A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key Largo vs. Maui for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Resorts

Should you visit Key Largo or Maui?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Key Largo and Maui can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Key Largo

Key Largo is a peaceful, family-friendly, and beautiful island. It's a quaint destination. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches.

Maui

Maui is a stunning, idyllic, and adventure-filled island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Key Largo and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key Largo or Maui?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Maui. Although Key Largo and Maui are both popular with visitors, Maui has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Maui is more popular for its museums & sights, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Key Largo is known for its nightlife and quaint atmosphere. Maui is more touristy than Key Largo and is popular for its beach-filled coastline, world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, dramatic landscapes, and paradise environment. It is also home to Haleakala National Park. Key Largo is popular for its snorkeling and scuba diving including that around John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the artificial reef around the USS Spiegel Grove.

How is Key Largo different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Key Largo or Maui?

Maui is adequate for its historical sights. However, Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Key Largo and Maui can be an enjoyable experience.

Key Largo may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is known for its Key Lime pie and seafood. You'll find a great selection of restaurants that serve seafood dishes and options for the land-loving crew. There are even a few international restaurants to choose from.

Maui offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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 Key Largo or Maui Better for Nightlife?

Key Largo is a island with a few options for nightlife and partying. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Key Largo is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. This area is not known for its nightlife, so you'll need to head further south if partying is your style.

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 Key Largo or Maui Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Key Largo and Maui have excellent options.

In Key Largo, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

There are plenty of resorts in Maui to choose from. 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.

Is Key Largo or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Both Key Largo and Maui offer excellent scuba diving or snorkeling.

Key Largo is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. Near this island you'll find some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Florida Keys at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There are private tours that head out to the reef for either snorkeling or diving. There are also shipwrecks and other fascinating spots to explore.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Is Key Largo or Maui Better for Beaches?

Maui is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its beaches.

Maui is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Key Largo offers a nice beach destination. Many of the beaches around Key Largo are man-made, but they do offer nice sand and beautiful blue water. The water is turquoise, although not as striking as further south.

Is Key Largo or Maui Better for Hiking?

Maui is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Around Maui visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Maui?

Maui is a island with good options for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Maui Better for Families?

Both Key Largo and Maui are terrific to visit with kids.

Key Largo is an extremely popular island to visit for families. This area has some of the best family-friendly snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There's also several places where your kids can interact with dolphins or experience wildlife. If you want to get out on the water, there's kayaking, sunset cruises, and glass bottom boats, all of which are great for the whole family.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Maui is very family-friendly. 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 Key Largo or Maui Better for Couples?

Maui is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for romance.

Maui is a great island 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.

Key Largo is a nice destination for couples. Most couples head further down the Florida Keys, but for snorkeling and scuba diving, Key Largo is the better option. You'll also find kayaking and sunset cruises that leave from the area.

Is Key Largo 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, Key Largo is not a good destination 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 Key Largo. There's no real public transit around the island and you must have a car to get around.

Is Key Largo or Maui a more walkable city?

Neither Key Largo or Maui are walkable places.

Key Largo is not a very walkable island. It is a sprawling area that spreads out along a main highway that is not pedestrian friendly.

Maui is not a walkable island. 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 Key Largo Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Maui?

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

Families should spend more time in Maui than Key Largo. 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 Key Largo. 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 Key Largo 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 Key Largo or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Key Largo. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the island of Maui. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Key Largo or Maui?

Key Largo 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.

You'll find shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling around the breathtaking destination of Maui. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the peaceful destination of Key Largo. This island offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the stunning island of Maui. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

A week in Key Largo or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the family-friendly island of Key Largo. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Maui, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week 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 Key Largo and Maui, we can see that Maui is more expensive. And not only is Key Largo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Key Largo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Key Largo 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 Key Largo.

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

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

The summer brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Maui. Many travelers come to Key Largo for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Maui in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Key Largo is generally around the same temperature as Maui. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 82°F (28°C), and Maui fluctuates around 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 Key Largo this time of the year. In the summer, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Maui. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 290 hours of full sun.

Key Largo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Key Largo usually gets more rain in July than Maui. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Maui in the Autumn?

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

Key Largo is around the same temperature as Maui in the autumn. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, 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 Key Largo. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Maui during autumn. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 245 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Key Largo. In October, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Maui. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Key Largo or Maui in the Winter?

Both Maui and Key Largo during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Key Largo for the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Maui because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Key Largo is cooler than Maui. Typically, the winter temperatures in Key Largo in January average around 67°F (19°C), and Maui averages at about 72°F (22°C).

In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key Largo. In the winter, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Maui. Key Largo gets 243 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. Key Largo usually gets less rain in January than Maui. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Maui in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Maui. The spring months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the beaches. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Maui this time of year.

In April, Key Largo is generally around the same temperature as Maui. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 74°F (24°C), and Maui fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maui this time of the year. In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Maui during spring. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Maui. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Maui and Key Largo