by Kent Coules, This Week Publisher
Visiting Maui is expensive. If you’ve already made your reservations, you know that. Maui has the highest lodging prices of any Hawaiian island, and that’s saying something.
So when visiting the Valley Isle, you might enjoy some budgetary relief by trimming costs here and there. It’s not only easier on the wallet, it might make it easier for you to stay in that much needed relaxed frame of mind. If that sounds like a plan, then read on for money saving tips (many courtesy of This Week Maui) as well as a few of our choice recommendations of free activities.
If you plan to snorkel, Boss Frog’s will has a “rent one, get one” deal when you rent equipment by the week. If you’re planning to island hop, Snorkel Bob’s conveniently lets you rent gear on one island and return it on another. Bob will also give you a free boogie board for an entire week when you book at least two seats on most of their activities!
When you check one of the iconic Hilo Hattie stores, make sure you bring your This Week Maui magazine coupons for 10% off a $50 purchase and the coupon for a free coffee mug or box of chocolates with a purchase of $25 or more.
Families usually pay a lot more for activities on Maui, so it’s always refreshing to find a “kids free” with a paid adult. Such is the case with the Lanai Snorkeling and Dolphin Encounters adventure at Quicksilver Maui.
If you’ve worked up an appetite after catching some waves, head over to Fred’s Mexican Café for free chips and salsa after 11 am. Be forewarned, however, Taco Tuesdays at Fred’s is an island favorite, so you might end up waiting awhile for one of their ocean view tables.
After a good Mexican food meal, is there anything better than a free cookie? Well, if you present the This Week Maui ad at one of three Honolulu Cookie Company locations, a free cookie is yours! Don’t be naïve, though. You will end up buying more.
You’ll be eating out a lot, so check out the money saving deals in This Week Maui at great eateries like Down the Hatch, Captain Jack’s Island Grill, Cool Cat Café, Kobe Japanese Steak House, Amigo’s, Island Cream Company, and China Bowl. And if you’re in need of a Taco Bell fix, pull out the coupon for a Taco Supreme “Buy One, Get One” offer at any of their three locations.
Have you always wanted to try ziplining but are afraid it’s going to cause a panic attack? No worries! Northshore Zipline offers a comforting, money back guarantee “Scaredy Cat Clause”. Trust me, that’s one deal you don’t want to use, but it’s there if you need it.
Other activities offering discounts in the This Week Maui magazine include Bike Maui, Haleakala Ecotours, and Pukalani Golf Course.
Tattoos have been elevated to an art form on the Islands, so if you’ve ever wanted to get “inked up”, this is a great place to do it. And at Paradise Tattoo, you’ll get a cool t-shirt to go with that new tat.
Luaus are high on almost every visitor’s “to do” list. If you book Drums of the Pacific Luau online and use the This Week Maui promo code, you’ll get a free gift to go with this amazing experience.
You’ll want to do some more shopping before you go home. We suggest heading over to Lahaina Cannery Mall, where you’ll be entertained by free shows while you look for the perfect souvenirs. They host free hula shows Wednesdays at 7 pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 pm. Want to learn to hula or play the ukulele? Take advantage of their free ukulele lessons Tuesdays at 5:45 pm and their free hula lessons Thursdays at 5 pm.
Before you’re done packing, make sure you check out Maui Resortwear, which offers a free gift with any purchase to all This Week Maui readers. Same deal at Logowear Maui. Both shops can be found in Lahaina Cannery Mall and Whaler’s Village.
Make no mistake – a Maui vacation is not cheap. But if you use the oldest and best Maui visitor guide on the island, you’ll be able to splurge on that last Mai Tai at the airport! Aloha!
