8 Affordable Destinations In Hawaii For Budget Travelers

Hawaii is an island paradise that millions flock to every year for a much-needed vacation. Given its distance from the mainland United States, traveling to the tropical chain of Pacific islands is almost always fairly expensive, but the rest of your stay does not have to be.

Today, we will highlight 8 of the best destinations in Hawaii that won't break the bank. From affordable hotels to wonderful beaches that are free of charge to visit, these spots will surely make for a fun time without emptying your wallet.

Hilo, Big Island

Hilo is a town with budget-friendly options for travelers seeking a more affordable Hawaiian experience on the Big Island. As the second-largest city on the Big Island, Hilo features a big selection of budget accommodations, including hostels, guesthouses, and affordable hotels, many of which with great views of the ocean and the area's verdant scenery.

Hilo Hawaiian Hotel is just a short drive from the local airport, and hostels like Howzit Hostels Hawaii can be found closer to the downtown area.

The region's natural attractions, which are often free or low-cost to visit, are a huge draw for visitors and locals alike. Visit Akaka Falls State Park for a small entry fee and enjoy the scenic waterfall hike. The nearby Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which has a minimal entrance fee as well, is another highlight for exploring volcanic landscapes, lava tubes, and craters.

For those looking to save even more, Hele-On Bus services provide affordable public transportation around the Big Island, including routes connecting Hilo to Pāhoa and Volcano.

Makawao, Maui

Makawao, located in Maui’s Upcountry, is a charming, affordable town that offers an easy way to experience the island’s natural beauty and culture. Known for its paniolo (cowboy) heritage, this historic town is an excellent place to stay for history buffs and nature lovers alike.

Learn more about the town’s storied past at the Makawao History Museum or take a stroll through its vibrant main street, where small shops, art galleries, and tasty restaurants can be found. The Viewpoints Gallery Maui is a nice little spot to see some beautiful work from local artists.

Makawao is also home to several accessible outdoor activities. A short drive away, the Pi'iholo Ranch offers horseback riding tours with stunning views of the island.

Makawao’s location near the scenic roads leading to Haleakalā National Park also allows for easy access to hiking trails, including the popular Sliding Sands Trail, where you can experience volcanic landscapes without paying for an expensive tour.

While public transportation options are limited, the Maui Bus provides some routes to central areas of the island, though schedules should be checked in advance.

Hana, Maui

Hana, located on the more secluded eastern coast of Maui, offers a reasonably priced alternative to some of the island’s more expensive tourist areas. While Hana is known for its remote, tranquil atmosphere, it still has a number of useful amenities for visitors including resorts and a range of more affordable hotels and motels.

The Hana Highway, one of the most scenic drives in Hawaii, offers freee\ access to some stunning natural attractions that you have to see. Visit the black sand beaches at Waianapanapa State Park, or hike to the Seven Sacred Pools at Oheo Gulch in the nearby Haleakalā National Park. The Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach is another unique beach, with vibrant mineral-rich sands that contrast with the deep blues of the nearby Pacific Ocean.

Public transportation to Hana is very limited, as the Maui Bus does not operate regular routes to this area. Visitors will need to rely on private vehicles or guided tours.

Kailua, Oahu

Kailua, located on the eastern coast of Oahu, is a Hawaiian paradise that doesn't come with the high price tags of nearby Honolulu.

Kailua’s beaches, including Kailua Beach Park and Lanikai Beach, are highly sought after and are perfect for an afternoon of swimming, sunbathing, and boating. Both beaches are famous for their clear waters and scenic beauty, and no trip to Kailua is complete without a stop to at least one of them. Additionally, Kailua offers several hiking trails, including the popular Lanikai Pillboxes Trail, which provides panoramic views of the coastline.

Just west of town is Maunawili Falls, another amazing natural feature in which you can swim at the base. This oasis in the jungles of Hawaii is also ideal for a landscape picture, drawing photographers from the area to its fast-flowing cascades and abundance of tropical flora.

For those traveling on a budget, Oahu’s TheBus provides excellent public transportation options, with routes like the 671 and 672 connecting Kailua to other parts of the island.

Waimea, Big Island

Waimea, located on the Big Island’s Kohala Coast, is another hidden gem that is sure to give you an authentic Hawaiian experience. This upcountry town is another one known for its paniolo culture and offers you an affordable way to explore the island’s surprisingly huge open grassland landscapes.

This town’s location is close to both the coastline and the island’s volcanic regions too. Explore the nearby Pololu Valley Overlook, where a short, scenic hike leads to sweeping views of the coast, or head to the Waipi'o Valley, just a short drive away, which also provides a striking setting for hiking and photography.

For another kind of experience, visit the Waimea Town Market, where fresh local produce and artisan goods are available at reasonable prices. Sample fruits and vegetables that are grown in the fertile farmlands around Waimea, and grab a budget-friendly bite to eat at one of the many vendors who set up shop at this market.

The Hele-On Bus also serves Waimea, with the Waimea Circulator providing connections to nearby towns.

Lihue, Kauai

Lihue, the county seat of Kauai, is a base for adventuring this island's southern shore. Unlike the more crowded areas of Kauai, Lihue actually contains a decent amount of reasonably priced amenities, many of which are conveniently located near the Lihue Airport.

The town's proximity to some of the island's top natural attractions further improves its prospects as one of the best towns to stay at in the region. Be sure to spend a day at Kalapaki Beach, a calm and accessible spot perfect for swimming and relaxing. Lihue is also close to the Kauai Museum, where you can learn about the island’s history and culture from past to present.

For hikers, the nearby Nounou Mountain Trail (also known as the Sleeping Giant Trail) will gift you with a rewarding hike with 360-degree views of the island from up high.

The Kauai Bus operates in Lihue, offering affordable transportation options to other parts of the island.

Pāhoa, Big Island

Pāhoa, a small town on the Big Island’s eastern side, is an idyllic choice for saving a few bucks during your Hawaiin getaway. Known for its "bohemian" atmosphere and closeness to some of the state's best volcanic parks, Pāhoa should definitely be considered a top-tier destination to stay a night or two at.

The town is situated near Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, where you can see lava tubes and craters up close. The nearby Lava Tree State Monument is another spot that offers a fascinating look at lava-formed tree molds, which are holes in the ground where trees once stood, having been burned away by liquid lava passing through forested lands.

Beaches like Kehena, known for its black sand and rugged beauty, make for an awesome afternoon under the sun. Better yet, hotels like the Kalani Oceanside Retreat Center are located a short walk away, along with rental homes in the adjacent neighborhood.

Public transit is also available here, with the Hele-On Bus connecting Pāhoa to Hilo and other nearby towns.

Kauai’s North Shore

Kauai’s North Shore is a hidden gem for travelers seeking an affordable Hawaiian getaway. While Kauai is known for its high-end resorts, a road trip through the North Shore offers more economical options for lodging, such as budget-friendly vacation rentals, hostels, and campgrounds. The Anini Beach Park Campground, for example, is an idyllic place to sleep on the cheap just steps from the ocean.

The region is filled with free or low-cost outdoor activities to engage in, like hiking the Kalalau Trail, one of Hawaii’s most scenic hikes. along the way, you will see breathtaking views of the Na Pali Coast. Be sure to also check out some of the numerous beaches along the North Shore, such as Hanalei Bay, which is perfect for swimming, surfing, or simply relaxing.

In addition to the outdoors, the North Shore features affordable local dining spots, including food trucks and small eateries offering fresh, local fare at reasonable prices. Kalypso Island Bar & Grill is an especially popular local, serving up traditional Hawaiin fare in a tiki-inspired establishment.

For transportation, the Kauai Bus connects the North Shore to Lihue and other areas, providing an affordable and eco-friendly way to get around.

Relax in Hawaii without Overspending

With these fantastic destinations in mind, an affordable trip to Hawaii doesn't have to be out of the question this winter when all you need is to spend some time on a warm beach in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Whether you want to see a real volcanic field, hike to a jungle waterfall, indulge in fresh tropical fruit, or simply want to sit on a sandy beach all day, there certainly are options that can meet any budget.