A Travel Price Comparison for Hawaii Maui vs. Oahu for Beaches, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Maui or Oahu?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Maui or Oahu? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Maui

Maui is a adventure-filled, breathtaking, and stunning island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Oahu

Oahu is a scenic, historic, and energetic island. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Maui and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Maui or Oahu?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Oahu than Maui, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Maui is well known for its beach-filled coastline, world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, dramatic landscapes, and paradise environment. Oahu is well known for its unique blend of cultures, stunning beaches, vibrant energy, and world class water sports (including surfing). Also, Oahu is famous for Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial.

How is Maui different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Oahu and Maui. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Maui or Oahu?

Oahu is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Oahu offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The USS Arizona Memorial & Pearl Harbor is a moving and special place to visit, but tickets should be purchased in advance. Other landmarks around the island include the Tour Iolani Palace and the Battleship Missouri Memorial.

While most people don't head to Maui specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people prefer not to spend their time inside or at a museum, but for a rainy day you can check out the Maui Ocean Center.

Is the Food Better in Maui or Oahu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Oahu is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oahu. Honolulu has a diversity of cuisines and a cosmopolitan vibe, giving it some of the best food in the Hawaiian Islands. The local restaurants are influenced by a number of countries and often incorporate Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Korean, and Portuguese flavors. Dishes are often saucy, sweet, and starchy, but you'll also find fresh tropical fruits such as mango and coconut.

Maui may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Like the other Hawaiian islands, food is expensive and of varying quality here, but the food scene continues to grow and improve. There are eclectic food trucks where you can try local flavors. There's also plenty of fresh tropical produce like mangos, avocadoes, and coconuts. Seafood is common on many menus as well.

Is Maui or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

Oahu is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Oahu know how to have a good time. Honolulu, and Oahu, have some of the best nightlife in the Hawaiian islands. There are tiki bars and posh nightclubs that keep buzzing late into the night. Head to Waikiki for some of the island's best nightlife. In Honolulu you'll find some local bars and clubs, but many resorts also offer a great nightlife scene and a fun atmosphere that caters specifically to tourists.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Maui The island is not known for its nightlife, but the limited activities that do exist you'll find in Kaanapali and Lahaina.

Is Maui or Oahu Better for Music?

Oahu is a island with a few options for its live music scene. However, Maui is not a live music destination.

For those who seek it out, Oahu has several music venues. There are a few good venues that offer live music on Oahu.

Maui is not a live music destination.

Is Maui or Oahu Better for Resorts?

Maui and Oahu offer a relatively similar set of very good luxury resort options.

Maui is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of nice resorts, but there are also VRBOs, condos, and local hotels where you can stay. High-end luxury resorts on the island include The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua and Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. There are also more reasonable priced resorts without all of the glitz and glam.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Oahu. The island has a diversity of resorts, from luxury 5 star accommodation to family-friendly resorts that are fun for all ages. Ko Olina is where you'll find Aulani, the Disney Resort. Waikiki is one of the most famous tourist areas on the island and you'll find high rise hotels and condos along the beach.

Is Maui or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

There's very good scuba diving or snorkeling available in both Maui and Oahu.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Maui. The island has excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. You can really find it anywhere on the island, but some places are more crowded than others. Some of the best beaches for snorkeling include Honolua Bay, Slaughterhouse (Mokuleia Bay), DT Fleming Beach, and Kapalua Bay.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Oahu. Snorkeling and diving on the island is among the best in the world. There are 3 marine life conservation parks and miles of coastline to explore.

Is Maui or Oahu Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Maui and Oahu are fantastic choices.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Maui. The island has stunning beaches and more miles of swimmable beach than any of the other Hawaiian islands. One of the best swimming beaches is Kapalua Beach, but other favorite beaches include Makena Beach State Park, Ka'anapali Beach, Baldwin Beach Park, and Wai'anapanapa State Park.

With world-famous beaches, Oahu is a very popular vacation destination. From the energetic Waikiki Beach to the family-friendly Ko Olina, Oahu has some of the most famous beaches in the world. The beaches are lined with sand and some areas offer better swimming conditions than others. You'll also find beaches with snorkeling or sea turtles, and some with world class surfing waves.

Is Maui or Oahu Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Maui and Oahu both have fantastic trails.

People visit Maui specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are many diverse hikes on the island that pass through different landscapes and ecosystems. Hikes range from easy to challenging and are of varying length. Some of the favorites include 'Iao Valley State Park, Haleakala's Sliding Sands Trail (in Haleakala National Park), and The Pipiwai Trail.

Many people visit Oahu specifically for its hiking. World famous hikes on the island include Diamond Head and Koko Crater Railroad Trailhead. There are hikes ranging from easy to challenging and views that will take your breath away.

Is the Shopping Better in Maui or Oahu?

Oahu is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Maui is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Oahu is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are shopping centers and malls in Honolulu that have major department stores as well as island favorites. For a local experience head to the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet or wander along the Waikiki Beach Walk with its many boutique shops. Also worth a visit is the Honolulu Chinatown market.

Maui has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are many shopping centers where you'll find souvenirs, Hawaiian clothing, and even handmade crafts. If you forgot something from home, you'll also find many of the major chains that are common on the mainland.

Is Maui or Oahu Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Maui or Oahu.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Maui is a very family-friendly destination. It is one of the best of the Hawaiian islands to explore with kids. There's plenty of snorkeling, outdoor adventure sports, and hiking that are great for kids of all ages. There are some kid-friendly beaches where kids can play in the water. There's also the Maui Ocean Center, Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm, and 'Iao Valley State Park.

Oahu is one of the most popular family destinations. There are plenty of outdoor activities, places to learn about Hawaiian culture, and world class beaches. The most popular family-friendly area is Ko Olina, which is where you'll find the Disney Resort, Aulani. Kids will also enjoy the area's snorkeling and kayaking. Surfing lessons are a fun activity for the whole family as well.

Is Maui or Oahu Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Maui and Oahu make for a fantastic place to visit.

Maui makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples will enjoy the outdoor sports, excellent snorkeling and diving, and beautiful waterfalls that make for a romantic getaway. There are world-class resorts and breathtaking scenery that attract honeymooning couples from around the globe.

For those traveling as a couple, Oahu has plenty to offer. The island offers a beautiful and adventurous honeymoon destination that is perfect for anniversaries and other romantic getaways. It's an island paradise with world class beaches, stunning vistas, and countless water sports.

Is Maui or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oahu is a popular place for backpackers. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Oahu. There are a couple of hostels on the island. Public transportation is also a bit better than the other islands, so it is one of the better Hawaiian islands for backpackers.

Maui is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Like most of the Hawaiian Islands, everything is expensive here and even though there are a couple of hostels, you can still expect to pay high prices for them. Public transportation is also limited so you'll really need to rent a car if you hope to explore the island in depth.

Is Maui or Oahu Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Maui and Oahu.

Public transit is generally limited in Maui. The island does have a bus system with 14 routes, but most visitors prefer to have their own transportation to get around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Oahu. Honolulu has a fairly good bus system, but once you're out of the city, public transportation is limited.

Is Maui or Oahu a more walkable city?

Oahu is a island with a few options for its high level of walkability. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Oahu is generally not very walkable. There are some walkable neighborhoods in Honolulu, but if you really want to explore the island, you'll want to have a car.

Maui is not a very walkable island. The island is large enough that you'll want to have access to a car if you hope to explore it in its entirety.

For even more information, also check out Is Maui Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Maui?

How long in Maui or Oahu?

Both Maui and Oahu have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Oahu has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Oahu than Maui. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Oahu than Maui. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Oahu, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Oahu than Maui. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Oahu that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Oahu than Maui if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Oahu.

One day in Maui or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Maui. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Oahu. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Maui or Oahu?

Maui is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Oahu is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Maui or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the stunning destination of Maui. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Oahu. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Maui or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the idyllic island of Maui. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the energetic island of Oahu. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Maui and Oahu, we can see that Oahu is more expensive. And not only is Maui much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Maui would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Maui and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Oahu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oahu than you might in Maui.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Maui Expensive? and Is Oahu Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Maui or Oahu?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Maui or Oahu in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Maui as well as Oahu. Many travelers come to Maui for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Oahu in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Maui is around the same temperature as Oahu in the summer. The daily temperature in Maui averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Oahu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oahu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maui this time of the year. In the summer, Maui often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu. Maui gets 290 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 303 hours of full sun.

Maui usually gets less rain in July than Oahu. Maui gets 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Maui or Oahu in the Autumn?

Both Oahu and Maui are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Maui in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Oahu for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Maui is around the same temperature as Oahu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Maui in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Oahu averages at about 80°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Oahu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Maui. Maui usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu during autumn. Maui gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Maui usually receives less rain than Oahu. Maui gets 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Maui or Oahu in the Winter?

Both Oahu and Maui during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Maui for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Oahu because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Maui is generally around the same temperature as Oahu. Daily temperatures in Maui average around 72°F (22°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Oahu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Maui. In the winter, Maui often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu. Maui gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 212 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Maui. Maui usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Oahu. Maui gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Maui or Oahu in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Maui and Oahu. The spring months attract visitors to Maui because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Oahu this time of year.

Maui is around the same temperature as Oahu in the spring. The daily temperature in Maui averages around 74°F (24°C) in April, and Oahu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oahu this time of the year. In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. Maui usually receives less sunshine than Oahu during spring. Maui gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Maui usually receives more rain than Oahu. Maui gets 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oahu and Maui