The Maui Goodness

Like most of the nation, our economy in Hawaii is taking a hit. Hawaii Real estate prices have steadied, but not fallen like those on the mainland. Thanks to the bankruptcies of both ATA and Aloha, the cost of flying to Hawaii has dramatically risen. This, combined with the rest of the nation’s belt-tightening, has had a major effect on our level of tourism. Hotel and resort capacity is down and projected to stay down through the summer. Concerning Hawaii and Maui in particular, there are definite good and bad factors involved in our present economy.

THE BAD
Hawaii is the most oil dependant State in the most oil dependant Country in the World. The rising fuel costs affect everything in our lives. With everything being shipped from overseas, Hawaii’s economy is a slave to the oil industry. Signs of this changing are slim to none. With the rising costs, Hawaii is becoming ever more expensive to live and visit.

THE GOOD
Hawaii seems to get hit by a slumping economy a little later than the rest of our Country. Real estate is still highly valued because the people that can afford to buy here are of a different breed. Wealthy people tend to weather storms better than the masses, and the wealthy are the ones buying second homes in Hawaii, especially when the economy is struggling. Decreasing value in the dollar can only help Hawaii tourism and industry. A huge portion of visitors to Hawaii come from Canada and Japan. With the dollar becoming worth less, tourism will rise with international visitors. These visitors will help us grow and stay afloat through the rough times.

WHAT WE CAN DO
American visitors and residents of Hawaii both need to concentrate on buying American, and traveling in America. Keeping money in this country will ensure our prosperity. As the dollar falls, local production is more attractive and will help our economy. Signs of this are already present. The film industry rushed to Canada to save money in the last 5 years. Just in the last year, we’re seeing filming move back to the USA. With major tax incentives, the state of Hawaii has enjoyed industry revenue with recent filming on Kauai, Oahu, and Molokai.

With concentration on continued spending within Hawaii, this rough spot in our economy will be lessened, and we’ll be better prepared for the next wave of prosperity.

Here are 10 ways to save money and not lose the bank when traveling in Maui, Hawaii.

1. Rent a Condo
The big fancy resorts are great but you can share a 2 bedroom condo with friends for 1/2 the cost of one room.

2. Eat In
The first tip is crucial on this one. If you have a kitchen where you’re staying, you’ll save a fortune on meals. Eat at least breakfast and lunch here. You can make sandwiches for lunch on the road. Hit up Costco on the way in. Also, do a couple of BBQ’s instead of pricy dinners every night.

3. Plan Plenty of Beach Days
The beach is free. Even some mor elaborate beach activities are cheap. Snorkeling can be done for near to nothing a day in rentals.

4. Don’t get Sucked into Tourist Traps
They are everywhere. Figure out what you want to do online before you arrive on the island.

5. Watch the Airline Prices
Some airlines to Hawaii will offer incredible deals last minute. Get on their mailing lists.

6. Rent an Economy Car
Gas is more expensive in Hawaii than any other state in the nation. You will be driving a lot, so save on gas with a smaller car. Plus, economy cars are cheaper per day to rent.

7. Read the 101 Things to Do in Maui
Choose your favorite 30 and then widdle it down to the free activities. You’ll be plenty busy still and will have a blast.

8. Get Up Early
Maui is best enjoyed during the day. This way you’ll hit the hay earlier and eat less expensive dinners. You’ll also spend more time doing cheap daytime activities.

9. Give Your Bar Tab a Rest
Though it is illegal to drink on the beaches, there are plenty of places you can go with a 6 pack and save $200 on Pina Coladas. This is where tip #1 comes in handy again. Make cocktails at home before you go out.

10. Buy Small Souvenirs
You’re going to want to bring home the 6 foot tall wooden tiki god, but you’re better off picking up a small bag worth of souvenirs at the shops or boutiques to give out to friends.