Affordable Hawaiian Vacations: Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Experiences

The tourism industry in Hawaii has faced significant changes, especially with the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. While certain aspects of the travel experience have become challenging, other parts have remained remarkably affordable, offering a variety of options for both tourists and local residents.

Pre-Pandemic Hawaii Travel: A Great Deal

Before the pandemic, a Hawaii vacation was often seen as a well-balanced combination of affordable airfare and bundled resort accommodations. Typically, these packages included a hotel stay in popular resort areas such as Waikiki on Oahu, Kanapali on Maui, and Kona on the Big Island. The duration of these packages usually ranged from 5 to 7 days, and the costs were highly seasonal and demand-based. This made it relatively easy to find deals through various online sources.

For those who frequently visit Hawaii, such as myself, the regularity of trips meant that finding affordable options became a routine challenge. We often find discounted round-trip airfares from the San Francisco Bay Area for around $250 per person. However, our travel style differed from conventional resort stays; instead, we preferred to rent a condo or a small house, which offered a more flexible and affordable accommodation option.

The Role of Rental Cars and Local Food

Once we arrived, we typically rent a small four-wheel-drive vehicle to explore the island, with companies like Budget offering budget options. This allows travelers to have more freedom to explore the island at their own pace. To cover basic living expenses, we often buy necessary supplies at local stores like Costco or Walmart. Gasoline is also available at Costco, and dining out, although pricey in Hawaii, can be managed by seeking out food trucks and local restaurants to save costs.

Adventure Activities and Local Cuisine

Our trips to Hawaii are not just about relaxing on the beach; we take advantage of a wide range of adventure activities including zipline tours, flume rides, manta ray dives, and whale-watch excursions. Snorkeling is a favorite pastime, with opportunities to explore the vibrant ocean life surrounding the islands. Exploring the local culture and cuisine is also a major part of our trips. We make sure to try different restaurants and food trucks every couple of days to experience a diverse range of flavors.

In terms of costs, a typical Hawaii vacation averages around $200 to $300 per person per day, excluding airfare. This includes local activities and basic living expenses. However, the actual costs can vary based on the duration of the stay, the choice of accommodations, and the specific activities chosen.

The Current State of Hawaii Travel

Now, the situation in Hawaii has changed significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All travelers to Hawaii must undergo a 14-day quarantine upon arrival, with food and other needs delivered to their room. Most flights to Hawaii have been canceled, making the current situation challenging for travelers. The quarantine period is not expected to end until at least July 31, 2023. Therefore, a visit to Hawaii is currently not recommended.

A typical Hawaii vacation without airfare might still average around $200 per person per day, but this does not cover most activities that require additional fees. The reopening timeline for the tourism industry remains uncertain, making it difficult to predict when things will return to normal.

Despite these challenges, the allure of Hawaii remains strong. As the situation improves, travelers can look forward to continuing the tradition of affordable yet enriching vacations that Hawaii offers.