When I told people I was going to Hawaii for 10 days on a bonus signature trip through Hilton Grand Vacations as a club owner, the first thing many assumed was that the trip would be nearly free.
I thought it would be much less expensive too.
Our stay at the Grand Islander Resort in Waikiki was part of a Hilton Grand Vacations owner benefit, and while the accommodations and flight were covered, I was surprised to discover just how quickly expenses add up on the island.
This isn't a complaint. Hawaii was beautiful, relaxing, and absolutely worth experiencing. It was a once-in-a-lifetime mother-daughter trip that created memories we'll cherish forever.
But if you're planning a similar trip, I think it's helpful to know what the real costs looked like for us.
Our Hawaii Trip Details
Dates: April 3–13
Location: Waikiki, on the Island of Oahu
Hotel: Grand Islander Resort
Travel Style: Relaxed, budget-conscious, no rental car
Trip Type: Mother-daughter vacation
We weren't trying to live extravagantly. In fact, we made many decisions specifically to save money. We didn't rent a car. We only booked one major excursion. We ordered groceries from Target to stock the refrigerator. And we spent most of our time enjoying the weather, walking Waikiki, watching sunsets, and simply relaxing.
Even so, our total spending came to:
Total Spent: $3,051.56
Breakdown of Expenses
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Food | $1,267.63 |
| Resort Expenses | $838.96 |
| Gifts & Souvenirs | $472.55 |
| Entertainment | $295.48 |
| Transportation | $106.94 |
| Travel Expenses (bag fee) | $70.00 |
| Total | $3,051.56 |
The Biggest Surprise: Food
Without question, food was our largest expense.
We spent $1,267.63 on food over 10 days.
That's an average of about $127 per day.
We weren't dining at high-end restaurants every night. We ate many casual meals, grabbed quick breakfasts, and even had groceries delivered from Target so we could use the refrigerator in our room.
But food in Waikiki is expensive.
Restaurant prices are noticeably higher than many mainland destinations, and once taxes and gratuities are added, even a simple meal can cost much more than expected.
If you're budgeting for Hawaii, don't underestimate your food costs. One waffle cost me $27!
Resort Costs Add Up
Even when your room is covered, resort-related expenses can still be significant.
We spent $838.96 in resort-related costs during the trip.
I assumed the bulk of costs would be airfare and lodging, which were both covered by Hilton. Looking back, I wish I had budgeted more carefully for the expenses that happen once you're actually there.
Transportation Without a Rental Car
One decision that saved us money was skipping the rental car.
Parking fees alone can be outrageous in Waikiki. If you plan to rent a car, just keep it for the day. I've heard it's less expensive to rent a car by the day vs keeping a car for a few days because of the overnight parking fees.
Instead, we relied on walking and occasional rides.
Our transportation expenses totaled $106.94 for the entire trip.
For our style of travel, this worked well.
Entertainment
We intentionally kept entertainment spending modest.
We pre-booked a Luau for $54, which is a discounted price. I was determined to get Mom her fresh lei and this is the place to get it.
Through a kiosk at the resort, we booked the Circle Tour and it was the highlight of our trip! A full day of exploring the whole island with several sightseeing stops along the way.
We spent $295.48 on entertainment for the entire trip.
One thing I would highly recommend if you're planning a trip to Waikiki is purchasing a Waikiki trolley or hop-on, hop-off bus pass. Looking back, I wish we had done this on our very first day.
When we arrived, we were trying to be careful with our spending and weren't sure what activities would be worth the cost. As a result, we waited longer than we should have before exploring some of the transportation options available to us.
My advice? Do as much research as possible before you leave home.
As someone who is used to cruising—where there is always someone available to answer questions, help with planning, or point you in the right direction—I found resort travel to be a completely different experience. At a resort, you're much more independent, and it can feel a little overwhelming trying to figure out transportation, excursions, dining options, and how to make the most of your time.
The more planning you can do before your trip, the more confident you'll feel once you arrive. It will also help you avoid spending the first few days trying to figure everything out like we did.
The truth is, Hawaii itself is the attraction. Some of our favorite moments cost nothing at all—watching the waves, walking the beach, exploring Waikiki, and enjoying time together.
The Weather
One thing we didn't fully anticipate was the weather.
We visited in April, which is part of Hawaii's rainy season, and it rained for roughly half of our trip.
Fortunately, most rain showers passed through quickly, but there were definitely days when outdoor plans had to be adjusted.
If you're planning a trip to Hawaii, remember that they have 2 seasons. Rainy season and summer.
Was It Worth It?
Absolutely.
Even though the trip cost far more than I expected, I don't regret it for a second.
The Grand Islander was beautiful.
The beaches were stunning.
The Island Circle Tour gave us a chance to see more of Oahu. 5 stars from both of us! We highly recommend you do this tour as soon as you get on the
Most importantly, it gave me and Mom 10 days together that we'll never forget.
Would I budget differently next time?
Definitely.
Would I go again?
In a heartbeat.
Final Thoughts
Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited, but it's also the most expensive place I've ever visited.
Knowing that ahead of time can help you plan better, budget more accurately, and enjoy your trip without surprises.
Now that I've had time to reflect, my favorite moments were —watching the ocean from my balcony in my pj's, exploring somewhere new with just Mom because we never get time alone, we are always with the family, and slowing down long enough to appreciate where we were.
