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

Should you visit Cherokee or Maui?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cherokee 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.

Cherokee

Cherokee is a genuine, fascinating, and cultural town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Cherokee travel costs.

Maui

Maui is a idyllic, adventure-filled, and breathtaking island. You'll find world class beauty in Maui as well. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Maui travel costs.

Cherokee and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cherokee or Maui?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Maui. Although Cherokee and Maui are popular destinations, Maui has more sights and attractions for tourists. Maui is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Cherokee attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, and nightlife. Maui is more touristy than Cherokee and is known 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. Cherokee is famous for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails.

How is Cherokee different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Cherokee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many of the museums educate visitors on the Native American culture. Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee People, and the Mountain Farm Museum each offer a unique and interesting perspective.

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 Cherokee or Maui? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cherokee 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 Cherokee. There are casual sandwich shops as well as several places that offer traditional Cherokee foods such as fry bread.

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 Cherokee or Maui Better for Nightlife?

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

Cherokee is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The town is generally quiet but you can head to Harrah's Cherokee Casino for drinks and entertainment.

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 Cherokee or Maui Better for Resorts?

Maui is notable for its resorts. However, Cherokee 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.

Cherokee is not a resort destination.

Is Cherokee or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Cherokee 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.

Cherokee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cherokee or Maui Better for Beaches?

Maui is an amazing island to visit for its beaches. However, Cherokee is not a beach destination.

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.

Cherokee is not a beach destination.

Is Cherokee or Maui Better for Hiking?

Maui is an amazing island to visit for the nearby hiking options. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Maui draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Cherokee. There are many trails in the area that pass through forests, wander by waterfalls, and take you to spectacular viewpoints. The fall foliage is particularly nice during the autumn months.

Is the Shopping Better in Cherokee or Maui?

Both Cherokee and Maui are nice shopping destinations.

Cherokee is a great destination for shopping. There are craft shops and artisan vendors in the downtown area. It's fun to wander around for a few hours.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Is Cherokee or Maui More Beautiful?

Maui is an amazing island to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Cherokee is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Cherokee is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cherokee or Maui Better for Families?

Maui is an amazing island to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Maui is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Cherokee is very family-friendly. It's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park make this a fun destination for families. There are countless outdoor adventure activities. The town is also filled with Cherokee history and culture, so it offers educational experiences as well.

Is Cherokee or Maui Better for Couples?

Maui is an amazing island to visit for romance. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Cherokee makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nearby there are many outdoor activities and adventure experiences. Couples who enjoy nature and exploring will appreciate a stay here.

Is Cherokee or Maui Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cherokee is a popular place for backpackers. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cherokee. There are several great campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hiking opportunities.

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

Both Cherokee and Maui offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Cherokee. There are some bus and shuttle routes, but a private vehicle is important if you want to make the most of your visit.

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 Cherokee or Maui a more walkable city?

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

Cherokee is generally not very walkable. If you want to explore the area, you'll need a car to reach most places.

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 Cherokee Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or Cherokee?

How long in Cherokee or Maui?

Both Cherokee 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 Cherokee. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Cherokee, and 3-7 days is enough time in Maui.

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

One day in Cherokee or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Cherokee. 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.

The beautiful island of Maui offers shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Cherokee or Maui?

Cherokee is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Maui is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Cherokee or Maui?

You'll find shopping and museums around the cultural destination of Cherokee. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Maui is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Maui, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Cherokee or Maui?

The fascinating town of Cherokee offers museums and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Maui has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

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 Cherokee and Maui, we can see that Maui is more expensive. And not only is Cherokee much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cherokee would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cherokee 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 Cherokee.

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

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cherokee and Maui. Many visitors come to Cherokee in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Maui for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Cherokee is around the same temperature as Maui. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cherokee in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Maui averages at about 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maui this time of the year. In Cherokee, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cherokee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Maui during summer. Cherokee gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 290 hours of full sun in the summer.

Cherokee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cherokee usually receives more rain than Maui. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cherokee or Maui in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cherokee as well as Maui. Most visitors come to Cherokee for the hiking trails and the shopping scene 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.

In October, Cherokee is generally cooler than Maui. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 63°F (17°C), and Maui fluctuates around 78°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 Cherokee this time of the year. In the autumn, Cherokee often gets less sunshine than Maui. Cherokee gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 245 hours of full sun.

Cherokee usually gets more rain in October than Maui. Cherokee gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cherokee or Maui in the Winter?

Both Maui and Cherokee are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Cherokee because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Maui this time of year.

The weather in Cherokee can be very cold. Cherokee is much colder than Maui in the winter. The daily temperature in Cherokee averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Maui fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Maui. Cherokee usually receives less sunshine than Maui during winter. Cherokee gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 217 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Maui. It's quite rainy in Cherokee. In January, Cherokee usually receives more rain than Maui. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cherokee or Maui in the Spring?

Both Maui and Cherokee during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Maui for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cherokee is cooler than Maui. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cherokee in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Maui averages at about 74°F (24°C).

In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cherokee. In the spring, Cherokee often gets more sunshine than Maui. Cherokee gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 231 hours of full sun.

Cherokee usually gets more rain in April than Maui. Cherokee gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Maui and Cherokee