Visiting Maui on a Budget: Local Tips for 2024

Let’s get right into the main section, the best tips to travel around Maui on a budget. Here below, you can expect to find recommendations for affordable hotels, getting around, and much more.

Ditching fancy resorts doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. In fact, there are plenty of nice and cozy places to stay in Maui without the resort price tag.

Campsites and Campervans

For an adventurous, get-back-to-nature experience, consider campsites or campervans.

Zazu Camper for example rents out Jeeps with a four-person Tepui tent on top, comfy bedding, solar shower, beach essentials, cooking equipment, and toiletries – all for $159 a day.

There are other companies where you can book a campervan and save a lot of money on accommodation.

On the west side, Waiʻanapanapa State Park in Hana allows campervans for $30 a night but you’ll need a permit.

Don’t forget to book your entrance ($5 per person) and parking ($10) in advance – you can do this up to a month before you go.

On the east side of Lahaina, Camp Olowalu is a massive 700-acre campsite with options for everyone – tents, campervans, cabins, and glamping.

Hostels

Another budget option? Hostels. These social hubs are great for solo travelers and groups. It’s a fun way to meet people and share stories – They’re not for families, but they’re good for young travelers.

In Wailuku, you can find Banana Bungalow Maui, a popular hostel. Banana Bungalow has private rooms and dorm beds for just about $100 a night.

Vacation Rentals

If you want a bit more privacy and space consider budget vacation rentals. While they’re more expensive than hostels and campervans, they’re worth it if you want more comfort.

With vacation rentals, you often get a kitchen which means you can save on eating out.

Plus, you can split the cost with your friends, which is a bonus.

So you’ve found where to stay, now how about getting around Maui? Let’s look at ways to start exploring Maui without breaking the bank.

Public Transportation or Shuttles

You don’t need a car rental to get around Maui. Many of Maui’s hotspots are connected by a pretty good bus system.

The Maui Bus runs routes through Central, South, West, Haiku, and Upcountry Maui and rides are only $2 each way, and that’s a bargain.

For travelers visiting popular tourist areas like Lahaina and Kaanapali, shuttles are a great option too. This way, you can avoid the hassle of parking and fees at attractions.

Ride-Sharing Services

Uber and Lyft can be useful for shorter distances or specific trips but be aware of surge pricing during peak times.

Rent a Car

Public transport isn’t always practical for exploring all the hidden corners of Maui.

Sometimes you just need your own set of wheels. If renting a car is a must, search for deals on online platforms, which can get you better deals. You might even find basic economy cars for around $500 for a week.

Here’s the good part: Maui has a ton of activities for the budget traveler. I know what it’s like to experience Maui on a shoestring. The best part is the simple stuff, nature. Many of the best experiences are free.

Go on a Hike

Haleakala National Park has over 30 miles of trails through volcanic landscapes, bamboo forests, and mountain peaks. Imagine hiking through these places – talk about unforgettable.

On the west side, there’s Waihee Ridge Trail. It’s super popular for a reason. This 4-mile round trip hike takes you up over 1,500 feet for stunning views of the coastline. The views are worth the climb, so don’t miss that.

Beaches and Snorkeling

Let’s face it – hitting the beach is non-negotiable on a trip to Maui on a budget or not. And there are beaches to discover up and down the coast.

Each beach has its own personality. Maui’s beaches are public so finding your own little slice of heaven costs nothing but some sunscreen.

Maui is also great for snorkeling. Snorkel gear is cheap to rent or you can buy a set and bring it with you. This opens up a whole new world – you’ll see colorful coral reefs, bright tropical fish, and maybe even sea turtles and other creatures.

Take a Dip in Freshwater Pools and Waterfalls

Switch from the beach and check out Maui’s waterfalls and freshwater pools. Hike to a hidden waterfall, cool off in a natural pool, or try cliff jumping.

These natural wonders add adventure to your trip without costing a penny.

Always check local advisories before you go.

Free Activities

There are plenty of activities in Maui, and you will even find free entertainment. Some towns have festivals, craft fairs, and farmers markets. You’ll get to soak up the local atmosphere and sample local treats or handmade crafts.

You can often find free live music too. A great place to check out is the historic Baldwin Home Museum in Lahaina.

They have Hawaiian music concerts every Friday at 6 PM – What a way to start the night!

Eating on a budget in Maui doesn’t mean eating bland or boring food. You can still eat well without breaking the bank. Here are some great tips when it comes to food.

Affordable Eats

You can find some amazing meals at local spots. In Kihei and Kahului you’ll find Fork & Salad – they have affordable, delicious salads, grain bowls, and sandwiches.

Family-owned Cafe O’Lei in Kihei has a daily plate lunch special for a steal.

Looking for flatbread pizzas? Flatbread Company in Paia is the place. They have flavorful flatbreads topped with everything from Kalua pork to garlic and mushrooms for a great price.

Alternatively, don’t miss your chance to get a moco loco, an affordable, delicious meal that will fill you up for hours!

Try a Plate Lunch

Plate lunches are a Hawaiian institution – filling portions of food for a reasonable price. Often includes rice, macaroni salad, and an entrée like teriyaki chicken or kalua pork.

It’s a great way to taste local flavors and you’re definitely going to be full.

BYOB Picnic

Maui’s markets have plenty of fresh produce, cheese, and other goodies so consider making your own feast.

Enjoy your picnic at a beach with a sunset view, a scenic spot in Haleakala National Park or by a waterfall. It’s also a great opportunity to take a break from your Maui activities.

Food Trucks for Budget Bites

Maui’s food trucks have a wide variety of dishes at super cheap prices. You can try fish tacos to shave ice. Check out the food truck parks as this is where they tend to gather.

A great way to try out Maui’s food scene without breaking the bank. Just be prepared to share – the portions are often huge.

We couldn’t let you go without some extra insider tips on how to score deals on popular activities.

Drive the Road to Hana

The Road to Hana, although it takes some planning to do it right, is a must. The journey is more about the journey than rushing to Hana and back.

The road winds along the eastern coast of Maui, passing waterfalls, coastal views, rainforests, and even black sand beaches.

Stop at roadside fruit stands and try some tropical fruits. There’s nothing like freshly picked fruits. Pack snacks and have a picnic by a waterfall or find food trucks along the way – you’ll find food for under $15.

Also, while more comprehensive, avoid booking a day trip and tours and drive on your own as it will be much cheaper.

Watching the sunrise from the summit of Haleakala Crater is amazing, and it will leave you craving for more.

Bundle up though – it can be cold even in the summer. Since you need a reservation and $30 per vehicle fee to enter the park between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. you can actually park outside the park entrance and hike to the summit.

That way you’ll get a pre-sunrise workout and an amazing experience for free.

And in case you don’t want to wake up early, Maui’s Haleakala sunset experience is just as unbelievable, so make sure to check it out.

The peak season in Maui is summer and holidays when prices for flights and accommodations go through the roof.

Traveling off-peak – spring or fall – will save you a ton of money. Cheap flights, cheaper rental car rates, and discounted budget hotels.

Skip the expensive surf lessons – Surfing is hard. Instead, buy a cheap boogie board and hit the waves. While surfing can be a rush, why not keep it simple with bodyboarding or boogie boarding?

These are also fun and easier to learn than surfing. All you need is a boogie board and a sense of adventure.