A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cocoa Beach vs. Maui for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach 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.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is a relaxing, adventurous, and fun-filled beach town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Maui

Maui is a adventure-filled, breathtaking, and stunning island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Cocoa Beach and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Maui?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Maui. Although Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach is known for its museums, food, and nightlife. Maui is more touristy than Cocoa Beach 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. Cocoa Beach is popular for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cocoa Beach or Maui?

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

Cocoa Beach offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town's proximity to the Kennedy Space Center is a big appeal for space enthusiasts. It's easy to take advantage of the great beaches and then spend a day exploring the space center. Also in town is the Florida Surf 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 Cocoa Beach or Maui? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach. Seafood is the obvious choice in this beach town. Head to Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier for some great restaurants. In addition to seafood options, you'll find steakhouses, bistros, and pizza shops.

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 Cocoa Beach or Maui Better for Nightlife?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Cocoa Beach has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a number of casual pubs, bars, and grills around town where you can grab a drink in a relaxed setting.

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 Cocoa Beach or Maui Better for Resorts?

Maui is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Cocoa Beach has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are casual and family-friendly resorts in the area that make for a nice beach vacation.

Is Cocoa Beach or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cocoa Beach 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.

Cocoa Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Maui Better for Beaches?

Maui is very popular for the beach. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Cocoa Beach is considered a top beach destination. There are long stretches of sand that are great for swimming, surfing, water sports, or just relaxing in the sun. The most popular area is around Cocoa Beach Pier. For family-friendly, head to James H. Nance Park which also has a playground. If you have a dog, Canova Beach Park is your best option.

Is Cocoa Beach or Maui Better for Hiking?

Maui is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

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.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Maui?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Cocoa Beach and Maui.

Cocoa Beach has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find lots of great local shops as well as malls and beach stores where you can pick up everything you need.

Maui is a great destination for shopping. 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 Cocoa Beach or Maui Better for Families?

Both Cocoa Beach and Maui are amazing family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Cocoa Beach is very family-friendly. It's right by the Kennedy Space Center, which is a great excursion for kids and adults alike. There's also the Brevard Zoo, amazing beaches, and great parks where the kids can run around.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Maui is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Is Cocoa Beach or Maui Better for Couples?

Maui is very popular for couples. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Couples visit Cocoa Beach frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Beautiful beaches, fun outdoor activities, and great date night activities make this a wonderful couples destination.

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

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its public transit. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Cocoa Beach, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can hop on the Cocoa Beach Trolley to access many sights in the area. It's a service provided by the Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT).

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 Cocoa Beach or Maui a more walkable city?

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

Cocoa Beach is a somewhat walkable place. For the most walkable areas stay near the town center. In general, you'll want to have a car to access most of what the area has to offer though.

Maui is not a very walkable beach 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 Cocoa Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Maui?

Both Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cocoa Beach, and 3-7 days is enough time in Maui.

Couples should spend more time in Maui than Cocoa Beach. 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 Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach.

One day in Cocoa Beach or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Cocoa Beach. 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.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the breathtaking island of Maui. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Cocoa Beach or Maui?

Cocoa Beach 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Maui. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Cocoa Beach or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the fun-filled destination of Cocoa Beach. This beach town 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.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the stunning island of Maui. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Cocoa Beach or Maui?

The adventurous beach town of Cocoa Beach offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Maui. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island.

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

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

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

Both Maui and Cocoa Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Maui for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cocoa Beach is generally around the same temperature as Maui. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Maui fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in July than Maui. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Maui in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Maui. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Maui in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Maui in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 77°F (25°C) in October, and Maui fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

Cocoa Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Maui. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Maui in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Maui. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Maui for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Cocoa Beach is cooler than Maui. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cocoa Beach in January average around 63°F (17°C), and Maui averages at about 72°F (22°C).

It's quite rainy in Maui. Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in January than Maui. Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach or Maui in the Spring?

Both Maui and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Maui because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Cocoa Beach is generally around the same temperature as Maui. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 73°F (23°C), and Maui fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

In April, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Maui. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.

Typical Weather for Maui and Cocoa Beach