A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New York City vs. Maui for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit New York City 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 New York City 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.

New York City

New York City is a vibrant, energetic, and cosmopolitan city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, 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 York City and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New York City or Maui?

Travelers will usually find more to do in New York City. Although New York City and Maui are popular destinations, New York City has more sights and attractions for tourists. New York City is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Maui attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. New York City is famous for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also well known for The Statue of Liberty. Maui is famous for its beach-filled coastline, world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, dramatic landscapes, and paradise environment.

How is New York City different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

New York City is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in New York City are among the most recognizable in the world. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

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.

Is New York City or Maui Better for Theater?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its theatre productions. However, Maui is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in New York City draw crowds from around the world. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Maui is not a theatre destination.

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

New York City 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 York City is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

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 York City or Maui Better for Nightlife?

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

New York City is a world class party destination. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

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 York City or Maui Better for Music?

New York City 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 York City Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Maui is not a live music destination.

Is New York City or Maui Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Maui to choose from. 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 York City is not a resort destination.

Is New York City or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is an excellent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, New York City 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.

New York City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is New York City or Maui Better for Beaches?

Maui is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, New York City is not a beach destination.

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.

New York City is not a beach destination.

Is New York City or Maui Better for Hiking?

Maui is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. However, New York City is not a hiking destination.

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.

New York City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New York City or Maui?

New York City 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 New York City make it a world-class shopping destination. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

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 New York City or Maui Better for Christmas?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its Christmas activities. However, Maui does not offer Christmas activities.

New York City is a world class destination for shoppers. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Maui does not offer Christmas activities.

Is New York City or Maui Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is a great destination for its Christmas markets. However, Maui does not offer Christmas markets.

Many people head to New York City to see its Christmas markets. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Maui does not offer Christmas markets.

Is New York City or Maui Better for Families?

Maui is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, New York City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

New York City is a very kid-friendly city. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Is New York City or Maui Better for Couples?

New York City and Maui both amazing destinations for a couple.

New York City is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

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 New York City or Maui Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City is a great destination for backpackers. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

New York City is a great city to visit for backpackers. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

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 New York City or Maui Better for Students?

New York City is a must-visit destination for students. However, Maui is not popular with students.

Many students frequent New York City. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Maui is not popular with students.

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

New York City is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

New York City has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

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 New York City or Maui a more walkable city?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Getting around New York City on foot is easy. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

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 York City Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or New York City?

How long in New York City or Maui?

Both New York City and Maui have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, New York City has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in New York City than Maui. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City 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 York City.

One day in New York City or Maui?

New York City is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the breathtaking destination of Maui. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in New York City or Maui?

New York City is a fun place to experience. 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in New York City or Maui?

New York City is a energetic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the breathtaking destination of Maui. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in New York City or Maui?

New York City is a one-of-a-kind city where you can fill many days. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful island of Maui. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between New York City and Maui, we can see that New York City 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City 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 New York City Expensive? and Is Maui Expensive?.

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

Both Maui and New York City during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New York City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Maui for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, New York City is around the same temperature as Maui. Typically, the summer temperatures in New York City in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Maui averages at about 79°F (26°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New York City. New York City usually gets more rain in July than Maui. New York City gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New York City or Maui in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both New York City and Maui. Many travelers come to New York City for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, 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.

In October, New York City is generally much colder than Maui. Daily temperatures in New York City average around 57°F (14°C), and Maui fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In October, New York City usually receives more rain than Maui. New York City gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit New York City or Maui in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to New York City as well as Maui. Many visitors come to New York City in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Maui for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

New York City can get quite cold in the winter. New York City is much colder than Maui in the winter. The daily temperature in New York City averages around 31°F (-1°C) in January, and Maui fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

It's quite rainy in Maui. New York City usually gets less rain in January than Maui. New York City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New York City or Maui in the Spring?

Both Maui and New York City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to New York City for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Maui because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, New York City is much colder than Maui. Typically, the spring temperatures in New York City in April average around 52°F (11°C), and Maui averages at about 74°F (24°C).

In April, New York City usually receives more rain than Maui. New York City gets 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Maui and New York City