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The answer might surprise anyone who plans on traveling to Hawaii in the future. The good news is that travelers can visit this incredible collection of islands on a budget, and there's one place where they can do it all affordably: Oahu. While several other islands do come close in comparison to the costs of visiting this stunning island, it still remains the cheapest in almost every aspect.

Not only is the cost to reach Oahu more affordable than most, but its activities and accommodations are also lower in price than one might expect anywhere else in Hawaii. Here's the full breakdown.

What Makes Oahu So Much Cheaper Than The Other Islands?

Many things in Hawaii are expensive, but they don't need to be, and that's how Oahu has been able to be an affordable destination for many people. Along with activities that are super cheap, there are some that are completely free, many of which appeal to the nature and beach-loving travelers among us. With the money that travelers save on activities while visiting this beautiful island, they can afford to pay for hotels or resorts, as well as the airfare to get there - all of which we'll explore in-depth.

Related: You Can Learn About Hawaii's Native History At The The Polynesian Cultural Center In Oahu

The Average Cost Of Airfare To Oahu

When it comes to the average cost of airfare to Oahu, the price can vary significantly based on the time of year one is traveling. With that being said, most flights hover between $200 and $400, according to Expedia. This cost is also affected by where one is flying from, as well as which airline they're booking.

With that being said, this is a case when keeping an eye out for travel deals and monitoring flight costs is a great idea.

Consider planning a trip to Oahu with flexible dates in mind in order to find the most affordable travel deal in regard to airfare and lodging.

The Average Cost Of Lodging & Accommodations In Oahu

Luckily, there are many options when it comes to lodging in Hawaii nowadays. Visitors have their choice of top-rated resorts which obviously fall on the higher end of the cost scale, as well as rentals which can save them some money. According to the Hawaii Travel Authority, the average cost of hotels and resorts in Oahu for February 2022 can be found below.

Accommodation Type

Average Cost

Waikīkī

$236.39

Other O‘ahu

$223.71

O‘ahu Luxury

$307.39

O‘ahu Upper Upscale

$606.54

O‘ahu Upscale

$243.07

O‘ahu Upper Midscale

$194.05

O‘ahu Midscale

$156.04

Economy

$149.75

Therefore, it can be surmised that the average cost of lodging in Oahu is anywhere between $150/night and $250/night, which is comparably affordable considering the costs of resorts on Hawaii's most popular islands. When it comes to rentals in Oahu, the Hawaii Travel Authority estimates the average cost to be just under $200/night.

To Rent Or Not To Rent: Skipping The Car Can Save Even More Money

A common misconception that many people have when it comes to booking an Oahu trip is that they'll need a car rental. While this is an easy and efficient way to get around the island, it's not the only option, and it's certainly not the cheapest. For those looking to save even more money, it's worth skipping the car rental and just relying on public transportation. The public transportation system in Oahu is easy to use and is also cheaper than a rental; visitors can also take advantage of ride-share services when staying on the island.

Summed Up: The Best Ways To Save Money When Visiting Oahu

In short, there are many ways to save money on what could already be an affordable Hawaiian vacation. Travelers considering Oahu should keep these things in mind when planning their budget-friendly trip to Hawaii's cheapest island:

  • Rentals over hotels. It's been shown that rentals, whether through VRBO or Airbnb, are cheaper in Oahu than most hotels and resorts.
  • Skip the car rental. It's unnecessary, especially when public transportation is readily available and easy to use.
  • Take advantage of free activities. Going to the beach, for one, is a great free activity - exploring hiking trails and Oahu's botanical gardens are other free options to take advantage of.
  • Have flexible travel dates. Airfare is always fluctuating and this will allow travelers to get the cheapest price, at the right time.
  • Travel during the off-season. Rates will automatically be cheaper during this time, and it's a great way to save on airfare, as well.

Overall, Oahu is more affordable than the other Hawaiian islands to start. Therefore, tightening up the budget even further is easy by knowing these tips beforehand!