Featured image by Ris & Ry on Unsplash
Budget friendly isn’t how most travelers would describe Maui. And it’s true — vacationing in Maui will stretch your pocketbook. But that doesn’t mean you still can’t visit the island while on a budget.
For insight on how to save money while vacationing on Maui, we rifled through our old trip itineraries and receipts. Then we conferred with locals and other travelers who frequent the island. That’s how we came up with this list of essential tips for visiting Maui on a budget without maxing out your credit card.
By employing these tactics, you can enjoy paradise without a surprising bill when you arrive home — and back to reality.
1. Book travel during Maui’s shoulder season
Cost difference when booking high season versus low season
2. Set up a flight price tracker
3. Predict future flight prices with a phone app
4. Stay at a vacation condo rental instead of a resort
5. Book a stay with a kitchen — and use it
7. Take advantage of outdoor eating — food trucks and picnics on the beach
9. Forget the boat ride and snorkel from shore
10. Don’t rent a car for the entire trip
11. Skip the luau
12. Take advantage of happy hour
1. Book travel during Maui’s shoulder season
Hotel rooms and rental car prices tend to cost less when you book a trip during the shoulder season. That’s because fewer tourists converge on the island, leading to less competition for rooms and car rentals. And fewer visitors equate to smaller crowds when visiting popular spots such as Haleakala or chasing waterfalls on the Road to Hana. With fewer people on the island, it’s also easier to snag tough-to-score reservations for restaurants and luaus.
There’s a downside, though. The slow season in April, May, September, and October, isn’t the most convenient time to travel for many people. If you have kids, booking a trip in October while they’re in school isn’t ideal from a scheduling standpoint.
Cost difference when booking high season versus low season
We compared the price of round trip flights to Maui in October versus the high season in July. For travel from Los Angeles departing July 3 and returning July 10, one round trip ticket cost between $394 and $420.
During the low season, prices were 12.5% to 17% lower. For travel on October 3 and October 10, round trip airfare cost between $350 to $359.
Also, Google Flights notes that the quoted October prices are slightly higher than usual, while the July cost is typical for the time frame. If October flight prices dropped to typical levels, savings could be even higher.
2. Set up a flight price tracker
How do you know if a flight you’re considering is a good deal or not? One way to compare pricing is to look at historical price trends and tracking flight prices with Google Flights.
You can search for the dates you’re considering on Google’s travel website. Enter your departure city, destination, and trip dates. After hitting Search, click Track prices and View. You’ll see a graph of historical flight pricing for your search dates.
And if you set up a notification, Google will email you when flight prices drop.
3. Predict future flight prices with a phone app
Should you book your flight now or wait? That’s the question the Hopper app hopes to answer. The phone app uses an algorithm to determine whether flight prices will dip or increase. Essentially, the Hopper app predicts the future — of flight prices, that is. The data can help you decide whether it’s a good time to book.
In February 2022, I used the app to search for a flight from San Francisco to Kahului. I searched for travel at the beginning of December. However, the Hopper app recommended that I hold off on booking. According to Hopper’s data, prices could drop by as much as 43% if I wait.
Since there’s still plenty of time to book, I decided to wait and track pricing instead. You can set up a notification to watch a flight on Hopper, or you could set up a price tracker with Google Flights.
4. Stay at a vacation condo rental instead of a resort
Resort life may sound like bliss, but it’s a luxury stay that takes a bite out of your budget. Resorts charge extra fees to go along with a pricey room rate. Most Maui properties charge daily resort fees and parking charges. For example, the Grand Wailea resort charges $65 per day to valet your rental car (no self park offered). And don’t forget about tips for the valets and housekeeping.
When staying at a short-term vacation rental, you usually end up paying a one-time cleaning fee, but typically avoid resort fees and parking charges. Keep an eye on whether the provider charges a booking fee, though.
Also, confirm in advance that you’re booking a licensed short-term rental. An illegal rental could end up conning you out of your hard-earned cash. Every legal vacation rental has a tax registration ID number issued by the state. Before you book a short-term rental, ask the rental manager to provide their state-issued transient accommodations tax number. Then search and verify the license number by visiting the Hawaii tax website and clicking Search Tax Licenses.
5. Book a stay with a kitchen — and use it
Food tends to be more expensive in Maui than on the mainland. The best way to save money on your food budget is to book a room or condo that has a kitchen. Instead of eating out every meal, stock up on provisions at the grocery store. Then make most of your own meals.
By scaling back on daily restaurant dining, you may decide to splurge for one dinner. Celebrate a special occasion at a popular restaurant such as Mama’s Fish House, one of our favorite spots for a fancy meal.
6. Get outside and explore
With Hawaii’s mild climate, sticking to outdoor activities is easy — and free (or nearly free). You can always book a tour guide, but most areas in Maui are easy to navigate if you have a cell phone and GPS map. Pick up a guide book and explore different areas. Just be sure to heed signage, particularly where private land or safety warnings are involved.
Hiking most trails won’t cost a thing. Neither does an ocean swim from the beach. Here are some outdoors activities in Maui that don’t cost a dime:
- Lounge on the beach
- Hike the lava field on the south side of the island
- Chase waterfalls at the Twin Falls hike on the Road to Hana (parking fee now enforced)
- Jump into the water at Black Rock
- Explore the towns of Makawao and Paia
- Snorkel at Honolua Bay
- Take a drive along the West Maui shore to see the blowhole and dragon’s teeth
7. Take advantage of outdoor eating — food trucks and picnics on the beach
If cooking your own food while on vacation sours the excitement of a relaxing getaway, there’s another solution to save money while on Maui. Instead of expensive sit-down restaurants, frequent the island’s food trucks and to-go spots. Then cruise over to the beach or your favorite vista point and enjoy a bit of tropical weather with your meal.
You’ll spend less than you would at most restaurants, saving you money without the hassle of doing dishes.
8. Pack your Costco card
While food typically costs more in Maui than the continental U.S., one way to get the best deal on groceries is to shop at Costco for volume discounts.
This tactic works best for extended stays on the island — Buying in bulk for a 3-day trip will probably leave you with too much food, unless you’re traveling with a large party.
Costco’s a favorite among tourists because it’s close to the main airport in Kahului. The Maui Costco also carries products you won’t find at non-Hawaii Costcos. At the Kahului location, you can pick up everything from fresh pineapples and macadamia nuts to furikake seasoning.
The Kahului Costco also carries a selection of beach gear, such as folding beach chairs and snorkeling fins if you’d prefer to buy instead of rent.
9. Forget the boat ride and snorkel from shore
If you’re an experienced snorkeler, rent your own gear for the week and forgo the boat ride. Guided snorkel trips can cost more than $100 per person for a few hours. You can see coral, sea life, and yes, turtles by swimming from the shoreline. At many popular snorkeling spots on Maui, you’ll even see tour boats parked just offshore.
10. Don’t rent a car for the entire trip
You can slash your transportation budget by renting a car for only part of your trip. This way you’re not paying for a car rental on the days when you don’t plan on venturing far from your hotel room or vacation rental. Perhaps you’re planning to explore the local area on foot, or you’re spending your days on the beach. You could also use a rideshare app for a short trip.
11. Skip the luau
One of the top activities for visitors to Maui includes a luau, a traditional Hawaiian feast that’s usually accompanied by entertainment. For some visitors, it’s a fun and entertaining way to learn about Hawaiian culture.However, others argue that luaus have morphed into a commercialized exhibition rather than a celebration of Hawaiian culture. Whatever your view, the cost of attending a Maui luau runs steep — nearly $200 per person. The Old Lahaina Luau, for example, costs $175 per adult, plus tax.
Instead of a luau, consider the Napili Kai Foundation Polynesian Dance Show, which takes place at the Napili Kai Beach Resort every Tuesday evening. Adult admission costs $10, and child’s admission at $5. (Note: As of January 2022, only Napili Kai Beach Resort guests may attend. Check their website to find out when performances will re-open to the public.)
12. Take advantage of happy hour
Slash your food (and drink) budget by taking advantage of happy hour discounts at popular restaurants. While discounts don’t apply to only select menu items, a little strategic planning can get you restaurant meals for a fraction of the price.
For example, appetizers are half off at MonkeyPod Kitchen during their happy hour. And happy hour pizzas are only $12 (regularly $18.95 to $20.95).
Maui Brewing Company also offers happy hour appetizers at half off. And pizzas are $10, discounted from $16 to $20.
A little creativity can save a lot
A Maui vacation can add up to a pricey getaway, but these trip hacks can help you save big time. By using a little creativity, you can keep your spending in check. Shaving a few dollars off your budget here and there can add up to substantial savings.