10 Things to do in Maui on a Budget

So you’re planning on spoiling yourself with a Hawaii getaway but don’t want to break the bank? You’ll be surprised to learn how easy that is. 

Going on a vacation doesn’t have to be expensive, and we’ll show you how. For the best time in Hawaii, here’s our rundown on the exciting things to do in Maui on a budget!

Top 10 Exciting Things To Do in Maui on A Budget

While Maui has no shortage of luxury activities and expensive, exclusive experiences, it also offers exciting, affordable adventures a woman over 50 like you won’t forget. So treat yourself to a much-deserved retirement vacation by including the following in your itinerary:

1. Step Into a Painting at a Lavender Farm

Visit the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm for a refreshing change from the surrounding beach scenes. You’ll feel like you’re stepping into something like a fairytale on the lavender farm located on the hillsides of the Haleakala Crater.

Capture memorable moments that you’ll treasure forever at this scenic place, with gorgeous lavender serving as your background. Don’t forget to bring your camera charged and ready to snap!

This beauty is peppered with up to twenty-five varieties of lavender plants, hydrangeas, olive trees, and other gorgeous vegetation.

They have a shopping area where you can get souvenirs to carry with you that you’ll treasure forever. You can purchase things made from lavender like oils and soothing, local soaps. This is one of the many enjoyable opportunities to experience Upcountry Maui.

2. Track Down the Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees in Maui

For a tropical paradise like no other, track down the rainbow eucalyptus trees in the area. Planted centuries ago by the locals, the trees have grown wild and mesmerizing. They are visible along the route to Hana if you visit the Ke’anae Arboretum or near Haleakala.

Take in the splendor of these one-of-a-kind trees. It’s as if rainbow candy was sprinkled on the trees, giving it an amazing look! 

The eucalyptus appears painted, but all the glamorous hues are Mother nature showing off. The multi-colored patterns are caused by areas of the bark that peel at different periods during the year, revealing the bright-green shade of the newer bark. As this dries, this evolves into beautiful colors, from bright blues to bold purples, oranges, and even deep maroon hues.

3. Soak in the Sun and People Watch on Kaanapali Beach

There is no need to fork out lots of money on a pricey hotel to get a view of the famous Kaanapali Beach. You’ll be spoiled with the beautiful scenery at the gorgeous beaches in Maui, and since most of these are publicly owned, you won’t have to worry about paying a lot for an unobstructed, gorgeous sunset and sunrise view.

4. Find a Hidden Beach on Maui

Well, maybe the title here is misleading as every island has already been discovered and named, but you’ll be more than thrilled to find an empty one, so it feels like it’s just you in the world. So challenge yourself and go on a little adventure! Look for an unoccupied beach to lounge in and enjoy it all on your own!

One of these is Honomanu Bay. It has an unmarked entrance making it feel like unconquered land. It’s usually less crowded than other beaches.

Grab your sunscreen and towel. Go camping and enjoy a few hours of solitude while you soak up the sun.

5. Sunrise Above the Clouds on Mt. Haleakala

One thing you should have at the top of your list when you take a trip to Maui is watching the sunrise above the clouds on Mount Haleakala! You can get your ohs and ah’s in a tailored experience of Haleakala, so prepare to have your mind blown.

 You could either rent a vehicle to take you up to the summit of the dormant volcano or join a group tour for a shared experience. 

If you’re lucky enough, you won’t just get a magnificent view of the first sight of the rays of the morning sun but also catch a glimpse of the rainbow eucalyptus, among other charming views there.

6. Maui Waterfalls

If you don’t dive into the gorgeous waterfalls, can you really say you visited Maui? The island of Maui is abundant with waterfalls, and several of these waterfalls have pools excellent for swimming.

Twin Falls is one of the best spots for a deep cooling dive below a waterfall. It’s located near Haiku, at the start of the famous route to Hana. This is the perfect spot to explore alone or with a friend. Take your water-resistant phone case and water shoes; you’ll need them.

Some of the perfect spots to chase waterfalls include:

• Makamakaole Falls 
• Waimoku Falls and the 7 Sacred Pools 
• Twin Falls 

7. Check out The Black Sands in Honokalani Beach

Honokalani Beach, located on your way to Hana, is one of Maui’s most intriguing and stunning beaches. Make sure to plan your time well to properly explore the entire beach and take in all the glorious beauty. After all, how often do you find yourself on a black sand beach?

Housed within the state park, you’ll find numerous lava tubes and caverns to explore, and you can take an Instagram-worthy photo of the mysterious cave near the beach entrance. You’ll fall in love with the gradient of the sand texture and see the history of how the beach came to be. 

You can also go on a relaxed adventure and take a mini hike on a track with a view of the striking blue sea contrasting the dark sands. Be sure to carry a good pair of reliable shoes to ensure you’re ready for any adventure.

8. Snorkeling in Maui

If you’re a water lover, then you’ll love this stop! Take a boat and explore Molokini to discover some of the most incredible snorkeling spots. You could even spot a couple of fishes and turtles while in the water. 

Most locations provide snorkel gear, but if you’re going for a couple of days, you might want to bring your own.

There are so many free and exciting water activities in Maui! Even if you’re not too keen on snorkeling, you could choose to relax at the beach, go for a cooling swim, or simply relax and watch the sunset.

The island has crystal clear water, allowing you to get obstruction-free views of gorgeous water creatures like turtles, fascinating octopuses, eels, manta rays, and various kinds of fish. Here are some of the best beaches to visit if you want to snorkel: 

• Black Rock
• Kahekili Beach
• Honokeana Bay (plenty of turtles)
• Molokini Crater (one of the most incredible spots for snorkeling enthusiasts)

9. Take a Hike

Maui has plenty of hiking trails for different fitness levels, from laid-back, family-friendly trekking walks to expert overnight adventures. Hiking is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable methods to explore unknown lands. This is not only free, but it also gets you out in nature, which is good for your soul and is the epitome of fitness travel.

One of the must-see places is Ke’anae Arboretum which also serves as a home to tons of plants unique only to Maui. It’s located on Hana Highway. This beauty is just one of many spots you can enjoy when hiking on Maui. So make sure you pack your good hiking shoes.

Here are the top Maui hikes you should not miss:

• Easy, beginner level – Ohai Trail 
• Beginner level of families – Kapalua Coastal Trail 
• Intermediate level – Waihe’e Ridge Trail (with charming views of the coast and valley)
• Intermediate to advanced level – Pipiwai Trail (concludes at a 400-foot waterfall after passing through a lovely bamboo forest)
• Intermediate to hard level – Kings Highway (for a thrilling, rough trail near the unspoiled Hawaiian shore
• Intermediate to hard level – Mahana Ridge (peppered with fresh fruit trees and a thick forest with occasional glimpses of Moku Pe’a and Honokahua Gulches
• Advanced level – Lahaina Pali Trail 
• Challenging level – Sliding Sands (leads to the crater floor at the top of Haleakala.

10. Whale Watching in Maui

The whale-watching season runs from December through May, with February being the busiest month. So if you’re a big fan of whales, you might want to plan your trip to coincide with these dates. These gigantic marvelous creatures frolicking in the water are truly breathtaking. 

Get a chance to behold the beauty of the thousands of humpback whales flocking to Hawaii each winter to reproduce and give birth in the warm waters. They offer different experiences whether you want to view them from a boat, catamaran, land, or raft. 

They’re often spotted on the strait between Maui and Lanai, so you’ll be able to spot them with no problem from the shore of West Maui during peak whale watching season. Some of the perfect spots to whale watch from the coast include:

• The scenic lookout at Papawai Point on the Honoapiilani Highway
• Kapalua Bay Beach
• Kaanapali Beach
• Napili Beach

Conclusion

Are you excited about your vacation to Maui? Hawaii can indeed be pricey, but you can enjoy your trip without going bankrupt if you plan it right. There are many exciting things to do at affordable rates or completely free.

What activity are you most excited about that you’ll be adding to your list? Hopefully, you found our list of the most exciting things to do in Maui on a budget helpful as a guide when you’re ready to say Aloha!

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