Hey guys - could use your help! Just got an amazing opportunity to go to Maui starting August 9 for 8 nights, but I'm a little cash poor. Any recommendations on inexpensive hotels, spas, fun things to do, etc etc for a single female traveler? I desperately need to unwind, so while some touristy stuff might be fun, relaxation is my main goal. thanks!

Perhaps look into affordable condos in Kehie. Start at vrbo.com, sure you can negotiate a last minute deal.

There are several low-key condos in Napili. Try: http://napili-bay.com/

Also look into the Mauian on Napili.
http://www.mauian.com/property.htm

For an affordable hotel in a great location you can't beat the Kaanapali Beach Hotel.

Take a ride up to Haleakala for sunset and stargazing.

Have a great trip.

-Bill

Kihei condos (esp. studio) are very affordable, cheaper than a hotel, right across from wonderful Kamaole beaches. Supermarkets (Safeway, etc.) will keep the food budget down (however, "spa" doesn't seem to fit the context of "budget" very well).

Wow did I massacre that spelling!

If you can find yourself a condo or cottage, shop at the grocery store and/or eat at cheap places ("plate lunch") Maui doesn't have to be expensive. If I went solo, I'd base somewhere near Lahaina because there's lots to see and do if you get tired of sitting by yourself on a beach. I researched that area after a family reunion trip with the thought of going back alone and found some reasonable ~$75/night apartments outside Lahaina.

To keep costs down I'd skip the spa and any other formal tourist type stuff (helicopter rides, sunset cruises). That's where you can drop a bunch of cash.

Also in Lahaina you would not have to rent a car but could get to and from the airport by shuttle and around town on foot or bike.

As the above post stated, Napili is a good, very nice area with more reasonable rooms. Try Napili Sunset--www.napilisunset.com.
They even have a $99. poolside internet special.

Check out www.biddingfortravel.com and bid on Priceline. Also, check prices on Travelocity, Expdedia, Hotwire and Kayak.

All good responses for the lodging. The Hana Highway ALL the way around is a must do. It's free (unless you go to Oheo Gulch but if you pay the $10 it's good for 7 days and gets you into Haleakala too!) and it's truly an adventure! Plus many people don't get to see the back side of the Hana Highway from Kaupo to Upcountry and end your day at the Tedeschi Winery (which is a neat stop whether you like wine or not)

Pele5474 is absolutely on target! (and I've driven it by myself and been entranced by the drive even more without passengers!).

Car rentals are expensive but it's impossible to explore without driving.

I'd start looking for discount codes ASAP on-line (try flyertalk.com) or call that second cousin who works for Enterprise...

www.mauikai.com

We are booked at the mauian in october..The folks there have been so nice and the beach and price are definately right. There's no a/c. but i've hear that breeze is usually enough..

Lots of budget ideas including lodging:

http://www.budgettravelonline.com/bt...aii/index.html

Others:

www.mauihawaii.org Great site of Maui Jon

www.visitmaui.com

www.alternative-hawaii.com Good driving tours including Road to Hana

www.gohawaii.com

When you get to Maui, pick up these free brochures. Lots of things to see & do & lots of coupons:

This Week on Maui www.thisweek.com

Maui Gold www.spotlighthawaii.com

101 Things to do on Maui www.101thingstodo.com

Also pick up free 'The Aloha MAPS of Hawaii' at airport baggage area

Snorkeling is inexpensive

Haleakala sunrise

Stroll Lahaina