Less Is More Maui

“Now that’s an article I look forward to reading!” said StarLynn from Berlin, a longtime Travel and Soul follower. I had emailed her that my birthday excursion to Maui was filled with many sensorial delights, one of which literally involved swimming nude with whales. “That sounds truly ahhh-some,” she wrote.

And, ahhh-some it was, ahh-loha style. For my birthday getaway, I couldn’t disappear for another long trip to warmer climes of Asia, and yet I needed – was starving for – some sea, sun, and surf. So I used some United Miles and bopped off to the enchanted isle of Maui for a week. On the cheap. As usual.

If you need a trip to Hawaii like nobody’s business, but you don't have a lot of cash in the vacation reserve, you’ll appreciate these “Less Is More Maui” tips from Yours Truly, Travel and Soul Writer. You don’t need to spend a lot of dough to Go Maui Wowee and have a simple, good time.

1. Whale Watching

It’s birthing season for the North Pacific Humpbacks, who come to Hawaii for the warm waters to welcome their young to the world. December to March, there’s a good chance you’ll see magnificent mamas and their offspring off the west coast of the island. What’s that out on the horizon? A fluke! A tail slap! A whole pod out there!

With the sunlight dappling the waves like a trillion diamonds, the sight of a ship-sized adult humpback breaching, with her baby mirroring right after – you’ll know you’ve flown to Heaven. Some of the locals asked if I'd heard the whales under the water. I didn't, but that doesn't mean they weren't speaking to me. I did have some amazing visions during my trip!

2. The Banana Bungalow
Stay cheap and best on the island in the Banana Bungalow Hostel in Wailuku! The Banana Bungalow is only $31 a night for clean dorm rooms. There’s a complete kitchen for use, as well as Internet, free WiFi - and a hot tub! True to hostel life ‘round the world, you’ll meet more interesting international characters of all shapes and sizes from different socio-economic backgrounds here than you would if you stayed in a regular hotel or condo. Sure, it’s a bit frat-house, summer-camp style with requisite pool and Fussball tables; but hey, if you’re on a budget, maybe you’ll even have fun joining in. How much time do you really need to spend indoors during the day, anyway? My female dormmates were respectful, quiet, and great daytrippers to boot.

An extra added bonus at the Banana is that, each and every day, there’s a tour you can hop on FREE OF CHARGE. One day, you can hike the Haleakala volcano; the next, it’s the picturesque road to Hana, or snorkeling at the turtle sanctuary.

You can rent a car for about $200 a week to give you more independence around the island. But, you can also hitch a ride easily in Hawaii (lots of backs of pickup trucks to ride in!). Not only that: the Maui Bus is only $1.00! Take the bus to most all of the major sights on the island, as well as to shopping and to and from the airport!

3. Nude Bodysurfing
“Catch a wave and you’re sittin’ on top of the world!” Indeed. Now THIS is the absolute crème de la crème for me in Maui. I’m sure there are many nude beaches in Hawaii, but this one happens to have a great surf to boot. If you catch the wave at just the right moment – not too late, not too early – you’ll BARREL all the way to the sand. Tuck your head, place arms into diving position, and soar into shore like a dolphin!

As for the nude part: I think I was shy for – oh, about fifteen seconds, before I realized that (a) I’d never see these people again; (b) there are very few places and opportunities in the world to dive into such splendor; and (c) what FUN! With the whales breaching just off the coast nearby, and the Sun setting in the distance, you’re set. Try to sunbathe before 11 a.m. and after 2:30 p.m. to avoid harmful rays. Bring on the healthy Vitamin D action.

I can’t name the beach, because that would make it too easy. But I guarantee you ask the first local you meet where the 'nude beach with great bodysurfing' is, and you’ll be directed in a jif. It’s Maui’s little secret that everyone knows about.


4. Organic Health Food Stores
If you’re on a budget, you’ll opt to picnic and cook for yourself much more than dine out. And Maui hosts at least three well-known health food stores in three strategic locations on the island - Central, East, and West. They’re all fabulous!

In Paia, the windsurf capital of Maui, there’s Mana Foods – one of the best natural food stores I’ve ever been in! In Kahului, near the airport and on the way to the hostel, there’s your standard Whole Foods. And near the best beaches on the west side, in Kihei, there’s Hawaiian Moons.

While you’re at the store, stock up on organic coconut oil to give your skin a blissful treat while you’re at the beach. Rub it in your hair before you dive into the sea. Grab a Kombucha for regenerative enzymes and refreshment. Live local, buy organic, and save cash.

5. Maui Swap Meet
The Maui Swap Meet is fun! And it’s only fifty cents entry! Every Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Maui Community College grounds in Kahului, hundreds of white-topped booths converge on a pleasant fairground. You’ll meet local vendors with honey, produce, local grown goods. Crafts, souvenirs, clothing, sunglasses, tools, and baked goods... Coffee, skin crème, musical instruments... Unique gifts. My purchases this time around included delicious homemade kim chi, and the cutest white muu-muu! (Yes, a muu-muu, which is more elegantly known as a plantation dress.)

The winning find of the swap meet morn was definitely a $10-for-ten-minute shiatsu massage from Ed, a former Bay Area resident who keeps a booth there every Saturday. The massage was so good, I got two on the spot! Look for Ed and his magic hands...

GO MAUI ON THE CHEAP

TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL

MAHALO