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

Should you visit Key West or Maui?

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

Should I visit Key West 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.

Key West

Key West is a quaint, laid-back, and quirky town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife.

Maui

Maui is a idyllic, adventure-filled, and breathtaking island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Key West and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Maui?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Maui than Key West, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Maui is better known for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Key West is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Key West is well known for its festive nightlife, quirky town center, colorful personality, adrenaline-filled watersports, stunning beaches, turquoise water, and location at the southernmost point of the continental U.S. Maui is well known for its beach-filled coastline, world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, dramatic landscapes, and paradise environment. Also, Maui is famous for Haleakala National Park.

How is Key West different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Maui is a moderate island for its sights and museums. However, Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Key West 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 Key West. Head to town for local restaurants with quirky atmospheres. There are many local dishes to sample, be the town is most known for its stone crabs, conch fritters, and Mahi Mahi sandwiches. You'll also find cold drinks and waterfront dining areas.

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 Key West or Maui Better for Nightlife?

Key West is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Key West know how to have a good time. This area has some of the most lively nightlife in the Florida Keys. There are quirky bars and fun hangouts where you can spend the evening. The party starts at Mallory Square around sunset and many bars stay open well into the early hours. You can also enjoy sunset cruises or pass your time at one of the many tiki bars.

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 West or Maui Better for Resorts?

Key West and Maui offer a relatively similar set of high quality luxury resort options.

Key West is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of high end resorts around the island, many with recognizable names such as the Hyatt and Hilton. Prices can be high, but these resorts often come with reliable luxury.

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.

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

Maui is notable for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving.

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.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Key West. There are a number of dive shops and snorkeling excursions that leave from Key West. Like many tourist areas these days, the coral shows its damage from the crowds, but you'll likely see some barracuda or a Grouper.

Is Key West or Maui Better for Beaches?

Maui is renowned for the beache. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Maui. 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 West is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. One of the best beaches in the area is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. The beach has soft sand and stunning turquoise water. As is typical in the Keys, the water stays shallow for great distances.

Is Key West or Maui Better for its Old Town?

Key West is a great destination for its old town. However, Maui does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Key West. The town has the most charming Old Town areas in the Florida Keys. Head to Mallory Square for the sunset street performers and explore the historic streets around Duval Street.

Maui does not have a historic old town.

Is Key West or Maui Better for Hiking?

Maui is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Key West is not a hiking destination.

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.

Key West is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Maui?

Maui is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Key West is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

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.

Key West has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. While it definitely has its share of gimmicky souvenir shops and t-shirt stores, there are still a number of art galleries and local shops around Key West where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Key West or Maui Better for Families?

Maui is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Key West. Families that enjoy snorkeling, aquariums, water sports, and exploring new places will enjoy visiting this part of the Florida Keys. There are many ways to get out on the water from kayaking and snorkeling to glass bottom boat tours and sunset cruises. There are also many kid-friendly beaches in the area. The town can have a party atmosphere, but it's not hard to find a more family-friendly area where everyone can have fun.

Is Key West or Maui Better for Couples?

Maui is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

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.

Key West makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. From Mallory Square to the beautiful nearby parks, Key West makes a wonderful, romantic destination. Whether it's your honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply a couples' retreat, Key West is a great option. You can sip wine on a sunset cruise or dine at one of the many character-filled restaurants in town. If you are looking for a party, it's not hard to find, but if you want a more laid back holiday, that's also possible.

Is Key West or Maui Better for Students?

Key West is a great destination for students. However, Maui is not popular with students.

Key West is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

Maui is not popular with students.

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

Maui is a moderate island for its public transit. However, Key West is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Key West. Public transportation in Key West is limited to a few buses.

Is Key West or Maui a more walkable city?

Key West is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Key West is a somewhat walkable place. The town is the most walkable part of the Florida Keys. The area around Mallory Square and Duval Street is the most pedestrian friendly.

Maui is not a very walkable 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 Key West Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or Key West?

How long in Key West or Maui?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of Key West. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The beautiful island of Maui offers shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Key West or Maui?

Key West 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.

Maui is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Key West or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the quirky destination of Key West. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Maui is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Maui, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Key West or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the bustling town of Key West. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Maui has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Key West and Maui, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Maui much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Maui would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Maui 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 Key West would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key West than you might in Maui.

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

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

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

Key West is a little warmer than Maui in the summer. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Maui fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maui this time of the year. In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Maui during summer. Key West gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 290 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Key West usually receives more rain than Maui. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Key West or Maui in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Key West is around the same temperature as Maui. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Key West in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Maui averages at about 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 Key West this time of the year. In the autumn, Key West often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Maui. Key West gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 245 hours of full sun.

Key West receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Key West usually gets more rain in October than Maui. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Key West is June to November.

Should I visit Key West or Maui in the Winter?

Both Maui and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Key West 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.

In January, Key West is generally around the same temperature as Maui. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 70°F (21°C), and Maui fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Maui. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Maui during winter. Key West gets 252 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. In January, Key West usually receives less rain than Maui. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Key West or Maui in the Spring?

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

Key West is around the same temperature as Maui in the spring. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Maui fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key West. In the spring, Key West often gets more sunshine than Maui. Key West gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 231 hours of full sun.

Key West usually gets less rain in April than Maui. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.

Typical Weather for Maui and Key West