A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Big Sur vs. Maui for Beaches, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Big Sur or Maui?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Big Sur and Maui can help you decide which place is right for you.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a scenic, remote, and breathtaking natural area. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

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.

Big Sur and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Big Sur or Maui?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Maui. Although Big Sur and Maui are both popular with visitors, Maui has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Maui is more popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Big Sur is known for its food. Maui is more touristy than Big Sur 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. Big Sur is popular for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views.

How is Big Sur different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Big Sur or Maui?

Maui is adequate for its historical sights. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its sights and 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.

Big Sur offers a few options for museum-goers. Nature is what brings visitors to the area, so most people don't prioritize museums or manmade landmarks.

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

Big Sur 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 Big Sur. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

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 Big Sur or Maui Better for Nightlife?

Neither Big Sur or Maui offer decent nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Big Sur There's a taphouse and lounge, but the area is mostly undeveloped with no real nightlife.

People don't go to Maui for the nightlife. The island is not known for its nightlife, but the limited activities that do exist you'll find in Kaanapali and Lahaina.

Is Big Sur or Maui Better for Resorts?

Maui is great for its luxury resorts. However, Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Maui. 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.

Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Is Big Sur or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Big Sur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Big Sur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Big Sur or Maui Better for Beaches?

Maui is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Maui is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Big Sur. The coastline and beaches are dramatic and beautiful, particularly Pfeiffer Beach, which has a dramatic waterfall. The water is filled with rip tides and strong currents, so swimming isn't advisable in most places.

Is Big Sur or Maui Better for Hiking?

Maui is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for the nearby hiking options.

Many people visit Maui specifically for its hiking. 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.

Big Sur is a popular spot for hiking. The dramatic hikes take you along the coastline, to beautiful beaches and through Redwood forests. There are a number of state parks along the route and some of the best hikes include Salmon Creek Trail, Pacific Valley Bluff Trail, and Ragged Point Cliffside Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Big Sur or Maui?

Maui is very good for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

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.

Big Sur has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some galleries and gift shops, but most visitors aren't in the area to go shopping.

Is Big Sur or Maui Better for Families?

Maui is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its family-friendly activities.

Maui is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Big Sur is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the hiking and beaches, particularly the Carmel Lagoon at Carmel River State Beach. There are a number of state parks where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

Is Big Sur or Maui Better for Couples?

Both Big Sur and Maui are world-class destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Big Sur has plenty to offer. Stunning viewpoints and breathtaking coastline make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are romantic inns and impressive hikes along the water's edge or through the dramatic Redwoods.

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.

Is Big Sur or Maui Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Big Sur. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

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

Maui is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Big Sur. There is no real public transportation in the area.

Is Big Sur or Maui a more walkable city?

Neither Big Sur or Maui are walkable places.

Big Sur is not a very walkable natural area. While there are hiking trails, Big Sur is a stretch of road that runs along the coast and requires a car to fully access.

Maui is not a walkable natural area. 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 Big Sur Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or Big Sur?

How long in Big Sur or Maui?

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

Families should spend more time in Maui than Big Sur. 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 Big Sur. 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 Big Sur 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 Big Sur or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Big Sur. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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 Big Sur or Maui?

Big Sur is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Big Sur or Maui?

You'll find food around the scenic destination of Big Sur. This natural area offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Big Sur or Maui?

The scenic natural area of Big Sur offers food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

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

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

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

The summer brings many poeple to Big Sur as well as Maui. Most visitors come to Big Sur for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Maui because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Big Sur is generally much colder than Maui. Daily temperatures in Big Sur average around 63°F (17°C), and Maui fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

Big Sur usually gets less rain in July than Maui. Big Sur gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Sur or Maui in the Autumn?

Both Maui and Big Sur are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Maui this time of year.

Big Sur is much colder than Maui in the autumn. The daily temperature in Big Sur averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Maui fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In October, Big Sur usually receives less rain than Maui. Big Sur gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Big Sur or Maui in the Winter?

Both Maui and Big Sur during the winter are popular places to visit. The cuisine are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Maui for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Big Sur is much colder than Maui. Typically, the winter temperatures in Big Sur in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Maui averages at about 72°F (22°C).

Maui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Big Sur usually gets less rain in January than Maui. Big Sur gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Sur or Maui in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Sur and Maui. Many travelers come to Big Sur for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Maui in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Big Sur is generally much colder than Maui. Daily temperatures in Big Sur average around 56°F (13°C), and Maui fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

In April, Big Sur usually receives less rain than Maui. Big Sur gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Maui and Big Sur