Hi everyone. A group of us (7-10 people) are planning a trip to Maui (possibly a wedding) for early August 2008. We were thinking a 5-day trip. We're starting to do some research now as we're trying to keep expenses low. We'd like to go condo if possible. And so far, the cheapest trip I can find is just under $600. Do you think $1500 per person is a doable budget? I'd appreciate any tips. Thanks so much!

ooops...i meant that the cheapest flight I've found so far is just under $600.

Where are you starting your trip from?
If you're starting from the West coast, then $600 seems a little high.
If it's from the East coast, that's about par.
You can save money, also, by taking pool side accomodations vs ocean front. Areas such as Napili are good. While the condos are older in that area, it's a beautiful area.
One word of caution. I can understand your wanting to go on a budget. You're wise not to spend beyond your means.
But I would also caution you not to scrimp so much that you miss the experience of the beautiful island.
Have a couple of splurges. One I would highly recommend is a luau. Although pricy, it will make your experience that much more fun. You can start saving for things like that now.

We need to know where you're coming from to judge a fair price for the plane ticket.

My family stayed at condo rooms in the Lahaina Shores hotel which worked great for us.

For August, it may be the west coast. It's very pricey time to go to Hawaii. My daughter went on her honeymoon to Paris for just over $100.- more per person RT, than it would of been to go to Kauai. I think the lowest price she found was $780 RT (Sunday to Sunday, part of the problem). This was from SFO two years ago.

August is still high season in Hawaii, because it is summer vacation. You are going to need a house or several condos with 7-10 people. And likely more than one rental car. This might factor into your planning.

joyski311, a couple of things to keep in mind: IF you're coming from the East coast, you should really try to stay longer than 5 days if you can, AND usually a condo is as cheap for 7 days as it is for 5 ... most rent weekly!

Early August is a busy time. I'm sure your cheapest option would be the condo route in an area like Napili, as I think someone else mentioned. I would think two 2-BR ones would work best for a group of 7 to 10 people. I think you COULD do it ... it's just a matter of how much you want to economize while you're there.

Speaking for myself, Hawaii is a splurge place for me ... but everyone's different. Good luck with your planning.

You could eat a couple of meals daily at your condo, then choose less expensive restaurants at night, fast food, do picnics, utilize coupon booklets, etc.

That's a great idea to eat a couple of meals in your condo. We stayed at a beautiful resort in Maui (Marriott Points). We actually preferred to eat our breakfast "en suite" because of the lovely views and we could linger in our robes. We purchased a very cheap ice styrofoam ice chest from the grocery store, along with cereal, milk, and fruit. We also purchased paper bowls and spoons. Even with the purchase of all of this, we couldn't believe how much we saved--and we weren't even really trying to!
I'd do it that way again.