Kauai on a Budget: The True Cost of Paradise For Two
Despite the allure of Hawaii’s paradise, visiting Kauai wasn’t at the top of my travel bucket list. In fact, it was near the bottom.
The reason?
Kauai has a reputation for being very expensive!!
However, life has a way of aligning the stars just right, and a five-day trip to Hawaii moved up my bucket list sooner than anticipated.
As I began planning our Hawaii trip, one question loomed: Can I visit Kauai on a Budget?
To help answer that question, in this article, I’ll be offering an honest and detailed account of our expenses during a five-day trip to the island of Kauai.
I’ll leave no stone unturned, from plane tickets, accommodations, food, and the excursions we went on exploring this Hawaiian island’s wonders.
If you’ve ever wondered how much a Hawaii vacation costs or if you can experience the magic of Kauai Hawaii without breaking the bank, you’ve come to the right place.
Join me as I break down the taboo topic of money and give you budget-friendly tips in one of Hawaii’s most beautiful destinations to help you plan your travel budget.
Table of Contents:
- Kauai’s Expensive Reputation
- Why We Chose Kauai
- Our Budget for Kauai
- Kauai Expense Report
- Flights
- Accommodation
- Car Rental
- Gas
- Food
- Activities
- Which Tour Do I recommend if I Could Only Afford One
- Misscelaneous
- Trip Expense at a Glance
- Free Activities
- Money Saving Tips
- Did Kauai Live up to It’s Reputation
Can You Visit Kauai on a Budget?
Kauai’s Expensive Reputation
As a whole, Hawaii has earned a reputation for being a destination that can strain one’s budget. The state’s remote location in the Pacific Ocean contributes to higher transportation costs, a trend amplified by the islands’ immense popularity among tourists. This persistent demand and inflation have driven up vacation costs, including airfare prices, accommodations, and dining.
Kauai, known as the “Garden Isle,” is no exception to this reputation. The island’s limited development and commitment to preserving its natural beauty have translated into a scarcity of budget-friendly options, particularly for lodging and dining. While the island’s natural wonders are undoubtedly worth the investment, the high demand for Kauai’s limited resources has resulted in the need for careful planning for budget travelers hoping to experience it without draining their wallets.
Why We Chose the Island of Kauai
We chose Kauai over the other major Hawaiian islands for several reasons. First, the availability of direct flights with Alaska Airlines from Seattle to the island made our travel day remarkably convenient, saving us valuable time and minimizing travel-related stress. Second, we were captivated by Kauai’s reputation as the “Garden Island” with its lush, unspoiled landscapes. Moreover, the Na Pali Coast, which had been on my bucket list for years, graces Kauai’s shores. It was a defining factor in our decision. Kauai seemed to offer a blend of accessibility, breathtaking landscapes, and tranquility that aligned perfectly with our vision of an unforgettable trip to Hawaii.
Our Budget for Kauai
Setting a budget was my initial priority when planning our dream vacation. We knew a trip to Hawaii could be expensive, but we aimed to strike a balance between seeing the top highlights and staying within our means. Careful consideration went into allocating funds for accommodation, activities, and dining. This budget ensured we would relish in the beauty of Kauai without feeling the financial strain. In the following paragraphs, I’ll break down our actual expenses and share the insights and strategies that helped us make the most of Kauai on a mid-range budget.
Kauai Expense Report
Our Kauai expense report provides a detailed breakdown of every dollar spent during our five-day adventure on this enchanting Hawaiian island.
Flights:
Flights are always the one thing we look to get as cheap as possible! With Alaska Airlines miles in hand, we opted to book through my husband’s Alaska Airlines travel portal and pay with points. They offered a great route through Seattle with a one-hour layover and a direct flight into Kauai, ensuring a short travel day.
However, we had a points dilemma worth noting. Initially, when we first looked for flight costs, we had the exact amount of points we needed to cover them, but when we went back in to purchase them the following day, they suddenly spiked by 20,000 points. Distraught, we scoured for alternatives and found flight prices a four-hour drive from home that fits perfectly within our points budget. Ultimately, our flights to Kauai cost us 70,000 Alaska Airlines points and the tax fees of $22.40 for two round-trip tickets. Despite having to drive an extra two and a half hours to the airport, it was worth it to us for basically free flights. The estimated flight costs for 70,000 points would have amounted to $1,260 for both round-trip flights.
Our flight adventure streamlined our travel day and allowed us to save money and allocate our budget wisely for other aspects of our Kauai vacation. It serves as a testament to the value of credit card points/airline miles and the benefits of flexibility in travel planning.
Accommodation:
Accommodations can be one of your most significant expenses, especially in Kauai, as we learned. We initially looked into affordable hotel room options, but all the budget accommodations were fully booked during our travel dates. The only hotels available were luxury hotels and resorts well over $1000 a night! This led us to explore alternatives such as VRBO and Airbnb for vacation rental.
We ultimately decided on a VRBO. The vacation rental we chose offered a convenient location and appealed to us for another important reason: my Platinum One Key Membership, for which I had accrued $612.83 of OneKeyCash. We decided to apply this credit to our VRBO booking, which had an initial cost of $1,402.57. This resulted in a significantly reduced rate of $919.57, saving money on our accommodation costs. However, it’s worth noting that, unfortunately, we were hit with a series of additional charges that clouded the affordability of our choice. These charges included a $264.00 unknown fee (still a mystery to us), an $89.00 administrative fee, a $175 cleaning fee, and a $219.40 service fee. Furthermore, we couldn’t escape the $219.40 lodging tax/resort fee. Had it not been for these fees, our room cost would have amounted to a mere $312.17, making it a fantastic deal.
While we weren’t thrilled about the additional fees associated with our vacation rental, we still chose this option because it provided the best balance between affordability and the beachfront location we desired. Kauai offers more affordable accommodations away from the beach. Still, the allure of waking up to the sound of crashing waves steps from our door and watching the sunrise every morning was irresistible.
For those planning a trip to Kauai, I recommend booking your accommodations as far in advance as possible and considering budget hotel options to avoid a slew of resort fees and taxes. You’ll encounter lodging or resort fees in Hawaii regardless of where you stay, but a budget option will help offset the cost.
One aspect that helped us save money was our decision to stay in one location for all five nights. This prevented us from incurring additional fees associated with changing accommodations. Additionally, Kauai isn’t a big island, so the money we saved from not relocating outweighed the benefits of decreasing our drive to attractions, which may only be an additional 35 minutes. We opted for the Royal Coconut Coast in Kapa’a, a central location, but there are more budget-friendly options in the Poipu area if that suits your needs.
Now, you might be wondering what a One Key Membership is. It’s a combined loyalty program between Hotels.com, Expedia.com, and VRBO. As a member, you can earn various travel-related benefits and rewards when you book travel on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, car rentals, flights, activities, and cruises. Best yet, it’s even compatible with existing airline loyalty programs! You earn 2% in OneKeyCash per dollar spent, except flights make 0.2%. I think it’s worth exploring programs like this if you’re a frequent traveler looking to save money.
Car Rental:
I aimed to make the most of every dollar spent when securing a car rental for our Kauai adventure. I decided to leverage the benefits of my Capital One Venture X credit card, which allowed me to accrue 10 miles per dollar spent, a substantial incentive for travelers like us. In addition, with my credit card, we benefited from excellent car rental insurance coverage, saving us even more money.
I reserved the smallest and cheapest economy car available online in advance to save money. However, upon arrival to pick up the car rental, we were pleasantly surprised with a complimentary upgrade to a spacious full-size SUV, elevating our honeymoon experience and budget for other fun activities.
The perks didn’t stop there. Recognizing that we had a late flight departure, the rental car company kindly extended our return time at no extra cost, allowing us to savor every moment on the island without the stress of rushing back to return the vehicle. Choosing the right car rental companies and leveraging the benefits of our credit card truly made our exploration of Kauai both cost-effective and comfortable.
So, what did we spend on our car rental? The base fare for our rental car was a reasonable $171.97, and taxes and rental car fees amounted to $96.83. This made our total cost of the car rental for five days $268.60.
In conclusion, alongside the free upgrade, extension of our return time, and robust insurance coverage, choosing the right car rental and taking advantage of our credit card’s perks ensured a comfortable and budget-friendly way to explore Kauai.
Note: Kauai has limited public transportation, so you will need a car rental to explore all the island offers.
Gas:
We spent more on gas for our journeys to and from the airport on the mainland than we did while exploring the island. Our gas expenses to and from the airport amounted to $128.56. This would have been significantly less if we had not had to double our driving distance to the airport. The reason is explained in the Flights section above.
During our visit, the gas prices were notably higher on Kauai, at an average price of $5.29 per gallon. Although the higher fuel prices were expected, we were pleasantly surprised that we managed to keep our gas costs relatively low since Kauai isn’t a big island. We filled up our rental car’s tank once on the island, which came to a total of $81.15. This careful fuel consumption management allowed us to explore Kauai’s breathtaking landscapes without feeling the pinch at the pump.
So, overall, we spent $209.71 on gas for the trip.
Food:
To effectively manage our meal costs, I divided our food budget into two primary categories: dining out and eating in.
Dining Out:
Kauai offers various dining-out options, from upscale to beloved local gems like food trucks and markets. We opted for the budget eating options, primarily favoring food trucks and local markets over dine-in restaurants. We only ate in a restaurant twice during our visit. Many restaurants require dinner reservations, but we prefer the flexibility of dining on our schedule without feeling tied to specific reservation times.
Here is our 5-day Dining Out expense record:
Breakfast: $69.31
Lunch: $249.38
Dinner: $164.94
Total: $483.63
Eating In:
We leaned towards eating in most of the time to keep our food costs in check. We regularly went to local markets and grocery stores and even stumbled upon a cute roadside stand offering delicious fresh fruit and homemade banana bread. Roadside stands can offer bargain priced groceries. Mornings typically began with coffee and breakfast enjoyed on our balcony overlooking the ocean, perfect for watching the sunrise. Given our active schedule, which often involved hiking and exploration, we assembled sandwiches using our supplies and tucked them into our bags for on-the-go. Additionally, we stocked our room with an assortment of salami, cheese, and crackers, which provided us with convenient snacks as we ventured around the island. Even tho Eating in allowed us to save money, food costs considerably more in Hawaii, so buy only what you know you can eat during your Hawaii trip.
Here is our 5-day Eating In expense record:
Breakfast: $56.79
Lunch: $98.15
Dinner: $31.24
Total: $186.18
Final food expense total: $649.81
Cheap & Delicious Options
One of my joys of traveling is the opportunity to savor affordable yet tasty local foods. Here are some suggestions for cutting meal costs.
1. Food Trucks: Kauai is known for its food trucks scattered across the island, which offer a wide range of flavors at a more affordable price. My favorites that I tried were Garden Island Coffee, Cafe Turmeric, and Aloha Juice Bar.
2. Local Markets: Some of our best meals come from the local markets. They served good portions at a reasonable price. My favorite was Poke and Pork LauLau from the Pono Market in Kapa’a.
3. Roadside Stands: Look for roadside stands where you can stumble upon hidden culinary gems. These stands often offer homemade treats like banana bread, smoothies, and fresh coconuts that capture the essence of Hawaiian flavors. We found a few selling delicious goodies along the ocean drive heading to the north shore, just outside Kapa’a.
4. Cheaper Restaurants: While Kauai does have its share of upscale dining establishments, it is possible to find more affordable restaurants that serve delicious local fare without reservation. We liked Kalypso in Hanalei and Porky’s in Waimea.
Exploring these budget-friendly options allows you to enjoy the island’s food scene but also helps you keep your food expenses in check, leaving you more budget to spend on adventures and experiences, which is more important to us, especially in this beautiful Hawaiian paradise.
Note:
During our Hawaii trip, we chose not to indulge in alcoholic beverages. This decision helped us stay within our budget and significantly cut down on Food Expenses.
Activities:
Kauai offers a wide array of some of the best adventures you can experience, and our trip was packed with all the top highlights that left us with unforgettable memories.
Kauai’s Must-See Highlights
Here’s a glimpse into the must-see highlights and their price ranges. These experiences define the essence of the island and are well worth considering as you plan your vacation budget.
Na Pali Coast: A visit to Kauai wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the breathtaking Na Pali Coast. Whether you choose a boat tour, a helicopter ride, or a challenging hike on the Kalalau Trail, the views are jaw-dropping. Prices vary depending on which option you choose. Approximately $100 to $300 per person for boat tours, while helicopter tours range from $200 to $500 per person. Private tours cost even more!
Waimea Canyon: Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” this geological wonder is a must-see. You can explore it by car for $10 for parking and $5 per person or take a guided tour for about $50 to $100 per person.
Wailua River Kayak to Fern Grotto: This serene river cruise takes you to the lush Fern Grotto. You can expect to pay approximately $50 to $100 per person for a guided kayak tour to the Fern Grotto. Renting a kayak and doing a self-guided tour can range from around $30 to $50 for a single kayak or $50 to $120 for a tandem kayak. Typically, you get the kayak for 5 hours. So that you know, an average trip to the Fern Grotto takes 45 minutes one way.
Haena State Park: This is the starting point for the Kalalau Trail, Ke’e Beach, Hanakapi’ai Beach, and Hanakapi’ai Falls. It’s an absolute must-do excursion on Kauai. Please note that Haena State Park has limited parking, and visitors must make reservations for parking and entry into the park. Parking fees are $10 per vehicle for non-residents. An additional entry fee costs $5 per person for non-residents. Alternatively, visitors can take the shuttle to Haena State Park. The shuttle, which includes access to the park, costs $15 per person for non-residents. The shuttle operates on a reservation basis as well.
Here are the excursions that cost us money:
Helicopter Tour: $ 380.00 per person for a total of $761.00
Zodiac Boat Tour: $214.91 per person for a total of $429.82
Haena State Park: $35.00 per person for a total of $70.00
Waimea Canyon: Visited twice at 20.00 dollars a day for a total of $40.00
Total cost of excursions: $1,300.00!
Which Tour do I Recommend if I Could Only Afford One?
This is a tough question to answer. Each activity offers a unique and unforgettable experience, catering to different preferences and budgets. If I had to recommend just one activity, here’s what I’d suggest, considering your interests and priorities:
Helicopter Tour: If you’re short on time but eager to witness Kauai’s stunning landscapes from an awe-inspiring perspective, helicopter tours are the way to go. You’ll soar above the island in just one hour, taking in its dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, and cascading waterfalls. The adrenaline rush is undeniable. However, it’s important to note that helicopter tours only last an hour. That’s a lot of money for one hour.
Boat Tour: A boat tour is an excellent choice for those seeking an exhilarating full-day adventure that combines sightseeing with water-based fun. It provides a comprehensive experience featuring the crown jewel, the Na Pali Coast. With opportunities to swim, snorkel, and explore sea caves, this tour immerses you in Kauai’s marine beauty. The downside may be the cost, and depending on the weather, the seas may be rough, but the memories you’ll create will be priceless.
Haena State Park and Kalalau Trail: If you’re on a tight budget, Haena State Park and the Kalalau Trail offer an incredible and cost-effective experience. Hiking this trail allows you a glimpse of the stunning Na Pali Coast and leads you to the enchanting Hanakapi’ai Waterfall. It’s a fantastic way to connect with nature, and while it won’t provide an aerial view or water adventures, it offers its own unique charm.
In the end, the choice ultimately depends on your priorities. But, if we were forced to make a decision, my husband and I would agree that the boat tour is our top choice.
Miscellaneous:
Lei Greeting: To kickstart our honeymoon on a memorable note, I arranged a traditional Lei greeting at the airport. The fragrant, flower-adorned welcome made us feel like we had arrived in paradise. The cost for a fresh flower Honeymoon Lei for two was $108.50
Souvenirs: Exploring Kauai would only be complete by bringing back a piece of the island with us. I indulged in some souvenirs, which included a driftwood sea turtle carving for our home, a coconut shell bowl, and a ball cap. These keepsakes cost us $39.77.
Tips for Tour Guides: During our thrilling helicopter and boat tours, we had knowledgeable and friendly experts who enhanced our experiences. As a token of our appreciation, we gave each tour guide a tip of $50.00, for a total of $100.00 in tips.
Total Miscellaneous Expenses: They amounted to $248.27 total.
Trip Expense At a Glance
Here is a breakdown of how much a trip to Kauai costs:
Flights: $22.40
Accommodations: $919.57
Rental Car: $268.60
Gas: $209.71
Food: $649.81
Excursions: $1300.00
Miscellaneous: $248.27
Grand Total: $3,618.36 (for two people)
Free Activities
Kauai’s natural beauty and outdoor wonders are breathtaking and accessible to you without breaking the bank.
Here’s the top ten free activities we found on the island.
- . Beach Bliss: Kauai is known for some of Hawaii’s most beautiful and pristine beaches. You can spend a day lounging, swimming, or beachcombing, and it won’t cost you a dime. The options are abundant, from the iconic Hanalei Bay to the famous Poipu Beach.
- Hiking Adventures: Lace up your hiking boots and explore the island’s many trails. The Kalalau Trail in Haena State Park offers breathtaking coastal views, while the Waimea Canyon Trails provide access to stunning canyon overlooks. Don’t forget to pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the natural beauty.
- Watching Green Sea Turtles at Poipu Beach: Poipu Beach is a haven for green sea turtles. Watch these gentle giants bask in the sun on the shores, a sight that’s not only free but incredibly mesmerizing.
- Wailua Falls: Witness the spectacular Wailua Falls, an 80-foot cascade easily accessible from the road. You can view this waterfall from a lookout point without cost or trek a short, steep trail to the bottom.
- Spouting Horn: Witness the impressive natural water spout at Spouting Horn in Poipu. This geological wonder, formed by lava tube eruptions, offers a free spectacle as the waves crash against the shoreline.
- Kilauea Lighthouse: Although there’s a fee to enter the lighthouse, the surrounding wildlife refuge area is free to explore. Bring your binoculars to spot native seabirds and enjoy the picturesque views.
- Sunset Chasing: One of the most stunning experiences you can have in Kauai doesn’t cost a penny – watching the sunset. Whether on a beach, a coastal trail, or at a lookout point, Kauai’s sunsets are nothing short of magical.
- Snorkeling at Tunnels Beach: Done your snorkel gear at Tunnels Beach, known for its exceptional snorkeling opportunities. Explore the coral reefs and encounter an array of marine life, all for free.
- Queen’s Bath: Venture to Queen’s Bath in Princeville. While the journey may require some caution due to its rocky terrain, the natural tide pool formation is a unique sight and free to explore.
- Farmer’s Markets: Explore local farmer’s markets like the Hanalei Farmers Market and the Kauai Community Market. While you might be tempted to buy fresh produce or handcrafted items, the experience is free.
- Star Gazing: Kauai’s low light pollution makes it an ideal spot for stargazing. You can head to a secluded beach or a high vantage point and be prepared to be mesmerized by the starry night sky.
If you embrace these free activities, you can enjoy Kauai’s natural wonders without putting a dent in your budget. Whether you’re lounging on a beach, hiking through lush rainforests, snorkeling at Tunnels Beach, watching sunsets and sea turtles, or stargazing under the Hawaiian sky, these experiences will leave you with priceless memories of the Garden Isle.
Money Saving Tips
Here are my top ten tips to help you make the most of your Kauai adventure without breaking the bank:
1. Plan and Budget: Start by setting a realistic budget for your trip. Knowing your spending limits will help you save money, make informed choices, and prioritize experiences that truly matter to you.
2. Travel Off-Peak: Consider visiting during the shoulder or off-season, as flights and accommodations are often more affordable, and you’ll encounter fewer crowds.
3. Use Miles and Rewards: If you have frequent flyer miles or credit card rewards, put them to good use to offset your flight and hotel costs. I highly encourage you to look into Travel Hacking if you haven’t already!
4. Opt for Local Eateries: Embrace the island’s food truck culture and eat from local markets to enjoy delicious, budget-friendly meals. Eating out at local joints can be both tasty and cost-effective.
5. Shop Smart for Souvenirs: Look for souvenirs at local markets and craft fairs, where you can find unique items at better prices than tourist-heavy shops. There are farmers ’ markets almost every day somewhere on the island.
6. Take Advantage of Free Activities: Explore Kauai’s natural wonders by hiking, swimming, and sunbathing at the island’s beautiful beaches. Many hikes and outdoor activities are free and offer incredible experiences.
7. Rental Car Discounts: Book rental cars in advance and look for discounts or deals from rental car companies if renting a car. Some credit cards also offer rental car insurance, saving you extra money.
8. Accommodation Alternatives: Consider vacation rentals, couch surfing, hostels, or camping to save on lodging costs. These alternatives can offer unique experiences and lower prices compared to resort and hotel costs.
10. Travel Light: Pack efficiently to avoid excess baggage fees, especially on international flights or if you plan to island-hop during your Hawaiian adventure.
Did Kauai Live Up to It’s Reputation?
So, did Kauai live up to its reputation?
Without a doubt, it did.
Not only did it live up to its reputation, but it far exceeded it. Its dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and lush landscapes left an indelible mark on our hearts and memories.
While its reputation for being expensive held some truth, with smart planning, we discovered that budget-friendly adventures and unforgettable memories are entirely within reach.
Now, it’s your turn to explore this enchanting island. Armed with the insights from our journey, take the leap and let Kauai cast its spell on you. Your Hawaiian adventure awaits!
Happy Travels!