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

Should you visit Islamorada or Maui?

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

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

Islamorada

Islamorada is a relaxing, tropical, and adventurous village. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Islamorada and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Islamorada or Maui?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Maui. Although Islamorada 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 Islamorada attracts visitors for its museums, food, and nightlife. Maui is more touristy than Islamorada 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. Islamorada is famous for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe.

How is Islamorada different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Islamorada offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a variety of museums and aquariums in the area such as the History of Diving Museum, the Keys History and Discovery Center, and the famous Theater of the Sea.

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 Islamorada or Maui? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Islamorada is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Islamorada. Has a sports fishing destination, you'll find no shortage of seafood options in the area. There are cafes and bistros that have an old school Florida Key's atmosphere. Popular dishes include grilled fish and curry seafood.

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 Islamorada or Maui Better for Nightlife?

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

Islamorada has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife consists of mostly bars and restaurants that serve cocktails and frozen drinks. There are sports bars and casual eateries where you can enjoy a drink in a relaxed atmosphere.

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 Islamorada or Maui Better for Resorts?

Maui is a great island for its luxury resorts. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its resorts.

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.

With a selection of resorts, Islamorada makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find plenty of resorts with spas, pools or oceanfront views in the area.

Is Islamorada or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is a great island for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its diving and snorkeling.

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.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Islamorada. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and dive trips to the surrounding areas. You could also grab a mask and head out into the water on your own. You're sure to see some beautiful marine life.

Is Islamorada or Maui Better for Beaches?

Maui is renowned for its beaches. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for the beache.

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.

The beaches at Islamorada attract visitors from all over. Blue water and white sand make the beaches a true paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Anne's Beach, which has a boardwalk and mangroves, Library Beach, which is small and well maintained, Holiday Isle Beach, which is near the hotels and restaurants, and Long Key State Park, which has camping and picnic spots.

Is Islamorada or Maui Better for Hiking?

Maui is renowned for hiking. However, Islamorada 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.

Islamorada is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Islamorada or Maui?

If you're looking to go shopping, Islamorada and Maui both offer plenty of nice spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Islamorada. You'll find a few jewelry boutiques as well as sporting goods shops and souvenir stands.

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 Islamorada or Maui Better for Families?

Islamorada and Maui are both fantastic destinations for the whole family.

Islamorada is an amazing family-friendly village to visit. Theater of the Sea is a highlight for kids and adults alike. You'll have the opportunity to interact with many types of sea life including dolphins, sea lions, and even sharks. Founders Park is another great place to take the kids. You can have a picnic, hang out at the beach, or hit up the playground. There's also plenty of snorkeling and diving in the area, particularly around Alligator Reef Lighthouse.

Maui is an extremely popular village to visit for families. 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.

Is Islamorada or Maui Better for Couples?

Islamorada and Maui are both fantastic to visit as a couple.

Islamorada has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples will enjoy the resorts, spas, beaches, and adventures in the area. Head to Little Palm Spa for a little relaxation or hit up Florida Keys Brewing Company for some live music. There's also snorkeling, diving, and some good restaurants nearby as well.

Maui is a great village for couples, as it 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.

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

Maui is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Islamorada is not known for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Islamorada. There's no real public transit in the area and you must have your own vehicle.

Is Islamorada or Maui a more walkable city?

Neither Islamorada or Maui are walkable places.

Islamorada is not a very walkable village. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, it's not very walkable and you'll need a car to get around.

Maui is not a walkable village. 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 Islamorada Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or Maui?

Both Islamorada 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 Islamorada. In general, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Islamorada, and 3-7 days is enough time in Maui.

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Islamorada. 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.

With shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling around the adventure-filled island of Maui, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Islamorada or Maui?

Islamorada is a fun place to experience. 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.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Maui, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Islamorada or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the adventurous destination of Islamorada. This village 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.

Maui, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Islamorada or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the adventurous village of Islamorada. 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.

Maui is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this island makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

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

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

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

The summer brings many poeple to Islamorada as well as Maui. Many visitors come to Islamorada in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Maui for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Islamorada is a little warmer than Maui. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamorada in July average around 84°F (29°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 Islamorada this time of the year. In the summer, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Maui. Islamorada gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 290 hours of full sun.

Islamorada usually gets more rain in July than Maui. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Islamorada or Maui in the Autumn?

Both Maui and Islamorada are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Islamorada for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Maui because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Islamorada is generally around the same temperature as Maui. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 80°F (27°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 Islamorada. Islamorada usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Maui during autumn. Islamorada gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 245 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Islamorada. In October, Islamorada usually receives more rain than Maui. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada.

Should I visit Islamorada or Maui in the Winter?

Both Maui and Islamorada during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Maui this time of year.

Islamorada is around the same temperature as Maui in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Maui fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamorada. In the winter, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Maui. Islamorada gets 252 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. Islamorada usually gets less rain in January than Maui. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Islamorada or Maui in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamorada and Maui. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Maui for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Islamorada is around the same temperature as Maui. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamorada in April average around 77°F (25°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 Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Maui during spring. Islamorada gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Maui. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Maui and Islamorada