A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Tampa vs. Maui for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Should you visit Tampa or Maui?

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

Should I visit Tampa or Maui? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Tampa

Tampa is a laid-back, easy-going, and low-key city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food and beaches.

Maui

Maui is a adventure-filled, breathtaking, and stunning island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Tampa and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tampa or Maui?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Maui. Although Tampa and Maui are both popular with visitors, Maui has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Maui is more popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Tampa is known for its food, nightlife, and big city activities. Maui is more touristy than Tampa and is popular for its beach-filled coastline, world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, dramatic landscapes, and paradise environment. It is also home to Haleakala National Park. Tampa is popular for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Tampa different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Tampa is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Tampa. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

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 Tampa or Maui Better for Nightlife?

Tampa is a city with a few options for nightlife and partying. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

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 Tampa or Maui Better for Resorts?

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

Maui is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Tampa is not a resort destination.

Is Tampa or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Tampa is lacking in options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Tampa has a few snorkeling spots. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Is Tampa or Maui Better for Beaches?

Maui is an amazing island to visit for the beach. Also, Tampa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Maui. 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.

Tampa is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Is Tampa or Maui Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Maui specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Tampa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tampa or Maui?

Maui is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tampa or Maui Better for Families?

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

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Maui is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Tampa is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

Is Tampa or Maui Better for Couples?

Maui is an amazing island to visit for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options for romance.

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.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

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

Maui is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Is Tampa or Maui a more walkable city?

Tampa is a city with a few options for its high level of walkability. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Tampa is generally not very walkable. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

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 Tampa Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or Maui?

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

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

One day in Tampa or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Tampa. 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 idyllic 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 Tampa or Maui?

Tampa is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

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 Tampa or Maui?

You'll find food around the laid-back destination of Tampa. This 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 Tampa or Maui?

The laid-back city of Tampa offers food. 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 adventure-filled 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 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

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

Both Maui and Tampa during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Tampa because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Maui this time of year.

In July, Tampa is generally around the same temperature as Maui. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 82°F (28°C), and Maui fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tampa. In the summer, Tampa often gets less sunshine than Maui. Tampa gets 265 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 Tampa. Tampa usually gets more rain in July than Maui. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tampa or Maui in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Maui. The city's sights and attractions are the main draw to Tampa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Maui for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Tampa is around the same temperature as Maui in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Maui fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maui this time of the year. In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Maui during autumn. Tampa gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 245 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tampa usually receives more rain than Maui. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tampa or Maui in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Maui. Many travelers come to Tampa for the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Maui in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Tampa is cooler than Maui. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tampa in January average around 60°F (15°C), and Maui averages at about 72°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Maui. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In the winter, Tampa often gets less sunshine than Maui. Tampa gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 217 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Maui. Tampa usually gets less rain in January than Maui. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tampa or Maui in the Spring?

Both Maui and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tampa in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Maui for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Tampa is generally around the same temperature as Maui. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 71°F (22°C), and Maui fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Maui. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Maui during spring. Tampa gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tampa usually receives more rain than Maui. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Maui and Tampa