Maui on a budget

Hi,

We are going to Hawaii for two weeks and are going to spend 6 nights in Ohau 4 in Maui and 4 on the big Island

I have been looking into accomodation in maui and it all seems really expensive was looking at the Lahaina Ka anapali areas they seem to be the nicest.

Can you recommend any accommodation for about 100USD a night also are we best hiring a car to get to these palces?

Thanks

Maui on a budget

Yes - absolutely need a car on Maui - there is a shuttle service to west Maui IF you are staying at the places that host it; taxis are way outrageous - could afford 2 nights with rent car for taxi from main airport [OGG] in Kahului to west Maui. Factor in gas prices, which are higher on Maui than mainland or other islands for some reason. Per last TA post in August - was about $3.85/gallon.

Many prefer south Maui if looking for budget lodging - and if you are not absolutely tied to being near the beach or ocean front / ocean view - upcountry has some bargains as well.

$100/night is on the low end of bargain; be surprised if you found that on west Maui ... very lucky if you get it on south ... but occasionally possible.

We stay at a place for $55/night double occupancy, recommended by Frommers and Fodor%26#39;s - one of best budget lodging options on Maui, on Hali%26#39;imaile Road between Paia in north shore area [10 mins from airport] and Makawao in upcountry; perched on slopes of Haleakala, very convenient to north shore and upcountry, road to Hana ... only 30 minutes to south Maui and 8 of best beaches on the planet. You may want to check out Peace of Maui.

Maui on a budget

Have never used these folks but GLAD Travel claims ....

';There are over 1,500 lodging options throughout the Hawaiian Islands for $99 or less per night. These include varied lodging options like condos, budget hotels, cabins, B%26amp;B’s, inns, hostels, guest houses, and rental houses. The word ‘budget’ is used too liberally and many vendors don%26#39;t provide a concrete definition of budget or back it up with truly affordable options.'; However, Pickett maintains that GLAD brings needed clarity to consumers by concretely defining budget as $99 and under per night.';

www.gladtravel.com

A typical search gives you something like this ... definitely not fancy but $75-99 per night; can sleep 4. In south Kihei, which is not the best location for beach access ... north Kihei and Wailea are better but then the price goes up.

Would you consider dividing your time differently? I%26#39;d stay a few nights in Honolulu, then rent a car and drive around Oahu for a day. Then, if you really want to see Big Island, just go there and stay there for the remainder of your trip. Hawaii is a huge island, larger than all the others put together -- lots of driving to get around to all its many nicor-climates and sights.

Or, make Maui your second and last island. There%26#39;s a good choice of beaches, restaurants, signts, and you can find a $100 studio condo along the Kamaole area of S. Kihei that will be steps from a good beach.

You may not need a car while in Honolulu because there is public transportation, but it is more economical to hire one on any of the other islands where there is little public transport and taxi%26#39;s are outrageously expensive. You%26#39;ll want a car to tour around in, too.

If you can arrange your flights so that you fly into Honolulu and out of your second island, that will save time and trouble.

Although flight time is short between islands, each ';hop'; can eat half of one of your vacation days with security, luggage, turning in a car and renting another one, finding your next lodgings, etc. Hawaii has such a lovely slow pace; you don%26#39;t want to be rushing instead of enjoying.

im also traveling on a budget next may and i was very surprise to see many affordable lodging on vrbo.com.i%26#39;ve been to oahu 3 times and you really dont need to rent a car for your entire stay.if i had a choice i would spend less time in oahu and more days at the other islands.

I would second that about Kamaole. You might not need a car: the snorkeling, shopping and dining are within walking distance. I saw a fair amount of tourists taking the bus (some even hitchhiking, though I think they were locals).