A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Maui vs. Jasper National Park for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Maui or Jasper National Park?

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

Should I visit Maui or Jasper National Park? 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 breathtaking, stunning, and idyllic island. The famous beauty of Maui is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Maui travel costs.

Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a breathtaking, adventure-filled, and stunning national park. The famous beauty of Jasper National Park is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Jasper National Park travel costs.

Maui and Jasper National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Maui or Jasper National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Maui. Although Maui and Jasper National Park are popular destinations, Maui has more sights and attractions for tourists. Maui is more touristy than Jasper National Park 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. Jasper National Park is famous for its wildlife and pristine natural beauty

How is Maui different from Jasper National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Jasper National Park 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 Jasper National Park?

Plenty of people visit the reasonable sights and museums in both Maui and Jasper National Park.

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.

While most people don't head to Jasper National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You can learn about the area with a visit to the Jasper Yellowhead Museum & Archive.

Is the Food Better in Maui or Jasper National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Maui and Jasper National Park offer a number of reasonable restaurants to choose from.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Maui. 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.

Jasper National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are several decent restaurants and bistros near or in the park. Many are connected to lodges and some offer great views.

Is Maui or Jasper National Park Better for Nightlife?

Neither Maui or Jasper National Park offer decent nightlife.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Jasper National Park Stargazing and sitting by an open fire is the best way to spend the evening.

Is Maui or Jasper National Park Better for Resorts?

Maui is well known for its resorts. However, Jasper National Park 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.

Jasper National Park is not a resort destination.

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

Maui is well known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Jasper National Park 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.

Jasper National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Maui or Jasper National Park Better for Beaches?

Maui is terrific for its beaches. However, Jasper National Park 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.

Jasper National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Maui or Jasper National Park Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Maui and Jasper National Park both have fantastic trails.

People visit Maui specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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 people visit Jasper National Park specifically for its hiking. Hiking is a truly world class experience in this large park. There are miles of trails, both backcountry and more accessible, that allow access to the park's stunning beauty. Whether you're looking for a shorter family-friendly hike, or planning a multi-week backcountry adventure, this park has it all.

Is the Shopping Better in Maui or Jasper National Park?

Maui is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Jasper National Park has some nice offerings. In town you'll find shops where you can pick up souvenirs or things you may have forgotten.

Is Maui or Jasper National Park More Beautiful?

Maui and Jasper National Park are somewhat similar when it comes to the fantastic scenery.

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

Many visitors also come to Jasper National Park because of it's amazing beauty. The Canadian Rockies create a stunning backdrop for this beautiful and vast national park.

Is Maui or Jasper National Park Better for Families?

Maui is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Jasper National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular 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, Jasper National Park is very family-friendly. Kids who love running, hiking, and exploring will enjoy a visit to this iconic park. The hiking trails are world class and you'll likely see some wildlife during your trip. Camping with s'mores and hot dogs will make for a memorable family vacation.

Is Maui or Jasper National Park Better for Couples?

Maui is terrific for romance. Also, Jasper National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Jasper National Park is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. There are lodges where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway. For the more adventurous, camping is a great way to experience the park. If you enjoy outdoor adventures together, then this is a great place to spend some time in nature.

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

Jasper 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 Jasper National Park. Camping is the best way to experience the park in full. You'll be surrounded by nature, and if you're lucky, some wildlife might pass by as well.

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 Jasper National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Maui is a island with a few options for its public transit. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally 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 quite limited in Jasper National Park. If you don't have your own vehicle, a bus tour is your best option for experiencing the park.

Is Maui or Jasper National Park a more walkable city?

Neither Maui or Jasper National Park are walkable places.

Maui is not a 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.

Jasper National Park is not a very walkable island. The park is large, and a vehicle is necessary to reach most trailheads.

For even more information, also check out Is Maui Worth Visiting? and Is Jasper National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Jasper National Park or Maui?

How long in Maui or Jasper National Park?

In either Maui or Jasper National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Maui than Jasper National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Maui, and 2-5 days is enough time in Jasper National Park.

Families should spend more time in Maui than Jasper 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 Jasper National Park. 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.

One day in Maui or Jasper National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful destination of Maui. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Jasper 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.

A weekend in Maui or Jasper National Park?

Maui is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Jasper 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.

Five days in Maui or Jasper National Park?

Many people visit Maui for five days. Many travelers enjoy the shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful island of Maui. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the stunning destination of Jasper National Park. This national park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Maui or Jasper National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the idyllic destination of Maui. Many people spend one week here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Maui, one week is sufficent for most.

The adventure-filled national park of Jasper 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.

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 Luxury Tours to Canada, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Canada.

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

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