Maui on a Budget

They say "The Best Things in Life are Free" and Maui has plenty of wonderful activities to offer if you are on a tight budget.

Walking the beaches in Maui is one such treat. The sand is clean, and on many of the Maui beaches, you can walk barefoot for miles and miles along the shoreline. From November through March you can watch the humpback whales right from the shore, as they come in very close when they are giving birth and training their new born calves. Don't believe it when people say you have to pay money to go on a whale watching tour. We have seen the most awesome displays of breaching and tail waving with our feet planted firmly on the ground. Add snorkeling and good old swimming and you have a fantastic day, especially if you are fortunate enough to meet up with "Honu" the Hawaiian green sea turtle. Since Honu, stands for luck the rest of your day is guaranteed to be spectacular.

Maybe after your swim in the warm tropical sea you might head for the old whaling village of Lahaina and explore the many shops and restaurants. Or take in the free Whaling museum at Whaler's Village and learn about bygone days of whaling ships and Missionaries.

A trip to Hana is a must, and it will only cost you the gas for your car. As you wind your way through spectacular tropical scenery and beautiful waterfalls along Maui's east coast, you will reach the charming town of Hana with its quaint general store, and a small selection of shops. If you keep going past Hana you will see the Seven Sacred Pools, a series of fresh water pools which go right down to the ocean. You may want to stop and take a dip to cool off before you take the road back to Kahului. If you want to make the trip a little more enjoyable and yet still affordable, consider staying in a Hana vacation rental, where you can cook your own meals.

The next day, you can pack a picnic lunch and head off to Haleakala, the dormant volcano. The summit rewards you with great views of the crater, and if you like hiking there are many trails to explore, where you can enjoy the flora and fauna of the area.

Another great day trip is to the last lava flow on Maui. To get there drive through Kihei and Wailiea and keep going until you find yourself surrounded by lava fields. If you drive to the end of the road you will come to Le Perouse Bay, a great snorkeling spot.

Maui does not have roads clogged with cars, trucks, and huge vehicles, so you can bicycle in safety if that's your bag. Untold millions of Maui lovers have returned to this paradise island for unforgettable vacations. Fabulous people, fabulous climate and affordable activities, add up to an unforgettable holiday for you and your family.

If you want to have self catering accommodations on Maui, you can share costs and save money by choosing from Maui Vacation Rentals.