I spent $4,500 on a weeklong family vacation on Oahu. Take a closer look at how expensive Hawaii can be to visit.

Emily HochbergApr 8, 2023, 17:13 IST

Between food, airfare, activities, and lodging, Insider's reporter spent $4,500 for a week in Hawaii with her family.Emily Hochberg/Insider

Last year, I went to Hawaii with my husband and nearly 2-year-old daughter.
We spent a week on Oahu dividing our time between Honolulu and Ko Olina.

Last summer, I was dreaming of a Hawaiian vacation. I wanted to go to Maui — until I saw it would easily cost $10,000 for one week for my family of three.

The author and her daughter posing on an Aloha sign in Hawaii.Emily Hochberg/Insider

I booked a vacation on Oahu instead. With a mix of saving and splurging, it cost closer to $4,500.

The author with her husband and daughter on the beach in Hawaii.Emily Hochberg/Insider

Even though it was cheaper than Maui, our Oahu trip still cost much more than we typically pay for a vacation.

The author and her family in Hawaii.Emily Hochberg/Insider

Our first major expenses came with the flight, and included more than just the airfare.

Air travel to Hawaii became more expensive when luggage fees and parking were considered.Emily Hochberg/Insider

But the biggest costs by far were our hotels.

The author's hotel room at Aulani.Emily Hochberg/Insider

Most hotels on Hawaii also charged pricey resort fees to use the facilities and amenities.

The author's daughter on the beach in Hawaii.Emily Hochberg/Insider

Renting a car turned out to be much more expensive than I thought when I factored in parking.

The author's daughter in the car.Emily Hochberg/Insider

Food expenses for three people added up quickly. Every breakfast cost close to $50 and we routinely spent over $100 for lunch or dinner, even when we chose casual restaurants.

Even to-go casual meals were expensive in Hawaii.Emily Hochberg/Insider

Food expenses for three people added up quickly. Every breakfast cost close to $50 and we routinely spent over $100 for lunch or dinner, even when we chose casual restaurants.

When my husband and I wanted to toast with a cocktail at the end of our trip, my Mai Tai cost $20.

Drinks at the Mai Tai bar ranged from $17 to $22 per cocktail.Emily Hochberg/Insider

While beach access was free, renting beach chairs and umbrellas on Waikiki would have cost another $500.

Royal Hawaiian charged extra for beach chair rentals.Emily Hochberg/Insider

I admit I could have saved more money if I made a few different decisions.

The author and her family pose with Minnie Mouse at Aulani.Emily Hochberg/Insider

Even with small changes, Hawaii is still expensive. But in my opinion, it's worth it — for an occasional splurge.

The author and her family in Hawaii.Emily Hochberg/Insider

I flew on Play, Iceland's budget airline. The bare-bones, red-eye flight was originally $180 but cost $500 with add-ons — it wasn't worth it.

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I spent $4,500 on a weeklong family vacation on Oahu. Take a closer look at how expensive Hawaii can be to visit.

Last summer, I was dreaming of a Hawaiian vacation. I wanted to go to Maui — until I saw it would easily cost $10,000 for one week for my family of three.

I booked a vacation on Oahu instead. With a mix of saving and splurging, it cost closer to $4,500.

Even though it was cheaper than Maui, our Oahu trip still cost much more than we typically pay for a vacation.

Our first major expenses came with the flight, and included more than just the airfare.

But the biggest costs by far were our hotels.

Most hotels on Hawaii also charged pricey resort fees to use the facilities and amenities.

Renting a car turned out to be much more expensive than I thought when I factored in parking.

Food expenses for three people added up quickly. Every breakfast cost close to $50 and we routinely spent over $100 for lunch or dinner, even when we chose casual restaurants.

When my husband and I wanted to toast with a cocktail at the end of our trip, my Mai Tai cost $20.

While beach access was free, renting beach chairs and umbrellas on Waikiki would have cost another $500.

I admit I could have saved more money if I made a few different decisions.

Even with small changes, Hawaii is still expensive. But in my opinion, it's worth it — for an occasional splurge.