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

Should you visit Pasadena 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 Pasadena 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.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a picturesque, quaint, and charming city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Maui

Maui is a idyllic, adventure-filled, and breathtaking island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Pasadena and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pasadena or Maui?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Maui. Although Pasadena and Maui are both popular with visitors, Maui has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Maui is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Pasadena is known for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. Maui is more touristy than Pasadena and is known for its beach-filled coastline, world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, dramatic landscapes, and paradise environment. It is also home to Haleakala National Park. Pasadena is popular for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Pasadena different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pasadena is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Pasadena offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a good number of museums around town that include kids' museums, art museums, and local museums. Popular museums include the USC Pacific Asia Museum, the Norton Simon Museum, and the Pasadena Museum of History. Many people also enjoy touring the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

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

Pasadena 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 Pasadena. Local restaurants feature southern California cuisine as well as international flavors. Dishes often use local ingredients that are fresh and seasonal. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.

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 Pasadena or Maui Better for Nightlife?

Pasadena is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Pasadena know how to have a good time. Much of the nightlife scene is concentrated around Old Pasadena. You'll find clubs, bars, and lounges that begin the evening with Happy Hours and then become more party-focused as the evening progresses.

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 Pasadena or Maui Better for Resorts?

Maui is notable for its resorts. However, Pasadena 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.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is Pasadena or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is notable for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Pasadena 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.

Pasadena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pasadena or Maui Better for Beaches?

Maui is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Pasadena 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.

Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Is Pasadena or Maui Better for Hiking?

Maui is an amazing island to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Pasadena 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.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pasadena or Maui?

Pasadena is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Maui is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Pasadena is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.

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 Pasadena or Maui Better for Families?

Maui is an amazing island to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-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.

Pasadena is a family-friendly city. There are a number of kid-friendly museums around town including Kidspace Children's Museum. There are also nature centers, playgrounds, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

Is Pasadena or Maui Better for Couples?

Maui is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Maui is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Pasadena is a nice destination for couples. It's a charming town with a bit of a European vibe and plenty of outdoor activities. Fine dining and interesting shopping make this a nice weekend destination.

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

Pasadena 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 Pasadena, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses and light rail offer local transit and connect the city to nearby Los Angeles.

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 Pasadena or Maui a more walkable city?

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

Pasadena is a somewhat walkable place. Most people head to Old Pasadena, which is the most concentrated and walkable part of the city.

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 Pasadena Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or Pasadena?

How long in Pasadena or Maui?

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

Families should spend more time in Maui than Pasadena. 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 Pasadena. 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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena.

One day in Pasadena or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Pasadena. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The beautiful island of Maui offers shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Pasadena or Maui?

Pasadena is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

Maui is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Pasadena or Maui?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the quaint destination of Pasadena. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Maui is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Maui, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Pasadena or Maui?

The picturesque city of Pasadena offers nightlife and food. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Maui has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

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

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

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

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pasadena and Maui. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pasadena this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Maui for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Pasadena is generally cooler than Maui. Daily temperatures in Pasadena average around 73°F (23°C), and Maui fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In July, Pasadena usually receives less rain than Maui. Pasadena gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pasadena or Maui in the Autumn?

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

Pasadena is cooler than Maui in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pasadena averages around 68°F (20°C) in October, and Maui fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

Pasadena usually gets less rain in October than Maui. Pasadena gets 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pasadena or Maui in the Winter?

Both Maui and Pasadena are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Pasadena 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.

In the winter, Pasadena is much colder than Maui. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pasadena in January average around 56°F (13°C), and Maui averages at about 72°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Maui. In January, Pasadena usually receives less rain than Maui. Pasadena gets 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pasadena or Maui in the Spring?

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

In April, Pasadena is generally cooler than Maui. Daily temperatures in Pasadena average around 62°F (17°C), and Maui fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

Pasadena usually gets less rain in April than Maui. Pasadena gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Maui and Pasadena