How We Spent 10 Days in Hawaii Without Breaking the Bank

Hawaii had always been on our bucket list.

There’s something about the islands. The tropical breeze, lush mountains, surf culture, and deep rooted history all pull you in. But there was one thing that made us hesitate before booking: the price tag.

Everyone says the same thing. Hawaii is beautiful, but expensive.

And they’re not wrong. Flights, hotel stays, food, excursions. It all adds up quickly. But we were determined to experience the magic of Oahu without going into debt. So before we flew out, we decided to get smart and find every deal we could.

This trip was extra special because we were celebrating Michael’s 30th birthday. We wanted it to be memorable, meaningful, and yes, still budget conscious.

That’s when Groupon became our secret weapon.

This is not a sponsored post, but we genuinely found most of our favorite activities through Groupon. We were able to do things we never thought would fit into a budget friendly Hawaii trip like parasailing, a helicopter tour, and surf lessons, all for a fraction of the cost.

If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii and want to experience adventure without maxing out your credit card, this post is for you.

Here’s a quick recap of how we structured our 10 day trip and five unforgettable activities that didn’t break the bank.

Our 10 Day Hawaii Itinerary on Oahu

We based ourselves in Oahu because it had the perfect mix of city energy, iconic beaches, and cultural landmarks like Pearl Harbor. We stayed in a modest Airbnb to cut costs and split our days between adventure and relaxation.

Every morning started with coffee and a game plan. Some days we packed up the car for a road trip around the island, other days we headed out for activities we booked using Groupon.

By the end of the trip, we couldn’t believe how much we experienced, especially considering how much we saved.

5 Budget Friendly Adventures in Hawaii That Were Totally Worth It

Here are our top five budget friendly things to do in Hawaii, all of which we personally did. Most were booked through Groupon and each one helped make Michael’s birthday trip even more unforgettable.

Parasailing Over Waikiki 🌊

Cost: Approximately $40 per person using Groupon

Location: Waikiki Beach

This was the first activity we booked and we were both a little nervous. Floating 300 feet above the ocean with the wind in your face and the city skyline behind you is something we’ll never forget.

We found this deal just two days before and it ended up being one of our favorite experiences. It was peaceful and thrilling at the same time. We were laughing the entire time and soaking in the views from above.

Tip: Book early morning sessions for calm winds and the best lighting for photos.

Helicopter Tour Over Oahu 🚁

Cost: $292 per person, normally $400 per person

Location: Departed near Honolulu

We thought helicopter tours were completely out of our price range until we spotted a Groupon deal for a 20 minute flight over the island.

Seeing Oahu from the air was unreal. You get a whole new perspective of the coastline, the cliffs, the deep green valleys, and the crashing waves. It was short but it left a big impression.

Tip: Go for a shared ride to save money. Doors off is cool but optional. The doors on version was just as incredible.

Surf Lessons on Waikiki Beach 🏄🏽

Cost: $70 per person, normally $144

Location: Waikiki Beach

Learning to surf in Hawaii was high on our list. We both grew up near the ocean, but never really learned. This was our chance.

We booked a 90-minute group lesson with a local surf school, and they made us feel super comfortable. It was fun and humbling, and by the end of the session, we both stood up on our boards. There’s nothing like riding a wave in Waikiki.

Tip: Mornings are less crowded and easier for beginners.

Pearl Harbor Memorial + City Tour 🇺🇸

Cost: $35 per person, normally $120

Location: Pearl Harbor, Honolulu

This was the most emotional and powerful part of our trip. The museum is beautifully curated and the memorial boat ride to the USS Arizona is both quiet and moving.

The main portion is completely free but you can add on other experiences for a small cost. It was a good balance of history and reflection during a mostly adventure filled trip.

Tip: Reserve your free tickets ahead of time on the official website and try to go early before it gets crowded.

Movie Site Tour and Hike at Kualoa Ranch 🎬

Cost: About $30 per person, normally $100

Location: Kualoa Ranch

This place is famous for a reason. If you’ve seen Jurassic Park, Jumanji, or Lost, you’ll recognize the lush backdrops immediately.

We did a tour that included a short hike with stunning views of the valley and ocean. It honestly felt like we were on a film set. The guides were great and we left with way too many photos on our phones.

Tip: Bring water and wear sneakers. It’s an easy walk but the terrain can be muddy if it rained the night before.

Final Thoughts on Budget Friendly Hawaii

We used to believe Hawaii was only for honeymooners or luxury travelers. But after 10 full days on Oahu, we proved to ourselves that with some creativity and help from Groupon, you can make a budget friendly Hawaii trip a reality.

The best part is that these weren’t boring activities or tourist traps. We got to fly, surf, hike, and reflect, all without draining our bank account. Every experience felt rich in adventure and even richer in memory.

If you’re thinking about visiting Hawaii and wondering if it’s worth it, it absolutely is. Especially if you’re celebrating something big like a milestone birthday.

We’ll never forget this trip. And we’re already planning our return.