Spend Less, Enjoy More: The Ultimate Cheapskate's Guide to Maui!

Heads up Cheapskates! There's no shame in saving money when you go to Maui. Maui is a beautiful destination to visit, but it can be a very expensive place to vacation. However, there are ways to save money while still having an amazing experience. Here are some tips from a local expert:

1. Book your trip in late August, September or October: These months are considered the slowest months in Maui, and you'll find the best deals during this time. Tourist traffic is typically low during these months, so flights, accommodation, and car rentals are usually available at discounted rates.
2. Go to Costco as soon as you get to Maui: If you're looking to save money, head to Costco when you arrive in Maui. It's best to land between 5 and 6 pm, so you can go to Costco right away. Buying food in bulk at Costco can save you a lot of money on your groceries during your stay.
3. Get a condo with a kitchen: Renting a condominium with a kitchen is an excellent way to save money on your meals during your Maui vacation. Eating out at restaurants can be expensive, especially for a family of four. A simple breakfast can cost over $100. With a kitchen, you can prepare meals at home and save tons of money.
4. Stay on the leeward side of the island for good weather: The leeward side of the island, which includes Lahaina, Kihei, Wailea and Kapalua experiences the best weather in Maui. On the other side of the island, you may experience rainy, windy, and unpredictable weather any time of the year.
5. Book your trip through Airbnb or VRBO: If you want to save money on your Maui vacation, consider booking your trip through Airbnb or VRBO. These platforms allow you to find affordable vacation rentals, and you may be able to get in touch with the owner directly to negotiate a better deal.
6. Take advantage of gap pricing: KBM Hawaii offers gap pricing on their website, which means they have discounted rates for bookings that are shorter than a week. You can put together multiple gap-priced bookings to save money on your Maui vacation.
7. Visit Maui in mid-February to late March for whale watching: If you're interested in whale watching, plan your trip to Maui between mid-February and late March. This is when whale season peaks, and you'll see the most whales during this time.
8. Eat where the locals eat: If you want to experience great food in Maui, eat where the locals eat. They know where to find the best restaurants on the island. Consider trying out Paia Fish Market for budget dining, Sansei for sushi, and Chemos or Sorrento's for fine dining on the ocean.
9. Try the poke at Foodland Farms: If you're looking for the best poke on the island, head to Foodland Farms. It's hands-down one of the best places to try poke in Maui. They usually have at least half a dozen tupes and it's CHEAP.
10. Casual dining options: If you're looking for casual dining options, Nalu's in Kihei and Leilani's on the beach in Lahaina are great options. Leilani's even has a waterfront location, which makes it a perfect spot to enjoy a meal with a view.
11. Beaches are free and beautiful on Maui! The Top Beaches to Visit on Maui are:

• Kapalua Bay: Located on the west side of Maui, this beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and golden sand. It's also a great spot for snorkeling and scuba diving.
• Napili Bay: This crescent-shaped beach is situated on the northwest side of Maui and offers calm waters for swimming and a great view of Molokai Island.
• Hana: This small town is located on the east side of Maui and is known for its scenic drive, waterfalls, and black sand beaches.
• Kaanapali: Located on the west side of Maui, this beach is known for its long stretch of white sand and crystal-clear waters. It's also a popular spot for surfing, parasailing, and snorkeling.
• Kihei: This beach town is located on the south side of Maui and offers a variety of beaches, including Kamaole Beach Park, which has three different beaches, and Keawakapu Beach, which is known for its soft sand and gentle waves.
• Big Beach and Little Beach: These two beaches are located in Makena State Park on the south side of Maui. Big Beach is a long stretch of white sand, while Little Beach is a smaller, secluded beach popular with nudists.

12. You don't need an expensive tour to see turtles! The best Places to See Turtles on Maui are:

• Honoka: This beach is located in front of the new Pili Point condominiums on the west side of Maui. It's a great spot to see turtles and has a public access point.
• Blackrock Kaanapali: This beach is located on the west side of Maui and is named after a large rock formation that's a popular spot for cliff jumping. It's also a great spot to see turtles.
• Hole Keepa Beach: This beach is located on the west side of Maui and is a great spot to see turtles in the summer when the waves are calm.