We leave tomorrow for our trip! I’m not going to lie, this was definitely an expensive trip (at least for us). I’m a crazy planner when it comes to vacations. I like to research reviews (like crazy, I will literally scroll through hundreds of them) and make sure that I’m not wasting any money or time while I’m on vacation.
We leave on Saturday night, get there on Sunday and we leave around 11pm on Friday. So we have almost 6 full days there. This is the longest vacation I have ever taken (except from when I was younger).
Hotel. We’re staying at the Sheraton Kauai Resort. I looked at so many hotels. I heard that if you want more sun, then you should stay in the Poipu area because they get the least amount of rain and have pretty, swim-mable beaches. A lot of places were booked, but we got a good deal on our hotel. It’s around $130 per night (I bid for it on Priceline) and the rooms usually start around $300. And it’s a resort right on the beach.
Our total for the hotel will be around $750. Yes this is a lot. A lot more than I wanted to spend, but I didn’t want to regret my hotel choice. We’re there for 6 days/5 nights, so I guess that’s not too bad. Hotels are just so expensive though! This amount just seems very high though, almost makes me sick!
Our flight. Our airfare expense is minimal, but we are going to try and get first class there and back. The flights look good and it seems like we will be able to.
Our flight leaves on Saturday night and we have around an 8 hour layover until our next flight to Kauai on Sunday morning. We’ll arrive at around noon. So exciting! The layover is going to stink, but I have homework that I’m going to bring for that. Of course I have a test the day after I come back, so I have to study during my vacation at least a little bit.
Rental Car. I have literally been looking for a rental car 24/7. It’s so hard to find a good deal. Since we are under 25, most places want to charge us a $27 per day fee (on top of the rental car costs of course) for being underage. That’s way too much when you’re renting a car for 6 days. We usually don’t rent a car and we never have for a whole trip.
We need a rental car everyday for this vacation for a lot of reasons. It’s impossible to see everything without one. It’s also hard to eat anywhere besides at the hotel from what I hear. Everything is spread apart because the island isn’t city-like. I tried bidding on a car rental on Priceline, but I kept getting rejected.
I would say I got a decent deal. With taxes, fees and the weekly rate, the total is $250. Other places I looked at wanted around $500 with everything included. Glad I kept looking! We are not paying for the extra insurance though, I’m just going to really hope that nothing happens.
Our activities. This is an extremely long list.
- Hike Napali Coast (or at least just visit)
- Makawehi Lithified Cliffs
- Queen’s Bath
- Cliff jump at Shipwreck in Kauai (I really doubt I will do this, but it looks like fun)
- Kayak somewhere (not sure)
- Snorkel (lots of places to do this, we’re pretty much just going to bring snorkeling stuff everywhere we go just in case)
- And lay on the beach of course!
Have you ever been to Kauai? What do you recommend that we do?
We estimated that we would spend around $1,500 ALTOGETHER as I said in past posts, but I think we’ll probably come a little higher than that. This will be our most expensive vacation. We am fully paying for this vacation with our side income though, so no worries.
There are a lot of ways that we want to save money while we’re there also. I am guessing that activities will be nearly free. Everything on my list above is free except for renting a kayak which is $55 when I priced it. If we do decide to go on one of the snorkeling adventures, that will be around $120 each, and I just don’t know if I want to spend that. Is it worth it? Seems like a lot of money.
Food will probably be around $400 altogether for the week, including drinks. I’m hoping we come way under this though. We can always put some alcohol and food in our fridge. Our hotel has a FREE mai tai happy hour and $2 bottle happy hour for around 4 hours each day. We’ll definitely be drinking a lot during those times.
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Analytical Planner | says
You are just going to have lots of fun! I lived in Hawaii for three years what feels like a lifetime ago. I moved back in 2004. But it wasn't in Kauai. I lived in the island of Oahu where you find Honolulu and Waikiki. I would say to save money on food, eat like the locals! 🙂
Live Simply- Live We says
Don't worry yourself too much about the cost. You work hard save like crazy and deserve the break. Have a blast and enjoy!
Ashley @ Places To G says
I stayed at the Sheraton on my honeymoon when we went to Kauai! It's a pretty nice hotel…I mean I wasn't thoroughly impressed with the rooms. They're kinda standard, nothing too special about them but its a nice hotel nonetheless. They have a great morning breakfast buffet too! And yes, you need a rental car for sure!!! There is nothing within walking distance if you want to eat or do things. You said you're airfare expense is minimal….HOW? Airfare nowadays is ridiculous! And how are you going to go first class too? Please elaborate on this! Lol
Michelle P says
Yeah I didn't hear until after we booked that the rooms are small. I don't think we'll care though because the last hotel we stayed at was super disgusting so anything will be an improvement haha.And my dad worked for the airlines and when he passed, I inherited his retirement benefits. So if there are first class seats open, then I can take them. It's a nice retirement benefit!
Valerie Griffin says
hope y'all have a blast!
Broke Guy says
Hm….Our last vacation was our honeymoon at Couples Swept Away in Negril, Jamaica. That one ran about $3,500 for 7 days/6 nights. That was also an all inclusive, but of course we did some extra stuff, so i'd say it was about $4,000. We are going to Myrtle Beach in June with my family. We are renting a 5 bedroom condo at $1,200 for 7 days (per family). The flight was $800/round trip. So we are already at $2,000 before we include food or activities. SO, again we'll be in the $3,000-$4,000 dollar range probably.
Michelle P says
This honestly makes me feel so much better. I was starting to have regrets.
Broke Guy says
Ya. I always am concerned about the money…right up til we arrive at our destination. Then it's like WHO cares we're on vacation ! Sometimes spending the extra money is worth it, even if it breaks the budget.
Liquid Independence says
Sounds like a great itinerary. Lame how you're considered to be underage. It's not like you two are immature teenagers. But I suppose there IS the argument that drivers under 25 should have higher insurance premiums.
Haley says
Such a good post. Ya'll are seriously so wise. My boyfriend and I are planning a big(ger) trip in August and have been slowly saving in addition to monthly savings so it doesn't seem as expensive as it actually is. Like, I've started dividing my monthly savings so a portion goes solely to travel. I am starting to think I'll do this from now on regardless of whether or not trips are planned. I love, love, love your budgeting and saving ways! Keep sharing!
lora kathleen says
It's sounds like you did pretty well on the costs. I hope you guys have an AWESOME time… it sounds like you will!!
Anthony Thompson says
Woo hoo! Vacation time! You must be really excited. I know that I'm excited for you, and wish I could be a stowaway in one of your suitcases. Pricy trip, yes. But, you've earned it. Have a safe trip, and enjoy a beautiful 5+ days in Hawaii.
Holly says
I'm really surprised at your numbers! Great job planning an affordable vacation! Our 6 day vacation in Jamaica coming up in May is going to run us a little more than your trip. We've set aside a small amount each month for about a year for the trip and we could not be more excited! Hope you two have a great time in Hawaii!
Pamela says
Be safe & have fun!! Can nottt wait for the recap!! SO excited for you!! Ooohh, yeah you def better take advantage of those free drinks, ha!
Thomas - Ways to Inv says
I dont think that the price you are paying is very high at all for where you are going and the number of days. My wife and I are vacationing soon and the price is a little higher due to have to pay for a dog sitter. Have a great time. Very afford trip in my opinion.
~Carla~ says
Sounds absolutely wonderful!! Safe travels! Have a blast!! 🙂
hklover86 says
I have never been to Hawaii but that sounds like a pretty reasonable price. And its going to be worth it!!! I can't wait to see your pictures and hear all about it!
Laura says
Can't wait to hear all about it! We're heading to Kaua'i in December. I'm impressed by how well you've done on prices. Our trip is going to cost a whole lot more though because there's five of us going (which impacts everything – lodging, food, car, etc.) and it's over the holidays. Not sure yet what we'll do when we get there either as each of our girls wants to do something different!Have a WONDERFUL time!
Marianne @ Preservin says
Looks awesome- have a great trip!!
Hannah says
How exciting! I'm so jealous. But have fun and don't study too hard. You deserve a break! And maybe I'm crazy but $750 doesn't seem too horrible to me. I'm going to vegas this weekend and staying in a 3 star hotel for $140 a night! Ridiculous!
Stephanie says
I can't tell you how much I appreciate this post. My husband and I are trying to plan a trip to Hawaii for our 10th anniversary, and have no idea where to start. We've never been before. We went to Cancun last year because my husband was in his best friend's wedding there. It's was SOOO expensive. But it was the most amazing resort, and we were so happy to be there for the wedding.
MyMoneyDesign says
I am SO JEALOUS! The hotel looks great and I cannot believe how cheap this will be! My wife and I priced out a similar Hawaii vacation and it would have been like $3000 for just the hotel and plane; not even the food yet! We instead decided to go with an all-inclusive in Playa del Carmen (Mexico). We usually budget around $3000 per year for vacations such as these. The kids really enjoy them and we love it as well! Hope you have fun!
frugalportland says
I was in Kauai last year, and stayed in Poipu, too. I would say don't eat at the hotels. There's a grocery store in Poipu that has a burger stand on the side of it that has cheap food, and it's delicious. Also there's booze at the grocery store. There are turtles on the beach and a bunch of fun body surfing things to do. I did a boat tour, which was expensive, but totally worth it — saw the Napali coast from the sea.
shopping2saving says
You're going to have so much fun Michelle! I'm excited for you 🙂 Let me know how it goes. I think when BF and I are ready to go to hawaii, you should help me plan it…$1,000 is not bad at all. Please help me, I will pay you 😛
Rachel says
Yay Michelle!! Have a fantastic vacation. Remember to pack your face soap in a plastic baggie. Mine exploded once all over my backpack a few years back. Perhaps go to a grocery store and stock up on snacks or bring some in luggage, which could help with food costs. As for snorkeling, look for an option that isn't so mainstream and you found find a better deal once there. Have fun!!
Erin @ Currently Cov says
I'm so jealous! I haven't been anywhere tropical in a while. Have so much fun!XO,Eri nhttp://erinscurrentlycoveting.blogspot.com
CeCe @Frugalista Mar says
My only suggestion for the rental car is maybe just rent it for 1/2 your trip…if possible. Pack in your out and about days into half the trip and maybe you really will just want to laze around the hotel for a couple days of it. When we use our timeshare-it's basically free. Then we used points to get our airfare paid for. That's how we did our honeymoon in Oahu. So I got spoiled and then we went to San Francisco and paid a hundreds of bucks for hotel. Bottom line. Vacations are important. You do what you can to cut costs and then just go. We deserve it. Have fun!!!!
Michelle P says
I thought about only renting it for a little bit, but the rental car locations that aren't at the airport are super expensive ($100 per day). And to drive our rental car back to the airport to drop it off would cost us an $90 taxi ride round-trip. It really stinks! I wish they had cheaper hotel rental car locations.
Money Cone says
Looks like you are all set to have a wonderful time! Have fun!
Young Professional F says
$1500 for all of that sounds totally reasonable! That was around the amount I was going to budget for a trip to Hawaii so I think it sounds great. The whole trip sounds amazing – I'm so jealous right now! Have a wonderful time!
Jesort415 says
I agree with Young professional…very reasonable. My trip to PR recently was 1200 for hubby and me for 4 days. I am totally jealous, that pic is amazing and that blue water…Enjoy every minute!!
life-accomplished.co says
Food is expensive in Hawaii. One way to minimize that is if you have a hotel room fridge. Have stuff for breakfast most of the days like cereal or something. Also, have stuff to make your lunches for the day. This will save you a lot of money and then you can splurge on dinner. Have some fresh fish! Hawaii is awesome! You'll love it.
jamie says
wow, i hope you two have a blast! i have never been to Hawaii but Marc and I dream of that someday soon. $1k before food, etc is not too bad 🙂 come back with plenty photos and have the time of your life <3love, james
femmefrugality says
Sounds like fun! Mine range in price depending where I am economically. Haha. The past year or so it's been more "What's within driving range?" So I'd say $500 max. But 1500 really doesn't sound bad for your destination.
Andrew @ 101 Centavo says
We're off to Italy for two weeks in June. The tickets were bloody expensive, and we've yet to sort out the rental car. I don't even want to think what gas is going to cost. Ouch ouch ouch. Kauai sounds wonderful. Hope all goes well.
Michelle says
You're going to have such a blast! I've never been to Hawaii…it's on my list. That's some great pricing you've got so far. I've heard the food and drinks can be really expensive, but you are awesome at budgeting, so don't worry. Just don't beat yourself up if you have to spend a tiny bit more on those things. It's a vacation and you deserve a nice break after all!
Jenna says
Sounds amazing – what I wouldn't give to be en route to white sandy beaches this week 🙂 And although $1500 seems like a lot, that is pretty good considering where you are going and staying, the location etc. You guys are going to have a ball!xxxJenna
Frugal Fries says
I'd say you got a freaking fantastic deal. Go have fun, be merry, and let us all be jealous!
444 says
The hotel prices sound a lot lower than I would have expected. We pay more than that for local hotel prices – I would have never guessed Hawaii would be so reasonable! You must have really scouted around for a deal.I probably missed it, but what do you do for your side income?
Michelle P says
Thanks, I used Priceline over and over again and bid until I got a good price. And my side income is mystery shopping, surveys, and blog income.
Lesley @ my lively m says
wow, that's a pretty cheap trip to hawaii! count yourself lucky. when i went last, it was approx $4000 a person, staying at a sheraton in maui.