A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Orleans vs. Maui for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit New Orleans 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 New Orleans 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.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a fun-filled, festive, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and nightlife.

Maui

Maui is a adventure-filled, breathtaking, and stunning island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

New Orleans and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Orleans or Maui?

Travelers will usually find more to do in New Orleans. Although New Orleans and Maui are popular destinations, New Orleans has more sights and attractions for tourists. New Orleans is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Maui attracts visitors for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. New Orleans is famous for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also well known for The French Quarter. Maui is famous for its beach-filled coastline, world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, dramatic landscapes, and paradise environment.

The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New Orleans or Maui?

Maui is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, New Orleans 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.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans 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, New Orleans is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It has rapidly grown into one of the United State's most well known foodie destinations. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. While there are a number of celebrity chefs from New Orleans, you'll also find many local restaurants that aren't as well known but are equally worth visiting.

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 New Orleans or Maui Better for Nightlife?

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

New Orleans is a world class party destination. The nightlife scene is at its best during Mardi Gras. But year-round you'll find Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, spring breakers, and anyone who wants to enjoy a crazy time heads to New Orleans. New Orleans is a destination that attracts partiers any time of the year, and the French Quarter is the place to be if you're looking for a party.

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 New Orleans or Maui Better for Music?

New Orleans 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 New Orleans The city is known for its music festivals that feature jazz, blues, and many other types of live music. The Jazz Festival is a great time to visit.

Maui is not a live music destination.

Is New Orleans or Maui Better for Resorts?

Maui is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, New Orleans is not a resort destination.

In Maui, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

New Orleans is not a resort destination.

Is New Orleans or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is an excellent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, New Orleans is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Maui is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

New Orleans is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is New Orleans or Maui Better for Beaches?

Maui is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, New Orleans is not a beach destination.

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.

New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Is New Orleans or Maui Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans 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 New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Maui does not have a historic old town.

Is New Orleans or Maui Better for Hiking?

Maui is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, New Orleans 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.

New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Maui?

Maui is a island with good options for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Maui. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, New Orleans has some nice offerings. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

Is New Orleans or Maui Better for Families?

Maui is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Maui is an extremely popular island to visit for families. 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.

New Orleans doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. While there are some family-friendly activities in New Orleans like a zoo and several great parks, the city is more known for its parties and nightlife scene. Particularly during certain seasons, most people choose to visit New Orleans without kids.

Is New Orleans or Maui Better for Couples?

Maui is a world-class destination for romance. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

New Orleans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy a lively evening, fun festivals, and exploring absolutely amazing restaurants will enjoy a visit to New Orleans. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.

Is New Orleans or Maui Better for Students?

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

New Orleans is popular with students. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Maui is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both New Orleans and Maui.

Public transit is mostly limited in New Orleans. The city has streetcar lines and bus lines that you can use, but you'll want to have a car if you want to venture outside of these main areas.

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 New Orleans or Maui a more walkable city?

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

New Orleans is a somewhat walkable place. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

Maui is not a very walkable 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 New Orleans Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Maui?

Both New Orleans 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 New Orleans. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for New Orleans, and 3-7 days is enough time in Maui.

Families should spend more time in Maui than New Orleans. 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 New Orleans. 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans.

One day in New Orleans or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of New Orleans. 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.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the adventure-filled island of Maui. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in New Orleans or Maui?

New Orleans is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the stunning destination of Maui. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in New Orleans or Maui?

You'll find live music and food around the fun-filled destination of New Orleans. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the breathtaking island of Maui. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in New Orleans or Maui?

The energetic city of New Orleans offers food and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Maui. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between New Orleans 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 New Orleans Expensive? and Is Maui Expensive?.

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

Both Maui and New Orleans during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, 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 the summer, New Orleans is around the same temperature as Maui. Typically, the summer temperatures in New Orleans in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Maui averages at about 79°F (26°C).

In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in New Orleans. In the summer, New Orleans often gets less sunshine than Maui. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 290 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually gets more rain in July than Maui. New Orleans 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 New Orleans or Maui in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Maui. Many visitors come to New Orleans in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Maui for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, New Orleans is generally cooler than Maui. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 69°F (21°C), and Maui fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maui this time of the year. In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. New Orleans usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Maui during autumn. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 245 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Maui. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit New Orleans or Maui in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Maui. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Maui because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

New Orleans is much colder than Maui in the winter. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Maui fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Maui. In the winter, New Orleans often gets less sunshine than Maui. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 217 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Maui. New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the winter. New Orleans usually gets more rain in January than Maui. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Orleans or Maui in the Spring?

Both Maui and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Maui this time of year.

In the spring, New Orleans is cooler than Maui. Typically, the spring temperatures in New Orleans in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Maui averages at about 74°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Maui. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually receives more sunshine than Maui during spring. New Orleans gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In April, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Maui. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Maui and New Orleans