With its breathtaking beaches, lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and perfect year-round climate, Hawaii remains one of the most coveted vacation destinations for couples. Whether you’re planning a romantic honeymoon, anniversary celebration, or simply a well-deserved getaway with your partner, an important question inevitably arises: how much is a trip to Hawaii for 2? This comprehensive guide breaks down all the costs couples should expect when planning their Hawaiian vacation—from flights and accommodations to dining, activities, and island-hopping. By understanding the complete financial picture, you can plan a memorable Hawaiian adventure that aligns with your budget while still experiencing the paradise these islands have to offer.
Average Total Trip Costs to Hawaii for 2 People
| Trip Duration | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Week | $3,500-5,000 | $6,000-8,000 | $12,000+ |
| 2 Weeks | $6,000-9,000 | $10,000-15,000 | $20,000+ |
All prices in this article are in USD unless otherwise noted.
Flight Costs to Hawaii for a Couple
Airfare typically represents one of the largest expenses when calculating how much is a trip to Hawaii for 2 people. Flight costs vary significantly based on your departure city, the season, and how far in advance you book.
Average Round-Trip Flight Costs to Hawaii (Per Person):
- From West Coast US: $350-700
- From Central US: $550-900
- From East Coast US: $650-1,100
- From Canada: $550-1,000
- From Japan/Asia: $600-1,200
- From Australia/New Zealand: $800-1,400
- From Europe: $900-1,600
For Two People:
- West Coast US: $700-1,400
- East Coast US: $1,300-2,200
Seasonal Price Variations:
- High Season (Mid-December to April, June to August): Add 20-30%
- Shoulder Season (May, September to mid-December): Base rates
- Lowest Fares: Late January through March (excluding holidays)
Money-saving tip: Look for flight deals 3-7 months in advance, be flexible with your travel dates, and consider flying midweek (Tuesday-Thursday) for the best fares. If you have airline miles or credit card points, Hawaii is an excellent redemption destination.
Accommodation Costs in Hawaii for 2
Accommodations in Hawaii range from budget-friendly hotels to ultra-luxury resorts, with vacation rentals providing an appealing middle option for many couples.
Average Nightly Rates for Two (By Accommodation Type):
- Budget hotels/motels: $120-200
- Mid-range hotels: $200-350
- Upscale resorts: $350-600
- Luxury beachfront resorts: $600-1,500+
- Vacation rentals/condos: $150-400
- Bed & breakfasts: $150-300
Price Variations by Island:
- Oahu: Most budget-friendly options, especially away from Waikiki
- Maui: Generally 10-20% higher than Oahu
- Kauai: Similar to Maui
- Big Island: Slightly lower than Maui but varies by area
- Lanai & Molokai: Limited options, often expensive due to exclusivity
Additional Accommodation Fees:
- Resort fees: $20-50 per night
- Parking: $20-40 per night at hotels
- Cleaning fees (for vacation rentals): $100-300
Money-saving tip: Consider vacation rentals through platforms like Airbnb or VRBO, which often provide more space and kitchen facilities at lower rates than comparable hotels. Staying just a block or two away from the beach can reduce costs by 15-30%.
Transportation Costs in Hawaii
Getting around the islands is another significant expense for couples visiting Hawaii.
Car Rental Costs:
- Economy car: $50-90 per day
- Mid-size car: $60-100 per day
- SUV/Jeep: $80-150 per day
- Convertible (popular with couples): $90-200 per day
Additional Car Rental Expenses:
- Insurance: $15-30 per day (if not covered by your credit card)
- Gasoline: $4.50-5.50 per gallon (higher than mainland US)
- Parking at hotels: $20-40 per night
Alternative Transportation:
- Airport shuttle: $20-40 per person each way
- Taxi from airport: $40-100 depending on destination
- Ride-sharing (Uber/Lyft): $30-80 from airport to resort areas
- Public transportation (Oahu only): $2-3 per ride or $70 for monthly pass
Money-saving tip: Book your car rental well in advance, and check for discounts through membership organizations like AAA or Costco. On Oahu, you might not need a car if staying in Waikiki, but on other islands, a rental car is almost essential.
Island-Hopping Costs
Many couples wish to visit multiple Hawaiian islands during their vacation.
Inter-Island Travel Costs (Per Person):
- Inter-island flights: $75-200 each way
- Ferry (Maui to Lanai only): $30 each way
- Additional airport transfers: $20-50 per island
Planning tip: Add at least 3-4 days per island to make island-hopping worthwhile, as you’ll lose the better part of a day in transition each time you change islands.
Food and Dining Expenses
Hawaii’s isolated location means higher food costs than the mainland US, but the unique cuisine and tropical ingredients make dining a highlight for many couples.
Daily Food Budget for Two:
- Budget: $80-120 (mix of grocery store items, food trucks, casual eateries)
- Mid-range: $150-250 (casual restaurants, some nicer dinners)
- High-end: $300+ (resort dining, fine restaurants, beachfront dinners)
Typical Meal Costs (for Two):
- Quick breakfast: $15-25
- Breakfast at a restaurant: $30-50
- Plate lunch from food truck: $25-35
- Casual lunch: $40-60
- Dinner at a local restaurant: $60-100
- Resort dinner: $120-200
- Fine dining experience: $200-400+
- Luau: $200-300
Money-saving tip: Accommodations with kitchenettes allow you to prepare simple breakfasts and lunches. Shopping at local farmers’ markets offers both savings and the chance to experience local produce. Happy hours (typically 3-6pm) offer discounted drinks and pupus (appetizers).
Activities and Excursions for Couples
Hawaii offers countless activities for couples, from relaxing beach days to adventurous excursions.
Popular Couple’s Activities (Price for Two):
| Activity | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Luau | $200–300 | Includes dinner, drinks, and cultural performances |
| Helicopter tour | $500–800 | Scenic flights over waterfalls, volcanoes, or coastlines |
| Sunset dinner cruise | $200–400 | Includes meal, drinks, and romantic ocean views |
| Snorkeling trip | $150–300 | Often includes gear, boat ride, and guides |
| Whale watching (seasonal) | $150–250 | Best from December to April |
| Surfing lessons | $150–300 | Typically includes boards and instruction |
| Zip-lining | $200–400 | Thrilling canopy rides through lush landscapes |
| Pearl Harbor tour | $80–200 | Varies based on inclusions (USS Arizona, Missouri, transport) |
| Volcano tour (Big Island) | $150–350 | Includes transportation and expert guides |
| Road to Hana tour (Maui) | $200–400 | Full-day trip with scenic stops and guide |
| Couples massage | $300–500 | Offered at spas and many resorts |
Free or Low-Cost Activities:
- Beach days
- Hiking trails
- Scenic drives
- Public botanical gardens
- Some historic sites
- Watching sunrise/sunset
- Local cultural events
Money-saving tip: Book activities directly with providers instead of through your hotel’s concierge to avoid markup. Many natural attractions, including most beaches and hiking trails, are free to enjoy.
Duration Cost Analysis: How Much Is a Week Trip to Hawaii for 2?
Let’s break down the total cost for a typical one-week trip to Hawaii for a couple:
7-Day Trip Cost (Total for 2 People):
| Category | Budget Trip ($3,500–5,000) | Mid-Range Trip ($6,000–8,000) | Luxury Trip ($12,000+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | $1,400 (from mainland US) | $1,600 | $2,400 (premium economy/first class) |
| Accommodation | $1,400 ($200/night budget hotel/rental) | $2,100 ($300/night) | $4,900 ($700/night luxury resort) |
| Car Rental | $420 ($60/day) | $700 ($100/day incl. insurance) | $1,050 (premium vehicle) |
| Food | $700 ($100/day for both) | $1,400 ($200/day) | $2,100 ($300/day) |
| Activities | $400 (mostly free + 1–2 paid) | $1,200 (premium experiences) | $2,000 (private, exclusive tours) |
| Shopping/Souvenirs | – | – | $500 |
| Miscellaneous | $200 | $300 | $400 |
| Total | ~$4,520 | ~$7,300 | ~$13,350 |
How Much Is a Trip for 2 to Hawaii for Multiple Islands?
Many couples want to experience more than one island. Here’s what a trip to Hawaii for 2 weeks covering multiple islands might cost:
14-Day, 2-Island Trip Cost (Mid-Range):
- Flights from mainland: $1,600
- Inter-island flights: $400 (2 people)
- Accommodation: $4,200 ($300/night × 14 nights)
- Car rentals: $1,400 ($100/day × 14 days)
- Food: $2,800 ($200/day × 14 days)
- Activities: $2,000
- Miscellaneous: $600
- Total: ~$13,000
Planning tip: Allow at least 5-7 days per island to minimize transit time and fully experience each destination.
How Much Is a Trip to Hawaii for 2 Weeks?
For couples with more time, how much is a trip to Hawaii for 2 weeks on a single island?
14-Day, Single Island Trip Cost (Per Couple):
- Budget: $6,000-9,000 ($430-640/day)
- Mid-range: $10,000-15,000 ($715-1,070/day)
- Luxury: $20,000+ ($1,430+/day)
The per-day costs tend to decrease for longer trips as you can take advantage of weekly discounts on car rentals and accommodations.
Honeymoon Costs in Hawaii
Hawaii remains one of the top honeymoon destinations, where couples often splurge a bit more than on a typical vacation.
Honeymoon Premium Experiences:
- Honeymoon suite upgrade: $50-200 per night
- Private dining on the beach: $300-800
- Couples photography session: $300-800
- Helicopter tour: $500-800
- Private boat charter: $800-2,000
- Couples spa day: $500-1,000
Money-saving tip for honeymooners: Mention your honeymoon when booking to potentially receive complimentary upgrades or special amenities. Many resorts offer honeymoon packages that bundle romantic experiences at a discount.
Seasonal Cost Variations
When you visit significantly impacts how much is a trip to Hawaii for 2 people:
Cost by Season:
- High Season (Mid-December to April, summer): 20-40% premium on accommodation
- Peak Holiday Periods (Christmas, New Year’s, Spring Break): 50-100% premium on accommodation
- Shoulder Season (May, September-October): 10-20% discounts possible
- Low Season (Late April, November): Best values except Thanksgiving week
Value tip: September and October offer an excellent combination of good weather, fewer crowds, and better rates—perfect for couples seeking a more peaceful experience.
Island-by-Island Cost Comparison
Hawaii’s different islands offer varying experiences and price points:
Cost Index (Oahu = 100):
- Oahu: 100 (most budget options, but premium areas like Ko Olina are expensive)
- Maui: 115-125 (generally the most expensive for accommodations)
- Kauai: 110-120 (fewer budget options but some good mid-range values)
- Big Island: 105-115 (varying widely between Kona and Hilo sides)
- Lanai: 140-180 (limited to luxury options)
- Molokai: 90-110 (limited choices but generally less expensive)
Island tip for couples: Kauai is often considered the most romantic island with its lush landscapes and secluded beaches, while Maui offers the best balance of romance and activities. Oahu provides the most dining and entertainment options.
Money-Saving Tips for Couples Visiting Hawaii
- Travel during shoulder season (May or September-October)
- Book a condo or vacation rental with kitchen facilities
- Stay in one location per island rather than changing accommodations
- Prepare breakfast and some lunches in your accommodation
- Share entrées at restaurants (portions are often generous)
- Buy alcohol and snacks at local grocery stores rather than resort shops
- Look for happy hour specials at restaurants and bars (typically 3-6pm)
- Take advantage of free hotel amenities like snorkel gear or cultural activities
- Purchase discounted activity vouchers through sites like Groupon
- Combine rental car with accommodation for package discounts
Often Overlooked Expenses
When budgeting for a Hawaiian vacation for two, don’t forget these commonly overlooked costs:
- Baggage fees: $60-100 round trip for two people
- Resort fees: $20-50 per night
- Rental car insurance: $15-30 per day (if not covered by your credit card)
- Airport parking (at your home airport): $15-30 per day
- House/pet sitter: $25-75 per day
- Sunscreen: $10-20 per bottle (you’ll likely need several)
- Tips: Budget about $100-200 for a week-long trip
FAQs About Hawaii Trip Costs for 2
The least expensive times to visit Hawaii are typically late January through March (excluding Valentine’s Day and Spring Break weeks), May, and September through mid-December (excluding Thanksgiving week). These periods offer the best combination of lower room rates and affordable flights, with potential savings of 20–30% compared to peak seasons.
For a comfortable mid-range experience, budget $800–1,100 daily for two people, covering accommodation, car rental, food, activities, and incidentals. Budget-conscious couples can have a great experience on $500–700 per day by choosing moderate accommodations, preparing some meals, and mixing free activities with select paid experiences. Luxury travelers typically spend $1,500+ daily.
For a trip of 7 days or less, focusing on a single island allows you to minimize travel time and really experience a destination. For trips of 10+ days, visiting two islands provides variety without feeling rushed. Only consider three or more islands if your trip exceeds two weeks. Each island has its own character and highlights, so choosing the right island(s) for your interests is more important than trying to see everything.
While true all-inclusive resorts are rare in Hawaii, some properties offer packages with breakfast included or resort credits. A 7-night package at a mid-range resort including accommodations, some meals, and select activities typically costs $5,000–7,000 for two people, not including flights. For luxury resorts, these packages can range from $8,000–15,000 for a week. This is often comparable to piecing together components separately.
For a 7-day trip, plan for $1,500–2,500 in spending money for two people, covering meals, activities, souvenirs, and incidentals. This assumes major expenses like flights, accommodation, and car rental are pre-paid. Having a credit card with no foreign transaction fees is crucial, as most expenses in Hawaii can be charged, and carrying large amounts of cash is unnecessary.
Conclusion: Is Hawaii worth the expense?
So how much is a trip to Hawaii for 2? As we’ve explored throughout this guide, a couple can expect to spend anywhere from $3,500 for a budget-conscious week to over $20,000 for a luxurious two-week escape. The remarkable thing about Hawaii is that regardless of your budget, you’ll have access to the same breathtaking beaches, spectacular sunsets, and natural wonders that make these islands special.
With careful planning and the insights from this guide, you and your partner can craft an unforgettable Hawaiian adventure that delivers exceptional value and creates lasting memories together. From watching the sunrise at Haleakala to sharing a romantic beach walk under the stars, Hawaii offers countless opportunities for couples to connect in one of the world’s most beautiful settings.
Useful Sources:
- Hawaii Tourism Authority
- GoHawaii – Official Travel Site
- Hawaii State Parks
- National Park Service – Hawaii
