Aloha and welcome to the tropical paradise of Maui, Hawaii. Known for its lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and vibrant, one-of-a-kind culture, Maui is an idyllic holiday destination if ever there was one.
Known as The Valley Isle, it’s also one of the world’s more expensive places to visit, with IDEAL Magazine of all publications recently naming it one of their 5 dream luxury holiday destinations for 2023.
Pronouncements (and adjectives) like that might have you assuming that Maui might be prohibitively expensive to all but the most well-heeled of globetrotter.
You’d be wrong. Whether you’re searching for affordable activities to enjoy while you’re here or you’re looking to get under the skin of the island and experience the ‘real’ Maui up close and personal, then you’ve come to the right place. With that in mind, we’ve teamed up with the good guys at Maui Resort Rentals to bring you these 7 great things to do in Maui, Hawaii, on a budget in 2023.
Explore The Road To Hana By Car Or Bicycle
The legendary Road to Hana is a must-see when visiting Maui. This scenic drive stretches over 64 miles along the eastern coast of the island, offering breathtaking views of waterfalls, rainforests, and rugged cliffs. The journey itself is an adventure, with over 600 curves and 59 bridges to navigate.
The drive can take anywhere from 7 to 12 hours round trip, depending on the number of stops made along the way. Some of the main tourist sites include Paia Town, Twin Falls, Garden of Eden Arboretum, Honomanu Bay, Halfway to Hana Stand, Upper Waikani Falls, Hanawi Falls, and Hana Lava Tube, all of which can be admired without having to spend a dime.
To fully appreciate the beauty of this scenic drive, it’s recommended you split the journey into two or more days – to keep things budget-friendly, there are plenty of camping spots along the route. Non-resident camping in the famous Waiʻānapanapa State Park is just $30 per night, per pitch. Booking online in advance is essential.
While there are guided tours available, you can save money by renting a car and exploring at your own pace. Pack a picnic lunch, bring your camera, and prepare for a memorable day of sightseeing. The cheapest daily car rental rate is around $45.
For an even more affordable traverse, and if you’re a fit and proficient cyclist, then biking the famous stretch of road is one of the best ways to see Maui up close and personal. Bike rentals come at the fraction of the daily price of hiring a car.
Read: The most Instagrammed holiday destinations in the United States
Visit Haleakalā National Park
Haleakalā National Park is home to the dormant Haleakalā Volcano, which stands at over 10,000 feet above sea level. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from short walks to multi-day treks, catering to all fitness levels.
Though the hikes are certainly a wonderful way to see the volcano from a variety of angles, it’s at the summit that the real fun begins; watching the sunrise or sunset from the peak of Haleakalā is as breathtaking as it comes. Although there is an entrance fee for the park, it is relatively inexpensive and well worth the cost for the unforgettable experience.
Passes, which are valid for three days, cost $30 per private vehicle (of up to 14 people), $25 per motorcycle, and $15 per pedestrian or bicycle.
There are also several admission fee-free days throughout the year. They are as follows:
- January 16, 2023: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (same rules apply next year)
- April 22, 2023: First day of National Park Week
- August 4, 2023: Great American Outdoors Act Anniversary
- September 23, 2023: National Public Lands Day
- November 11, 2023: Veterans Day
Relax On Maui’s Beautiful Beaches
In Maui, Hawaii, most beaches are free to enter and open to the public, though do be warned that there are a few exceptions, where at some state beach parks and natural reserves, parking and/or entry fees are charged. These fees help manage overcrowding and preserve the fragile shoreline environments, though even these tend to be affordable.
In South Maui, Makena State Park and Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve in Kanahena (on the way to the famous La Perouse Bay) charge entrance fees of $5, with parking $10 per vehicle. In East Maui (Hana area), advance reservations and parking/entry fees are required for the previously mentioned Waianapanapa State Park, which is famous for its black sand beach.
Despite these exceptions, there are just so many idyllic, completely free beaches to enjoy in Maui. Hamoa Beach, located at the Hana end of Maui on that famous Road to Hana you’re already planning to traverse, is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Featuring a wide, golden shore and brilliant aquamarine waters, it’s backed by a thick forest of Hala trees. If there’s a more quintessentially Hawaiin view, we haven’t found it!
Another beach well worth checking out is Maluaka Beach in South Maui, which offers soft sand, crystal-clear water, and lava rock formations. Kapalua Bay Beach on West Maui is also highly regarded for its beauty; so much so, in fact, that it was rated the best beach in America in 2018 by Dr. Beach.
While all beaches in Maui are technically public, it’s essential to respect private property when accessing them. Most beaches that front private property have public access easements, so look for public beach access signs and park in designated public parking areas.
Discover Maui’s Rich History & Culture
Maui has a fascinating history and culture that can be explored without spending a fortune. Visit the historic town of Lahaina, once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and a bustling whaling port. Stroll down Front Street, lined with art galleries, shops, and restaurants housed in beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings. Don’t miss the massive Banyan Tree, planted in 1873, which now covers an entire block. Entrance to the Lahaina Heritage Museum is free, offering a glimpse into the island’s past.
Don’t stop there; The Maui Historical Society’s Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House showcases the history and heritage of Maui in a historic structure dating back to the mid-1800s. Admission is just $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $4 for kids and young adults. Toddlers and babies go free. Do be aware that Hale Hōʻikeʻike is only open Tuesday through Friday, from 10am to 2pm.
For art enthusiasts, Makawao, located on the mid-slopes of Haleakalā volcano, is a thriving arts community that was once named one of the top 25 arts destinations in the United States. Here, the Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center, housed in a 1917 mansion that is the only historic estate on the island that is free to enter, offers tours, exhibitions, and classes in various artistic mediums, from ceramics and jewellery making all the way to floral painting. Do be aware that you’ll have to pay for some of these.
Hike The Waihee Ridge Trail
For those who love hiking and stunning vistas, then, firstly, you’ve come to the right place; Maui is full of them! But more importantly, the Waihee Ridge Trail, a moderately challenging 5-mile round trip hike that takes you through lush forests and offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Waihee Valley, and Makamaka’ole Falls, is easily accessible and totally free to tackle, making it an ideal budget-friendly adventure.
Savour Affordable Local Cuisine
While dining out on the island can be expensive, there are plenty of budget-friendly options that offer mouthwatering meals without breaking the bank.
Leoda’s Kitchen & Pie Shop in Olowalu is a must-visit for anyone craving farm-fresh American comfort food and scrumptious desserts (the banana cream pie has an island-wide reputation). This cosy eatery with a plantation-era aesthetic offers a variety of sandwiches, mini pies, and other tasty treats at affordable prices.
For lovers of locally caught seafood, South Maui Fish Company is the perfect spot to enjoy some of the freshest fish on the island. The owners catch all their fish themselves, and the poke bowls are especially popular, often selling out due to their sub $20 price tag.
Also on the island’s south coast, another great option for seafood enthusiasts is Coconut’s Fish Cafe, named (by themselves) to be ‘’Maui’s top rated fast-casual fish restaurant’’. Known for their fish tacos packed – the coconut shrimp is also a must-try – you’ll get plenty of bang for your buck here.
If you’re in the mood for some top quality local Hawaiian cuisine, we’re in love with the food truck operation over at Kalei’s Lunch Box. Their Da Big Kahuna combo plate lunch clocks in at under $20 and features Mochiko chicken, hamburger steak, and Asian-crusted Mahi, offering a taste of the best Hawaii has to offer.
Zippy’s is another local favourite, known for its legendary plate lunches and delicious chilli. The chain also houses Napoleon’s, one of the best bakeries on the island, offering local flaky pastry turnovers with fruit fillings called Napples. Yours for just $5.
For more sweet stuff, head to Maui institution Matsumoto Shave Ice for a refreshing Hawaiian must-try dessert. It’s arguably the most popular shave ice store in the state and sells more than 1,000 bowls a day, with 33 flavours, including classics like lemon, blue pineapple and banana.
Finally, don’t miss out on Komoda, an iconic bakery that has been serving fresh Hawaiian-style baked goods since 1916. Their cream puffs, donuts on a stick, and guava malasadas are simply irresistible.
Or, simply follow your nose; there’s also a fish being grilled and a cold beer being cracked somewhere on the island! Sounds like heaven to us…
Attend A Free Cultural Event Or Festival
Throughout the year, Maui hosts various cultural events that are open to the public and often free of charge.
Every February (we realise this is one to pencil in for 2024), keep an eye out for the annual Maui Whale Festival, which celebrates the migration of humpback whales to the island’s warm waters and every day coincides with World Whale Day. The festival features live music, educational talks, and some amazing whale-watching opportunities. It is also, you guessed it, free to attend.
For something more regular, don’t miss the island’s Maui Friday Town Parties, held every Friday evening in different towns across the island. These lively gatherings feature live entertainment, local food, arts and crafts vendors, and special offers from market traders, merchants and more.
Speaking of Fridays, another event well worth attending if you’re on the island in early December is the Lahaina Second Friday Town Party, where you can enjoy live entertainment, food, and local crafts.
Another semi-regular highlight is the monthly Hawaiian Music Concert, held under the stars at the historic Baldwin Home Museum in Lahaina on the last Thursday of each month.
If you’re seeking something a little more casual, various shopping centres across the island host free Polynesian dance shows, lei-making lessons, and other activities that celebrate Maui’s unique culture. Get involved!