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

Should you visit Berkeley or Maui?

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

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

Berkeley

Berkeley is a progressive, diverse, and quirky city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Maui

Maui is a idyllic, adventure-filled, and breathtaking island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Berkeley and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Berkeley or Maui?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Maui. Although Berkeley 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 Berkeley is known for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, and shopping. Maui is more touristy than Berkeley and is known for its beach-filled coastline, world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, dramatic landscapes, and paradise environment. It is also home to Haleakala National Park. Berkeley is popular for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques.

How is Berkeley different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Berkeley offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a wide range of museums around town, many of which are affiliated with the university. There are natural history museums, art museums, cultural museums, as well as historical and science museums.

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 Berkeley or Maui? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Berkeley 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 Berkeley. There's a huge diversity of restaurants that range from international to California flavors. There are also eateries that cater to the student population, as well as fine dining and everything in between. You'll also find many farmer's markets, vegan options, and restaurants that use locally sourced ingredients.

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 Berkeley or Maui Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Berkeley know how to have a good time. With its large student population, you'll find no shortage of nightlife activities around town. There are bars and pubs as well as live music venues and plenty of unique experiences.

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 Berkeley or Maui Better for Resorts?

Maui is notable for its resorts. However, Berkeley 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.

Berkeley is not a resort destination.

Is Berkeley or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is notable for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Berkeley 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.

Berkeley is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Berkeley or Maui Better for Beaches?

Maui is renowned for the beach. However, Berkeley 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.

Berkeley is not a beach destination.

Is Berkeley or Maui Better for Hiking?

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

Berkeley is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Berkeley or Maui?

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

Berkeley is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Quirky and local is what shopping in Berkeley is all about. There are also plenty of thrift stores and farmer's markets. Head to Fourth Street or Telegraph Avenue for some of the most interesting shopping opportunities.

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 Berkeley or Maui Better for Families?

Maui is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Berkeley is a family-friendly city. There are many outdoor places to explore with kids like Tilden Park or UC Botanical Garden. There are also science museums, nature centers, and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Berkeley or Maui Better for Couples?

Maui is renowned for couples. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Berkeley is a nice destination for couples. There's a wonderful mix of cultural activities and outdoor parks that you can explore. There's the Berkeley Rose Garden, the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and many charming restaurants.

Is Berkeley or Maui Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Berkeley is a great city to visit for backpackers. With its eclectic and alternative vibe, backpackers will find their place in this city. There's also a huge student population and a couple of hostels in the area.

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 Berkeley or Maui Better for Students?

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

Berkeley is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. University of California, Berkeley is a well reviewed university that attracts a progressive and motivated student population. The city is an expensive, but very rewarding place to study with many activities and opportunities for students.

Maui is not popular with students.

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

Berkeley 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.

Berkeley has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

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 Berkeley or Maui a more walkable city?

Berkeley is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Berkeley on foot is easy. Most of Berkeley is very walkable, particularly the parts around the university.

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 Berkeley Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or Berkeley?

How long in Berkeley or Maui?

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

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

One day in Berkeley or Maui?

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

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 Berkeley or Maui?

Berkeley 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.

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 Berkeley or Maui?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the quirky destination of Berkeley. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Berkeley or Maui?

The diverse city of Berkeley 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 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 Berkeley and Maui, we can see that Maui is more expensive. And not only is Berkeley much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Berkeley would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Berkeley 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 Berkeley.

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

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Berkeley and Maui. Many visitors come to Berkeley 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, Berkeley is generally cooler than Maui. Daily temperatures in Berkeley average around 63°F (17°C), and Maui fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In July, Berkeley usually receives less rain than Maui. Berkeley gets 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Berkeley or Maui in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Berkeley as well as Maui. Most visitors come to Berkeley for the shopping scene 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.

Berkeley is cooler than Maui in the autumn. The daily temperature in Berkeley averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Maui fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

Berkeley usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Maui. Berkeley gets 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Berkeley or Maui in the Winter?

Both Maui and Berkeley are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Berkeley 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, Berkeley is much colder than Maui. Typically, the winter temperatures in Berkeley in January average around 50°F (10°C), and Maui averages at about 72°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Maui. In January, Berkeley usually receives less rain than Maui. Berkeley gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Berkeley or Maui in the Spring?

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

In April, Berkeley is generally much colder than Maui. Daily temperatures in Berkeley average around 58°F (14°C), and Maui fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

Berkeley usually gets less rain in April than Maui. Berkeley gets 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Maui and Berkeley