A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America San Francisco vs. Maui for Attractions, Food, Beaches, and Hiking

Should you visit San Francisco or Maui?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Francisco or Maui, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and quirky coastal city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Maui

Maui is a stunning, idyllic, and adventure-filled island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

San Francisco and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Francisco or Maui?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Francisco. Although San Francisco and Maui are both popular with visitors, San Francisco has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. San Francisco is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Maui is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. San Francisco is popular for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. It is also home to The Golden Gate Bridge. Maui is popular for its beach-filled coastline, world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, dramatic landscapes, and paradise environment.

How is San Francisco different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Francisco or Maui?

San Francisco 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 San Francisco are among the most recognizable in the world. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

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 San Francisco or Maui Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a popular place for its theatre productions. However, Maui is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in San Francisco. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Maui is not a theatre destination.

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

San Francisco 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, San Francisco is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

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 San Francisco or Maui Better for Nightlife?

San Francisco is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

San Francisco has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

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 San Francisco or Maui Better for Music?

San Francisco is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Maui is not a live music destination.

The music scene in San Francisco is active and vibrant. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Maui is not a live music destination.

Is San Francisco or Maui Better for Resorts?

Maui is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, San Francisco is not a resort destination.

Maui is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

San Francisco is not a resort destination.

Is San Francisco or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is a great island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, San Francisco is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Maui to enjoy 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.

San Francisco is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is San Francisco or Maui Better for Beaches?

Maui is an amazing island to visit for the beach. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its beaches.

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.

The beaches at San Francisco attract visitors from all over. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Is San Francisco or Maui Better for Hiking?

San Francisco and Maui are both places where visitors can find fantastic hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, San Francisco draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in San Francisco or Maui?

San Francisco 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 San Francisco make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

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 San Francisco or Maui Better for Families?

San Francisco and Maui are both fantastic destinations for the whole family.

San Francisco is an amazing family-friendly coastal city to visit. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

Maui is an extremely popular coastal city 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.

Is San Francisco or Maui Better for Couples?

Maui is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

Maui has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

San Francisco is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

Is San Francisco or Maui Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Francisco is a great destination for backpackers. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

San Francisco is a great coastal city to visit for backpackers. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

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 San Francisco or Maui Better for Students?

San Francisco is a great destination for students. However, Maui is not popular with students.

San Francisco is a very popular coastal city for students and younger travelers. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

Maui is not popular with students.

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

San Francisco 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.

San Francisco has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

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 San Francisco or Maui a more walkable city?

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

San Francisco is a very walkable coastal city. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

Maui is not a very walkable coastal 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 San Francisco Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or San Francisco?

How long in San Francisco or Maui?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco 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 San Francisco.

One day in San Francisco or Maui?

San Francisco is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 stunning 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 San Francisco or Maui?

San Francisco is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 San Francisco or Maui?

San Francisco is a one-of-a-kind big city where you can fill many days. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 idyllic 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 San Francisco or Maui?

San Francisco is a outdoorsy coastal city where you can fill many days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

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

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

The summer brings many poeple to San Francisco as well as Maui. Many visitors come to San Francisco in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Maui for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, San Francisco is generally cooler than Maui. Daily temperatures in San Francisco average around 63°F (17°C), and Maui fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

San Francisco usually gets less rain in July than Maui. San Francisco gets 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Francisco or Maui in the Autumn?

Both Maui and San Francisco are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to San Francisco for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Maui because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

San Francisco is cooler than Maui in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Francisco averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Maui fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In October, San Francisco usually receives around the same amount of rain as Maui. San Francisco gets 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit San Francisco or Maui in the Winter?

Both Maui and San Francisco during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Maui this time of year.

In the winter, San Francisco is much colder than Maui. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Francisco in January average around 50°F (10°C), and Maui averages at about 72°F (22°C).

Maui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. San Francisco usually gets less rain in January than Maui. San Francisco gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Francisco or Maui in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both San Francisco and Maui. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Maui for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, San Francisco is generally much colder than Maui. Daily temperatures in San Francisco average around 58°F (14°C), and Maui fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

In April, San Francisco usually receives less rain than Maui. San Francisco gets 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Maui and San Francisco