A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Martha's Vineyard vs. Maui for Resorts, Beaches, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Martha's Vineyard or Maui?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Martha's Vineyard and Maui. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a affluent, coastal, and peaceful island. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and food.

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.

Martha's Vineyard and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Martha's Vineyard or Maui?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Maui. Although Martha's Vineyard and Maui are both popular with visitors, Maui has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Maui is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Martha's Vineyard is known for its food, nightlife, resorts, shopping, and small town charm. Maui is more touristy than Martha's Vineyard 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. Martha's Vineyard is popular for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping.

How is Martha's Vineyard different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Martha's Vineyard or Maui?

You'll find a number of decent museums and attractions in both Maui and Martha's Vineyard.

While most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.

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.

Is the Food Better in Martha's Vineyard or Maui? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

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 Martha's Vineyard or Maui Better for Nightlife?

Martha's Vineyard is a island with a few options for nightlife and partying. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Martha's Vineyard is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

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 Martha's Vineyard or Maui Better for Resorts?

Martha's Vineyard is a must-visit destination for its resorts. Also, Maui is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Martha's Vineyard is a great choice. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

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 Martha's Vineyard or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is a great island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Martha's Vineyard is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Martha's Vineyard is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Maui Better for Beaches?

Maui is an amazing island to visit for the beach. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its beaches.

Maui offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Martha's Vineyard is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Maui Better for Hiking?

Maui is an amazing island to visit for hiking. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby hiking options.

Maui is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Martha's Vineyard is a good destination for hiking. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Is the Shopping Better in Martha's Vineyard or Maui?

Martha's Vineyard is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Maui is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Martha's Vineyard is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

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.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Maui Better for Families?

Maui is an amazing island to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Martha's Vineyard is a family-friendly place to visit. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Maui Better for Couples?

Martha's Vineyard and Maui both amazing destinations for a couple.

Martha's Vineyard is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

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.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Maui Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Martha's Vineyard and Maui both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

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 Martha's Vineyard or Maui a more walkable city?

Martha's Vineyard is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Martha's Vineyard is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

Maui is not a very 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 Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or Martha's Vineyard?

How long in Martha's Vineyard or Maui?

Both Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Martha's Vineyard, and 3-7 days is enough time in Maui.

Families should spend more time in Maui than Martha's Vineyard. 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 Martha's Vineyard than Maui. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Martha's Vineyard that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Maui than Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard or Maui?

Martha's Vineyard is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Martha's Vineyard or Maui?

Martha's Vineyard is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

With shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling around the idyllic island of Maui, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Martha's Vineyard or Maui?

Martha's Vineyard is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This island offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the adventure-filled destination of Maui, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

A week in Martha's Vineyard or Maui?

Because Martha's Vineyard is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Maui is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 comparing the travel costs between Martha's Vineyard and Maui, we can see that Maui is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

When is the best time to visit Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard or Maui in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Martha's Vineyard as well as Maui. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Maui for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Martha's Vineyard is generally cooler than Maui. Daily temperatures in Martha's Vineyard average around 73°F (23°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 Martha's Vineyard this time of the year. In the summer, Martha's Vineyard often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Maui. Martha's Vineyard gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 290 hours of full sun.

Martha's Vineyard usually gets more rain in July than Maui. Martha's Vineyard gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Maui in the Autumn?

Both Maui and Martha's Vineyard are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Maui in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Martha's Vineyard is much colder than Maui in the autumn. The daily temperature in Martha's Vineyard averages around 53°F (12°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 Martha's Vineyard. Martha's Vineyard usually receives less sunshine than Maui during autumn. Martha's Vineyard gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 245 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Martha's Vineyard usually receives more rain than Maui. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Maui in the Winter?

Both Maui and Martha's Vineyard during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Martha's Vineyard in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Maui for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Martha's Vineyard can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Martha's Vineyard is much colder than Maui. Typically, the winter temperatures in Martha's Vineyard in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Maui averages at about 72°F (22°C).

In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Martha's Vineyard often gets less sunshine than Maui. Martha's Vineyard gets 170 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. Martha's Vineyard usually gets less rain in January than Maui. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Maui in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Martha's Vineyard and Maui. Most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Maui because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Martha's Vineyard is generally much colder than Maui. Daily temperatures in Martha's Vineyard average around 48°F (9°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 Martha's Vineyard, it's very sunny this time of the year. Martha's Vineyard usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Maui during spring. Martha's Vineyard gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Martha's Vineyard usually receives more rain than Maui. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Maui and Martha's Vineyard