A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Joshua Tree National Park vs. Maui for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Joshua Tree National Park 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 Joshua Tree National Park 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.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a adventurous, unique, and fascinating national park. The beauty of Joshua Tree National Park is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Joshua Tree National Park travel costs.

Maui

Maui is a adventure-filled, breathtaking, and stunning island. Maui is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Maui travel costs.

Joshua Tree National Park and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Joshua Tree National Park or Maui?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Maui. Although Joshua Tree National Park and Maui are both popular with visitors, Maui has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Maui is more touristy than Joshua Tree National Park 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. Joshua Tree National Park is popular for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

How is Joshua Tree National Park different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Joshua Tree National Park or Maui?

You'll find a number of decent museums and attractions in both Maui and Joshua Tree National Park.

While most people don't head to Joshua Tree National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.

Maui offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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 Joshua Tree National Park or Maui? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Maui is a decent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Joshua Tree National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There aren't any restaurants inside the park, so you'll want to pack your own food and eat at one of the picnic areas.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Maui Better for Nightlife?

Neither Joshua Tree National Park or Maui offer decent nightlife.

Joshua Tree National Park doesn't offer many options. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

Things get quiet in the evenings 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 Joshua Tree National Park or Maui Better for Resorts?

Maui is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Joshua Tree National Park 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Joshua Tree National Park 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Maui Better for Beaches?

Maui is renowned for the beach. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Maui Better for Hiking?

Both Joshua Tree National Park and Maui are destinations which offer terrific hiking.

Around Joshua Tree National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are a wide range of hikes that include easy, moderate, and strenuous options. Some of the best hikes include Discovery Trail, Boy Scout Trail, and Black Rock Canyon Panorama Loop.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Joshua Tree National Park or Maui?

Maui is a island with good options for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

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.

Joshua Tree National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There is a park store where you can pick up gifts or other items.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Maui More Beautiful?

Maui is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Joshua Tree National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Maui is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. With its dramatic mountains and beautiful blue water, this island offers stunning beauty.

Joshua Tree National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. There are unique Joshua Trees throughout the park as well as beautiful rock formations and striking views.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Maui Better for Families?

Maui is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Joshua Tree National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

Joshua Tree National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its giant boulders that kids can scramble on and its Dr. Seuss-like Joshua Trees, this really is nature's best playground. There are also kid-friendly hikes and Junior Ranger Programs that will both educate and entertain the kids.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Maui Better for Couples?

Maui is renowned for couples. Also, Joshua Tree National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Couples visit Joshua Tree National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Maui Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Joshua Tree National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Joshua Tree National Park. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

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 Joshua Tree National Park or Maui Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Maui is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Joshua Tree National Park. There's no reliable public transportation in the park.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Maui a more walkable city?

Neither Joshua Tree National Park or Maui are walkable places.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a very walkable national park. You need a car to truly explore the park.

Maui is not a walkable national park. 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 Joshua Tree National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or Joshua Tree National Park?

How long in Joshua Tree National Park or Maui?

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

Families should spend more time in Maui than Joshua Tree National Park. 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 Joshua Tree National Park. 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 Joshua Tree National Park 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 Joshua Tree National Park or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Joshua Tree National Park. 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.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the stunning island of Maui. People enjoy 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Joshua Tree National Park or Maui?

Joshua Tree National Park is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Maui. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Joshua Tree National Park or Maui?

You'll find around the fascinating destination of Joshua Tree National Park. This national park 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 place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here. It offers something for everyone.

A week in Joshua Tree National Park or Maui?

The unique national park of Joshua Tree National Park offers . 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 popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

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