20 Secret Bargains of Maui for Under $20

As a former resident of Hawaii, I enjoyed my leisure hours on Maui for not a penny more than I spent on Oahu, Kauai, or the Big Island. The hard-won knowledge of those idyllic times is set forth below in 20 bite-size capsules of island advice based on that experience.

1. MAUI'S ART CAPITAL

The old whaling streets of Lahaina are now filled with outstanding art galleries (selling everything from tacky dolphin sculptures to works by Chagall). Head here for Friday Art Nights (808/667-9175), when over a dozen galleries open their doors for artist meet-and-greets, with free pupus (hors d'oeuvres) and wine.

2. WHALE WATCHING ON DRY LAND

Why shell out big bucks for a whale-watching cruise when the huge mammals nearly park themselves right along the island's shallow shores? A good spot to see them is McGregor Point at mile marker 9 on Highway 30, just south of the Lahaina Tunnel. From roughly December to April you'll spot plenty of these migrating creatures along Maui's western coast. Also head to the free Whalers Village Museum in Lahaina to explore the island's whaling past through artifacts made from ivory and bone, nineteenth-century scrimshaw, photo murals, and displays, like the re-creation of part of a whaling ship (2435 Ka'anapali Pkwy., 808/661-5992, whalersvillage.com).

3. SUN YOUR TROPICAL BUNS

One of the most social spots on the island is Little Beach at Makena, just north of the better-known, 3,300-foot-long Big Beach (where there's free parking). The small strip of sand attracts nudists, Boogie boarders, and residents who chat the day away in this lovely, undeveloped, free-of-charge hideaway.

4. DRINK UP

Seems like everyone and their mother has a winery nowadays, but the Tedeschi Vineyards on 20,000 acres of Maui's Upcountry (near Ulupalakua) has been pumping out the hooch since 1974, and its history stretches back to the legendarily wild parties held here by King Kalakaua (aka the Merrie Monarch). Free daily tastings of pineapple, passion fruit, and grape wines happen in the 1874 King's Cottage. Info: 808/878-6058, mauiwine.com.

5. OUTDOOR SHOPPING AND SWAPPING

The Maui Swap Meet blossoms every Saturday from seven in the morning until noon, with island items like aloha shirts, fresh taro, fruit breads, tropical flowers, and more -- all for an entrance fee of only 50 cents. Located on South Pu'unene Avenue, next to the Kahului Post Office. For more fresh Maui produce, check out the free Ohana Farmers Market under the monkeypod trees at the Kahului Shopping Center every Wednesday morning.

6. FREE HULA AND MORE