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

Should you visit Cape Cod or Maui?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cape Cod and Maui. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a laid-back, wealthy, and maritime beach destination. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, 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.

Cape Cod and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Cod or Maui?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Maui. Although Cape Cod 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 impressive beauty, while Cape Cod is known for its food, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Maui is more touristy than Cape Cod 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. Cape Cod is popular for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales.

How is Cape Cod different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Cod or Maui?

Maui is adequate for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Cape Cod or Maui? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

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 Cape Cod or Maui Better for Nightlife?

Neither Cape Cod or Maui offer decent nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Cape Cod This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

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 Cape Cod or Maui Better for Resorts?

Maui is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its resorts.

There are plenty of resorts in Maui to choose from. 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.

Cape Cod has a handful of resorts to choose from. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

Is Cape Cod or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cape Cod is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Cape Cod is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cape Cod or Maui Better for Beaches?

Maui is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its beaches.

Maui offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Cape Cod is considered a top beach destination. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Is Cape Cod or Maui Better for Hiking?

Maui is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for the nearby hiking options.

Maui is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Cape Cod is a good destination for hiking. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Cod or Maui?

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

Cape Cod is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

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 Cape Cod or Maui Better for Families?

Maui is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Maui is very family-friendly. 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.

Cape Cod is a very family-friendly place to visit. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

Is Cape Cod or Maui Better for Couples?

Maui is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for romance.

Maui is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Cape Cod is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

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

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

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 Cape Cod or Maui a more walkable city?

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

Cape Cod is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

Maui is not a very walkable beach destination. 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 Cape Cod Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or Cape Cod?

How long in Cape Cod or Maui?

Both Cape Cod and Maui have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Maui has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Maui than Cape Cod. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Cape Cod, and 3-7 days is enough time in Maui.

Families should spend more time in Maui than Cape Cod. 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 Cape Cod. 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 Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod or Maui?

Cape Cod is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Cape Cod or Maui?

Cape Cod is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. 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 Cape Cod or Maui?

Cape Cod might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This beach destination offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Cape Cod or Maui?

Even though Cape Cod is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

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

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

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

The summer brings many poeple to Cape Cod as well as Maui. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cape Cod this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Maui for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cape Cod is generally cooler than Maui. Daily temperatures in Cape Cod average around 68°F (20°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 Cape Cod this time of the year. In the summer, Cape Cod often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Maui. Cape Cod gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 290 hours of full sun.

Cape Cod usually gets more rain in July than Maui. Cape Cod gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cape Cod or Maui in the Autumn?

Both Maui and Cape Cod are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cape Cod for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Maui in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Cape Cod is much colder than Maui in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cape Cod averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Maui fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Maui. Cape Cod usually receives less sunshine than Maui during autumn. Cape Cod gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 245 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Cape Cod. In October, Cape Cod usually receives more rain than Maui. Cape Cod gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cape Cod or Maui in the Winter?

Both Maui and Cape Cod during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cape Cod in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Maui for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cape Cod can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Cape Cod is much colder than Maui. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cape Cod in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Maui averages at about 72°F (22°C).

In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Cape Cod often gets less sunshine than Maui. Cape Cod gets 153 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 Cape Cod. Cape Cod usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Maui. Cape Cod gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cape Cod or Maui in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Cod and Maui. Most visitors come to Cape Cod for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Maui because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Cape Cod is generally much colder than Maui. Daily temperatures in Cape Cod average around 45°F (7°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 Cape Cod, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cape Cod usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Maui during spring. Cape Cod gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

Cape Cod gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Cape Cod usually receives more rain than Maui. Cape Cod gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Maui and Cape Cod