Planning a trip from Oahu to Maui and trying to figure out what to budget? This guide breaks down every cost category with real 2026 prices — flights, car rental, hotels, food, tours, and the hidden fees most people don’t see coming.
The Honest Answer
Maui is one of the most expensive destinations in the United States. There’s no sugarcoating it. But there’s a wide range depending on how you travel — and knowing where the costs actually come from helps you plan a trip that feels worth every dollar.
Here’s the big picture:
| Trip Style | Cost Per Person (7 days, excluding flights) |
|---|---|
| Budget (condos, food trucks, 1–2 tours) | $1,200–$1,700 |
| Mid-range (mid-tier hotels, mix of dining, 3–4 tours) | $2,200–$3,000 |
| Luxury (resort hotels, fine dining, premium tours) | $4,500–$6,500+ |
For most visitors flying from Oahu, the inter-island flights are a relatively small part of the total budget compared to what you’ll spend once you land. Here’s how it all breaks down.
Flights from Oahu to Maui
Since there’s no ferry between the islands, flying is the only option. The good news: this is one of the most competitive inter-island routes in Hawaii, with over 70 flights per day and five airlines competing for your business.
Typical fares:
| Timing | One-Way Fare |
|---|---|
| Best sale fares | $44–$65 |
| Average (booked 3–6 weeks ahead) | $65–$120 |
| Peak season / last minute | $120–$200+ |
For a round trip, most visitors pay $130–$240 total. That’s relatively affordable compared to what you’ll spend on the ground in Maui.
Money-saving tips:
- Book 4–6 weeks in advance for the best prices
- Fly Tuesday or Wednesday — consistently cheaper than weekends
- Check Southwest directly at southwest.com — they don’t appear on Google Flights or most comparison sites and often have the lowest fares
- Alaska Airlines has been offering competitive fares on this route in 2026
Checked baggage: Most airlines charge $30–$40 each way per bag. Southwest includes two free checked bags — a significant advantage if you’re packing gear. For a short trip, traveling carry-on only saves $60–$160 round trip.
Rental Car Costs in Maui
A rental car is not optional in Maui for most visitors. The island has very limited public transportation and the experiences that make Maui worth visiting — Road to Hana, Haleakala, the beaches of West and South Maui — are spread across the island and require a car.
Typical daily rates in 2026:
| Vehicle Type | Low Season | Peak Season |
|---|---|---|
| Economy / Compact | $45–$65 | $80–$130 |
| Mid-size Sedan / SUV | $65–$90 | $100–$160 |
| Jeep / Convertible | $90–$130 | $150–$250 |
For a 7-day trip, budget $400–$700 for a standard car in shoulder season, and $600–$1,000+ in peak season.
Important: Maui has a well-documented rental car shortage. Prices rise and availability disappears fast as your travel dates approach. Book your rental car as early as possible — ideally when you book your flights.
Hidden car costs to factor in:
- Gas: Maui gas prices run $4.50–$5.50+ per gallon — significantly higher than the mainland. A week of driving will add $80–$150 in fuel costs.
- Parking: Most major resorts charge $30–$50/night for parking. If you’re staying at a resort for a week, that’s $210–$350 on top of your room rate.
- Insurance: Your personal auto insurance likely covers rental cars — check before paying the rental company’s CDW ($15–$30/day). Many premium credit cards also offer rental car coverage.
Hotel and Accommodation Costs
Accommodation is typically the single biggest expense of a Maui trip, and prices vary dramatically by area and season.
Nightly rates by area (2026):
| Area | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kihei (condos) | $120–$200 | $200–$350 | — |
| Kaanapali | $180–$280 | $320–$550 | $550–$800 |
| Wailea | $200–$350 | $400–$650 | $700–$1,500+ |
| Kapalua | — | $400–$650 | $700–$1,500+ |
| Upcountry / Hana | $100–$200 | $250–$450 | $500–$900 |
For a 7-night trip, accommodation typically runs:
- Budget (Kihei condos): $840–$1,400
- Mid-range (Kaanapali or Wailea hotel): $2,240–$4,550
- Luxury (top Wailea resorts): $4,900–$10,500+
The Hidden Costs of Maui Hotels
This is where most visitors get surprised. Two major costs are rarely included in the nightly rate you see advertised:
Resort fees: Most major Maui resorts charge a mandatory daily resort fee of $40–$105/night. This covers amenities like Wi-Fi, pool access, fitness center, and sometimes parking. On a 7-night stay, that’s an extra $280–$735 you weren’t expecting. Always check the total cost including resort fees before booking.
Hawaii lodging taxes: Hawaii’s combined lodging taxes (Transient Accommodations Tax + General Excise Tax + county surcharges) add up to approximately 18–19% on top of your room rate. A $300/night room actually costs around $357/night after taxes. Factor this into every accommodation comparison.
Money-saving tip: Vacation condo rentals in Kihei often avoid resort fees, include full kitchens (reducing food costs), and offer more space for less money than comparable hotel rooms. For families or longer stays, this can save hundreds of dollars.
Food and Dining Costs
Food in Maui is expensive — Hawaii imports 85–90% of its food, and those shipping costs show up on every menu. Budget accordingly.
Typical meal costs:
| Dining Type | Cost Per Person Per Meal |
|---|---|
| Food trucks and plate lunch spots | $12–$20 |
| Casual restaurants | $20–$35 |
| Mid-range sit-down restaurants | $35–$65 |
| Resort / fine dining | $75–$150+ |
Daily food budget estimates:
- Budget traveler (food trucks, some groceries): $40–$60/day
- Mid-range (mix of casual dining and cooking): $70–$110/day
- Resort dining: $150–$225+/day
For a 7-day trip, food costs run:
- Budget: $280–$420
- Mid-range: $490–$770
- Resort dining: $1,050–$1,575+
The Single Best Way to Cut Food Costs
Stop at Costco or Safeway in Kahului when you pick up your rental car. Kahului is right by the airport and has the best grocery prices on the island. Stock your room or condo with breakfast items, snacks, drinks, and lunch supplies. Eating breakfast and lunch from groceries and saving restaurant meals for dinner can cut your food budget in half.
Local spots worth knowing:
- Food trucks along the South Maui coast offer the best value
- Plate lunch spots in Kahului and Wailuku are significantly cheaper than resort areas
- Mama’s Fish House is the splurge-worthy dinner Maui is famous for — budget $100+ per person
- Happy hours at West and South Maui restaurants (typically 3–6 PM) offer meaningful savings on both food and drinks
Tour and Activity Costs
This is the category most cost guides underestimate. For many Maui visitors, tours and activities are the third-biggest expense after accommodation and rental car — and they’re also where much of the best value lies.
Major tour costs (per person):
| Activity | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Molokini Snorkel Tour | $150–$190 |
| Road to Hana Guided Tour | $100–$250 |
| Haleakala Sunrise Tour | $220–$300 |
| Haleakala Bike Tour | $120–$180 |
| Whale Watching (Dec–Apr) | $110–$135 |
| Sunset Dinner Cruise | $90–$180 |
| Helicopter Tour | $250–$500 |
| Traditional Luau | $190–$280 |
| Zipline Tour | $130–$200 |
| Surf Lesson | $75–$120 |
| Turtle Town Snorkel Tour | $60–$100 |
For a typical 5–7 day trip, most visitors book 3–4 tours, spending $400–$700 per person on activities. A trip that includes a helicopter tour adds another $250–$500.
Free activities that cost nothing:
- Swimming and snorkeling at Kaanapali Beach, Wailea Beach, Napili Bay, and dozens of others
- Driving the Road to Hana yourself ($30 Waianapanapa State Park entry fee required)
- Watching the sunset from any beach
- Hiking Haleakala National Park (national park pass: $30/vehicle, valid 3 days)
- Exploring Lahaina and Upcountry Maui
National Park Fees
If you’re planning to visit Haleakala National Park (highly recommended), the entrance fee is $30 per vehicle, valid for 3 consecutive days at both the summit district and the Kipahulu district near Hana. An America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers Haleakala and all other national parks for a full year — worth it if you visit multiple parks.
Haleakala sunrise reservations are separate from the entrance fee and are required for summit visits between 3:00–7:00 AM. These are free but must be booked in advance at recreation.gov — they sell out weeks or months ahead.
Complete Trip Budget by Length
Here’s what a realistic total looks like for different trip lengths, per person, flying from Oahu. These assume two people traveling together sharing accommodation and rental car costs.
3-Day Trip Budget
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Splurge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights (round trip) | $100 | $150 | $200 |
| Rental car (3 days + gas) | $150 | $250 | $400 |
| Hotel (2 nights) | $150 | $350 | $700 |
| Food | $100 | $180 | $350 |
| Tours (1–2) | $150 | $250 | $500 |
| Misc (parking, fees) | $30 | $60 | $100 |
| Total per person | ~$680 | ~$1,240 | ~$2,250 |
5-Day Trip Budget
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Splurge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights (round trip) | $100 | $150 | $200 |
| Rental car (5 days + gas) | $250 | $400 | $650 |
| Hotel (4 nights) | $280 | $650 | $1,400 |
| Food | $180 | $320 | $600 |
| Tours (2–3) | $250 | $450 | $850 |
| Misc (parking, fees, resort fees) | $60 | $150 | $300 |
| Total per person | ~$1,120 | ~$2,120 | ~$4,000 |
7-Day Trip Budget
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Splurge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights (round trip) | $100 | $160 | $220 |
| Rental car (7 days + gas) | $350 | $550 | $900 |
| Hotel (6 nights) | $420 | $1,000 | $2,400 |
| Food | $280 | $500 | $950 |
| Tours (3–4) | $350 | $600 | $1,200 |
| Misc (parking, fees, resort fees) | $80 | $200 | $500 |
| Total per person | ~$1,580 | ~$3,010 | ~$6,170 |
Hidden Costs Most Visitors Miss
Resort Fees
Already mentioned above, but worth repeating: $40–$105/night mandatory fees at most Kaanapali and Wailea resorts. Always check the full nightly cost including fees before booking.
Hawaii Lodging Taxes
Approximately 18–19% added to every hotel and vacation rental booking. A $300/night room is actually closer to $357/night all-in.
Parking
$30–$50/night at most major resorts. $10/day at some beach parks (new in 2026 at Kamaole Beach Parks in Kihei). Free parking is available at many beaches if you arrive early.
Timeshare Presentations
Booths around Maui offer “free” luau tickets or activity discounts in exchange for attending a 90-minute sales presentation that often runs 3+ hours. Avoid unless you genuinely want to hear a timeshare pitch. The “free” tickets rarely end up being free in practice.
Tip Culture
Hawaii has standard mainland tipping expectations: 18–20% at restaurants, $1–2/bag for bellhops, $5–10/night for housekeeping. Budget accordingly.
When to Visit for the Best Value
Timing your trip strategically can save 20–40% across flights, hotels, and car rentals.
Best value months: April–May and September–October. Weather is still excellent, crowds are smaller, and prices are meaningfully lower than peak season.
Most expensive: Mid-December through January (holidays), June through August (summer). Expect to pay 30–50% more for accommodation and flights during these periods.
Whale watching season bonus: If visiting December–April, you get whale watching as a bonus — humpback whales in Maui’s waters are extraordinary. Just know that prices are also at their highest in this window.
How to Save Money on a Maui Trip
Book everything early. The rental car and popular hotels fill up and prices rise as your dates approach. Booking 3–6 months out for peak season travel is not excessive.
Stay in Kihei. South Maui’s most affordable area offers great beaches, central location, and condo rentals with kitchens — all at prices well below Kaanapali or Wailea.
Grocery shop in Kahului. Stop at Costco or Safeway right off the highway near the airport. This single habit can save $300–$500 on food for a week-long trip.
Choose Southwest for flights. Their two free checked bags save $60–$160 round trip compared to airlines that charge for bags.
Mix paid tours with free activities. Maui’s beaches, scenic drives, and hiking are all free or nearly free. You don’t need a paid tour every day — save the tours for the experiences that genuinely benefit from expert guidance (Haleakala sunrise, Road to Hana, Molokini snorkel).
Skip the rental company’s insurance. Check your credit card and personal auto insurance first — most cover rental cars and can save $15–$30/day.
Travel shoulder season. April–May and September–October offer the best combination of good weather, lower prices, and smaller crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a trip from Oahu to Maui cost total?
For a 5-day mid-range trip, budget roughly $2,000–$2,500 per person including flights, rental car, accommodation, food, and 2–3 tours. A 7-day trip at the same level runs $2,500–$3,500 per person. Budget travelers can do it for less; luxury travelers will spend significantly more.
Is Maui more expensive than Oahu?
Yes — Maui is generally 15–30% more expensive than Oahu across hotels, restaurants, and rental cars. The trade-off is a less urban, more natural experience with fewer crowds.
What is the biggest expense in Maui?
For most visitors, accommodation is the largest single expense, followed by the rental car (including gas and parking) and then tours and activities. Flying from Oahu is relatively affordable compared to what you’ll spend on the ground.
Can you visit Maui on a budget?
Yes, but it requires planning. Staying in Kihei condos, cooking some meals from groceries, taking advantage of free beaches and self-driving the Road to Hana, and booking 1–2 select tours keeps costs manageable. A budget trip with flights runs around $1,000–$1,200 per person for 5 days if you’re strategic.
What is the cheapest time to visit Maui?
September and October are consistently the cheapest months. April and May are also good value. Avoid mid-December through January and June through August if budget is a primary concern.
Do Maui hotels charge resort fees?
Most major resorts in Kaanapali and Wailea do — typically $40–$105/night. Always check the total nightly cost including fees before booking. Kihei condos and vacation rentals often have no resort fees.
Is it worth visiting Maui for just 3 days?
Yes — even a long weekend from Oahu is worthwhile. Focus on Road to Hana (Day 2) and Molokini snorkeling (Day 3), with a beach afternoon on Day 1. You’ll leave having genuinely experienced Maui, not just glimpsed it.