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By Nina Kokotas Hahn

Maui sunset enjoyed from our hotel balcony

Maui sunset enjoyed from our hotel balcony

Whether you’re planning an exotic honeymoon or simply dreaming up a romantic getaway, there’s one special beach destination that seems to cross every lover’s mind, at least a dozen times: Hawaii. Oh yes, I’m talking about the much-coveted Hawaii vacation –and more specifically, the island of Maui. With its idyllic beaches, off-the-charts seafood and tropical cuisine, and breath-taking natural beauty, Maui is the place for anyone couple needing to reconnect and inspire some good lovin’.

I have been lucky enough to enjoy two Maui vacations with my husband; the first time we celebrated a two-week honeymoon (boy, those were the days), and the second time we brought our then 2-year old daughter. Now that it’s said and done, here’s what I can share: Maui is definitely for lovers (and less so for parents with young children in tow). I can also say that despite what you’ve heard, a cheap Hawaii vacation to the island of Maui can be had with no major setbacks. It’s an incredibly diverse island with so muchto explore and experience, and all for much less than you may think.

Say Aloha to a cheap Maui activities

Maui  has no shortage of cheap (and incredible!) activities and dining options for couples on a budget. Here are six of my favorites:

Maui Island drive

On the way to Hana

Drive the island coast: If you stay on the northwest side of the island between Lahaina and Kapalua, you can enjoy several-day driving excursions around the island, all from the comfort of your own cheap rental car (go for the Jeep or convertible car). Start in Napilli with lunch at Maui Taco’s for super tasty fish tacos with all the fresh fixin’s. You’ll experience so much of the island’s natural beauty, including its dramatic coastlines, hidden beaches and coves (did anyone say pit stop?), charming beach towns, gorgeous waterfalls in lush fauna, grazing cattle, and fields of lava rocks. To overnight, stay in Paia or Hana.

Courtesy of Steve Jurvetson

Photo credit: Steve Jurvetson

2. Snorkel with a marine biologist: Maui is a plenty with snorkel and sailing options complete with meals and drinks, but nothing beats snorkeling with a marine biologist for less. My husband and I signed up for a snorkel excursion with Ann Fielding, who first spent time educating us about the fish we were about to see before leading us on a guided snorkel excursion at one of her favorite sites. She literally opened our eyes to so much more than we’d ever seen on previous snorkeling adventures. Afterward, we enjoyed a picnic lunch on the beach.

3. Beach comb: The beaches in Maui are too numerous to list, all so very different, and definitely worth exploring. Some of our favorites include: Makena Beach (Big Beach) on the southside, D.T. Fleming Beach on the western shore, and Oneuli Beach, south Maui’s only red sand beach.

Courtesy of charlesstarett

Photo credit: charlesstarett

4. Stroll Lahaina: We loved visiting Lahaina late in the afternoon or early evening to browse the stores before having dinner at one of Lahaina’s many wonderful restaurants. For a casual bite, try Jimmy Buffet’s Cheeseburger in Paradise. Sure it’s a chain burger joint, but it sits right on the water right off the main drag, offers wonderful open-air seating, and the food is always tasty. For a splurge, we love Pacifico’s on the south end of the Lahaina strip, where you can dine on the beach while lazing over ridiculously good food and wine. Make sure to call ahead and reserve seating just before sunset to witness the spectacular view.

5. Hike Haleakala: No trip to Maui would be complete without hiking the dormant East Maui Volcano more commonly known as Haleakala. Wake up early and drive to the summit of Haleakala National Park, where you can experience a stunning sunrise while viewing the volcano’s nearly 7-mile crater. Bike tours are offered and you can coast back down the mountain, but we preferred hiking a portion of the park instead.

Courtesy of LipBomb

Photo credit: LipBomb

6. Visit Paia: Check out the town’s unique shops, have dinner at the vegetarian-friendly Fresh Mint (try the lemongrass soup) or swing by Charley’s for a beer and a chance visit from one of its favorite customers, Willie Nelson. Make sure to stop at the nearby Ho’okipa Beach Park, where you’ll see some of the world’s best windsurfing.

Mega savings on Hawaii flights and hotels

Lucky for you, right now is an excellent time to score big savings on your Maui vacation (or any Hawaii vacation). Where cheap Maui hotels and cheap flights can be challenging to find, now you can get mega savings to Mauias part of our spring discount days. Just book your flight and hotel together, and you’ll get serious discounts you won’t find if you book separately. Be sure to act fast — this deal won’t last long.

Ready for some Aloha?

Check out these Maui flights and hotels now for your perfectly cheap and romantic Maui vacation!

Nina Kokotas Hahn recently joined CheapTickets as a Writer-Editor.  Globetrotting since infancy, she’s also the daughter of a travel agent and knows a thing or two about finding great travel deals.

Tagged: Food & drink, Romance & honeymoon, Tips & advice, Vacation packages

Note: CheapTickets compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site.

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