Maui Paradise- Aloha Aku No, Aloha Mai No – (I give my love to you, you give your love to me.)

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Hello everyone!

You have no doubt read my posts on my Nicaragua trip last April with family and now I turn to a tropical paradise to review on how to do Maui, Hawaii on a budget.

I have been to West Maui 6 times and know how to do this expensive island on a budget. First, West Jet has amazingly affordable prices from Canada to fly to Kahalui Airport and depending on your airport of departure, there are direct flights available. If you look at seat sales 3-6 months in advance of travel, you will be able to snatch a direct flight with all taxes in for between $400-$500. From Vancouver, it is roughly a 5.5 to 6 hour flight. Once you arrive at Kahalui Airport, the first thing you notice is your senses are heightened by the glorious smells of hibiscus and plumeria as well as the heat and island breeze. It is a small airport outdoors and you can get to your destination by a car rental either with Budget or Alamo. Despite how pricey Maui can be, car rentals booked online in advance can be secured for between $25-$50 American a day. Conversely, you can pre-book a shuttle through Maui Executive Transportation at 808-661-8284. Bearing in mind, with this transportation, the driver has scheduled drop offs at the 2 major towns of West Maui: Kaanapali and Lahaina, so getting to your Airbnb or hotel may take an hour from the airport. If you do not drive, book a shuttle in advance, but if you want to rent a car, do so.

Once in Maui, Maui County bus service ( 877-242-5777) will take you to wherever you want for $4.00 American a day. Just ask the driver in the comfortably air-conditioned bus for a day pass. The buses leave every 40 minutes going south or north on Honoapi’ilani Highway ( Hawaii route 30).

My next post will be on accommodations, places to visit and eat. Speaking of food, the flavors of Maui, including the Maui onion, will leave you wanting more delectable cuisine from this beautiful island including the Hawaiian pupus (the wonderful mouth-watering appetizers), so please visit my blog to stay tuned for more information about Maui.