A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Arlington vs. Maui for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Arlington or Maui?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington or Maui, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Arlington

Arlington is a historical, educational, and international city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Maui

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

Arlington and Maui: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Home to Arlington National Cemetery
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Haleakala National Park
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Arlington or Maui?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Maui. Although Arlington and Maui are both popular with visitors, Maui has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Maui is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Arlington is known for its museums, food, and nightlife. Maui is more touristy than Arlington and is popular for its beach-filled coastline, world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, dramatic landscapes, and paradise environment. It is also home to Haleakala National Park. Arlington is popular for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon.

How is Arlington different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Arlington
Maui

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

Arlington offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

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 Arlington or Maui? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arlington
Maui

Arlington is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Arlington. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

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 Arlington or Maui Better for Nightlife?

Arlington
Maui

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

The people in Arlington know how to have a good time. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

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 Arlington or Maui Better for Resorts?

Arlington
Maui

Maui is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Arlington is not a resort destination.

Maui is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Arlington is not a resort destination.


Is Arlington or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Arlington
Maui

Maui is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Arlington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Maui to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Arlington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Arlington or Maui Better for Beaches?

Arlington
Maui

Maui is terrific for the beach. However, Arlington is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Maui are among the best in the world. 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.

Arlington is not a beach destination.

Is Arlington or Maui Better for Hiking?

Arlington
Maui

Maui is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Maui draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Arlington is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Arlington or Maui?

Arlington
Maui

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Arlington and Maui.

Arlington has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

Maui is a great destination for shopping. 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 Arlington or Maui Better for Families?

Arlington
Maui

Maui is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Maui is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Arlington. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.

Is Arlington or Maui Better for Couples?

Arlington
Maui

Maui is terrific for couples. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Maui has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Arlington is a nice destination for couples. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.


Is Arlington or Maui Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington
Maui

Arlington is a great destination for backpackers. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Arlington is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

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 Arlington or Maui Better for Students?

Arlington
Maui

Arlington is a great destination for students. However, Maui is not popular with students.

Arlington is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Maui is not popular with students.

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

Arlington
Maui

Arlington is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Arlington has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

Public transit is mostly 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.


Is Arlington or Maui a more walkable city?

Arlington
Maui

Arlington is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Arlington is a very walkable city. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

Maui is not a very walkable city. 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 Arlington Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or Arlington?

How long in Arlington or Maui?

Both Arlington and Maui have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Maui than in Arlington. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Arlington, and 3-7 days is enough time in Maui.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arlington 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 Arlington.


  • How many days in Arlington or Maui? Ideal Length of Stay
    Arlington 2-4 
    Maui 3-7

One day in Arlington or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Arlington. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the island of Maui. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Arlington or Maui?

Arlington is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling around the stunning destination of Maui. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Arlington or Maui?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the international destination of Arlington. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the idyllic island of Maui. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

A week in Arlington or Maui?

The international city of Arlington offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Maui is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Maui, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Maui or Arlington?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Arlington is $264, while the average daily cost in Maui is $275. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Arlington and Maui in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Arlington $131
    Maui $141
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Arlington $262
    Maui $282
Compare Hotels in Arlington and Maui

Looking for a hotel in Arlington or Maui? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Arlington


Hotels in Maui


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Arlington Hotel Prices and Maui Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Arlington $49
    Maui $62

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arlington

Also for Arlington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Ronald Reagan DCA Airport Transfers: $160

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Maui

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Maui:

  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Maui Airport to Hotel: $13
  • Private transfer: Kahului to Kahului Airport (OGG): $99
  • Private transfer: Kahului Airport (OGG) to Kahului: $99
  • Private Transfer from Maui City Hotels to Lahaina Cruise Port: $80
  • Private Transfer from Lahaina Cruise Port to Maui city hotels: $80
  • Private Transfer from Lahaina Cruise Port to Kahului Airport(OGG): $80
  • Private Departure Transfer to Maui Kahului Airport OGG: $78
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Maui Kahului Airport OGG: $31
  • Private Customizable Road to Hana Tour with Transfer: $500
  • Private Customizable Island Tour with Transfer: $500
  • Maui to Maui Kahului Airport (OGG) - Departure Private Transfer: $85
  • Maui Kahului Airport (OGG) to Maui hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $85

Is it cheaper to fly into Arlington or Maui?

Prices for flights to both Maui and Arlington change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Arlington $81
    Maui $94

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Maui

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Maui.

  • From Ma'alaea Harbor: Sunset Dinner Cruise Aboard the Quicksilver: $120
  • From Ma'alaea Harbor: Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise Aboard Calypso: $130
  • Ma'alaea Harbor: Sunset Prime Rib or Mahi Mahi Dinner Cruise : $140
  • Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise from Ka’anapali Beach: $154
  • South Gilligans' Island Luau with Dinner and Drinks: $166
  • Mystery Puzzle Food Tour in Lahaina for 2 People: $170
  • Premium Dinner Cruise: Four Course Dining Experience - Ma'alaea: $170
  • Maui Sunset Luau Dinner Cruise from Ma'alaea Harbor aboard Pride of Maui: $187
  • Haleakala's Best Sunset Tour with Dinner: $210
  • Wailele Luau Including Fire and Knife Performance plus Dinner: $219

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Arlington $11
    Maui $38

Tours and Activities in Maui

Here are a few actual costs in Maui for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private Upcountry Farm Tour on Maui : $300
  • Sunset Tour to Haleakalā National Park from Paia : $189
  • 1pm Haleakala Guided Downhill Tour: $149
  • 2 hour Maalaea Luxury Powerboat Sunset Cruise Exclusive 6 Guests: $283
  • 2hr Koa Kai Sunset Whale Watch Adventure: $149
  • 3 Hours Guided Koa Kai Snorkel Adventure & Sunset Combo: $83
  • 4 Dual-Zipline Mountain Adventure ~ Maui: $200
  • 4-HR Molokini Crater + Turtle Town Snorkeling Experience: $180
  • 4-Hour Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Tour from Lahaina: $205
  • 7-Line Maui Zipline Tour on the North Shore: $149
  • Afternoon Adventure Snorkel from Ka'anapali: $169
  • All Hawaii Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Arlington $17
    Maui $41

Sample the Local Flavors in Maui

Also in Maui, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Goat Farm, Distillery, & Glass-Blowing Tour w/ Tasting: $224
  • Maui Tour : Iao Valley, Hawaiian Distillery and Lavender Farm Tour: $300


When comparing the travel costs between Arlington and Maui, we can see that Maui is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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



When is the best time to visit Arlington or Maui?

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 Arlington or Maui in the Summer?

Both Maui and Arlington during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Arlington in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Maui for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Arlington is generally around the same temperature as Maui. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 79°F (26°C), and Maui fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Arlington. In the summer, Arlington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Maui. Arlington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 290 hours of full sun.

Arlington usually gets more rain in July than Maui. Arlington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Arlington 79°F (26°C) 
    Maui 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Arlington or Maui in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Arlington and Maui. Most visitors come to Arlington for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Maui because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Arlington is much colder than Maui in the autumn. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 60°F (15°C) in October, and Maui fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maui this time of the year. Arlington usually receives less sunshine than Maui during autumn. Arlington gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 245 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Arlington usually receives more rain than Maui. Arlington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Arlington 60°F (15°C) 
    Maui 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Arlington or Maui in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Arlington as well as Maui. The winter months attract visitors to Arlington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Maui this time of year.

The weather in Arlington can be very cold. In the winter, Arlington is much colder than Maui. Typically, the winter temperatures in Arlington in January average around 35°F (1°C), and Maui averages at about 72°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Maui. In the winter, Arlington often gets less sunshine than Maui. Arlington gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 217 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Maui. Arlington usually gets less rain in January than Maui. Arlington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Arlington 35°F (1°C) 
    Maui 72°F (22°C)

Should I visit Arlington or Maui in the Spring?

Both Maui and Arlington are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Maui for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Arlington is generally much colder than Maui. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 56°F (14°C), and Maui fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Maui. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arlington. Arlington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Maui during spring. Arlington gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Arlington usually receives more rain than Maui. Arlington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Arlington 56°F (14°C) 
    Maui 74°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Maui and Arlington

Arlington Maui
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 74°F (24°C) 1.8 inches (47 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 78°F (25°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 79°F (26°C) 0.4 inches (10 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 80°F (26°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 79°F (26°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 78°F (26°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)