Honestly, how much did your Hawaii trip cost??
 

It's my 10-year anniversary in May 2004 and we'd love to visit Maui, but keep hearing how everything is sooo expensive. We'd like to go for 7 days and are considering the Maui Hyatt. What should we expect to spend on the air/hotel/rental car, food, entertainment, etc.? Thanks for your help!

Where are you coming from?

Maui Hyatt's cheapest rooms tend to run over $300 a night. You could try and get a resort through Priceline for under $200 a night (the Hyatt is one of the hotels that come up). Go to biddingfortravel.com for bidding info if that's the route you take. Car would be $30 to $35 a day probably but maybe cheaper. When we went this year, I loosely budgeted $200 a day for fodd and activities. You could easily spend less than that (As we did) or spend more.

You could also try a large travel agency, like Pleasant Holidays, for package deals.

Have not stayed at the Hyatt but a good place to start for air, hotel, & car pricing info. is by entering your info into sights like www.expedia.com, www.travelocity.com, or www.orbitz.com.

In my opinion the best way to save is by spending more time in condos than in hotels, suggest checking www.vrbo.com for example.
:S-

Alooohaaaa c'lily,
We have always gone over either during Thanksgiving or New Year's Eve so we've had to pay a premium.

Off season and inexpensive hotels/condos works.
You can spend $200/$300 a night for 5-7 days or find a nice hotel/condo for $100/night and extend your visit.
But for a special anniv. why not "do a Hyatt"? ((Y))

The good news is that the wine prices are basically the same as the mainland!
((D))

Honestly, I think Maui is the most expensive island for accomodations. Even my local friends complain they can't get reasonable rates.
If you want to stay within a budget, try other options on other islands. Personally, I think Maui is slightly over rated anyway.

WE stayed at the Hyatt last year and spent an average of $350.00 per night. It was wonderful and I wouldn't trade it for anything. You can try priceline though and possibly get it for less. It will be a mountainview room if that matters. I have shopped for condos and you can get an oceanview condo for $175-$200 per night. It just won't be as convenient but that is minor compared with the savings. If you don't get the buffet thrown in at Hyatt it could easily cost you $40.00 per day for breakfast there. In a condo you could eat breakfast at home before venturing out. I just booked a convertible for 7 days in April for around $290.00 from Budget. There is a wide range of food choices and entertainment. There are plenty of free or nearly free things to do. Depends on what you like or want to do. Molokini snorkel ($$) versus Black Rock snorkel (free except for gear). Good luck with your plans. Oh yeah, don't forget to check out the beach erosion problems in front of the Hyatt if that would be a concern.

I'd definitely use Priceline for the Maui Hyatt. Otherwise count on about 3k - 3500 for hotel & and hotel dining. Use Priceline for car rental (you don't secify the car type or where you'd be flying from). Entertainment is also very expensive. When you add everything together including air, car for 2 you can easily spend around 6k. Whatever your budget is plan on spending about 50% more once you get there!

I'm hoping we'll come in at right around $7000 for 4 people for 11 days on the Big Island. This is a mid-range budget, but the most we will ever have spent on a vacation.

We're going for 3 and 4* accomodations, an SUV, 2-3 really nice restaurant meals, and the rest low budget. We're also going to a luau, taking a snorkel cruise, and doing a couple of other nice things. Our airfare is relatively high because we're flying out of a small airport, and connecting from there.

My husband and I are planning to go in March of 2004. We've priced out just about everything (including food estimates) and we're planning on spending about $6000.00 for 8 days. That's including our flight over, accomodations, 3 SCUBA diving trips, a luau, a kayak trip, a trip to Hana, an airplane/helicopter flight to see the active volcano on the Big Island and $500.00 of miscellaneous stuff. We are only spending $140.00 a night on accomodations, I'm planning roughly $100.00-$150.00 for food per day, about $45.00 a day for a car and $10.00 a day for gas.

Don't know if this helps with your estimate?? I put everything into a spreadsheet on the computer and got prices off the internet for our activities. I estimated the gas, food and miscellaneous purchases but based on my past vacation estimates, I'd say I'm probably pretty close.

We spent about $3600 total for the 2 of us for a week on Maui but we also stayed in a condo and flew from the west coast. Where are you flying from? That can make a big difference. And of course, the Hyatt will cost a lot more than a condo.

Taking out our flight and condo costs, we spent about $2000 on rental car, dining, and activities. We probably averaged $150-175 a day on food. We dined out for lunch and dinner and had half of our breakfasts at the condo and half out. A car for the week was about $200 plus the cost of gas. And the rest was spent on a snorkeling trip, a day trip to Lanai, whale watching, and other activities.

I find that costs are not much more than most major U.S. cities.

Hi we went to Maui last year on a deal from the Marriott. Stayed at the Marriott Ocean Resort for 5 nights included convertible for $798 for 2 adults, kids were free. Our flight for 4 was $2000. Other money we spent was for food and drink, snorkel equipment @ $18 for 4 from Snorkel Bob's,and trip to Molokini on Four Winds. Free snorkeling at Black Rock, Ulua Beach and other location that starts with "H".

Thought food in nice restaurants was about the same as nice restaurants in CA. Thought food in less nice restaurants was way more expensive than in similar places in CA.

Hi calalily!
Are you locked on Maui? Just for consideration I'll offer up our last trip-Oahu, North Shore house rental near Haleiwa town next to Laniakea Beach (yes the house was beachfront,but rocky so we had to walk 50 yds!)
The rental was $1225+tax/7 nights-and a wonderful bungalow it was-lanai on 2 sides,gardens,koi pond,indoor&outdoor shower. We ate out dinner 4-5 nights in Haleiwa, and most lunch,(prices to us were no less than home which taint cheap!)snorkeled at Shark's cove & Waimea,explored the island (but not Waikiki-not for me!)Hiked at Ka'ena Pt.& well, could have stayed another 7 days and not been bored.
Of course our airfare was west coast
(SFO) around a $1000(for 2)on Hawaiin and car was a Jeep Liberty-anywho me and the bank (same person) agreed that it's doable for $3,500 for two and now are setting our sights
on Kauai. Of course a 4S hotel setting would most likely bump up your costs.
Just offering another idea!
Enjoy planning!
R5

$5478.00 including mandatory luau!

Seriously, I'd figure the Hyatt will run you about 400 a night with taxes and fees, convertible 350 with fees, 100-200 per day food, depending on your tastes, 700 +- for air each depending on your location, so yeah, that's not a ludicrous estimate! Lifetime memory - priceless

From Baltimore, you can spend seven days in Waikiki, exclusive of meals and shopping, for less than $1800.00 total, for two people. This includes airfare and a good hotel, not the Halekulani or HHV.

Rule of Kal's Thumb:
Take travel costs and x 8=food, bar bill.
I have to go get a second job for this trip....and lose 30lbs in 40 days. :-O

when do you leave Kal? In Kauai 12-15-12-22, north shore, looking for best places to break the bank besides A Pacific Cafe and Princeville Friday night buffet which we've never tried! Woo hoo the days are ticking away!!!

G'lou-leaving in 40.
Not too much of a NoShore restaurant buff. Did the one place in Kilauea in the same location as the Island Soap Factory. Name escapes me now but very good fish tacos, burritos, salads.
Pretty darn good wine list too.
Any place that has Blockheadia Rhingsio Zin in it's cellar can't be all bad.

I can't wait to break da bank at Coconuts, Lemon Grass, Huki Lau to name a few Coco Coast haunts.
Mahalos to ya.

Have been three times with a family of
3 total. Usually spend right around
$5000.00 all in all. That includes
flights from SF, staying at a top hotel
and eating where ever and whenever we please.

Hope this helps.

Kal, are you saying that you spend 8 times as much per person on food and booze as on travel to get to Hawaii ? Wow !!

Leaving for Maui (7 days)in a few days. Staying in a condo for $110/nt.(not oceanfront but close walk). We spent $2600 for airfare for 4 from west coast (WA), $200 for rental car. I've planned $200/day for food, will eat breakfast in the condo and pack some lunches for the beach-eat dinner out every night. I bought an AOA gold card for activities. I'm hoping to come in around $5000. Gosh, we went to Europe a few years ago and only spsent $7000 for 12 days!

Kal,
Don't forget LaPlayita Azul!!! Let us know how it is!!
Excluding air and 7 days lodging, we spent around $3,500 for 2 weeks on Kauai in March.

$7k easy: 2 people, 10 nights, last April. Hotel we did thru hotwire, sheraton maui (4*) 6 nights $160/night, big island hapuna prince (5*) 4 nights $180?/night. Food and drink per day was even more. Drinks either place were $8 each, that adds up quick for a few drinks by the pool and a few with dinner. Rented a Jeep, then Sebring. Didn't really do any paid activities except a luau one night. $800 each for airfare from Boston. Good luck!

Thanks everyone that's provided input. We're flying from Houston, TX direct to Maui and I believe air and hotel at the Hyatt is pricing around $3,500~$4,000 for eight days. So, since we love frozen drinks by the pool and nice dinners, it looks as if we could easily spend $5,000~$6,000 for this trip. Coming from annual vacations to Mexico that cost us a little over $1,000, that's a big jump. Would you say from all your travels, its worth the $$$. It is my 10-year anniversary, so I want somewhere special!

I estimated that we spent $3500 total on our 10 day trip split between Oahu and the Big Island.

So can't help with Maui....

It just depends on where you focus your time. We our in the business/legal world and go to so many fancy business dinners, that it has lost its appeal; therefore, we tend to eat local treats and pass on four star food. That saves alot of money. Food is never the focus of my trips.

Do eat a malasada, fresh steamed shrimp and pineapple whip--Yum.

We also flew from San Francisco at $353 per person on American and got our Oahu resort hotel on priceline for $102 per night. (Stayed at the Royal Hawaiian on the beach--garden room)

Final night we had ocean front room at the Pacific Beach for $193 (cheap tickets.com) great corner room with an awesome view. Just across the crosswalk and into the water!

Personally I wouldn't spend $5,000-6,000 for one week in Hawaii. There are just too many other places I'd be tempted go given the budget, but my opinion is probably in the minority here.

It is not hard to do TWO weeks in Hawaii for $5,000 to $6,000 (or less) if you don't waste a lot of money on the over priced tourist trap "activities" such as luaus and $200 dinners.

Rusty-Doesn't everybody take 8 x travel?:-?

This year I think we budgeted a 21 day stay for around $7-8,000. Air, car, o'front and fun frolick.
But, as I usually tell Mrs Kal, just because ya brought it, don't mean ya have to spend it!!!! $)

Since we really didn't go too many places this year we're going to have a jolly good time on Kauai this trip.

I forgot to mention that we did participate in many activities that were expensive, some of which you could skip.

Honolulu Trolley Tour: $25 per person-skip

Horse back riding on BI $55 per person - very enjoyable

Mauna Kea Summit tour BI --$75 per person. Awesome, but you can drive there yourself if you have 4-wheel drive.

Full day at PCC -- $75 each --- skip.

Fairwinds snorkel cruise--$75 each --Awesome, but could take your own kayak for less.

I think it was $8 each to snorkel @ Hanuma.

We did all of this plus spent about $200 on gifts etc....

Still @ approx. $3,500 for 10-days.

I love korean food which is very inexpensive and served everywhere, so my food cost was very low. Eating heavy meals while hanging around in swim suit just did not seem to appealing.

When I go to Lake Louise in January-- I think dining will be more important part of the budget.

Aloha Calalily,

I've really enjoyed this thread...

Dreaming of indigo blue seas, rainbows,
waterfalls, whales, torch ginger, leis, skies blue w/ puffy white clouds, music to sway w/ the palms, and much aloha...

Mahalo to you all... and much aloha.

Aloha again,

Did I mention the green, green, green
mountains?

Aloha...

Kal, I thought I was the only one who ate and drank 8 x travel !!

Kal.......if Mrs. Kal doesn't spend it Mr. Kal will......I just have this feeling that you are similar to my DH. If he has a $1,000 overdraft privilege and I tell him his account is overdrawn by $600.......to him that means he still has $400 left to spend!!!!
You lucky people who are headed to Hawaii. Have a wonderful time!!

Rusty-We should start a club. But then someone would beat us with it. #-O

i2-[-X The only reason I've been going to the gym every day is TO EAT at La Playa, so it BETTER be good! ;)

38!!!
((#))((H))

Been three times the past two years.

Keys to keeping costs contained:

Airfare: Use mileage points if available

Hotels: If Starwood member (free), try and rack up points. 40000 points will get you 5 nights at Kapalua.

Car: Book early, check for best rates after booking.

Activities: Personally, I could lie on a different beach and snorkel every day and have a great vacation. It's free, too. Check out Costco for Snorkel Gear - I got a great set (mask/fins) for under $35. Same set in HI was over $80.

I've golfed, but I feel like I'm wasting my time on a golf course in HI. While there are some spectacular views and courses (Manele Bay, Prince Course, Mauna Lani), its pricey and pretty slow. However, I live in SoCal where I can golf year round, so I'm spoiled.

Food: I'm a real food snob, and I find dining the worst part of HI vacations. It's expensive, and most restaurants are very average at best and terrible values. Sansei is a decent Sushi Bar, Roy's is OK, I've yet to have a great meal at any Hotel. Best restaurants are in Honolulu.

I end up eating burgers and sandwiches for the most part. Spending $150 on a middling meal every night doesn't sit well with me.

If I didn't use Starwood points for my hotel, I would rent a condo and cook. Will look into that in the future.

HI is a fantastic, beautiful state. Just make sure not to pack too much stuff in. Part of the pleasure is falling into that laid back, mellow Hawaiian groove where vegging out is wonderful.

Aloha.

Coachboy

Hi--I am rather surprised at the high prices that folks have paid for their Maui trips. There is a nice discussion going on the frommers.com website today on reducing the cost of your Hawaii trip which might be useful
http://www.frommers.com/cgi-bin/WebX?128@@.eeb7f51

We are using frequent flier miles and are splurging with 3 nights on Lanai during the Christmas week for $150 per night including breakfast at Hotel Lanai, $25 ferry over to Maui, then bed and breakfast in Kihei for $80 per night (includes microwave, toaster, coffeemaker and frig), then 2 nights in Hana for $65 per night (full kitchen). Our Dollar car rental (smallest car) is $312 for 8 nights including all taxes. Got the AOA gold card and are using AAA discounts whenever possible. This is the most expensive season so think these are good rates. May should be low season so much cheaper. With tickets to Warren and Annabell's, horseback riding to the Crater, and kayaking one day, one-way airfare from Honolulu to Lanai, and gas expect to spend $2100 plus budget-moderate lunches and dinners--that is for an 11 night vacation. Several good restaurants offer discounts if you eat early--which we plan to take advantage of (e.g., Sansei, Waterfront). Also, Henry Clay's is discounted for those staying at Hotel Lanai.

You folks are spending way too much for a trip to Maui. We just got back from 7 days in Hana, staying a romantic cottage across from Waioka pools ($80 /night), and 7 days in Paia, in an ocean-front cottage with a hot tub and a pool ($130/night). We had lomi-lomis on the beach, took surf lessons, rented a Mitsubishi Spyder convertible ($279/week), did our Christmas shopping and even ate at Mama's, and we spent less than $4000. Use the Internet! Forget the resorts, rent a cottage. Eat away from the resorts--there are great little afforable places in Paia and Kihei, lots of fresh fish and mixed plate. Reserve the car at http://discounthawaiicarrental.com and shop Pleasant Hawaiian for the best airfares. We just booked a trip for New Years through Pleasant Hawaiian for air and car only for less than any of the airlines are offering for airfare alone for the holiday season. Of course, this time we will be staying in our new house, a little something-something we picked up in October, so I guess technically that last trip did cost a bit more.

Honestly, our 7 day/6 night trip to Oahu from Sacramento cost us $2000 TOTAL:

$900 - r/t airfare for two on Hawaiian
$350 - 6 nights hotel at Sheraton PK (booked via Priceline at $55/night + tax)
$180 - rental care
$80 - $100 per day spending money (we only had 2 meals per day)

If you're budget minded, you cannot beat Oahu.

For a seven nighter on Maui last month we spent about $2200, this was everything for the two of us except airfares (which we got with FF miles). No, we didn't stay in a flophouse, we stayed in a very nice 1Br/1Ba condo a little north of Kaanapali and rented a convertible too.
Paradise doesn't have to cost a fortune.

Hey Kal - I'm off to Kauai in 16 days. Where is La Playita? We love Mexican.

here_today,

What is the name of the cottage you stayed at in Paia, if you don't mind?

Thanks.