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

Should you visit Houston or Maui?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Houston and Maui. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Houston

Houston is a one-of-a-kind, diverse, and sprawling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums. See Houston travel costs.

Maui

Maui is a breathtaking, stunning, and idyllic island. The famous beauty of Maui is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Maui travel costs.

Houston and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Houston or Maui?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Maui than Houston, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Maui is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Houston is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, and big city activities. Maui is more touristy than Houston and is known for its beach-filled coastline, world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, dramatic landscapes, and paradise environment. Also, Maui is famous for Haleakala National Park. Houston is well known for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA.

How is Houston different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Houston is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Houston offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

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 Houston or Maui? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Houston 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 Houston. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

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 Houston or Maui Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Houston know how to have a good time. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

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 Houston or Maui Better for Music?

Houston is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Maui is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Houston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Maui is not a live music destination.

Is Houston or Maui Better for Resorts?

Maui is well known for its resorts. However, Houston is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Maui to choose from. 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.

Houston is not a resort destination.

Is Houston or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Houston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Houston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Houston or Maui Better for Beaches?

Maui is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Houston is not a beach destination.

Maui offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Houston is not a beach destination.

Is Houston or Maui Better for Hiking?

Maui is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Houston is not a hiking destination.

Maui is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Houston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Houston or Maui?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Maui and Houston.

Houston offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up 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 Houston or Maui More Beautiful?

Maui is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Houston is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Maui is one of the main draws. With its dramatic mountains and beautiful blue water, this island offers stunning beauty.

Houston is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Houston or Maui Better for Families?

Maui is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Maui is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Houston. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

Is Houston or Maui Better for Couples?

Maui is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Maui is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Houston is a good city for couples to visit. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Is Houston or Maui Better for Students?

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

Houston is popular with students. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

Maui is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Houston and Maui.

Public transit is generally limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

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 Houston or Maui a more walkable city?

Houston 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.

Houston is generally not very walkable. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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 Houston Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or Houston?

How long in Houston or Maui?

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

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

One day in Houston or Maui?

Houston is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Houston or Maui?

Houston 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.

In Maui, you'll find shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Houston or Maui?

You'll find food and shopping around the southern big city of Houston. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Maui is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Maui has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Houston or Maui?

The sprawling city of Houston offers shopping and museums. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Maui. In Maui, you'll find shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week 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 Houston and Maui, we can see that Maui is more expensive. And not only is Houston much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Houston would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Houston 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 Houston.

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

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

Both Maui and Houston are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Houston this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Maui for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Houston is around the same temperature as Maui in the summer. The daily temperature in Houston averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Maui fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. In July, Houston usually receives more rain than Maui. Houston gets 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Houston or Maui in the Autumn?

Both Maui and Houston during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Maui in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Houston is cooler than Maui. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Houston in October average around 71°F (22°C), and Maui averages at about 78°F (26°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. Houston usually gets more rain in October than Maui. Houston gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Houston or Maui in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Houston and Maui. Many visitors come to Houston in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Maui for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Houston is generally much colder than Maui. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 52°F (11°C), and Maui fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Maui receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Houston usually receives less rain than Maui. Houston gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Houston or Maui in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Houston as well as Maui. Most visitors come to Houston for the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Maui because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Houston is cooler than Maui in the spring. The daily temperature in Houston averages around 70°F (21°C) in April, and Maui fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

Houston usually gets more rain in April than Maui. Houston gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Maui and Houston