Maui is a dream destination for many. Its temperatures are mild-to-hot year round, it has some of the most beautiful natural landscapes imaginable, and geographically not as far-flung as some other dreamy beach destinations (it is a simple 5.5 hour flight from California which makes it nearly half as far as Fiji or French Polynesia).
That being said, as compared to other of Hawai’I’s islands, Maui is expensive. Most hotels are $200-300 per night, which makes a week long holiday a bit out of the average couple’s pocket. Even Airbnbs are $150/night. In addition to hotel cost, renting a car is a “must” on Maui- public transportation will not provide you the kind of distance and ease that you will need if you intend to see all of Maui. A car rental daily could easily be $50-70, which adds up. So, the most economical way to kill both stones (transport/lodging) with one stone is to combine the two!
Maui is ideal for van life because of its many open spaces available for overnight parking, its reputation for safety, and ease of travel.
Maui Camper Rental provided me a van and even picked me up from the airport. The van had an ice cooler, a full size modified bed, and a pull-out grill. It was incredibly agile despite its large size; as a 5ft tall woman, I felt confident operating it as it was not much larger than a Chevy Tahoe. I even drove the Road to Hana at night in the van, and it was scary (so many windy turns) but doable! They offer pricing from as low as $89, which will result in at least $100 of savings per night than the standard hotel/airbnb + car rental option. Plus, you get to spend the night wherever!
Campground locations are optional, but they fill up quickly, especially during high season. Not an absolute requirement if you are willing to “rough it” a little bit (may involve using the bathroom outside without an outhouse) and if you pack water.
Camping Locations:
Waiʻānapanapa State Park (great views and amenities)
Hōlua Campground
Campground Kula (more wilderness)
THE HACK: There is a law in Hawaii that loosely states: If you are fishing at the beach (a pole in the sand, with fishing line cast into the ocean), you are legally allowed to stay at any public beach overnight any day of the week.
I took the best advantage of this by spending a night in each hemisphere of Maui (East, West, North, South). I camped on the black beach in Hana. I stayed beachside in Kihei. All of it was possible because of the economy of the camper van.
Recommended hacks:
-Buy a lot of water
-Buy toilet paper / wipes
-Buy wipes for hand hygiene
-Reuse bags to store refuse and drop them off whenever you can
-Keep an ice chest if your camper does not already have one
-Get a battery operated fan if you are a hot sleeper
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