Maui Adventures for Every Budget: Tours and Accommodations to Fit Your Wallet
Maui is a notoriously pricey destination. But… pssst, we’ll let you in on a secret. By researching well and booking far in advance, you can actually find some great deals on Maui activities and accommodations. And luckily, we’ve done some of the hard work for you. We’ve rooted out a slew of Maui tours and accommodations to fit virtually any budget. Whether you want to ball out or enjoy Maui on the cheap, here are ten of our favorite Maui activities and accommodations to suit any budget.
(Disclaimer: We know all budgets are relative. The following Maui activities are hosted by trusted local tour operators and provide excellent value for their cost. Please remember rates are subject to change based on seasonality and availability.)
1. Redline Rafting Molokini Snorkel – From $129
Molokini is one of the most popular, awe-inspiring snorkeling spots on Maui. But unless you know a local with a boat, getting here requires taking a tour.
Some tours are over-the-top expensive; others are suspiciously cheap. But you know what they say… You get what you pay for.
Want to get the best bang for your buck? Set your sights on Redline Rafting. Their two-hour tour packs in plenty of educational value – and lots of snorkel time. Book their 7 am tour, and you’ll be snorkeling the crater virtually by yourself. That alone is worth its weight in gold.
2. Kihei Bay Vista – From $135
With rates starting at $135 per night, Kihei Bay Vista is the definition of a steal. And if you’ve looked at Maui hotel prices recently, you know how valuable a quaint, affordable Maui condo really is.
Kihei Bay Vista is tucked on the northern end of Kihei, across the street from the protected waters at Kalepolepo Beach Park. Units here are one bedroom and one bath, with full kitchens and access to laundry services. The property also has a swimming pool, jacuzzi, BBQ grills, and putting green.
3. Maui Pineapple Tour – From $75
Head up the slopes of Haleakala for a fun, family-friendly tour with a sweet keepsake. The Maui Pineapple Tour shows you around one of the last working pineapple plantations in the United States.
You’ll learn about the prosperous history of Haliʻimaile, tour the Maui Gold factory, and head out into the fields to see how pineapples are harvested. You’ll also get to taste pineapple picked fresh in the fields and take home your own airport-ready Maui Gold pineapple.
4. Private Custom Sailing Charter – From $1,200
Before you balk at the price tag, remember — hiring a private sailing charter is as luxe as it gets – especially with Maui Custom Charters.
True luxury awaits you aboard Nova, Maui Custom Charters’ stunning 42’ sailboat. Picture yourself sailing through Maui’s cerulean seas, nibbling on a charcuterie board, and soaking up the sun with just your closest friends and family aboard. Sounds pretty nice, right?
Two-hour charters start at $1,200, and six passengers are welcome aboard – that’s just 200 bucks a person. As you whale watch, snorkel, or just enjoy the sunset with your favorite people by your side, you’ll never want to pack aboard a crowded tour boat again.
5. Glass Bottom Boat – From $49.95
Aboard the Reef Dancer, you can explore the bottom of the ocean without ever getting wet. This unique boat is like a semi-sub, with a submerged hull outfitted with seats and large windows.
You’ll get up close views of underwater critters like tropical fish and sometimes even sea turtles and eels. The tour also includes a dive show, which brings you face-to-face with some of the reef’s smaller creatures, like urchins and sea cucumbers.
6. Maalaea Banyans #315 – From $165
With ocean views, a central location, and access to a tranquil beach, Maalaea Banyans #315 is a paradise for bargain-savvy travelers.
Maʻalaea is a breezy village tucked on the oceanfront, about halfway between Kihei and Lahaina. You’ll enjoy the luxury of feeling like you’re off the beaten path while some of Maui’s best attractions are mere minutes away.
Plus, Maalaea Banyans #315 boasts an oceanview lanai, full kitchen, washer/dryer, and heated pool and jacuzzi.
7. Humble Tours Haleakala Walking Tour – From $189
Get an in-depth look at Haleakala Crater on a walking tour with Humble Tours. Your expert guide will get you up the mountain’s winding roads safely and efficiently, stopping at all the lookouts and points of interest most visitors miss.
You’ll soak in the splendid views of Haleakala’s summit and learn about the area’s mind-blowing geological history before descending to Hosmer Grove for a nature walk and picnic.
The day includes transportation from Central Maui to Haleakala Crater, national park entrance fees, lunch, snacks, and water.
8. Adventure Whale Watch – From $135 (From December to April only)
Kai Kanani’s adventure whale watch is the cream of the crop. There are several factors that make this excursion worth every penny.
First, the crew. Kai Kanani’s crew are excellent at what they do and have a way of making you feel like family. A marine naturalist is also aboard each tour to narrate whale behavior and work the hydrophone – a device that allows you to listen to whales singing underwater.
Next, Kai Kanani departs from the sand at Maluaka Beach. As one of the only tour boats to operate in South Maui, this whale watch tour gives you the sense of being on the water by yourself. Oh, and did we mention snacks and drinks are included too?
9. Kahana Villa #F108 – From $132
This bright and spacious one-bedroom condo is the perfect home base for all Maui adventures. Kahana Villa is located directly across the street from the turquoise waters at Kahana Beach and is only 10-15 minutes from the epic shopping and dining in Lahaina and Kaʻanapali.
#F01 is equipped with all the comforts of home – and then some. Enjoy home-cooked meals prepared in your full kitchen, take advantage of the in-unit washer/dryer, and enjoy lazy days by the Kahana Villa pool.
10. Haleakala Sunrise Tour – From $210
Watching the sunrise from Haleakala is one of the top Maui activities. But the logistics aren’t so glamorous.
First, you have to secure your sunrise reservation – a feat in itself. Next, you have to wake up at an outrageous time and drive 30+ miles through the dark to reach the summit. But what if you could pay someone to handle all the humdrum parts for you?
That’s where Haleakala EcoTours comes in. They’ll handle your sunrise reservation, pick you up, and get you to the summit with time to spare. On top of that, you’ll also get an informative tour of Haleakala, your national park fees are also covered, and they’ll even treat you to breakfast at Island Fresh Cafe in Paia.
***Curate your Hawaii experience even more by tuning in to the oh-so-enjoyable The Aloha 360 Podcast. Gain insight into where to go, what to do, and what NOT to do so you can have the best visit possible.***
Looking for more ways to save while on Maui? Check out this list of free things to do on Maui. We hope to see you here enjoying the island soon. A hui hou!
0 Comments