Maui: Not Just for the 1%

Posted on 24. Nov, 2011 by Guest Poster in Destinations, Guest posts, North America

Like many island destinations, Maui is a popular spot for luxe honeymoons and ritzy second homes. Namely, it’s a place built on tourism dollars—and those exclusive resorts and million-dollar view vistas don’t come cheap.

Even though Hawaii holidays are choice for the richest of the rich, Maui doesn’t have to break the bank. It’s a great escape to work on your tan, sip a mai-tai, squeeze in some surfing and just relax—all while soaking up those million-dollar views.

The beaches are free

It comes as no surprise than the highlight of this island paradise is its sweeping beaches. My favorite way to spend a sunny day—and in Maui, those are a certainty 75 percent of the year—is to pack some sandwiches, a Nerf football, a book and spend the day lazing on the beach and throwing the ball around in the water. Makena Beach—nicknamed Big Beach by locals—has crushing waves but a bit of shade, while Kamaole Beach is calm enough to throw the ball around in the waist-deep water.

Go for the food, not the view

Beachfront restaurants make no qualms about the beauty of a sunset dinner or drink—and it’s true, you’re paying to enjoy a fancy cocktail in front of a stunning sky. But there are plenty of affordable—and delicious—options if you don’t mind filling up and then walking down to the beach for the view. Eskimo Candy is tucked away in an industrial part of Kihei, but the fish tacos and fried prawns are the best I’ve tried—and they sell super fresh fish if you’re keen to cook it yourself. Alexander’s Fish and Chips (on South Kihei Road) is cheap and conveniently located across the street from the ocean and next to the night markets, while Sansei offers incredible sushi at a great value for money.

Go snorkeling

 While the Maui Aquarium is a fabulous rainy day option—it’s one of my favorite aquariums in the world for its variety and location—it’s much more fun, and much more affordable, to see the vibrant-colored fish up close and personal. You can rent snorkel equipment for just a few dollars a day from Boss Frog’s, check out their recommended snorkel spots and spend the morning exploring the reef. The earlier you get out there, the better: there’s more wildlife and fewer fellow snorkelers before 9 a.m.

It’s not just the beach

 Take a cruisey drive down the Haleakalā Highway to check out the dormant remains of the East Maui Volcano, or challenge yourself on one of the world’s most scenic drives up to Hana. With 600 curves and 54 bridges, the road twists past waterfalls and through rainforest. Taking anywhere from two to four hours, it’s the perfect example of the journey being the destination—and there are plenty of scenic vistas to capture!

Treat yourself to dessert

 Shave ice is the unofficial dessert of the Hawaiian islands: you can find it in little pop-up shops all over Maui. It’s super cheap and so refreshing on a hot, humid day. There are lots of local flavors to try: pineapple, guava, passionfruit, and it’s brilliant with a little vanilla ice cream on the bottom.

This post was sponsored by Escape Travel. 

Californian by birth, traveler at heart, Christine has worked in PR in Silicon Valley, bartended on the beaches of the French Riviera and backpacked solo through Europe. Now she’s living, working and eating her way through  Australia–and soon, Southeast Asia.  Follow her adventures at C’est Christine and at @camorose.

Tags: Hawaii, sponsored, USA