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

Should you visit Beaufort or Maui?

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

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

Beaufort

Beaufort is a character-filled, southern, and charming town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Maui

Maui is a idyllic, adventure-filled, and breathtaking island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Beaufort and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beaufort or Maui?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Maui. Although Beaufort and Maui are popular destinations, Maui has more sights and attractions for tourists. Maui is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Beaufort attracts visitors for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Maui is more touristy than Beaufort and is known for its beach-filled coastline, world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, dramatic landscapes, and paradise environment. It is also well known for Haleakala National Park. Beaufort is famous for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes.

How is Beaufort different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Beaufort is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Beaufort offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town's museums highlight the region's past. There are four popular museums that you can visit - the Beaufort History Museum, Parris Island Museum, Verdier House Museum, and York W. Bailey Museum.

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 Beaufort or Maui? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beaufort 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 Beaufort. Soak up the charming atmosphere by dining at one of the local restaurants. Many serve Lowcountry cuisine which includes She-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, shrimp burgers, and barbecue.

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 Beaufort or Maui Better for Nightlife?

Beaufort is a town with a few options for nightlife and partying. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Beaufort is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. You'll find bars, grills, and taverns in town, but most people don't visit for the nightlife scene.

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 Beaufort or Maui Better for Resorts?

Maui is notable for its resorts. However, Beaufort 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.

Beaufort is not a resort destination.

Is Beaufort or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Beaufort 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.

Beaufort is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Beaufort or Maui Better for Beaches?

Maui is renowned for its beaches. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beache.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Beaufort. The town has a nice waterfront, but you have to head about half an hour out of town for a real beach. One of the best options is Hunting Island State Park.

Is Beaufort or Maui Better for its Old Town?

Beaufort is a great destination for its old town. However, Maui does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Beaufort. Historic homes, some that were built before the Civil War, offer a glimpse into the past. Beaufort is the second oldest town in South Carolina and it holds on to much of its charm and character.

Maui does not have a historic old town.

Is Beaufort or Maui Better for Hiking?

Maui is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Beaufort 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.

Beaufort is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beaufort or Maui?

Both Beaufort and Maui are nice shopping destinations.

Beaufort is a great destination for shopping. Head downtown for some souvenir shopping or to check out the art galleries or fashion boutiques.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Maui. 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 Beaufort or Maui Better for Families?

Maui is renowned for its family-friendly activities. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for its kid-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.

Beaufort is not always a place people visit with their families. There are parks and outdoor activities in the area, but one of the best options is to head out of town to the beach.

Is Beaufort or Maui Better for Couples?

Maui is renowned for romance. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Beaufort makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many charming and romantic spots around town as well as historic inns where you can stay. Couples will enjoy the waterfront area or exploring one of the nature parks that are nearby. There are also quaint local restaurants that make for a nice date night.

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

Maui is a moderate island for its public transit. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

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 quite limited in Beaufort. There is no reliable public transportation system in the area.

Is Beaufort or Maui a more walkable city?

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

Beaufort is a very walkable town. The quaint downtown is walkable and offers easy access to art galleries, restaurants, and shops.

Maui is not a very walkable town. 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 Beaufort Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or Beaufort?

How long in Beaufort or Maui?

Both Beaufort 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 Beaufort. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Beaufort, and 3-7 days is enough time in Maui.

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

One day in Beaufort or Maui?

Beaufort is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The beautiful island of Maui offers shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Beaufort or Maui?

Beaufort is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Maui is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Beaufort or Maui?

Beaufort is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Maui is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Maui, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Beaufort or Maui?

Because Beaufort is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Maui has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beaufort and Maui, we can see that Maui is more expensive. And not only is Beaufort much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Beaufort would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beaufort 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 Beaufort.

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

When is the best time to visit Beaufort or Maui?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Beaufort or Maui in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Beaufort and Maui. Many visitors come to Beaufort in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and 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 the summer, Beaufort is around the same temperature as Maui. Typically, the summer temperatures in Beaufort in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Maui averages at about 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maui this time of the year. In Beaufort, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beaufort usually receives less sunshine than Maui during summer. Beaufort gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 290 hours of full sun in the summer.

Beaufort gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Beaufort usually receives more rain than Maui. Beaufort gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Beaufort or Maui in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Beaufort as well as Maui. Most visitors come to Beaufort for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area 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.

In October, Beaufort is generally cooler than Maui. Daily temperatures in Beaufort average around 68°F (20°C), and Maui fluctuates around 78°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 Beaufort this time of the year. In the autumn, Beaufort often gets less sunshine than Maui. Beaufort gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 245 hours of full sun.

Beaufort usually gets more rain in October than Maui. Beaufort gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beaufort or Maui in the Winter?

Both Maui and Beaufort are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Beaufort 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.

Beaufort is much colder than Maui in the winter. The daily temperature in Beaufort averages around 48°F (9°C) in January, and Maui fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Maui. Beaufort usually receives less sunshine than Maui during winter. Beaufort gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 217 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Maui. In January, Beaufort usually receives less rain than Maui. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Beaufort or Maui in the Spring?

Both Maui and Beaufort during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Beaufort this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Maui for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Beaufort is cooler than Maui. Typically, the spring temperatures in Beaufort in April average around 67°F (19°C), and Maui averages at about 74°F (24°C).

In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beaufort. In the spring, Beaufort often gets more sunshine than Maui. Beaufort gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 231 hours of full sun.

Beaufort usually gets more rain in April than Maui. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Maui and Beaufort