How Much Does a 1-Week Maui Trip Cost in 2024?


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Aerial view of a beach in Maui for snorkeling

Aloha! | E Komo Mai

How much does a week’s Maui trip cost? You’re dreaming of volcanic landscapes, beautiful beaches, and maybe even humpback whales but you also need to be realistic in terms of cost.

Is a Maui vacation even in your budget? A week in Maui doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, it’s all about planning and smart spending.

By knowing the costs of accommodations, activities, and more you can have a magical trip without breaking the bank.

Factors that Affect the Maui Trip Cost

Your Maui vacation budget depends on a few things, your travel dates, trip length, and travel style.

Time of Year: High Season vs Low Season in Maui

Knowing when to go to Maui is key to saving money. Peak season with high prices and big crowds is mid-December to mid-April. Better rates and fewer people during shoulder season (spring and fall) and low season (summer).

Length of Stay in Maui

A week in Maui is a good balance of exploring and relaxing. Although seven days in Maui might seem long, there’s so much to see across the island’s many regions.

Seven days is a good starting point but you could easily spend 10 to 14 days in Maui.

Travel Style

Your travel style affects cost. Luxury travelers, budget backpackers, and everyone in between have different needs and wants but almost anyone can do a week in Maui if you plan carefully.

What Does a Trip to Maui Cost?

So how much does a week in Maui actually cost? Below, we’ll go through the breakdown so you can have a better understanding of what to expect, but generally speaking, aim for anywhere between $2,000 and $5,000.

Flights to Maui

Flights are usually the biggest expense of a trip to Hawaii. Booking in advance and using travel rewards programs can save you money.

According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, most of domestic flights to Hawaii came from Los Angeles International Airport in 2022.

Search for flights from Los Angeles as more flights means more supply and demand and, therefore, lower prices.

Southwest Airlines now flies to the Hawaiian Islands and often has affordable options and inter-island flights. Hawaiian, American, and Delta fly directly to Maui.

Use Skyscanner, Kayak, and Momondo to compare prices and find good deals. Roundtrip flights from the US mainland to Maui cost from $500 to $1,500 or more per person depending on the time of year and your departure city.

Accommodation Cost in Maui

Maui accommodation costs vary greatly depending on where you stay. High-end resorts and luxury hotels in Wailea and Ka’anapali can cost $300 to over $1,000 per night.

Mid-range hotels and vacation rentals are cheaper and often cost around $150 to $300 per night.

If you plan to travel to Maui on a budget, there are hostels and campgrounds at $50 to $100 per night. Booking in advance, especially during shoulder season (April, May, September, and October) will get you better rates.

Also, consider staying in less touristy areas like Kihei or Wailuku for more affordable options. Don’t forget to factor in resort fees and parking which can add up quickly.

Maui has accommodations to fit all budgets so you can enjoy paradise without breaking the bank.

Transportation costs

Transportation costs in Maui include car rentals, public transportation, and other travel expenses. Renting a car is the easiest way to get around the island, and prices range from $50 to $100 per day depending on the vehicle and rental duration.

Keep in mind that gas prices in Maui are higher than on the mainland at around $4.60 per gallon. If you want to save money Maui’s public bus system is a cheaper alternative at $2 per ride or $4 for a day pass.

Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available but can be expensive for longer trips. If you’re staying in a resort area some hotels offer complimentary shuttle service to nearby attractions, which is convenient.

Alternative transportation in Maui: Save money while exploring

Here are two campervan rental companies in Maui. You can skip the rental car and hotel costs:

  • Zazu Campers: Zazu Camper rents Jeeps with four-person Tepui tents, pillows, sheets, a five-gallon solar shower, chairs, dinnerware, a propane stove and more for $179 a day.
  • Maui Camper Rental: Maui CampCar offers two-person campervans and roof-top tent setups with camping gear starting at $89 a day.

Campgrounds start at $30 a night so this is a budget-friendly and fun way to see Maui.

Here are some of Maui’s best campsites:

  • Waiʻānapanapa State Park: Located on the east side of the island, this park has black sand beaches. Campervan permits are $30 a night.
  • Camp Olowalu: On the west side of Lahaina, Camp Olowalu is on 700 acres. There are various campsites from tent-only to glamping cabins. You can volunteer for activities like planting native trees or working with local groups like the conservation group.

If you’re renting a car, factor in parking which is $10 a day in some areas. Rideshares are an option when parking is limited but can get pricey.

Cost of Food and Drink in Maui

Food is another cost to consider. Eating out for every meal adds up fast. Many hotels provide breakfast but you’ll pay at least $60 a day for two people for other meals and snacks. Look for reasonably priced local restaurants.

For example, try Fork & Salad in Kihei and Kahului for healthy meals from $10.25 to $15.25. Cafe O’Lei in Kihei for a plate lunch for $12.95 or try flatbreads topped with kalua pork, garlic mushrooms, and other toppings for $11.95 to $14.95.

For an authentic local breakfast grab loco moco for $13.95 from the Sunrise Cafe in Lahaina. Loco moco is a Hawaiian comfort food with white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy.

Don’t forget about happy hour. Many places offer food and drink specials. If your hotel room allows, cook a few meals, which always saves you money.

Cost of Activities and Day Tours in Maui

Prices for activities and day tours in Maui vary, so there’s something for every budget. Popular activities like snorkeling tours, whale watching in Maui, and helicopter rides are $75 to $300 per person.

Snorkeling tours to Molokini Crater and Turtle Town are $100 to $150 per person including gear and snacks. Whale-watching tours (winter months) are $50 to $100 per person. For the ultimate experience, helicopter tours of the island are $200 to $300 per person.

Surf lessons are $75 to $100 per session. If you’re on a tight budget, hiking, beach time and sightseeing are free, and that’s excellent when budgeting your trip to Maui cost.

Whether you’re splurging on an adventure or enjoying the free stuff, Maui has plenty of ways to make memories.

Free Things to Do in Maui

Maui has plenty of free activities to enjoy the island without spending a penny.

  1. Beach time: Maui’s beaches like Kaanapali and Makena Beach are free to access and perfect for swimming, sunbathing and beachcombing. Bring a picnic and spend the day in the sun.
  2. Iao Valley State Park: Walk through this beautiful park and see the Iao Needle. Great for a peaceful walk and some great photo ops.
  3. Road to Hana: Drive the Road to Hana and stop at the waterfalls, beaches and viewpoints along the way. The drive itself is a free adventure with great natural beauty.

These are just a few ways to enjoy Maui’s natural beauty without spending a dime.

Conclusion:

Maui is a trip of a lifetime but you need to plan and budget. The island is expensive due to the luxury and imported goods.

But there are ways to manage. You’ll spend between $2,000 to $5,000 for a week, which includes flights, accommodation, transportation, activities, and food.

By choosing budget accommodations, eating at local spots, and enjoying free activities like hiking and beach days you can have your dream Maui vacation and still be affordable.

Plan properly and you can have it all Maui has to offer without breaking the bank!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much for a Week in Maui?

A couple on a moderate budget can expect to spend $2,000-$5,000 for a week in Maui. Flights, accommodation, transport, activities and food.

Prices vary depending on travel style and time of year, with peak season and luxury being the most expensive. But with some planning and budgeting, you can have a great Maui vacation within this range.

Is Maui Expensive?

Yes, Maui is expensive. The cost of shipping goods to the island contributes to the higher prices and it’s a luxury destination.

That being said, there are ways to save, staying in budget accommodation, eating at local restaurants, and enjoying free activities like hiking and beachcombing. With some planning, you can enjoy Maui without breaking the bank.

Is 7 Days Too Long in Maui?

No, that’s definitely not too long. Maui has so much to offer, natural beauty, activities, and cultural and historical sites, you can easily fill 7 days or more.

Whether you’re spending some time at the beach, hiking in national parks, or experiencing local culture, there’s plenty to do.

A week gives you time to fully enjoy the island without feeling rushed and have a relaxing vacation.

How Much for a 1 Week Hawaii Vacation?

The cost of a 1 week Hawaii vacation, including Maui, depends on many factors, travel style, island choice, time of year, and budget. Generally, you can expect to spend $2,000-$5,000 for a moderate budget trip.

Flights, accommodation, transport, activities and food. Plan and budget accordingly to manage costs and have a great trip to the Hawaiian island.