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

Should you visit Maui or Vernon?

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

Should I visit Maui or Vernon? 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: Maui or Vernon?

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.

Vernon

Vernon is located in British Columbia, Canada. It's in the Okanagan region of the Southern Interior and dates back to 1892. The city has a population of about 40,000 and the Greater Vernon area has a population of about 58,584. It's the largest city in the North Okanagan Regional District. In many ways Vernon feels like most other towns around North America, but if you find yourself here with some time to spare, you can find a handful of activities that will help you see it's unique personality and interesting qualities. The town is most popular for its lakes and beaches during the summer monts, and its skiing and hockey during the winter months.

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, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Vernon or Maui?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Maui is $275, while the average daily cost in Vernon is $30. 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 Maui and Vernon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Maui $141
    Vernon $4.82
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Maui $282
    Vernon $9.64
Compare Hotels in Maui and Vernon

Looking for a hotel in Maui or Vernon? 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 Maui


Hotels in Vernon


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: Maui Hotel Prices and Vernon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Maui $62
    Vernon -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Maui

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Maui:

  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Maui Airport to Hotel: $13
  • 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
  • Maui Kahului Airport (OGG) to Maui hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $85
  • Maui to Maui Kahului Airport (OGG) - Departure Private Transfer: $85
  • Private transfer: Kahului Airport (OGG) to Kahului: $99
  • Private transfer: Kahului to Kahului Airport (OGG): $99
  • Maui Kahului Airport (OGG) to Maui - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $170
  • Private Customizable Island Tour with Transfer: $500

Is it cheaper to fly into Maui or Vernon?

Prices for flights to both Vernon and Maui 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
    Maui $94
    Vernon $25

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.
    Maui $38
    Vernon -

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
    Maui $41
    Vernon $13

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 Maui and Vernon, we can see that Maui is more expensive. And not only is Vernon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vernon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vernon 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 Vernon.

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



When is the best time to visit Maui or Vernon?

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 Maui or Vernon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Maui and Vernon. Many travelers come to Maui for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Maui is a little warmer than Vernon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Maui in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Vernon averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In July, Maui usually receives less rain than Vernon. Maui gets 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Maui 79°F (26°C) 
    Vernon 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Maui or Vernon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Maui as well as Vernon. Many visitors come to Maui in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Maui is generally much warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Maui average around 78°F (26°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Maui usually gets more rain in October than Vernon. Maui gets 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Maui 78°F (26°C) 
    Vernon 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Maui or Vernon in the Winter?

Both Vernon and Maui are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Maui for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Vernon can be very cold. Maui is much warmer than Vernon in the winter. The daily temperature in Maui averages around 72°F (22°C) in January, and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

It's quite rainy in Maui. In January, Maui usually receives more rain than Vernon. Maui gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Maui 72°F (22°C) 
    Vernon -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Maui or Vernon in the Spring?

Both Vernon and Maui during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Maui because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Maui is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Maui in April average around 74°F (24°C), and Vernon averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Maui usually gets more rain in April than Vernon. Maui gets 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Maui 74°F (24°C) 
    Vernon 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Vernon and Maui

Maui Vernon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 72°F (22°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 72°F (22°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 2°C (35°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 73°F (23°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 7°C (44°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 1.8 inches (47 mm) 12°C (53°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
May 76°F (24°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm) 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm) 21°C (69°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 0.4 inches (10 mm) 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm) 17°C (63°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm) 11°C (51°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 4°C (39°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 73°F (23°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) -1°C (30°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)