A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America West Palm Beach vs. Maui for Resorts, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Maui?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a diverse, vibrant, and fun-filled beach area. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife.

Maui

Maui is a stunning, idyllic, and adventure-filled island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include shopping, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

West Palm Beach and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in West Palm Beach or Maui?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Maui. Although West Palm Beach and Maui are popular destinations, Maui has more sights and attractions for tourists. Maui is very popular for its museums, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while West Palm Beach attracts visitors for its nightlife and resorts. Maui is more touristy than West Palm Beach and is popular for its beach-filled coastline, world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, dramatic landscapes, and paradise environment. It is also well known for Haleakala National Park. West Palm Beach is famous for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports.

How is West Palm Beach different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in West Palm Beach or Maui?

Maui is adequate for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in West Palm Beach or Maui? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both West Palm Beach and Maui offer reasonable local cuisine and restaurants.

West Palm Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Maui. 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 West Palm Beach or Maui Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in West Palm Beach know how to have a good time. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

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 West Palm Beach or Maui Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is a must-visit destination for its resorts. Also, Maui is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, West Palm Beach is a great choice. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Maui. 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.

Is West Palm Beach or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

There's high quality scuba diving or snorkeling available in both West Palm Beach and Maui.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Is West Palm Beach or Maui Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both West Palm Beach and Maui are first-rate choices.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in West Palm Beach. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

With world-famous beaches, Maui is a very popular vacation 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.

Is West Palm Beach or Maui Better for Hiking?

Maui is very popular for hiking. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Maui?

Maui is a popular place for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Maui Better for Families?

Maui is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area 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.

West Palm Beach is a very kid-friendly beach area. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Is West Palm Beach or Maui Better for Couples?

Maui is very popular for romance. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area for its romantic activities.

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.

West Palm Beach is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

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

West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

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 West Palm Beach or Maui a more walkable city?

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

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable place. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

Maui is not a very walkable beach area. 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 West Palm Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or West Palm Beach?

How long in West Palm Beach or Maui?

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

Families should spend more time in Maui than West Palm Beach. 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 West Palm Beach. 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 West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of West Palm Beach. 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.

The breathtaking destination of Maui offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in West Palm Beach or Maui?

West Palm Beach is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

The island of Maui offers shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in West Palm Beach or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the fun-filled destination of West Palm Beach. This beach area offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Maui is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in West Palm Beach or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the diverse beach area of West Palm Beach. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

The stunning island of Maui offers shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 West Palm Beach and Maui, we can see that West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach Expensive? and Is Maui Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach or Maui in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Maui. The summer months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Maui this time of year.

In the summer, West Palm Beach is around the same temperature as Maui. Typically, the summer temperatures in West Palm Beach in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Maui averages at about 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Maui. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in West Palm Beach this time of the year. In the summer, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Maui. West Palm Beach gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 290 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in July than Maui. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Maui in the Autumn?

Both Maui and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Maui for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, West Palm Beach is generally around the same temperature as Maui. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 78°F (25°C), and Maui fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Maui. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Maui during autumn. West Palm Beach gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 245 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in West Palm Beach. In October, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Maui. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in West Palm Beach.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Maui in the Winter?

Both Maui and West Palm Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to West Palm Beach for the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Maui in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

West Palm Beach is cooler than Maui in the winter. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 65°F (19°C) in January, and Maui fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. In the winter, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Maui. West Palm Beach gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 217 hours of full sun.

Maui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. West Palm Beach usually gets less rain in January than Maui. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Maui in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Maui. Many visitors come to West Palm Beach in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Maui for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, West Palm Beach is around the same temperature as Maui. Typically, the spring temperatures in West Palm Beach in April average around 74°F (23°C), and Maui averages at about 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maui this time of the year. In West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Maui during spring. West Palm Beach gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Maui. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Maui and West Palm Beach