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

Should you visit Detroit or Maui?

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

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

Detroit

Detroit is a hardworking, overlooked , and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, 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. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Detroit and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Detroit or Maui?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Maui than Detroit, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Maui is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Detroit is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, and big city activities. Maui is more touristy than Detroit and is popular for its beach-filled coastline, world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, dramatic landscapes, and paradise environment. Also, Maui is famous for Haleakala National Park. Detroit is well known for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry.

How is Detroit different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Detroit is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Detroit offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.

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 Detroit or Maui? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Detroit 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 Detroit. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

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 Detroit or Maui Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Detroit know how to have a good time. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

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 Detroit or Maui Better for Music?

Detroit is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Maui is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Detroit Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

Maui is not a live music destination.

Is Detroit or Maui Better for Resorts?

Maui is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is not a resort destination.

Is Detroit or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Detroit or Maui Better for Beaches?

Maui is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is not a beach destination.

Is Detroit or Maui Better for Hiking?

Maui is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Detroit or Maui?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Detroit and Maui.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Detroit. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Many visitors go to Maui to go 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 Detroit or Maui Better for Families?

Maui is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Detroit. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.

Is Detroit or Maui Better for Couples?

Maui is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

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.

Detroit is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.

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

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Detroit and Maui.

Public transit is mostly limited in Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.

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 Detroit or Maui a more walkable city?

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

Detroit is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

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 Detroit Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or Detroit?

How long in Detroit or Maui?

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

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

One day in Detroit or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Detroit. 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 Detroit or Maui?

Detroit is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the live music. 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.

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 Detroit or Maui?

You'll find food and shopping around the under-rated destination of Detroit. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Detroit or Maui?

The overlooked city of Detroit offers shopping and museums. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

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

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

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

Both Maui and Detroit during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Detroit in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Maui for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Detroit is around the same temperature as Maui in the summer. The daily temperature in Detroit averages around 74°F (24°C) in July, and Maui fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Detroit. In the summer, Detroit often gets more sunshine than Maui. Detroit gets 319 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 290 hours of full sun.

Detroit usually gets more rain in July than Maui. Detroit gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Detroit or Maui in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Detroit and Maui. Most visitors come to Detroit for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Maui because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Detroit is much colder than Maui. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Detroit in October average around 54°F (12°C), and Maui averages at about 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maui this time of the year. Detroit usually receives less sunshine than Maui during autumn. Detroit gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 245 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Detroit usually receives more rain than Maui. Detroit gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Detroit or Maui in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Detroit as well as Maui. The winter months attract visitors to Detroit because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Maui this time of year.

The weather in Detroit can be very cold. In January, Detroit is generally much colder than Maui. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 25°F (-4°C), and Maui fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Maui. In the winter, Detroit often gets less sunshine than Maui. Detroit gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 217 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Maui. Detroit usually gets less rain in January than Maui. Detroit gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Detroit or Maui in the Spring?

Both Maui and Detroit are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Detroit this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Maui for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Detroit is much colder than Maui in the spring. The daily temperature in Detroit averages around 49°F (9°C) in April, and Maui fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Maui. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Detroit. Detroit usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Maui during spring. Detroit gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Detroit usually receives more rain than Maui. Detroit gets 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Maui and Detroit