Traveling on a budget doesn’t have to stop you from visiting Maui. In fact, there are tons of ways to save money and visit Maui on a budget, without dropping your entire savings. With a bit of research and good planning, you can have the adventure of a lifetime! From affordable car rentals to winery tours and beach camping, this list has you covered.
Beach Time! The most obvious free activity to do on the island is to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beach or go for a swim. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
Explore the ocean! If you have your own snorkel and mask, snorkeling from shore will cost nothing and you can see plenty of tropical fish, sea turtles and more. If you don’t have your own gear, you can rent it for next to nothing at local shops. Ask around and choose only safe places away from currents. Please be sure to respect the ocean, touch nothing and never stand on the reef.
Try an SUP! Stand-up paddle boards can be rented pretty inexpensively and are much easier to learn than surfing. Stick to areas with small waves or locations recommended by the rental shop.
See the humpback whales! It is possible to find whale watching tours that are relatively inexpensive but you can also watch these magnificent creatures from shore. The peak whale watching season is from January to March. According to the Pacific Whale Foundation, “some of the best spots to see them from shore are from Maui’s south and west shores, in areas that include Makena, Wailea, Kihei, Ma’alaea, Olowalu, Lahaina, Ka’anapali and Kapalua.”
Catch a sunrise or a sunset! Drive yourself to the Haleakala Crater to see a spectacular sunrise or head to the beach along the south or west side of the island about an hour before sunset for some quiet time and a sight to remember.
Eat fresh! Visit one of Maui’s famous Farmers’ Markets for fresh local produce. Great for packing a picnic or BBQ, or for eating in at your condo or campsite.
Drive yourself! No need to pay for expensive tours, shuttles or taxis, with an affordable car rental from Allsave Car Rental Maui. You can visit nearby towns, art galleries or hit the hiking trails, all at a moment’s notice.
Camp out! For the more adventurous, rent a cabin for $90/night or camp for $18/night (up to 6 people) – that’s certainly more affordable than an ocean-view room in a resort! Simply throw your gear in the back of your truck rental or minivan and experience Maui at its most natural. This will definitely require some pre-planning since permits and reservations are required for camping in Hawaii’s State Parks and Forest Reserves.
Cheers! For a different twist on inexpensive drinks, hit up the Maui Brewing Company in Kihei for a tour of their brewery or head to MauiWine in Kula for a guided tour and complimentary tasting. Please, don’t drink and drive!
Your budget does not need to hold you back from having a great time in Maui, in fact, you may end up with a much more adventurous trip and more intimate experience of the island if you aren’t participating in overpriced luaus and 5 course dinners. Contact Allsave Car Rental Maui at (808) 875-9200 to reserve a cheap car rental or a cash car rental that will fit your budget and get you to all of your fabulous (and free) destinations.