A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Maui vs. Victoria for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Maui or Victoria?

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

Should I visit Maui or Victoria? 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. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Maui travel costs.

Victoria

Victoria is a relaxing, cultural, and scenic city. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Victoria travel costs.

Maui and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Maui or Victoria?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Maui. Although Maui and Victoria are both popular with visitors, Maui has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Maui is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Victoria is known for its museums and attractions, food, and nightlife. Maui is more touristy than Victoria 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. Victoria is popular for its colonial buildings and public parks.

How is Maui different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Victoria 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 Victoria?

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

Victoria offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several popular museums like the Royal BC Museum and Craigdarroch Castle. Also make sure you check out the Parliament Buildings.

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 Victoria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Victoria 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 Victoria. You'll find tons of fresh seafood around town. Make sure you try to the Dungeness crab, wild caught salmon, and fish chowder.

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 Victoria Better for Nightlife?

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

Victoria has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a good number of bars and pubs around town. Most offer a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy a cold drink in a casual setting.

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 Victoria Better for Resorts?

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

Victoria is not a resort destination.

Is Maui or Victoria Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Victoria 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.

Victoria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Maui or Victoria Better for Beaches?

Maui is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Victoria 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.

Victoria is not a beach destination.

Is Maui or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Maui is an amazing island to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

Victoria is a good destination for hiking. There are many outdoor spaces and parks that offer local hiking trails. This is a great way to experience the scenic beauty of the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Maui or Victoria?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Victoria 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.

Victoria has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

Is Maui or Victoria More Beautiful?

Maui is an amazing island to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Victoria 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.

Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Maui or Victoria Better for Families?

Maui is an amazing island to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

Victoria is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of opportunities to get outside and get the energy out. Walking trails are popular. You can also do the Malahat SkyWalk which offers impressive views. Cadboro-Gyro Park has a playground, zip-line, and picnic areas. Another hightlight for kids is a visit to the Beacon Hill Children's Farm. If the weather isn't cooperating, you can visit the BC Aviation Museum.

Is Maui or Victoria Better for Couples?

Maui is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Couples visit Victoria frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city offers many great activities for couples such as a visit to Hatley Park and Castle. The city is also famous for its many flower gardens which are best visited in spring. Kayaking, hiking, and exploring are also favorite activities for couples.

Is Maui or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Victoria. There are a few hostels around town that attract the backpacker and budget traveler crowd.

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 Victoria Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

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 mostly limited in Victoria. While there are buses, it's best not to count on them because they're not particularly reliable.

Is Maui or Victoria a more walkable city?

Victoria is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Victoria is a very walkable city. Many of the sights are close by and easy to walk to.

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 Victoria Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Maui?

How long in Maui or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either Maui or Victoria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Maui due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Maui, and 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

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

One day in Maui or Victoria?

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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Victoria. 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 Victoria?

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.

Victoria is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Maui or Victoria?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Victoria. 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 Victoria?

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.

The scenic city of Victoria 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 Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Maui or Victoria?

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 Victoria in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Maui as well as Victoria. Most visitors come to Maui for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Victoria because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Maui is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Maui in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Victoria averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Maui usually gets less rain in July than Victoria. Maui gets 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Maui or Victoria in the Autumn?

Both Victoria and Maui are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Maui because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Victoria this time of year.

In October, Maui is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Maui average around 78°F (26°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In October, Maui usually receives less rain than Victoria. Maui gets 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Maui or Victoria in the Winter?

Both Victoria and Maui during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Maui this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Victoria for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Victoria. Maui is much warmer than Victoria in the winter. The daily temperature in Maui averages around 72°F (22°C) in January, and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Victoria 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 Victoria. Maui gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Maui or Victoria in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Maui and Victoria. Many travelers come to Maui for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Maui is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Maui in April average around 74°F (24°C), and Victoria averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In April, Maui usually receives more rain than Victoria. Maui gets 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Victoria and Maui