Backpacking the Hawaiian Islands: How to Explore Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island for Under $750

Oct 6

A Budget Traveler’s Tips to Seeing Hawaii’s Best Islands, Including Cheap Flights, Hostels, and Top Spots

Introduction

When COVID was at its peak, I started paying close attention to the volatility of flights. And I have been obsessed with it since. With that, in early 2021 I discovered a secret — Hawaii was not as expensive of a destination as they make it out to be… If you do it right. In the off-season, flights from Phoenix to Hawaii (as well as many other places to Hawaii) can be even under $300. Hawaii can be done in resorts or it can be done in hostels and I was willing to do the cheap route as a broke college student. I booked my first flight to Oahu in 2021 and have been in love since. What started as a solo adventure on Oahu turned into multiple budget-friendly trips across Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island. Each island offered a unique experience, and I did it all for under $750 per trip! Here’s how you can do it too:

Why Backpacking Hawaii is the Best Way to See the Islands

You can go to Hawaii and stay at a resort, have an amazing time, and see the beauty. This is what most people do. But if you want to truly dive into the culture, experience, and energy that makes Hawaii so incredible, you have to go a little deeper.

There is so much to do and so much to see. Every traveler there seems to be looking to connect with others, making it an ideal spot for meeting people. The landscape is stunning, with green forests, blue oceans, and waterfalls pouring from nearly every cliff. Whether it’s the countless beaches, hiking trails at every turn, or vibrant wildlife, you’ll always find something new.

Biggest Reminder: The culture is incredible and deeply rooted in respect for the land and people. Always remember you’re a guest—leave every hike and beach cleaner than when you arrived, and appreciate the islands’ traditions.

Accessibility: Each island is easy to get around. Public transportation is available, and if you feel adventurous, it is not uncommon to throw your thumb in the air (just be safe).
Best Time to Visit: The off-season (September-November, January-March) is perfect for avoiding crowds and taking advantage of lower prices. It’s still warm and sunny, so you’re not missing out on great weather!

How to Find Cheap Flights to Hawaii: Tips & Tricks

Finding cheap flights to Hawaii is all about persistence and flexibility. I scored flights between $197 and $325 by monitoring prices regularly and being willing to fly on different days.

Tools I Use: Google Flights, Trips.com
Best Strategies: Be flexible with dates and set up alerts to catch price drops. Use a private browser so your flights cannot be tracked by cookies!
Ideal Time to Fly: After New Year’s through March is the sweet spot that I have found for low prices.

My Solo Backpacking Trip in Oahu (2021): Best Spots and Budget Tips

Oahu is where my Hawaiian backpacking journey began. I had a few friends on the island, which helped me navigate the area. I spent a couple of nights sneaking into UH Manoa, crashing on my friend’s dorm room floor. But most of my trip was spent at Backpackers Hawaii on the North Shore.

Favorite Spots:

Waimea Bay: Beach looks like it is straight out of a postcard and there is a huge lava rock to jump off of.
Sharks Cove: Great for snorkeling and lots of food trucks
Diamond Head Hike: One of the most popular hikes on the island
Manoa Falls: One of many amazing waterfall hikes
Lanikai Beach: Another scenic beach
- Budget Tips:
  - Stayed at Backpackers Hawaii for around $30 a night.
  - For food, I often shopped at Foodland and got fresh, cheap sushi for under $10.

Backpacking Maui and Oahu with My Sister (2022): Hostels, Hikes, and Highlights

My second trip to Hawaii was with my sister, which brought a whole new dynamic to the adventure. We started on Maui, stayed in a private room at Banana Bungalow Hostel, and took advantage of all the free excursions they offered. From snorkeling with turtles to partying on the beach, the social atmosphere was incredible. Our first night we made friends and slept on the beach together.

Top Activities:

Snorkeling at Molokini Crater: Turtles!
Haleakalā Crater for Sunset: We rented a car and did the drive ourselves—it was well worth it. There are so many beautiful places to stop and hike on the way
Exploring Lahaina: Unfortunately burnt down, but was a beautiful shopping area
Hotels in Wailea: We went down the strip of fancy hotels and got drinks at the bar. Stopped at the Four Seasons Maui to live out White Lotus

Budget Breakdown:

Flights: $200 from Phoenix to Maui, $30 for an inter-island flight.
Accommodation: $70/night ($35 each) for a private room at Banana Bungalow.

Highlight: The hostel's daily excursions included visiting beaches, exploring Maui’s beautiful landscapes, and snorkeling.

Road Tripping the Big Island: My 400-Mile Solo Adventure (2024)

The Big Island was a solo road trip where I drove over 400 miles around the island. This experience was truly magical. I rented a car and circled the island clockwise, starting West in Kona, heading up north to Waimea Valley, East to Hilo, South to the volcanoes and finishing back in Kona.

Favorite Spots:

Volcanoes National Park: Endless hiking trails and viewpoints. Such a different National Park
Kona-Kailua: Such a fun town to walk around and get food
Night Diving with Manta Rays: This is one of the tours that Kona is known for. This was a magical experience, I booked on Groupon for a discount
Waimea Valley: I stopped at a local fruit farm and enjoyed a pineapple filled with fresh exotic fruit and wowow
Pepeekeo Airbnb: I found a $35/night AirBnb which was a hammock outdoors. They had a private waterfall—so amazing
Hilo Farmers Market: Great vibes, such an old beach city feel

Essential Budget Tips for Backpacking Hawaii

Finding Affordable Hostels:

Use Hostelworld
Best options: Backpackers Hawaii (Oahu), Banana Bungalow (Maui), and My Hawaii Hostel (Big Island).

Eating on a Budget:

Grocery stores like Foodland and Safeway have high-quality, affordable options.
Food trucks offer delicious local fare—try poke bowls for under $10.
Have a budget for food though because there is some goooood food.

Getting Around:

Public Bus: Cheap and (somewhat) reliable on Oahu and Maui. In Kona they have a trolley down the streets.
Rent a Car: Essential on the Big Island to access remote spots.
Put Up a Thumb: Be careful!!!

Making the Most of Backpacking Hawaii on a Budget

Hawaii is not what you think of when you hear “budget-friendly,” but know that it is possible. Hawaii can be an affordable backpacking destination if you know where to look. Each island has something unique to offer, and the memories I’ve made have been worth far more than the money I saved. I hope this guide inspires you to start your own Hawaiian adventure! I am hoping to do Kauai next time.