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

Should you visit Miami or Maui?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Miami and Maui can help you decide which place is right for you.

Miami

Miami is a glamorous, exciting, and diverse beach city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Maui

Maui is a breathtaking, stunning, and idyllic island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Miami and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Miami or Maui?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Miami. Although Miami and Maui are popular destinations, Miami has more sights and attractions for tourists. Miami is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Maui attracts visitors for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty. Miami is famous for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. It is also well known for South Beach. Maui is famous for its beach-filled coastline, world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, dramatic landscapes, and paradise environment.

How is Miami different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Maui is a island with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami 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.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Miami is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Miami is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

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 Miami or Maui Better for Nightlife?

Miami is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Miami is a world class party destination. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

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 Miami or Maui Better for Music?

Miami is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Maui is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Miami Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Maui is not a live music destination.

Is Miami or Maui Better for Resorts?

Miami 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, Miami is a great choice. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

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 Miami or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is well known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Miami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Miami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Miami or Maui Better for Beaches?

Miami and Maui are world-class choices for a beach vacation.

With world-famous beaches, Miami is a very popular vacation destination. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

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.

Is Miami or Maui Better for Hiking?

Maui is an amazing island to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Miami is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Maui specifically for its hiking. 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.

Miami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Maui?

Miami is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Maui is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Miami make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

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 Miami or Maui Better for Families?

Maui is an amazing island to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Maui is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Miami is very family-friendly. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

Is Miami or Maui Better for Couples?

Maui is an amazing island to visit for romance. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Maui 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.

Miami is a great beach city if you're traveling as a couple. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

Is Miami or Maui Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Miami is a popular place for backpackers. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Miami. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

Maui is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Like most of the Hawaiian Islands, everything is expensive here and even though there are a couple of hostels, you can still expect to pay high prices for them. Public transportation is also limited so you'll really need to rent a car if you hope to explore the island in depth.

Is Miami or Maui Better for Students?

Miami is a popular place for students. However, Maui is not popular with students.

Miami is popular with students. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

Maui is not popular with students.

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

Miami is a popular place for its public transit. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Miami, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

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.

Is Miami or Maui a more walkable city?

Miami is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Miami is a very walkable beach city. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

Maui is not a very walkable beach city. 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 Miami Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or Miami?

How long in Miami or Maui?

Both Miami 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 Miami. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Miami, and 3-7 days is enough time in Maui.

Families should spend more time in Maui than Miami. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Miami than Maui 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 Miami.

One day in Miami or Maui?

Miami is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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.

In Maui, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this breathtaking destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Miami or Maui?

Miami 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Maui. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Miami or Maui?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the bustling big city of Miami. This beach city 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.

Maui is a fun place to experience. In Maui, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Miami or Maui?

The glamorous beach city of Miami offers nightlife and live music. 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.

In Maui, many people enjoy the shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling that this idyllic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.

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

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

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

Both Maui and Miami are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Miami for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Maui because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Miami is around the same temperature as Maui. Typically, the summer temperatures in Miami in July average around 83°F (28°C), and Maui averages at about 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Maui. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Maui during summer. Miami gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 290 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Miami. In July, Miami usually receives more rain than Maui. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Miami or Maui in the Autumn?

Both Maui and Miami during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Miami because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Maui this time of year.

In October, Miami is generally around the same temperature as Maui. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 78°F (26°C), and Maui fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Miami. In the autumn, Miami often gets more sunshine than Maui. Miami gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 245 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually gets more rain in October than Maui. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Miami or Maui in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Miami and Maui. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Miami this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Maui for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Miami is cooler than Maui in the winter. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 67°F (20°C) in January, and Maui fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maui this time of the year. In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Maui during winter. Miami gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 217 hours of full sun in the winter.

Maui receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Miami usually receives less rain than Maui. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Miami or Maui in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Miami as well as Maui. Many travelers come to Miami for the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Maui in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Miami is around the same temperature as Maui. Typically, the spring temperatures in Miami in April average around 75°F (24°C), and Maui averages at about 74°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Maui. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In the spring, Miami often gets more sunshine than Maui. Miami gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 231 hours of full sun.

Miami usually gets more rain in April than Maui. Miami gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Maui and Miami