4 Ways to Trim Your Travel Budget in Kihei, Hawaii

Kihei is a beautiful coastal area on the southwest side of Maui. With six miles of beaches and ample local wildlife to enjoy, this is the perfect destination for travelers who want a natural, laid-back taste of the Hawaiian islands. Just getting to Hawaii can take a chunk out of your travel budget, so it’s prudent for many visitors to seek frugal activities and money-saving strategies once they’re there. Try these tips for a budget vacation in beautiful Kihei.

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Eat in Your Room

If you enjoy a quiet meal in as much as an expensive restaurant dinner, consider booking a hotel with this in mind. A resort like the Maui Banyan Vacation Club makes it easy to prepare entire meals in the comfort of your room. With a refrigerator, oven, microwave, and cookware, you can easily fix any meal or snack in your suite with all the conveniences of home. Though groceries are more expensive in Hawaii than other parts of the United States, a meal in will still beat fine dining at local restaurants.

Enjoy Hotel Amenities

If you enjoy lazy days in the sun, your hotel’s own complimentary amenities may give you everything you need to plan a fulfilling day without spending a dime. The Maui Coast Hotel is just across the street from the beach, so you can stroll to the sand for a day of snorkeling, swimming, and sunning. Head back to the hotel in the evening for live poolside entertainment. With outdoor hot tubs, an outdoor pool, and a children’s wading pool, it’s easy to fill your day for free at a resort like this.

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Do Your Animal Spotting in the Wild

Maui’s wildlife is stunning, but you can spend over $100 for a family of four to visit popular attractions like the Maui Ocean Center. Do your animal spotting in the wild and you can save a significant amount. The Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge is open to the public on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visitors can enjoy self-guided walks through the refuge or participate in a ranger-led program. The refuge is home to the endangered ae’o and ‘alae ke’oke’o birds, hawksbill turtles, and Hawaii’s largest native insect – the blackburn’s sphinx moth.

Go Whale Watching for Free

Whale watching tours are readily available around Maui, but you don’t have to book a pricey cruise to see these majestic creatures. The Pacific Whale Foundation has volunteers and naturalists stationed at four locations around the island. They’re ready with whale spotting tips, ample information, and binoculars or scopes to help you see better.

You’ll find Pacific Whale Foundation participants at Papawai Point, Wailea Marriott, the Maui Ocean Club, and Fleetwood’s on Front Street, Lahaina. These whale watchers are only on hand on select days and times, so check with the foundation ahead of time to help you plan your visit.

 

Mandi Rogier is a resident of sunny central Florida who regularly contributes to several travel blogs and websites including Hipmunk. In her free time she enjoys visiting nearby theme parks, taking family road trips, and planning girlfriend getaways.

 

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