How my hubby and I balled on a budget during our honeymoon. A little guide on some of our favorite spots that we visited for free plus some of the spots that we ended up spending money on (worth it). Whatever happens, just know that there is free fru...
Sections
6
Travel Plans
Free Adventures
Buy-Ahead Gear
Cutest Pieces to Add to You Carry-on
Things We Willing Spent Money On
Eating On A Budget
Travel Plans
It all begins with trying to find cheap flights. Expedia is a great recourse for saving money and comparing pricing.
Cheap Flights to Kauai, HI
Not affiliated with Turo, but my husband and I used them because they were way cheaper than any other rental company. Additionally, we were able to pick what type of vehicle to use.
Car rental Kauai, HI | Turo car rental marketplace
VRBO allows you to find places to stay within your budget and needs.
Kauai Vacation Rentals, Hawaii: house rentals & more
Free Adventures
Free-to-view giant waterfalls. Look for the banana bread lady!
Wailua Falls
This was one of my favorite places to visit. So surreal. Be mindful of the tide. The hike down is also really slippery, but totally worth it. Get there early as parking fills quickly.
Queen’s Bath
There are multiple stops along the drive if you want to look over the monstrous red canyon in awe without going to the state park!
Waimea Canyon State Park
This was our favorite beach, rain and shine. The best beach for snorkeling. We saw 3-4 sea turtles and it was truly magical.
Tunnels Beach Makua
A hike up one of Kauai's beautiful mountains. Stop along the way to eat some strawberry guavas! Do not take the shortcut unless you like crawling on your hands and knees through shrubs. (We learned the hard way).
Sleeping Giant (Nounou Mountain) East Trail, Kaua'i, Hawaii
This was a surreal natural wonder. It sounded like the ocean was taking her breath. Totally free to view!
Spouting Horn
This is a fun place to visit if you love coffee! It is totally free to walk the grounds and see how coffee beans are processed. If you're lucky, you might get some free samples. Or, go crazy, buy that affogato.
Kauaʻi Coffee Company
A giant cave across from Haena Beach. Pretty cool!
Maniniholo Dry Cave
Another one of my favorites. We went at sundown to watch the sunset and the sea turtles that beach themselves at night. SO. COOL.
Poipu Beach
Buy-Ahead Gear
Since most beaches are free, snorkeling is a must and buying your own gear is cheaper (dare I say less gross?) than renting gear.
Speedo Adult Expedition Mask & Snorkel Set - Lime/Black: Includes Snorkel, Carrying Case
Grocieries and products are EXPENSIVE. Bringing your own sunscreen is a must to save some pennies. Be sure the product you use is reef safe! This particular one is reef safe and smells like tropical paradise.
Just a tip… bring a fake ring so you don't ruin your brand new precious band!
EAMTI 3CT Radiant Cut CZ Solitaire Ring
One for the mans :)
ThunderFit Men's Patterned Silicone Rings 8mm
These are great if you decide to go hiking everywhere. I like LMNT brand because the ingredients are straight forward. I personally like the watermelon and raspberry the best!
LMNT Zero-Sugar Electrolytes Drink - Variety Pack - 2.1oz/10ct: Non-Caffeinated Powder with Five Flavors
It has a little baby starfish charm. need I say more?
Women's Textured Striped Triangle Bikini Top - Wild Fable™ Pink/White S
Turkish towels are great for travel. They're super lightweight and easy to pack. Additionally, they make a great swimsuit cover / wrap in a pinch! These come in pink, blue and green.
Turkish towels are great for travel. They're super lightweight and easy to pack. Additionally, they make a great swimsuit cover / wrap in a pinch! These come in pink, blue and green.
40"x72" Peshtemal Turkish Premium Lightweight Striped Oversized Beach Towel with Knotted Fringe Green - Threshold™
Turkish towels are great for travel. They're super lightweight and easy to pack. Additionally, they make a great swimsuit cover / wrap in a pinch! These come in pink, blue and green.
40"x72" Peshtemal Turkish Premium Lightweight Striped Oversized Beach Towel with Knotted Fringe Blue - Threshold™
Get some of these guys if you don't have them already because trust me, your shampoo from home is going to be way cheaper!
TSA Travel Container Set - 7ct - Dealworthy™: EVA Material, Solid Pattern, Toiletry Kits, TSA Compliant
One for his and one for hers <3. …trust me, you do not want to get your luggage all mixed up at the baggage claim right after you get married.
Jelly Luggage Tag - Open Story™ Pink/Magenta: Solid TPU Travel Accessory Set
Just trust me on this one and thank me later <3.
Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo-Travel Size - 1.6oz: For Dry Hair, Sulfate-Free, Citrus Scent
Cutest Pieces to Add to You Carry-on
How cute? Still the bride dressed in white but with a pop of embroidered color.
Women's Linen Tank Top - Universal Thread™ Cream Embroidered S
Obsessed.
Women's Sleeveless Embroidered Midi Skater Dress - A New Day™ Cream M
It has a little starfish charm. Need I say more?
Women's Textured Striped Triangle Bikini Top - Wild Fable™ Pink/White S
A little something blue (or white, it comes in that color too) :)
Women's Mini Eyelet Halter A-Line Dress - Wild Fable™ Light Blue M
Can't get enough gingham <3 And these pieces are much more affordable. Comes with matching shorts.
Women's Button-Front Tank Top - A New Day™ Brown Gingham
The matching shorts of course <3.
Women's Shorts - A New Day™ Brown Gingham
This also comes in gingham or the cutest blue floral print <3
Women's Corset Midi Dress - A New Day™ White M
Basic sandals > because they go with everything!
CUSHIONAIRE Luxor Sandals for Women 2025, Strappy Flat Thong Womens Sandals with Adjustable Ankle Strap and Memory Foam, COGNAC 10W
For the minimalist who wants a metal frame for their sunnies.
Womens Satin Plastic/Metal Oval Sunglasses - A New Day™ Brown
Have a square pair <3. This time more affordable but you still look like you're from a higher tax bracket.
These are SO buttermom. I love. They're giving honeymoon in Italy.
Women's Pull-On Scallop Trim Shorts - A New Day™ Cream/Navy 14
A BOLD statement color. And it has tropical vibes <3.
Women's Luxe Linen Corset Top - A New Day™ Red Floral S
The cutest bag for your bikini and lip gloss <3.
Straw Crochet Tassel Shoulder Bag - Universal Thread™ Natural
I love the scarf accessory on this dress. How iconic? And it comes in black as well! <3
Women's Halter Scarf Maxi Dress - Wild Fable™ Red Polka Dots S
Things We Willing Spent Money On
We spent money on kayak rentals to float and paddle down the Wailua River followed by parking our kayaks halfway into our adventure, hiking to the secret falls, and then paddling back. The waterfall wasn't super flowy at the time we went, but the hik...
Kauai: Secret Falls Kayak and Hike
We really wanted to hike the Na Pali Coast, but we were not aware that you needed to have permits and such ahead of time (they sell out quick and need to be reserved in advance) With that said, you can hike the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail (a...
Reservations - Go Hāʻena
This was the cutest little coffee spot. I got a matcha and sipped it while we kayaked down the Wailua River!
Mokihana Coffee Co.
These were made with great ingredients fried in coconut oil. Best donuts we have ever had. ever.
Holey Grail Donuts: Fresh, Hawaiian Grown Donuts
Shave ice. Enough said. Especially paired with Macadamia nut ice cream!
WHERE TO FIND THE BEST SHAVE ICE IN KAUAI
Eating On A Budget
We bought most of of groceries as opposed to eating out. They were still expensive, but saved us a lot of money in the long run. We mainly shopped at Foodland. You can sign up to be a rewards member for free and get discounts on many products the sam...
Foodland Hawaii
There are many produce stands and farmers markets around the island. Try to support the local mom-and-pop stands along the side of the road. We found the best deals on produce with these as well. Beware some fruit stands will sell you $20 pineapple t...