ALOHA!
Like with many things when it comes to the cost of a trip to Hawaii, how much spending money you should bring to Hawaii will depend on a lot of things.
And, you might even be able to get by with using only a credit card during your entire Hawaii vacation.
But even if you spend $0 in cash on an average week back home and you want to be reliant on your credit card in Hawaii, there may be a few reasons you’ll want to carry cash.
First…
How to save money in Hawaii
If you’re looking for things to do in Hawaii that are budget-friendly, look to doing some of these hikes and snorkeling at some of these spots. It’s possible to do plenty of both types of activities on your own. You’ll just want to make sure that you bring what you need for hiking and what you need for snorkeling!
what to wear in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – what to wear snorkeling
Now…
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
How much money to bring to Hawaii
Here are a few things to take into consideration when you’re deciding how much cash to take to Hawaii, whether your vacation is one week, two weeks, or longer!
As is with traveling anywhere, it never hurts to have a bit of emergency cash on hand too. You never know what’s going to happen!
These are some of the top reasons you may want to carry extra cash with you.
Will you be taking tours?
You might have already paid for your Hawaii tours before arrival. And even if you wait until you arrive to find a tour in Hawaii, you will most likely be able to pay with credit card.
But you may want to carry with you a few singles in case you decide to tip your guide, bus driver, or anyone else who you encounter that would appreciate a tip. This doesn’t mean that it’s required to tip on your tour, but just another thing to think about in deciding how much money to take to Hawaii.
Will you be stopping at food trucks or food stands?
If you decide to do a drive around Oahu, you may come across a number of stand-alone food stands. Or maybe you are interested in checking out one of the North Shore food trucks.
While there are many that will take credit cards, you may happen upon one that doesn’t.
It’s up to you: Do you want to miss out on that delicious food because you didn’t carry the cash with you? 😉
Food trucks can be expensive. If this is on your list of things to do on Oahu, it could be a good idea to take $10-15 cash per person just in case. Fruit-based items like fruit bowls and smoothies can approach $10.
See here for a sample North Shore food truck menu with prices.
Will you be taking the bus?
If your Hawaii vacation involves a stay on Oahu, taking the bus around Oahu can be a budget-friendly and convenient way to get around.
It will also require cash, and exact change at that.
A single day pass costs $5, which will likely be the best option for most. A single ride costs $2.50 though, so if you plan on taking the bus one way, you may want to carry some quarters.
So, you’ll want to think about how many days you’ll be taking the bus during your Hawaii vacation on Oahu, and bring $5 bills, $1 bills, and quarters accordingly.
Here’s some info about things to do on Oahu by bus.
What type of souvenirs will you be buying?
There are plenty of places in Hawaii that you can buy nice Hawaiian souvenirs with your credit card.
For this, you might consider setting a budget on how much you are willing to spend on souvenirs, and bring that much cash accordingly.
That’s because this could be a good area to spend cash only no matter what! This will make sure you won’t overspend in an area that is most certainly easy to overspend!
When you walk into an ABC Store that’s located on every corner in Waikiki, you may have to resist the urge to buy everything in sight… or if you head to the North Shore and find a bunch of Polynesian wood carvings you like. 😉
HAPPY HAWAII SPENDING! 😉
what to wear in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – what to wear snorkeling
things to do in oahu | map >> hikes – snorkeling || waikiki – north shore – east oahu
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🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling
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