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

Should you visit Atlanta or Maui?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta 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.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a cultural, diverse, and sprawling city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Maui

Maui is a stunning, idyllic, and adventure-filled island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Atlanta and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Maui?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Maui. Although Atlanta 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 Atlanta is known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Maui is more touristy than Atlanta 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. Atlanta is popular for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement.

How is Atlanta different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Atlanta is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Atlanta are among the most recognizable in the world. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

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 Atlanta or Maui? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlanta 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 Atlanta. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

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 Atlanta or Maui Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Atlanta know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

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 Atlanta or Maui Better for Resorts?

Maui is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Atlanta 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.

Atlanta is not a resort destination.

Is Atlanta or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is a great island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Atlanta 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.

Atlanta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Atlanta or Maui Better for Beaches?

Maui is terrific for the beach. However, Atlanta 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.

Atlanta is not a beach destination.

Is Atlanta or Maui Better for Hiking?

Maui is terrific for hiking. However, Atlanta 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.

Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Maui?

Atlanta is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Maui is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Atlanta make it a world-class shopping destination. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

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 Atlanta or Maui Better for Families?

Maui is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Atlanta is a very family-friendly place to visit. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Is Atlanta or Maui Better for Couples?

Maui is terrific for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is Atlanta or Maui Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Atlanta. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

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 Atlanta or Maui Better for Students?

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

Atlanta is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Maui is not popular with students.

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

Atlanta and Maui both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

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.

Is Atlanta or Maui a more walkable city?

Atlanta is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Atlanta is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

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 Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Maui?

Both Atlanta 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 Atlanta. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Atlanta, and 3-7 days is enough time in Maui.

Families should spend more time in Maui than Atlanta. 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 Atlanta. 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 Atlanta 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 Atlanta.

One day in Atlanta or Maui?

Atlanta is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Maui, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Atlanta or Maui?

Atlanta 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.

In Maui, you'll find shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Atlanta or Maui?

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

Maui is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Maui has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Atlanta or Maui?

The sprawling city of Atlanta 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Maui. In Maui, you'll find shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atlanta and Maui, we can see that Maui is more expensive. And not only is Atlanta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Atlanta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Atlanta 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 Maui would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Maui than you might in Atlanta.

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

When is the best time to visit Atlanta 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 Atlanta or Maui in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Maui. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Maui for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Atlanta is generally around the same temperature as Maui. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 82°F (28°C), and Maui fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Maui. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In the summer, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Maui. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 290 hours of full sun.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the summer. Atlanta usually gets more rain in July than Maui. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Maui in the Autumn?

Both Maui and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the city's sights and attractions and 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.

Atlanta is cooler than Maui in the autumn. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 66°F (19°C) in October, and Maui fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Maui. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually receives less sunshine than Maui during autumn. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 245 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Maui. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atlanta or Maui in the Winter?

Both Maui and Atlanta during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Atlanta 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.

In the winter, Atlanta is much colder than Maui. Typically, the winter temperatures in Atlanta in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Maui averages at about 72°F (22°C).

In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Atlanta often gets less sunshine than Maui. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 217 hours of full sun.

Maui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets more rain in January than Maui. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Maui in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Maui. The activities around the city are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Maui for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Atlanta is generally cooler than Maui. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 65°F (18°C), and Maui fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maui this time of the year. In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlanta usually receives more sunshine than Maui during spring. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Maui. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Maui and Atlanta