A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mazatlan vs. Maui for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Mazatlan or Maui?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Maui? 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.

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is a cultural, authentic, and historical city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Mazatlan 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.

Mazatlan and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Maui?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Maui than Mazatlan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Maui is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Mazatlan is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and historical sights. Maui is more touristy than Mazatlan 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. Mazatlan is well known for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas.

How is Mazatlan different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Mazatlan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

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 Mazatlan or Maui? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan. Stewed meats and shrimp are a big part of the cuisine here. Many recipes have a little bit of spice. The restaurants around town are authentic and local, making for a great dining experience.

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 Mazatlan or Maui Better for Nightlife?

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

Mazatlan has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are plenty of bars and clubs around town, particularly along the beach. Like anywhere else, remember to stay cautious late at night around town. This is considered to be one of the less safe parts of Mexico.

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 Mazatlan or Maui Better for Resorts?

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

Maui is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Mazatlan is not a resort destination.

Is Mazatlan or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is well known for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Mazatlan. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

Is Mazatlan or Maui Better for Beaches?

Maui is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Maui. 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.

Mazatlan is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are many stretches of beach around town. Most notable is the 13 miles that run along Malecon where there's a boardwalk. Surfing is also popular in the area.

Is Mazatlan or Maui Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a great destination for its old town. However, Maui does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Mazatlan. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Maui does not have a historic old town.

Is Mazatlan or Maui Better for Hiking?

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

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.

Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Maui?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Maui and Mazatlan.

Mazatlan offers some nice shopping areas. There are local shops, big box stores, and souvenir vendors where you can pick up anything you may need or items to commemorate your trip.

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 Mazatlan or Maui More Beautiful?

Maui is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Mazatlan 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.

Mazatlan is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mazatlan or Maui Better for Families?

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

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Maui is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Mazatlan offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the all-inclusive resorts and the waterfront setting. There are also many cultural opportunities such as markets, history, and shows. The food is very kid-friendly as well.

Is Mazatlan or Maui Better for Couples?

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

Maui makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Mazatlan is a good city for couples to visit. The resorts are romantic and the beaches are stunning. If you're looking for an idyllic escape that also has culture, authenticity, and great food, then this is your spot.

Is Mazatlan or Maui Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is a great destination for backpackers. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Mazatlan is a great city to visit for backpackers. The laid back atmosphere makes this a great stopover for backpackers who want to experience the Mexican culture. Stick to the touristy areas if possible.

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

Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses around town.

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 Mazatlan or Maui a more walkable city?

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

Mazatlan is a very walkable city. The city is relatively 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 Mazatlan Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Maui?

Both Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 3-7 days is enough time in Maui.

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

One day in Mazatlan or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Mazatlan. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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.

A weekend in Mazatlan or Maui?

Mazatlan is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

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.

Five days in Mazatlan or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Mazatlan. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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.

A week in Mazatlan or Maui?

The cultural city of Mazatlan offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

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

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

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

Both Maui and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Maui this time of year.

Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Maui in the summer. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Maui fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Maui. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than Maui during summer. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 290 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Mazatlan. In July, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Maui. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Maui in the Autumn?

Both Maui and Mazatlan during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Maui for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Maui. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mazatlan in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Maui averages at about 78°F (26°C).

In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the autumn, Mazatlan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Maui. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 245 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets more rain in October than Maui. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Maui in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Maui. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Maui in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Mazatlan is generally cooler than Maui. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 20°C (67°F), and Maui fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maui this time of the year. In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Maui during winter. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 217 hours of full sun in the winter.

Maui receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Maui. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Maui in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Maui. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the spring for the beaches. Additionally, most visitors come to Maui for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Maui in the spring. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Maui fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Maui. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the spring, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than Maui. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 231 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in April than Maui. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Maui and Mazatlan