Maui on a $1,500 budget

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By CHRISTOPHER ELLIOTT
Fine Living Network
Tuesday, July 03, 2007

If you think Hawaii has to be expensive, think again. Anne and Pat Woodard found out they could experience the sand and surf of one of America's favorite island destinations while also saving a bundle.

But the five days they spent in this tropical getaway weren't short on unforgettable experiences. The Woodards visited an authentic luau, spent lots of quality time at the beach and even splurged on a submarine ride -- all on a budget of $1,500.

How did they do it?

The single-biggest expense on a Hawaii vacation is a hotel, which the Woodards knew, since this was their fourth visit to the 50th state. They opted for a condominium, which cost them only $175 a day, instead of a full-service hotel.

"The condo has a full kitchen," said Pat Woodard, which let them save money on meals, too. "Instead of going down to the hotel buffet, where you'll spend $30 per person, we just went to the store and bought some cereal or fruit for breakfast," he added. (More information about condominiums is available at the Maui Visitors Bureau site, http://visitmaui.com; or call 800-525-6284.)

The second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands is famous for world-class surfing and picturesque landscapes ranging from volcanoes to lush jungles. Of course, the Woodards took the time to explore this island paradise on their five-day vacation.

You can check out Haleakala National Park (http://www.nps.gov/hale/; 808-572-4400), where you can hike through ecosystems ranging from arid to lush. Or visit one of Maui's many state parks (http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dsp/maui.html; 808-587-0400), like 'Iao Valley State Monument at the end of 'Iao Valley Road (Highway 32) and its famous 'Iao Needle, a lava remnant that abruptly rises 1,200 feet from the valley floor.

For breakfast, the Woodards signed up for a program called Ho'omana'o through Old Lahaina Luau (http://www.oldlahainaluau.com/; 800-248-5828). The program offers a traditional breakfast of Kalua Pork Hash with Lomi Salmon, Haupia Oatmeal, Maui Portuguese Sausage and Kona coffee for $72 per person. But that also includes a hands-on experience of Hawaiian culture with a three-hour workshop detailing how Maui's natives fight, fish and prepare food.

"I think paying $72 for an experience like this is a heck of a bargain," said Pat Woodard.

The old whaling port of Lahaina, which has more than 40 restaurants, was an ideal place for lunch. Meals here start at an affordable $7 for lunch and $15 for dinner. That allowed the Woodards to save on food and splurge on their next activity: a submarine ride.

The Atlantis Submarine Expedition (http://www.atlantisadventures.com; 800-548-6262) is a two-hour underwater experience that brings visitors face-to-face with marine life that few beachgoers get to see, such as colorful coral reefs and sharks. As a bonus, it offers a value-added package that combines the sub ride with a traditional Hawaiian Luau on Kaanapali Beach.

The Woodards' luau featured music, island crafts and a showcase of what's cooking. One of the items on the menu was the traditional Kalua pig, an island delicacy. The most remarkable part of this dish is how it's prepared: in the ground. To make a Kalua pig, a salted pig is placed in a pit surrounded by banana leaves and hot rocks, then covered with burlap and soil.

"I don't know if I've ever had dinner come out of the ground before," said Pat Woodard.

The traditional Hawaiian pork joins a bountiful buffet of other entrees, such as tuna, grilled tenderloin steak, island-style chicken and stir-fry vegetables. At the edge of the ocean, participants watch cultural dances that tell the story of ancient Hawaiians -- an unforgettable experience.

So how did the Woodards manage on their $1,500 budget?

They stayed in a condo for $175 a night. And since they had a kitchen, their $300 food bill was split between groceries and a few meals out. They experienced the culture of the island and explored the ocean for around $500. That means they went over budget, but only by $10 -- not bad for five fun-filled days in Maui.