Great for a one-time treat but not necessary for every meal.
Hostel hack: Many hostels (including Howzit) have shared kitchens. Cooking a few meals with other travelers not only cuts costs, it also makes for fun hangouts.
Transportation: Getting Around the Islands
Transportation is often one of the trickiest parts of a Hawaii budget, but you have options.
Rental car: $50–$80 per day plus gas and parking. Gives you the most flexibility, but prices add up quickly.
Public bus: $2–$3 per ride on both Maui and the Big Island. Not as fast as driving, but super budget-friendly and reliable for main routes.
Rideshares/taxis: $20–$50 depending on distance. Good for airport transfers or late-night trips when buses aren’t running
Biking/walking: Free, fun, and eco-friendly if you stay in a central location like Howzit Hostels.
Travel tip: On Maui, you’ll need to plan around bus schedules if you skip the car. In Hilo, most main attractions like farmers’ markets, cafes, and beaches are walkable from the hostel.
Activities: Free and Paid Adventures
Hawaii is packed with activities, and many of the best ones cost nothing at all.
Free experiences: Beaches, scenic drives, waterfalls, hikes, and cultural festivals. You could fill an entire week without paying for activities.
Budget-friendly tours: $30–$80 for snorkeling trips, surf lessons, or farm tours.
Splurge-worthy adventures: $150–$300 for helicopter tours, diving certifications, or full-day excursions.
Must-dos in Maui:
Watching the sunrise at Haleakalā
Hiking the Waihee Ridge Trail
Exploring Paia Town’s surf and art scene
Must-dos in Hilo and the Big Island:
Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Black sand beaches at Punalu‘u
Sample Daily Budget (2025)
Here’s what a realistic daily spend looks like depending on your style of travel:
Shoestring backpacker: $70–$90 per day
(Hostel dorm, food trucks, buses, free activities)Mid-range traveler: $150–$250 per day
(Private room, mix of restaurants, rental car, some tours)Luxury traveler: $400+ per day
(Resorts, fine dining, private tours, full flexibility)
Backpackers who stay in hostels tend to fall in the $70–$120 per day range, depending on how often they rent cars or join tours.
Howzit Hostel Travel Tips to Save More
Stay central: Our hostels in Maui and Hilo are located near walkable neighborhoods, cutting your transportation costs.
Cook together: Organize group dinners in the shared kitchen, cheaper and more social than eating out every night.
Ask the staff: Our team knows where to find free cultural events, hidden beaches, and local happy hours.
Book early: Hostel beds fill fast, especially in peak season, and last-minute rates can climb.
The Takeaway
Traveling Maui and the Big Island in 2025 doesn’t have to be expensive. With hostel stays, local eats, and a balance of free and paid activities, you can experience the islands for less than you think. Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, it’s all about making smart choices that let you spend less on beds and more on memories.
Book your stay at Howzit Hostels in Hilo or Maui and follow us on Instagram and TikTok for the latest travel tips and hostel events.
