Cost To Visit Maui: Visitors Travel Budget Guide For 2026
This Maui travel cost guide breaks down exactly what to budget for hotels, food, transportation, and activities during every season in 2026.
Planning a trip to Maui? In this in-depth cost guide, we break down everything you need to budget — including hotels, food, car rentals, flights, and top attractions — plus when to go for the best value.
Whether you’re looking for a luxury oceanfront resort or a budget-friendly beach vacation, this guide gives you all the information you need to plan your trip around your budget.
💡 Is Maui Expensive to Visit?
Yes — Maui is one of the most expensive Hawaiian islands to visit. Compared to the mainland U.S., prices for hotels, food, gas, and activities are significantly higher. In fact, for many travelers, Maui can be on par with destinations like the Maldives or Bora Bora when it comes to nightly resort rates.
But don’t worry — budget travelers can still make it work. With smart choices like condo rentals, grocery store meals, and exploring free natural sights, Maui offers unforgettable experiences without requiring a luxury budget.
🗓️ Seasonal Cost Breakdown
Maui’s weather is great year-round, but prices vary significantly depending on when you go.
🔥 Peak Season (Mid-December – March, June – August)
- Why it's expensive: Holidays, whale watching season (winter), and summer family travel.
- Expect: Fully booked hotels, crowded beaches, and high airfare.
- Tip: Book flights and lodging 6+ months ahead for peak travel.
🌼 Shoulder Season (Mid-April – Early June, September – Mid-December)
- Why it’s ideal: Fewer crowds, lower prices, great weather.
- Savings: Hotel rates can be 20–35% lower than peak season.
- Best for: Couples, budget travelers, or those looking to avoid the crowds.
Cheapest Times to Visit Maui
- Mid-April to Early June: Just after spring break and before summer rush.
- September to Early December: After summer travel, before holiday spikes.
- Tip: Avoid Thanksgiving week, as prices climb again.
Most Expensive Times to Visit Maui
- Mid-December to Early January: Christmas & New Year holidays.
- March: Spring break + peak whale watching season.
- June to August: Summer break and high demand across all lodging types.
🏨 Where You Stay Affects the Cost
Maui has a mix of luxury resorts, condo rentals, and small-town stays — and each area comes with its own price tag.
Most Expensive Areas
Wailea
- Maui’s luxury capital with high-end resorts, golf courses, and oceanfront dining.
- Pros: Stunning beaches, 5-star hotels, upscale vibe.
- Cons: Expect prices to start at $600+/night for oceanfront rooms.
- Nearby: Wailea Beach, Makena Cove, Shops at Wailea.
Kapalua
- Quiet, scenic, and full of luxury resorts and golf courses.
- Pros: Great for honeymooners or upscale retreats.
- Nearby: Napili Bay, DT Fleming Beach Park, Kapalua Coastal Trail.
Affordable Areas
Lahaina & Kaanapali
- Great balance between affordability and beach access.
- Pros: Beach resorts, walkable towns, decent food options.
- Cons: Busy in peak season, prices climb fast.
Kihei
- Condo rentals, local restaurants, and more budget flexibility.
- Pros: Near beaches, cheaper than Wailea, central location.
Cheapest Areas
Upcountry (Makawao, Kula)
- Off the beach but very peaceful and budget-friendly.
- Pros: Local vibe, scenic views, cooler temperatures.
- Cons: 30–45 minutes from most beaches.
Wailuku / Kahului
- Central towns near the airport with the lowest hotel and Airbnb rates.
- Cons: Not near swimmable beaches or tourist spots.
💸 Maui Vacation Costs
🏨 Average Accommodation Cost (Per Night)
| Season | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak | $250–$350 | $400–$600 | $700+ |
| Shoulder | $180–$250 | $300–$450 | $550–$650 |
| Off-Peak | $150–$200 | $250–$350 | $450–$600 |
🍽️ Food Costs (Per Day)
| Meal | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | $7–$10 | $12–$18 | $25+ |
| Lunch | $10–$15 | $20–$30 | $40+ |
| Dinner | $15–$25 | $35–$60 | $80+ |
Money-saving tip: Stock up at Costco or Safeway and cook in a condo or Airbnb.
🚗 Transportation Costs
| Type | Average Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Car rental (shoulder season) | $60–$90/day |
| Car rental (peak season) | $90–$150/day |
| Gas per gallon | ~$5–$6 |
| Hotel parking (Wailea/Kapalua) | $30–$45/day |
| Uber / Lyft (short trip) | $15–$25 |
🎟️ Popular Attractions & Costs
| Activity | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Haleakalā National Park Entry | $30 per vehicle |
| Snorkel Trip to Molokini | $120–$160 |
| Road to Hāna Tour | $120–$180 |
| Whale Watching (Dec–Apr) | $70–$90 |
| Luau (e.g., Old Lahaina) | $140–$200 |
| Helicopter Tour | $250–$400+ |
| Maui Ocean Center | $38 per adult |
| Beach Access & Hiking Trails | Free |
🚗 Popular Day Trips on Maui
| Destination | Distance | Why Go | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Road to Hāna | Full day | Rainforests, waterfalls | $120–$180 (guided) |
| Haleakalā Sunrise | 2 hrs | Epic volcanic sunrise views | $30 entry + permit |
| ʻIao Valley | 20 min | Hikes, lush valley, history | $10 entry |
| Molokini Crater | Boat only | Top snorkeling destination | $120–$160 |
💰 Daily Budget Estimate
| Traveler Type | Hotel | Food | Transport | Attractions | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $180 | $40 | $25 | $25 | $270/day |
| Mid-Range | $350 | $75 | $50 | $50 | $525/day |
| Luxury | $600 | $150 | $100 | $100 | $950/day |
📅 Weekly Budget Estimate
| Traveler Type | Lodging | Food | Transport | Attractions | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $1,260 | $280 | $175 | $175 | $1,890 |
| Mid-Range | $2,450 | $525 | $350 | $350 | $3,675 |
| Luxury | $4,200 | $1,050 | $700 | $700 | $6,650+ |
✈️ Average Flight Cost to Maui (RT from U.S.)
| U.S. Region | Flight Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| West Coast (LAX, SFO) | $300–$550 |
| Midwest (ORD, DFW) | $500–$750 |
| East Coast (JFK, BOS) | $600–$950 |
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