Maui has many attractions affordable to the budget traveler.
Maui has stretches of beautiful beaches, breathtaking cliffs and rainforests. There are resorts to lounge in on West Maui and the South Shore, small towns to explore on the North Shore, and the unspoiled East Maui. Lahaina, in West Maui, is one of the main attractions on the island, with an entire street of shops and restaurants leading to a wharf where many set out for a sunset cruise or whale-watching journey. Despite its somewhat higher cost of living, there are enough discounted attractions to keep vacationers busy on the island of Maui.
Maui Ocean Center - Hawaiian Aquarium
The Maui Ocean Center is a 5-acre state-of-the-art marine park located on Maui's Southwest shore that offers indoor and outdoor aquarium displays with an emphasis on ocean education and marine life. There are more than three dozen exhibits and habitat galleries with different species of fish, octopus and stingrays. The park also boasts a Whale Discovery Center highlighting the humpback whale. Guests can view marine life while walking through a 100-foot acrylic tunnel in the middle of a 750,000 gallon water tank. Maui Ocean Center is worth a visit because of its interesting exhibits and hands-on opportunities for every member of the family. The marine park is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in July and August. The park charges different admission rates for adults, seniors and children -- all for under $30.
Maui Ocean Center
192 Ma'alaea Road
Wailuku, HI 96793
808-270-7000
mauioceancenter.com
Kula Botanical Garden
Kula Botanical Garden is located on the slopes of Haleakala on 8 acres. The garden includes a covered bridge, waterfalls and a koi (fish) pond. Take a self-guided walk or private tour through more than 700 unique plants, then stop by the gift shop for a souvenir. Kula Botanical Garden allows visitors to see a complete overview of Hawaiian exotic flora in one easy-to-walk attraction. Kula offers snacks, restrooms and a relaxing deck to make your visit more comfortable. The garden is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is only $10 for adults, $3.00 for children ages 6 to 12, and free for kids under 6 years old.
Kula Botanical Garden
638 Kekaulike Avenue
Kula, HI 96790
808-878-1715
kulabotanicalgarden.com
Bailey House Museum
Bailey House Museum is Edward Bailey's 1833 home. Mr. Bailey was a missionary and sugar plantation owner who collected eclectic Hawaiian artifacts and paintings. The Maui Historical Society owns and operates the Museum, built on the royal compound of Kahekili, last chief of Maui. Along with 19th century paintings by Bailey, the house has a library and photo collection and the property boasts historic gardens with a collection of native Hawaiian plants. The Historical Society also operates a museum gift shop with Hawaiian handicrafts and books. Bailey House Museum allows island visitors a chance to see hundreds of years of Maui history in one easy-to-navigate property. Guests are charged a small admission fee for adults, seniors and children, although members of the Historical Society and children six and under are free. Museum and gift shop hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Maui Historical Society
2375-A Main Street
Wailuku, HI 96793
808-244-3326
mauimuseum.org
Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum
The Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum was established in 1980 in a renovated building that dates back to 1902. The museum is across from the HC&S sugar mill in the plantation town of Pu'unēnē. It holds artifacts, photos and documents explaining the history of sugar on Maui. The museum's exhibits are placed throughout six rooms, where visitors learn how sugar is grown, harvested and milled. Some of the equipment used on the sugar plantations is displayed outside of the museum. The sugar museum allows visitors to have a more complete understanding of what life on Maui was like during the plantation period. Hours are Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the museum charges a nominal admission fee for adults and children.
Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum
3957 Hansen Road
Pu'unene, HI 96784
808-871-8058
sugarmuseum.com
Tags: Botanical Garden, Historical Society, Kula Botanical, Kula Botanical Garden, Maui Ocean