A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Carmel-by-the-Sea vs. Maui for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Maui?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Maui can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a picturesque, quaint, and charming town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of Carmel-by-the-Sea is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Carmel-by-the-Sea travel costs.

Maui

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Maui?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Maui. Although Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm. Maui is more touristy than Carmel-by-the-Sea 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. Carmel-by-the-Sea is popular for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts.

How is Carmel-by-the-Sea different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Maui?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Maui? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more casual eateries.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Maui Better for Nightlife?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a town with a few options for nightlife and partying. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Maui Better for Resorts?

Maui is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

In Maui, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Maui is an extremely popular place to visit for 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Maui Better for Beaches?

Maui is renowned for the beach. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its beaches.

Maui is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Many people visit Carmel-by-the-Sea for it's beautiful beaches. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Maui Better for Hiking?

Maui is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Maui?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Maui is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Maui More Beautiful?

Maui is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Maui as well. With its dramatic mountains and beautiful blue water, this island offers stunning beauty.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful town with nice beaches and a European atmosphere.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Maui Better for Families?

Maui is renowned for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

Maui is an extremely popular island 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not always a place people visit with their families. Carmel is a good place to let the kids stretch their legs. There are also some good kid-friendly walks in the area.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Maui Better for Couples?

Maui is renowned for couples. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Maui is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a charming town with a beautiful coastline and plenty of cute hotels that makes for a great romantic getaway. There's wonderful shopping and many great restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Maui Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Maui offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Maui a more walkable city?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very walkable town. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.

Maui is not a very walkable town. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

How long in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Maui?

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

Families should spend more time in Maui than Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.

One day in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Maui?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Maui, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Maui?

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

With shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling around the breathtaking island of Maui, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Maui?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town 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.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the stunning destination of Maui, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

A week in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Maui?

Because Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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.

Maui is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Maui in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Maui. Many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Maui in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Carmel-by-the-Sea is generally much colder than Maui. Daily temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea average around 63°F (17°C), and Maui fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In July, Carmel-by-the-Sea usually receives less rain than Maui. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Maui in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Carmel-by-the-Sea as well as Maui. Many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Maui for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is much colder than Maui in the autumn. The daily temperature in Carmel-by-the-Sea averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Maui fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

Carmel-by-the-Sea usually gets less rain in October than Maui. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Maui in the Winter?

Both Maui and Carmel-by-the-Sea are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Maui because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Carmel-by-the-Sea is much colder than Maui. Typically, the winter temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Maui averages at about 72°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Maui. In January, Carmel-by-the-Sea usually receives less rain than Maui. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Maui in the Spring?

Both Maui and Carmel-by-the-Sea during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Maui this time of year.

In April, Carmel-by-the-Sea is generally much colder than Maui. Daily temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea average around 56°F (13°C), and Maui fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

Carmel-by-the-Sea usually gets less rain in April than Maui. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Maui and Carmel-by-the-Sea