admin“Hawaii? That must be expensive!”
If I had a dollar for every time someone said that to me… But honestly, who can blame them? A tropical island, fairytale waterfalls, lush green mountains and wild coastlines, Kauai felt like a dream come true. But how expensive was that dream really? How much does a trip to Kauai, Hawaii really cost?
In this article, I’ll give you a breakdown of our travel expenses for Kauai, so you’ll have a realistic idea of the budget you might need. I planned the entire trip myself – no travel agencies involved. If you’re thinking about visiting Kauai with an organized group tour… I’m afraid my skeptical friends might be right: that would probably be unaffordable!
Before departure
How much does a trip to Kauai, Hawaii cost before the trip starts? For Kauai you only need a passport and an ESTA. I still had both, so no extra expenses here! Credit cards are accepted everywhere on the island. I didn’t use any cash on this trip!
Flights
We flew from Brussels to Lihue with Delta, with layovers in Amsterdam and Los Angeles.
– > €853 per person round trip
It was not only the cheapest option but also the fastest. Our outbound journey took 21 hours, and the return about 23 hours.
Don’t forget: you’ll be spending two nights on the plane, so you won’t need accommodation those nights!
Tip: Use a combination of airline miles and alert tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to find great deals.
Car Rental
The best way to explore Kauai is by rental car.
– 12 days: €31 per day
– Insurance included
– Fuel: about €120 (€60 pp) for the whole trip
Kauai is a small island, so you won’t drive long distances – but gas is expensive! I found a good promo via Rentalcars.com. Rental prices were decent, and the car rental offices are just outside the airport, easily accessible by shuttle.
Accommodation
The cost of an accommodation takes a large part in how much a trip to kauai, Hawaii cost. I decided only in August to go in September, so the number of available accommodations was limited. We chose a beach hotel in Kapa’a that I found on Booking.com.
– Average: €95 per night
– Breakfast and morning yoga included
Looking for budget options? There are hostels, basic cabins, and even rooftop tents available – but they get booked up quickly. By the time I looked, these weren’t available anymore.
Paradise might come with a price tag, but memories like these? Priceless.
Food & Drinks
Eating out in Kauai can be pricey. Only food trucks are somewhat budget-friendly. We often bought fruit and bread at the supermarket to keep our food budget in check.
- Supermarkets & farmers markets: €200
- Restaurants and food trucks: €150
Activities
Nature is Kauai’s biggest gift – and it’s free. There are stunning hikes and beaches everywhere. Still, we did splurge on a few once-in-a-lifetime activities:
- Helicopter flight over the Nā Pali Coast: €300 pp
- Boat tour along the Nā Pali Coast: €160
Extras
- Souvenirs: €100 (I never buy so much! But this place did something to me…)
- Parking, tips, sunscreen, mosquito spray, etc.: €75
- Internet & SIM card: An eSIM is the best option during your trip to Kauai. For €50, you’ll have an eSIM with unlimited data for three weeks. My favorite for the unlimited data packages is Holafly). If you need less data, a few euros will already get you several GBs. Airalo is a good option for small packages.
Total cost for two weeks:
| Category | Cost |
|---|
| Flights | €853 |
| Car rental & fuel | €217 |
| Accommodation | €1,140 |
| Food & drinks | €350 |
| Activities | €600 |
| Extras | €210 |
| Total (2 weeks) | €3,370 |
Is Kauai worth it?
Absolutely. The nature is breathtaking, and the laid-back island vibe is pure magic. Kauai isn’t cheap, but with flexible planning and smart choices, it’s totally possible to keep things affordable.
The helicopter flight and boat tour? Once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I usually skip high-cost activities, but this time I let myself be swept up in the moment. If you stick to budget-friendly activities, you could easily do a two-week trip for under €2,500.
Curious about practical tips for your own trip to Kauai? Read more here! Be sure to check out my other blog posts where I share the best waterfalls, hikes and beaches on the island!
Related: What does a 3-week round trip in Sri Lanka cost?
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