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

Should you visit El Paso or Maui?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between El Paso and Maui can help you decide which place is right for you.

El Paso

El Paso is a low-key, undiscovered, and laid-back city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Maui

Maui is a adventure-filled, breathtaking, and stunning island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

El Paso and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in El Paso or Maui?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Maui. Although El Paso and Maui are popular destinations, Maui has more sights and attractions for tourists. Maui is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while El Paso attracts visitors for its museums, food, and nightlife. Maui is more touristy than El Paso 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. El Paso is famous for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food.

How is El Paso different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in El Paso or Maui?

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

El Paso offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Visitors can learn about local art, culture, and history at the El Paso Museum of Art, the El Paso Museum of History, the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss Museum, and the Eduardo Pedregón Memorial Veterans 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 El Paso or Maui? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

El Paso 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 El Paso. Mexican food and barbecue are popular around town but you'll also find burgers, pizza, and other American favorites.

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 El Paso or Maui Better for Nightlife?

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

El Paso has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a number of bars, nightclubs, and lounges around town where you can enjoy a fun night out.

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 El Paso or Maui Better for Resorts?

Maui is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, El Paso is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Maui. 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.

El Paso is not a resort destination.

Is El Paso or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, El Paso is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

El Paso is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is El Paso or Maui Better for Beaches?

Maui is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, El Paso is not a beach destination.

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.

El Paso is not a beach destination.

Is El Paso or Maui Better for Hiking?

Maui is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. However, El Paso is not a hiking destination.

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.

El Paso is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in El Paso or Maui?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both El Paso and Maui.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in El Paso. There are a number of malls and outlet centers around town. One of the most well known is Bassett Place, but other options include Cielo Vista Mall and the Fountains at Farah.

Maui offers some nice shopping areas. 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 El Paso or Maui Better for Families?

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

Maui is one of the most popular family destinations. 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 El Paso. There are adventure parks, playgrounds, outdoor centers and nature activities that families can enjoy.

Is El Paso or Maui Better for Couples?

Maui is an unbeatable place for romance. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Maui has plenty to offer. 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.

Most people don't think of El Paso as a couple's destination. Couples can enjoy dinner and a show or taking a romantic drive up to the overlook.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both El Paso and Maui.

Public transit is mostly limited in El Paso. While there are some bus routes in town, you shouldn't rely on them and must have a private vehicle to efficiently visit the 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 El Paso or Maui a more walkable city?

El Paso is a city with a few options for its high level of walkability. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

El Paso is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around town.

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 El Paso Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or El Paso?

How long in El Paso or Maui?

Both El Paso 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 El Paso. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for El Paso, and 3-7 days is enough time in Maui.

Families should spend more time in Maui than El Paso. 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 El Paso. 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 El Paso 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 El Paso.

One day in El Paso or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of El Paso. 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 El Paso or Maui?

El Paso is a fun place to experience. 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 El Paso or Maui?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the undiscovered destination of El Paso. 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 El Paso or Maui?

The low-key city of El Paso offers nightlife and food. 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 El Paso and Maui, we can see that Maui is more expensive. And not only is El Paso much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to El Paso would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in El Paso 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 El Paso.

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