A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Maui vs. Halifax for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Maui or Halifax?

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

Should I visit Maui or Halifax? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Maui

Maui is a adventure-filled, breathtaking, and stunning island. Maui is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Maui travel costs.

Halifax

Halifax is a historical, friendly, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Halifax travel costs.

Maui and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Maui or Halifax?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Maui. Although Maui and Halifax 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 Halifax attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, and nightlife. Maui is more touristy than Halifax and is popular 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. Halifax is famous for its maritime past.

How is Maui different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Halifax offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You should head to Pier 21, where you'll find the Canadian Museum of Immigration. The Discovery Center is a great spot for kids, as is the Natural History Museum. Finally, check out the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

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 Maui or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Halifax 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 Halifax. You'll find lobster rolls and other seafood around town, but also make sure you try the Halifax donair, which is a shaved beef sandwich wrap that can be found a many pizza restaurants.

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 Maui or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

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

Halifax has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a laid back atmosphere to the nightlife scene. There are casual bars and pubs where you can meet the locals and a few nightclubs where there's a relaxed but fun atmosphere.

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 Maui or Halifax Better for Resorts?

Maui is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Halifax 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.

Halifax is not a resort destination.

Is Maui or Halifax Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Halifax 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.

Halifax is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Maui or Halifax Better for Beaches?

Maui is renowned for its beaches. However, Halifax 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.

Halifax is not a beach destination.

Is Maui or Halifax Better for Hiking?

Maui is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Halifax is not a hiking destination.

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.

Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Maui or Halifax?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Halifax and Maui.

Maui offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Halifax has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.

Is Maui or Halifax More Beautiful?

Maui is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Halifax is not a destination known for its 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.

Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Maui or Halifax Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Halifax. There are a handful of kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Natural History. Kids will also appreciate a visit to the Discovery Center or stretching their legs at Point Pleasant Park. History lovers should go see the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

Is Maui or Halifax Better for Couples?

Maui is renowned for romance. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Halifax makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can wander down the waterfront or take a stroll through Point Pleasant Park. The city also has number of romantic restaurants and hotels.

Is Maui or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Halifax. There's actually a decent number of hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Halifax 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 Halifax, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town as well as a ferry to Dartmouth.

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 Maui or Halifax a more walkable city?

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

Halifax is a somewhat walkable place. It's a compact town that's relatively easy to explore on foot.

Maui is not a very walkable island. 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 Maui Worth Visiting? and Is Halifax Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Maui?

How long in Maui or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Maui and Halifax. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Maui than in Halifax. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Maui, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halifax.

Families should spend more time in Maui than Halifax. 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 Halifax. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Maui that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Halifax 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 Halifax.

One day in Maui or Halifax?

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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Halifax. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Maui or Halifax?

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.

Halifax 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.

Five days in Maui or Halifax?

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.

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

A week in Maui or Halifax?

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.

The historical city of Halifax 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Maui or Halifax?

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 Maui or Halifax in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Maui as well as Halifax. Many travelers come to Maui for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Halifax in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Maui is generally a little warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Maui average around 79°F (26°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Halifax. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maui this time of the year. In the summer, Maui often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Maui gets 290 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun.

Maui usually gets less rain in July than Halifax. Maui gets 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Maui or Halifax in the Autumn?

Both Halifax and Maui are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Maui in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Halifax for the shopping scene during these months.

Maui is much warmer than Halifax in the autumn. The daily temperature in Maui averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Maui. Maui usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during autumn. Maui gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. In October, Maui usually receives less rain than Halifax. Maui gets 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Maui or Halifax in the Winter?

Both Halifax and Maui during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Maui for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Halifax because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Halifax can be very cold. In the winter, Maui is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the winter temperatures in Maui in January average around 72°F (22°C), and Halifax averages at about -4°C (24°F).

It's quite sunny in Maui. In the winter, Maui often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Maui gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun.

Halifax gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Maui. Maui usually gets less rain in January than Halifax. Maui gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Maui or Halifax in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Maui and Halifax. The spring months attract visitors to Maui because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Halifax in the spring. In April, Maui is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Maui average around 74°F (24°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. Maui usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during spring. Maui gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

Halifax receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Maui usually receives less rain than Halifax. Maui gets 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Halifax and Maui