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

Should you visit Duck or Maui?

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

Should I visit Duck 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.

Duck

Duck is a laid-back, traditional, and compact beach town. 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. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and food.

Maui

Maui is a idyllic, adventure-filled, and breathtaking island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Duck and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Duck or Maui?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Maui. Although Duck and Maui are popular destinations, Maui has more sights and attractions for tourists. Maui is very popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Duck attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm. Maui is more touristy than Duck and is known 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. Duck is famous for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm.

How is Duck different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Maui is a moderate island for its sights and museums. However, Duck is not a good beach town for its museums and history.

Maui offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Duck. Hanging out at the beach and enjoy water sports or outdoor activities are the main draw of this town. You won't find much in the form of museums or indoor activities.

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

Duck 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 Duck. For such a small town, there's a decent selection of restaurants that range from local seafood eateries to pizza delivery. Homemade ice cream is a favorite in the area, but you also can't skip out on the flagship Duck Donuts store.

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 Duck or Maui Better for Nightlife?

Duck is a beach town with a few options for nightlife and partying. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Duck is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's known as a family-friendly destination that isn't often associated with a strong nightlife, but there is often live music and other festivals during the summer months.

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 Duck or Maui Better for Resorts?

Maui is a well-known place for its resorts. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its luxury resorts.

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.

With a selection of resorts, Duck makes a nice vacation spot. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

Is Duck or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is a well-known place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Duck 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.

Duck is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Duck or Maui Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Duck and Maui are first-rate choices.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Duck. Long sandy beaches with great surf and a wonderful boardwalk make this a great beach destination. Kids play in the tidal pools and families relax under their beach umbrellas in a classic beach setting.

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 Duck or Maui Better for Hiking?

Maui is renowned for the nearby hiking options. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its hiking trails.

People visit Maui specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Duck. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Is the Shopping Better in Duck or Maui?

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

Duck is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to the Waterfront Shops for some of the town's best shopping. You can wander along the boardwalk and check out the independent vendors and local restaurants.

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 Duck or Maui Better for Families?

Maui is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its kid-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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Duck is very family-friendly. Kid-friendly beaches, local ice cream joints, and the famed Duck Donuts all make this an ideal kid's beach destination. There's a waterpark nearby and plenty of water sports that the whole family can enjoy. The boardwalk is also a very family-friendly environment.

Is Duck or Maui Better for Couples?

Maui is renowned for romance. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit 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.

Duck makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a charming beach town with great local restaurants and a beautiful and peaceful setting. For couples who want to enjoy a relaxing beach town without the energy of a larger destination, then this is the perfect place. Much of the accommodation is in the form of rental houses, which can be a bit much for a couple, but the setting is perfect for a weekend escape.

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

Both Duck and Maui offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Duck. It's best to have a car if you want to exploring the Outer Banks and its many activities.

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 Duck or Maui a more walkable city?

Duck is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Duck on foot is easy. It's a wonderfully walkable and pedestrian-friendly town with a great boardwalk and many walking and cycling paths.

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 Duck Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or Duck?

How long in Duck or Maui?

Both Duck 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 Duck. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Duck, and 3-7 days is enough time in Maui.

Families should spend more time in Maui than Duck. 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 Duck. 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 Duck 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 Duck or Maui?

Duck 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Maui. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Duck or Maui?

Duck is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. 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 fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Five days in Duck or Maui?

Duck might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Maui. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Duck or Maui?

Even though Duck 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.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the adventure-filled island of Maui. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Duck or Maui?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Duck or Maui in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck and Maui. The summer months attract visitors to Duck because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Maui this time of year.

In the summer, Duck is around the same temperature as Maui. Typically, the summer temperatures in Duck in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Maui averages at about 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maui this time of the year. In Duck, it's very sunny this time of the year. Duck usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Maui during summer. Duck gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 290 hours of full sun in the summer.

Duck gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Duck usually receives more rain than Maui. Duck gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Duck or Maui in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Duck as well as Maui. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Duck this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Maui for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Duck is generally much colder than Maui. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 62°F (16°C), and Maui fluctuates around 78°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 Duck this time of the year. In the autumn, Duck often gets less sunshine than Maui. Duck gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 245 hours of full sun.

Duck usually gets more rain in October than Maui. Duck gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Duck or Maui in the Winter?

Both Maui and Duck are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Duck for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Maui in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Duck. Duck is much colder than Maui in the winter. The daily temperature in Duck averages around 41°F (5°C) in January, and Maui fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Maui. Duck usually receives less sunshine than Maui during winter. Duck gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 217 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Maui. It's quite rainy in Duck. In January, Duck usually receives around the same amount of rain as Maui. Duck gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Duck or Maui in the Spring?

Both Maui and Duck during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Duck in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Maui for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Duck is much colder than Maui. Typically, the spring temperatures in Duck in April average around 59°F (15°C), and Maui averages at about 74°F (24°C).

In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Duck. In the spring, Duck often gets more sunshine than Maui. Duck gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 231 hours of full sun.

Duck usually gets more rain in April than Maui. Duck gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Maui and Duck