A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Grande-Terre vs. Maui for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Grande-Terre or Maui?

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

Should I visit Grande-Terre 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.

Where Should I go: Grande-Terre or Maui?

Grande-Terre

Grande Terre is an island that makes up the eastern half of the Guadeloupe 'mainland.' It is divided from the other half of the main Guadeloupe island, Basse Terre, by a narrow channel called Rivière Salee (or the Salt River). The island itself is characterized by rolling hills, white sand beaches, and cliffs, and its indented coastline is surrounded by coral reefs. It is home to most of Guadeloupe's farmlands and tourist resorts.

Maui

Who hasn't spent at least one Monday morning fantasizing about holding a mai tai on a Hawaiian beach? A trip to Maui may be just what we all have in mind, but it's so much more than a drink on a sandy towel.

At over 700 square miles, the island of Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian islands with a small population of just over 140,000 people. The island enjoys approximately two seasons a year with a mild climate just about everywhere. Rough living, right?

Voted "Best Island in the World" by many in the travel industry, Maui is the center for whale watching, relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, and the home of a large and lush rainforest.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Maui or Grande-Terre?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Grande-Terre is $155, while the average daily cost in Maui is $275. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Grande-Terre and Maui in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grande-Terre $87
    Maui $141
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grande-Terre $174
    Maui $282
Compare Hotels in Grande-Terre and Maui

Looking for a hotel in Grande-Terre or Maui? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Grande-Terre


Hotels in Maui


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Grande-Terre Hotel Prices and Maui Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grande-Terre $9.64
    Maui $62

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grande-Terre

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Grande-Terre:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Pointe a Pitre Airport PTP to Pointe a Pitre by SUV: $41
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Pointe a Pitre Airport PTP to Le Gosier by SUV: $50
  • Departure Private Transfer from Le Gosier to Pointe a Pitre Airport by SUV: $51
  • Departure Private Transfer from Pointe a Pitre to Pointe a Pitre Airport by SUV: $42
  • Departure Private Transfer from Saint-Francois to Pointe a Pitre Airport by SUV: $92
  • Departure Private Transfer from Sainte-Anne to Pointe a Pitre Airport by SUV: $60
  • Pointe-a-Pitre Airport (PTP) to Guadeloupe island - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $159
  • Pointe-a-Pitre Airport (PTP) to Guadeloupe island hotel-Arrival Private Transfer: $80
  • Pointe-a-Pitre Airport (PTP) to Pointe-a-Pitre - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
  • Pointe-a-Pitre Airport to Pointe-a-Pitre Hotels Arrival Transfer: $23
  • Pointe-a-Pitre to Pointe-a-Pitre Airport (PTP) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
  • Private Transfer from Pointe a Pitre Airport to Deshaies or Trois Riviers by SUV: $91

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Maui

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Maui:

  • Maui Kahului Airport (OGG) to Maui - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $170
  • Maui Kahului Airport (OGG) to Maui hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $85
  • Maui to Maui Kahului Airport (OGG) - Departure Private Transfer: $85
  • Private Customizable Island Tour with Transfer: $500
  • Private Customizable Road to Hana Tour with Transfer: $500
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Maui Kahului Airport OGG: $31
  • Private Departure Transfer to Maui Kahului Airport OGG: $78
  • Private Transfer from Lahaina Cruise Port to Kahului Airport(OGG): $80
  • Private Transfer from Lahaina Cruise Port to Maui city hotels: $80
  • Private Transfer from Maui City Hotels to Lahaina Cruise Port: $80
  • Private transfer: Kahului Airport (OGG) to Kahului: $99
  • Private transfer: Kahului to Kahului Airport (OGG): $99

Is it cheaper to fly into Grande-Terre or Maui?

Prices for flights to both Maui and Grande-Terre change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Grande-Terre $51
    Maui $94

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Maui

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Maui.

  • From Ma'alaea Harbor: Sunset Dinner Cruise Aboard the Quicksilver: $120
  • From Ma'alaea Harbor: Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise Aboard Calypso: $130
  • Ma'alaea Harbor: Sunset Prime Rib or Mahi Mahi Dinner Cruise : $140
  • Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise from Ka’anapali Beach: $154
  • South Gilligans' Island Luau with Dinner and Drinks: $166
  • Mystery Puzzle Food Tour in Lahaina for 2 People: $170
  • Premium Dinner Cruise: Four Course Dining Experience - Ma'alaea: $170
  • Maui Sunset Luau Dinner Cruise from Ma'alaea Harbor aboard Pride of Maui: $187
  • Haleakala's Best Sunset Tour with Dinner: $210
  • Wailele Luau Including Fire and Knife Performance plus Dinner: $219

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Grande-Terre $48
    Maui $38

Tours and Activities in Grande-Terre

Here are a few actual costs in Grande-Terre for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Cruise stopover - Plage du Gosier Round trip: $15
  • Cruise Stopover at Village Sainte Anne and its Beach: $32
  • Guided tour by electric tuk-tuk: $49
  • Stand Up Paddle Adventure in Guadeloupe: $49
  • Stopover Cruise - Valombreuse Botanical Garden + Sainte-Anne Beach: $49
  • *Cruise Stopover* - Tropical Forest - Sainte-Anne Beach: $60
  • Private Surf Lessons Tour in Guadeloupe: $97
  • Photoshoot + Drone on a Caribbean paradise beach or day tour : $101
  • Full Day Tour of Guadeloupe: $158
  • Private Ultralight Seaplane Experience in Guadeloupe: $170
  • Full Day Private Boat Tour to the Lagoon of Guadeloupe: $231

Tours and Activities in Maui

Here are a few actual costs in Maui for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • South Beach Parks Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • Ultimate Self-Driving Audio Tour of Road to Hana, Maui: $17
  • Kahului: Self-Driving Audio Tour of Road to Hana: $17
  • Self-Guided Audio Tours - Full Island: $20
  • Maui Bundle: 6 In-App Driving And Walking Audio Tours: $30
  • All Hawaii Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $40
  • Reefdancer Semi-Sub Boat Cruise from Lahaina Harbor: $54
  • Small-Group Ghost Walking Tour in Maui: $59
  • Taste of Hawaii: A Maui Farm Tour: $69
  • Maui Pineapple Farm Tour in Haliimaile: $75
  • Hali'imaile: Pineapple Farm Tour: $75
  • 3 Hours Guided Koa Kai Snorkel Adventure & Sunset Combo: $83

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Grande-Terre $13
    Maui $41

Sample the Local Flavors in Maui

Also in Maui, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Goat Farm, Distillery, & Glass-Blowing Tour w/ Tasting: $224
  • Maui Tour : Iao Valley, Hawaiian Distillery and Lavender Farm Tour: $300


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Grande-Terre and Maui, we can see that Maui is more expensive. And not only is Grande-Terre much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Grande-Terre is in Caribbean Islands and Maui is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Grande-Terre would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Grande-Terre 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 Grande-Terre.

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



When is the best time to visit Grande-Terre or Maui?

Maui has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Grande-Terre experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Grande-Terre or Maui in the Summer?

Both Maui and Grande-Terre are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grande-Terre throughout the year. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Maui this time of year.

Grande-Terre is around the same temperature as Maui in the summer. The daily temperature in Grande-Terre averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Maui fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Maui. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Grande-Terre. Grande-Terre usually receives less sunshine than Maui during summer. Grande-Terre gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 290 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Grande-Terre. In July, Grande-Terre usually receives more rain than Maui. Grande-Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Grande-Terre 27°C (81°F) 
    Maui 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Grande-Terre or Maui in the Autumn?

Both Maui and Grande-Terre during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Grande-Terre because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Maui for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Grande-Terre is around the same temperature as Maui. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Grande-Terre in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Maui averages at about 78°F (26°C).

In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Grande-Terre. In the autumn, Grande-Terre often gets less sunshine than Maui. Grande-Terre gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 245 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Grande-Terre. Grande-Terre usually gets more rain in October than Maui. Grande-Terre gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Grande-Terre 27°C (80°F) 
    Maui 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Grande-Terre or Maui in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Grande-Terre and Maui. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grande-Terre year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Maui in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Grande-Terre is generally around the same temperature as Maui. Daily temperatures in Grande-Terre average around 24°C (76°F), and Maui fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maui this time of the year. In Grande-Terre, it's very sunny this time of the year. Grande-Terre usually receives more sunshine than Maui during winter. Grande-Terre gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 217 hours of full sun in the winter.

Maui receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Grande-Terre usually receives less rain than Maui. Grande-Terre gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Grande-Terre 24°C (76°F) 
    Maui 72°F (22°C)

Should I visit Grande-Terre or Maui in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Grande-Terre as well as Maui. Grande-Terre attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Maui for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Grande-Terre is around the same temperature as Maui in the spring. The daily temperature in Grande-Terre averages around 26°C (78°F) in April, and Maui fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Maui. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Grande-Terre this time of the year. In the spring, Grande-Terre often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Maui. Grande-Terre gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 231 hours of full sun.

Grande-Terre receives a lot of rain in the spring. Grande-Terre usually gets more rain in April than Maui. Grande-Terre gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Grande-Terre 26°C (78°F) 
    Maui 74°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Maui and Grande-Terre

Grande-Terre Maui
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 72°F (22°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 72°F (22°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 74°F (24°C) 1.8 inches (47 mm)
May 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 76°F (24°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 78°F (25°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 79°F (26°C) 0.4 inches (10 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 80°F (26°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 79°F (26°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 78°F (26°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in) 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 73°F (23°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)