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

Should you visit Charlotte or Maui?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Charlotte and Maui can help you decide which place is right for you.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a growing, evolving, and up-and-coming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Charlotte travel costs.

Maui

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

Charlotte and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charlotte or Maui?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Maui. Although Charlotte 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 Charlotte is known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and big city activities. Maui is more touristy than Charlotte 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. Charlotte is popular for its banking industry and growing Uptown area.

How is Charlotte different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Charlotte is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Charlotte offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Mint Museum is a popular place to visit, as is the Gantt Center for African American Arts. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and sports enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

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 Charlotte or Maui? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Charlotte 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 Charlotte. The food scene continues to grow and change around town. You'll find the latest trendy restaurant changes regularly, but dishes often include upscale southern faire or classic American. There are also many international restaurants, particularly Mexican, Thai, and Chinese.

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 Charlotte or Maui Better for Nightlife?

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

Charlotte has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the night.

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 Charlotte or Maui Better for Resorts?

Maui is great for its luxury resorts. However, Charlotte is not a resort destination.

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.

Charlotte is not a resort destination.

Is Charlotte or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Charlotte is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Charlotte is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Charlotte or Maui Better for Beaches?

Maui is terrific for the beach. However, Charlotte is not a beach destination.

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.

Charlotte is not a beach destination.

Is Charlotte or Maui Better for Hiking?

Maui is terrific for hiking. However, Charlotte is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Maui specifically for its hiking. 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.

Charlotte is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlotte or Maui?

If you're looking to go shopping, Charlotte and Maui both offer plenty of good spots.

Charlotte has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping malls such as SouthPark Mall or Carolina Place offer all of the standard retailers. Concord Mills is another favorite mall in the area. Aside from the malls, there is no shortage of shopping centers around town.

Maui is a great destination for shopping. 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 Charlotte or Maui More Beautiful?

Maui is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Charlotte is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Maui because of it's amazing beauty. With its dramatic mountains and beautiful blue water, this island offers stunning beauty.

Charlotte is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Charlotte or Maui Better for Families?

Maui is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Maui is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Charlotte is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of museums for kids, with one of the best being Discovery Place. It has many hands-on science based exhibits that kids will love. Another unique experience is a visit to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Carowinds Amusement Park is also in the area as are many great parks, playgrounds, and natural areas.

Is Charlotte or Maui Better for Couples?

Maui is terrific for couples. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Maui 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.

Charlotte is a nice destination for couples. There are a number of date night activities around town, particularly Uptown. You can see a show or concert at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center or hit up one of the trendy bars or restaurants. There are also sporting events and other festivals that are fun to experience.

Is Charlotte or Maui Better for Students?

Charlotte is a popular place for students. However, Maui is not popular with students.

Charlotte is popular with students. There are a number of smaller colleges in town, but the biggest university is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Maui is not popular with students.

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

Charlotte 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 Charlotte, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

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 Charlotte or Maui a more walkable city?

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

Charlotte is a somewhat walkable place. The Uptown area is the most 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 Charlotte Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or Charlotte?

How long in Charlotte or Maui?

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

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

One day in Charlotte or Maui?

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

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the island of Maui. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Charlotte or Maui?

Charlotte 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.

You'll find shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling around the idyllic destination of Maui. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Charlotte or Maui?

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

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the adventure-filled island of Maui. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

A week in Charlotte or Maui?

The growing city of Charlotte 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 popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Maui, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

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

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

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

The summer brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Maui. Most visitors come to Charlotte for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Maui because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Charlotte is generally around the same temperature as Maui. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 81°F (27°C), and Maui fluctuates around 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 Charlotte this time of the year. In the summer, Charlotte often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Maui. Charlotte gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 290 hours of full sun.

Charlotte receives a lot of rain in the summer. Charlotte usually gets more rain in July than Maui. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlotte or Maui in the Autumn?

Both Maui and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Charlotte because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Maui this time of year.

Charlotte is cooler than Maui in the autumn. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, 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 Charlotte. Charlotte usually receives less sunshine than Maui during autumn. Charlotte gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 245 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Maui. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Charlotte or Maui in the Winter?

Both Maui and Charlotte during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Maui for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Charlotte is much colder than Maui. Typically, the winter temperatures in Charlotte in January average around 42°F (6°C), and Maui averages at about 72°F (22°C).

In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Charlotte often gets less sunshine than Maui. Charlotte gets 173 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. Charlotte usually gets less rain in January than Maui. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlotte or Maui in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Maui. Many travelers come to Charlotte for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Maui in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Charlotte is generally cooler than Maui. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 63°F (17°C), and Maui fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maui this time of the year. In Charlotte, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Maui during spring. Charlotte gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Maui. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Maui and Charlotte