A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cumberland Island National Seashore vs. Maui for Beaches, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Maui?

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

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Maui? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a undeveloped, untouched, and pristine island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches and hiking.

Maui

Maui is a stunning, idyllic, and adventure-filled island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include shopping, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Maui?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Maui. Although Cumberland Island National Seashore and Maui are popular destinations, Maui has more sights and attractions for tourists. Maui is more touristy than Cumberland Island National Seashore and is popular 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. Cumberland Island National Seashore is famous for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses.

How is Cumberland Island National Seashore different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Maui?

Maui is adequate for its historical sights. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known 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.

Cumberland Island National Seashore offers a few options for museum-goers. There aren't any museums on the island, but on the mainland there's a visitor center as well as the Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum.

Is the Food Better in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Maui? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Maui is adequate for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Maui offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Cumberland Island National Seashore for a culinary experience, but it does have restaurants to choose from. There are no restaurants on the island, so you need to pack any food that you might need before you arrive.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Maui Better for Nightlife?

Neither Cumberland Island National Seashore or Maui offer decent nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Cumberland Island National Seashore Stargazing is amazing on the island, but you're left to your own devices when it comes to evening entertainment options.

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 Cumberland Island National Seashore or Maui Better for Resorts?

Maui is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a resort destination.

Maui is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a resort destination.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is a great island for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Maui Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Maui are first-rate choices.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Cumberland Island National Seashore. There are 17 miles of pristine beaches along the island. You'll also find wild horses and miles of hiking trails. Swimming is popular, but do take note that there are no lifeguards on the island.

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.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Maui Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Cumberland Island National Seashore and Maui both have first-rate trails.

People visit Cumberland Island National Seashore specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find more than 50 miles of hiking trails on the island. They pass through a number of ecosystems such as wetlands, forests, and beaches. Most visitors come for the day and spend most of their time on the Southend of the island. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of hiking trails. Some of the most popular trails are Dungeness Roadways, River Trail, and Nightingale Trail.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Maui?

Maui is a popular place for shopping. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

Cumberland Island National Seashore has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There aren't any shops or stores on the island so plan accordingly.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Maui Better for Families?

Maui is an amazing island to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a family-friendly place to visit. In addition to the hiking trails, coastline, and wildlife, the island also has junior ranger programs and educational experiences for kids.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Maui Better for Couples?

Maui is an amazing island to visit for romance. Also, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its romantic activities.

Maui makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will appreciate the pristine coastline, beautiful wildlife, and secluded hiking trails. Many people visit the island as a day trip, but it's also possible to stay at one of the island's campgrounds. For a truly romantic experience you could also stay at the Greyfield Inn.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Maui Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great destination for backpackers. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great island to visit for backpackers. Backpackers appreciate the secluded and pristine atmosphere. There are miles of hiking trails as well as campgrounds on the island for those who want to stay overnight.

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 Cumberland Island National Seashore or Maui Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Maui both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cumberland Island National Seashore. The only way to the island is by ferry. It leaves from the town of St. Marys and advanced reservations are recommended.

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 Cumberland Island National Seashore or Maui a more walkable city?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a somewhat walkable place. There are many hikes on the island, but the whole island is 18 miles long, making it difficult to walk in one day. Many visitors spend their time near the campgrounds where there's the highest concentration of hiking trails. This area is known as Sea Camp.

Maui is not a very walkable island. 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

How long in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Maui?

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

Families should spend more time in Maui than Cumberland Island National Seashore. 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore. 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore.

One day in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Cumberland Island National Seashore. 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. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A weekend in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Maui?

Cumberland Island National Seashore 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.

Many people visit Maui for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Five days in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Maui?

You'll find around the pristine destination of Cumberland Island National Seashore. This island 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 popular place to visit. In Maui, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Maui?

The undeveloped island of Cumberland Island National Seashore offers . 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.

In Maui, you'll find shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling. This is a popular place to visit for one week. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

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

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

When is the best time to visit Cumberland Island National Seashore 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore or Maui in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cumberland Island National Seashore as well as Maui. The summer months attract visitors to Cumberland Island National Seashore because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Maui this time of year.

In the summer, Cumberland Island National Seashore is around the same temperature as Maui. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Maui averages at about 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore this time of the year. In the summer, Cumberland Island National Seashore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Maui. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 290 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets more rain in July than Maui. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Maui in the Autumn?

Both Maui and Cumberland Island National Seashore are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cumberland Island National Seashore this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Maui for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally cooler than Maui. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 70°F (21°C), and Maui fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Maui. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cumberland Island National Seashore. Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives less sunshine than Maui during autumn. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 245 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more rain than Maui. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Maui in the Winter?

Both Maui and Cumberland Island National Seashore during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Maui in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is much colder than Maui in the winter. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Maui fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Cumberland Island National Seashore often gets less sunshine than Maui. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 191 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. Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets less rain in January than Maui. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Maui in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Maui. Many visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Maui for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Cumberland Island National Seashore is cooler than Maui. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Maui averages at about 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maui this time of the year. In Cumberland Island National Seashore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more sunshine than Maui during spring. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more rain than Maui. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Maui and Cumberland Island National Seashore