how much did you spend on food a day?

Question

Hi guys !

I am budgeting for our Hawaii trip in January and I wonder how much I will be spending on food.

My spouse and I will not be eating breakfast at a restaurant. I guess we will be making food on our own at our accommodation.

We would like to eat out for our lunch and dinner but we do not want fancy.

Including gratitude and grocery, how much do you think I will be spending for food in a day?

It is our first trip to Hawaii so I am clueless.

I would appreciate it if you could share your experience with me.

TIA :)

Answer

Hi there! It's great that you're planning your trip to Hawaii. For budgeting food expenses, here's an estimate based on a typical vacation in Hawaii:

Since you plan to cook breakfast on your own, let's break down the cost for lunch and dinner at local spots, along with some groceries. The cost of food can vary based on the island, location, and personal preferences, but here's a general idea for your daily budget:

Groceries (for breakfast and snacks): Depending on where you shop (like Costco, Safeway, or local markets), you can expect to spend around $20–$30 per day for basic groceries like eggs, bread, fruit, and some snacks. This cost will be spread out over several days, but you can factor in about $5–$10 per day for the two of you.
Lunch: For lunch at local casual spots (like food trucks, local cafes, or plate lunch spots), you can expect to spend around $12–$20 per person. For the two of you, this comes to about $24–$40 per day.
Dinner: Dinner at casual restaurants (not fancy, but still good local places) can range from $15–$25 per person. For two people, you can expect to spend around $30–$50 per day for dinner.

So, here's an estimate of your daily food costs:

Groceries: $5–$10
Lunch: $24–$40
Dinner: $30–$50

Overall, you can expect to spend about $60–$100 per day for food, including groceries and meals out. This estimate assumes you're not opting for high-end restaurants, but sticking to casual dining, food trucks, and local spots. It also includes tipping (which is typically 15-20% of your meal cost in Hawaii).

If you're on a tighter budget, there are plenty of affordable food options such as plate lunch spots, local markets, and take-out. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy some local specialties like poke, seafood, or unique island cuisine, you might spend a bit more, especially for dinner.

Ultimately, budgeting around $70–$100 per day for the two of you should give you a good idea of what to expect for meals in Hawaii without breaking the bank.

Enjoy your trip, and I hope this helps with your planning!