how much do you think the average tourist spends once they're in hawaii and what do they spend the most money on? Also what's the best way to save money while there but still have a blast?

Believe me: There is not a SINGLE expert on Hawaii on this board.

Hawaii is not much different from the mainland....biggest expenses are food and booze.Also any excursions etc.....BTW, I am NOT an expert on anything....just my own experiences...

Hawaii is just like anywhere else. There are lots of expensive restaurants as well as lots of inexpensive places to eat.

When I went this past May, I budgeted $200 a day for food and activites for two people. However, we didn't end up spending that much.

If you are looking to save money, look into condos. They are all over the islands, often cheaper than resort hotels, and allow you to store food from the store and to make your own meals so you aren't eating out every night.

Our hotel was our biggest expense on our trip in May. Cost was $250 per day for room, full breakfast and rental car (including 11.42% Hawaii tax). We didn't do too badly on food this trip except for a couple of expensive meals at Mama's Fish House. We learned on our last trip that we don't get so stuffed if we share an entree and dessert. Worked out great. Food costs averaged about $50 per day for both of us. We always had a good breakfast at our hotel before we set out for the day. Several nights, we shared an appetizer, a great chicken sandwich and a killer dessert at Hula Grill for under $30. We also picked up sandwiches a couple of times at Star Market or Safeway as well as soft drinks and water to keep in the fridge in our room.

You can rent snorkle equipment very cheaply. Pick up a free snorkle guide at any Maui Dive Shop. You don't have to take a tour to snorkle unless you want to do Molokini and Maui Dive Shops has trips for around $40 or so.

Our most expensive entertainment was a night at Warrent & Annabelle's. With drinks and admission, it was around $100. But we really enjoy Warren's show and make sure we go every time we are on Maui.

When you arrive at the airport, pick up the 100 Free Things to Do on Maui guidebook.

yeah I find that it is not that expensive as long as you limit high end restaurants and costly tours/activities. I think it is best to plan on more than you will need. You can stay in 4-5 star hotels or you can go basic. I am doing that this summer, better than staying home. Excuse me while I make my way back to the cheap eats on Oahu thread.

Whatever happened to Sid, the self appointed Hawaii expert? The smugness was a little irritating, but he did have good info.

Your biggest expenses once arrived will be hotels and restaurants. Amenities, service and location are factors in hotel pricing, but you can save by looking around, going at the right time (not the Christmas Holiday or during school vacations) and taking advantages of special offers and discounts.

Remember that the beaches are all public. However, if you want to use the fantasy pools at the high end resorts, you will need to be a guest or to shell out for a day pass.

Eating at modest local places can save you a lot, since the fancier restaurants in Honolulu or the resorts are priced liked New York restaurants.

Nobody here but us ~gt;~gt;~gt;~gt;

We usually alot about $500 a day for drinks and then we usually forget about eating.

We do a lot of talking with the service people, like the rental car clerk, hotel check in, bartenders etc and get some of the local hang outs which don't charge an arm/leg. And when you get there, be nice.
Kal

Depends on if you are doing the high-dollar activities and what you like to eat. If you are just eating and not shopping then it would be just maybe $10 more than mainland prices a day. You could probably scrape by with $30 a day. $100 would be much better. If you know exactly what activities you like to do then I can give you better pointers. There are many free activities.

Just came back from Honolulu, and was pleasantly surprised. The prices on everything was less than back home (Miami). Like someone above said, expensive restaurant is expensive everywhere.

Did a lot of gourmet dining, but also found some really inexpensive and good places by asking the concierge about local places.