Maui is one of the top honeymoon destinations in the world, but it can be quite expensive. Hotel and car rental prices are skyrocketing with the return to travel in Hawaii right now. But there is a way around it, here is my guide to Maui, Hawaii on a budget.
We are very active and adventurous when we travel, so it made more sense to bring our “hotel room” along with us. Enter the campervan, thank you Suite Vans Maui for the sweet ride. A campervan rental is a fraction of the cost of a hotel and car rental combined. Outdoorsy is another great option for campervan rentals. We used Hipcamp and Camp Olowalu to book camp sites since all state and national park campgrounds are still closed in Hawaii.
Our flights were purchased with Southwest Airlines during one of their sales. We also currently have the companion pass, so I flew for free. Plus, my husband used points to buy his flights. Our flights were essentially free, we just had to pay the service fee. Food has always been expensive in Hawaii, one of the downfalls of being so isolated. We brought some snacks with us on the plane and when we landed we headed straight to a local grocery store to pick up foods we could eat on the go and easily make in the campervan. We also ate out a few times to support local businesses, check out my suggestions on where to eat and drink below.
How to visit Hawaii right now:
- Provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test from a State of Hawaii approved Trusted Testing Partner taken within 72 hours of boarding the last flight of your trip to Hawaii OR a 10-day quarantine (we did our test through CVS Health)
- Create a Safe Travels account at travel.hawaii.gov and complete the necessary information required. Make sure to have your QR code and proof of negative test available upon arrival. If you have a layover in Honolulu you will need 2 QR codes.
Maui specific:
- Download the AlohaSafe Alert app before arrival
- A second test may be required upon arrival (this was not the case for us)
What to do
Haleakalā National Park
As soon as we landed we headed up to the summit of Haleakalā National Park. We were sure to pack our Parks Pass and grabbed a map on the way in. We didn’t have time for any longer hikes before the sun set, so we did some quick walks to lookouts. Our first stop was Leleiwi Overlook, a 0.3 mile walk, where we saw an amazing view into the crater and the clouds floating over the crater wall. Next, we explored the summit as the sun was getting low and casting major shadows within the crater. I really wanted to do part of the Keonehe’ehe’e (Sliding Sands) trail, which brings you down into the crater, but we didn’t have time for it.
For the sunset we headed down to Kakahaku Overlook, where there was virtually no one around. This was the perfect spot to watch the sunset from the warmth of our campervan. Be sure to bundle up because it will be quite chilly and windy up there. Remember that reservations are needed to view the sunrise at the summit of Haleakalā National Park. But sunset is just as good, no reservations needed.
The Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park is down towards the end of the Road to Hana along the coast. We did the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls and the Pools of ‘Ohe’o when we did the Road to Hana. I will discuss that in detail below.
Scuba diving (or snorkeling)
I hadn’t been scuba diving since before the pandemic and I was craving it something bad, so diving on this trip was a must. We went through Maui Dive Shop and dove Molokini and Turtle Town. Maui dive shop gave us first class service and breakfast, snacks, beverages and lunch were included. It is no joke when they say the visibility at Molokini is epic. We didn’t see any Hawaiian sea turtles at turtle town, but a manta ray graced us with its presence. My apologies for the crappy underwater photos, I had to use screen grabs from my GoPro footage that had no red filter. I had brought my underwater camera, but didn’t charge it (insert eye roll here). When planning your itinerary, keep in mind that you can’t go up to higher elevations after scuba diving. That’s why we did Haleakalā as soon as we landed.
Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is a must-do on any travelers trip to Maui. We stayed the night in Hana, but if you plan to do the Road to Hana in one day definitely get an early start. People often say that you need four-wheel drive in order to do the Road to Hana, but that is only true if you want to drive all the way around the East side of the island past the Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park (please note that some rental car agencies restrict you from driving this portion of road). There is a five mile stretch of road that is not paved past the Kīpahulu District, but most people just drive to Hana and go back the way they came.
When driving the Road to Hana please be mindful of locals and let them pass. They drive this road almost every day and know it much better than you do. There are sections of the road that are only one lane, when the road opens up or there are pull-offs wave faster cars past you and throw them the shaka, it will be much appreciated.
Waikamoi Falls
A major part of driving the Road to Hana is scouting out the perfect swimming hole to jump into. Well we found the perfect pit stop for a quick dip to cool off here, at Waikamoi Falls. You can jump from the falls into the swimming hole and then hike up past the first falls to an even larger waterfall. There are even rope swings if you’re feeling like Tarzan.
Halfway to Hana
You will need a snack along the way, this is a great stop for some sweet banana bread. The bananas on Maui are extra sweet and this banana bread was great to have at breakfast with our coffee and tea. They also serve up some other snacks and drinks if banana bread is not your thing.
Coconut Glen’s
If the heat is getting to you, stop here for some vegan ice cream to cool down. They have unique flavors such as green dragon (matcha and mint) and golden cream (turmeric, honey and black pepper). The funky vibes are super Instagram friendly too.
Wai’anapanapa State Park
It was not exactly easy to visit this park during the pandemic, we had to purchase tickets weeks in advance and reserve certain time slots. We ended up buying two time slots because we weren’t sure of our timing yet. Wai’anapanapa State Park is known for its black sand beach. I will say that I was more impressed by the black sand beach down in Waipio Valley, but this beach is much more accessible and had a great coastal hike past it.
Wailua Falls
We were lucky to pass by Wailua Falls early in the morning with no one there on our way to the Kīpahulu District to hike the Pipiwai Trail. We were trying to get there bright and early, but the gates were closed, so we ended up going back to Wailua Falls. There were a few people here when we returned, but we hung out for a bit taking pictures. Bring your own inner tube for some extra fun and super cool photos!
Pipiwai Trail + Waimoku Falls
Please note that the gate to the parking lot does not open until 9am. We made the mistake of showing up at 7am trying to beat the crowds, but not realizing the parking lot would be gated. This four mile out and back trail brings you through a magical bamboo forest and ends at an epic waterfall. I highly suggest doing this hike first thing to avoid crowds and the heat.
The Pools at ‘Ohe’o
Also known as the Seven Sacred Pools, this short loop trail (less than a mile) will give stunning coastal views and views of the Pools at ‘Ohe’o. This trail also features archeological sites and a beautiful banyan tree. Swimming closures were in effect when we visited.
Where to eat & drink
Paia Bowls
Everywhere I travel I always look for an açaí place, I am always craving fresh fruit and what better place to find that than Hawaii. Paia bowls offers up fresh açaí bowls in the cute, little town of Paia, great for a pitstop before hitting the Road to Hana. I got the Blue Majik Bowl and my husband got the Açaí Surf Bowl.
Maui Brewing Co.
I wasn’t expecting much from their beers, but I was pleasantly surprised. The Pineapple Chi Chi was my favorite, easy to drink and great tropical flavors! We ordered the spicy edamame and the crispy calamari for appetizers. We got a variety 12pk of their seltzers to go and they were great for drinking on the beach at sunset, Açaí was my favorite flavor.
Colleen’s at the Cannery (bar side)
I had heard rave reviews about this place when doing my research and it seemed to be popular with the locals. Colleen’s offers up super fresh, unique cocktails that are to dye for and the passionfruit cheesecake is a must! Checkout their happy hour from 3:30-5:30pm.
Where to stay
Paia Inn
This would be my first choice of places to stay in Maui if we didn’t take the campervan route. Located in the same cute, little town as Paia Bowls. If you are like me and like to avoid large resorts, this is the Maui slice of heaven you’ve been looking for. Paia Inn offers boutique-style rooms, suites and a three bedroom beach house.
Suite Vans Maui
Hotels and car rentals are expenisive in Hawaii, especially now as people start to travel again. If you are an adventurous traveler and want to see the whole island then this is a no-brainer. You will save a ton of money and have a unique experience. Lindsay of Suite Vans Maui outfitted this van herself and it comes with everything you could ever need, even a space toilet! This was our first campervan experience and we will definitely be back for more.
I hope you enjoyed my guide to Maui, Hawaii on a budget. As always, I wish we had more time in the destination. Some things we missed out on were whale watching with Pacific Whale Foundation and mountain biking down Haleakalā with Bike Maui.
If you liked this blog post, be sure to check out Top 10 things to do: Oahu, Hawaii! Don’t forget to book your trip with your favorite travel planner, yours truly.
