Hawaii motel prices are far lower than resort prices, but there is no official motel-only average. KAYAK’s Hawaii hotel data accessed on October 25, 2026 shows hotels averaging about $454 to $699 per night, from about $605 in August to about $893 in December. Budget rooms are much cheaper, with three-star rooms starting around $87 in Honolulu and recent lows of about $61 to $72 on some dates.
Hawaii also raised its transient accommodations tax to 11% on January 1, 2026, and counties and other taxes can add more. This guide covers the benchmarks, island price floors, taxes and the best ways to keep costs down.
Data snapshot: October 25, 2026. Prices change daily, so recheck your dates before booking.
Quick Answer
Hawaii hotels average roughly $454 to $699 per night on KAYAK, but budget motels and three-star rooms start much lower, from about $87 in Honolulu and $175 to $212 on Maui, Kona and Kauai. August is the cheapest month at about $605 and December the most expensive at about $893. The state tax on lodging is 11%, plus county and other charges.
Key Takeaways
- KAYAK shows two overall Hawaii figures, about $699 for a double room and about $454 in its FAQ, so treat them as rough benchmarks; there is no motel-only statewide average.
- August averages about $605 per night and December about $893, a gap of nearly $290.
- Tuesday is the cheapest day (about $632) and Monday the most expensive (about $674), a small difference compared with the monthly swing.
- Three-star rooms start around $87 in Honolulu, $175 in Kahului, $180 in Kailua-Kona, $197 in Lihue and $212 in Lahaina.
- Hawaii’s transient accommodations tax rose from 10.25% to 11% on January 1, 2026, according to the Department of Taxation.
Hawaii Motel Prices: What the Data Shows
Booking sites do not publish a statewide motel-only average for Hawaii, so this guide uses the hotel market as a ceiling and low listings as a floor. Because many Hawaii properties are resorts, a true motel or economy room usually sits far below the statewide hotel figures.
| Measure | Benchmark | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Average double room | About $699 per night | KAYAK also shows about $454 elsewhere |
| Lowest month | August, about $605 | Summer |
| Highest month | December, about $893 | Holiday demand |
| Cheapest day | Tuesday, about $632 | Compare nearby dates |
| Most expensive day | Monday, about $674 | Small gap versus monthly swing |
| Recent lowest 3-star listings | About $61–$72 | One-off lows, not averages |
| Recent lowest 4-star listing | About $98 | One-off low |
Note: KAYAK’s Hawaii page contains some inconsistent figures, including seasonal labels that do not match its monthly data and weekday averages that fall below its cheapest day. Treat each number as approximate.
Cheapest Months for Hawaii Motels
August is the cheapest month in KAYAK’s monthly data at about $605 per night, and December the most expensive at about $893. Another table on the same page labels July as low season and October as high season, so confirm prices for your own dates instead of relying on one pattern.
Holiday weeks are the most expensive time to travel, so shifting to a quieter month or a midweek check-in is the clearest way to lower the cost. If you are planning around humpback whale season, see our guide to Hawaii hotel prices during whale season.
Hawaii Motel Prices by Island and City
KAYAK lists lowest starting prices rather than city averages, so use these as price floors for three-star rooms, not typical rates.
| City | 3-star from | Share of searches |
|---|---|---|
| Honolulu (Oahu) | About $87 | About 71% |
| Kahului (Maui) | About $175 | About 14% |
| Kailua-Kona (Hawaii Island) | About $180 | About 8% |
| Lihue (Kauai) | About $197 | About 7% |
| Kapolei (Oahu) | About $194 | Not shown |
| Lahaina (Maui) | About $212 | Not shown |
Oahu has the lowest starting prices. See Honolulu hotel costs, Maui hotel costs and Kauai hotel costs for more detail.
Hawaii Taxes and Fees to Add
According to the Hawaii Department of Taxation, Act 96 raised the transient accommodations tax from 10.25% to 11% on January 1, 2026. Counties may add their own surcharge and other taxes can apply on top, so check the final booking screen for your island.
Some properties also charge resort or destination fees, which are mandatory and must be included in the displayed total under the FTC’s fee rule, effective May 12, 2025. See our guide to Hawaii resort fees and check parking, which is often charged separately.
When to Book a Hawaii Motel
KAYAK suggests booking at least 54 days before check-in in Hawaii, a much longer window than most states. Holiday weeks and summer weekends can sell out, so choose a refundable rate and recheck the price before the cancellation deadline.
Ways to Save on Hawaii Motels
- Book about two months ahead and choose a refundable rate.
- Stay outside Waikiki or the main resort areas on Oahu for lower starting prices.
- Travel in a quieter month instead of December.
- Check the total including the 11% state tax, county charges, parking and any resort fees.
- Choose a kitchenette or free breakfast to cut food costs, which are high in Hawaii.
- Recheck the price before the cancellation deadline.
More Hawaii and Motel Cost Guides
- Average hotel cost per night in Hawaii for chain and full-service hotels.
- Average resort cost per night in Hawaii for resort stays.
- Average Airbnb cost per night in Hawaii for vacation rental comparisons.
- Average motel cost per night in the USA for a nationwide benchmark.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are typical Hawaii motel prices?
There is no official motel-only average. KAYAK shows overall Hawaii hotel figures of about $454 to $699 per night, and budget rooms are much lower, with three-star starting prices of about $87 in Honolulu and $175 to $212 on Maui, Hawaii Island and Kauai.
What is the cheapest month for a Hawaii motel?
In KAYAK’s data, August is cheapest at about $605 per night and December is the most expensive at about $893. Another table on the same page labels different seasons, so check your own dates.
What is the lodging tax in Hawaii?
The Hawaii Department of Taxation announced that the transient accommodations tax rose from 10.25% to 11% on January 1, 2026. Counties may add a surcharge and other taxes can apply, so check the final total.
Which Hawaii island has the cheapest motels?
Oahu has the lowest starting prices in KAYAK’s data, with three-star rooms from about $87 in Honolulu. Maui, Hawaii Island and Kauai start around $175 to $212.
How far ahead should I book a Hawaii motel?
KAYAK suggests at least 54 days ahead. Holiday weeks and summer weekends can sell out, so book refundable once your dates are firm.
Conclusion
Hawaii motel prices depend on the island and the month. KAYAK’s hotel data accessed on October 25, 2026 shows about $605 in August versus about $893 in December, with three-star rooms starting near $87 in Honolulu.
Book well ahead, choose Oahu or a quieter month, and add the 11% state tax, county charges and parking to every quote. That gives a more reliable budget than any single average.
Sources
- KAYAK: Hawaii Hotels — averages, monthly and daily data, city starting prices, and recent low prices, accessed October 25, 2026
- Hawaii Department of Taxation: Act 96 announcement — transient accommodations tax raised from 10.25% to 11% on January 1, 2026
- Federal Trade Commission: Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees — upfront total-price rules for short-term lodging
