A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Minneapolis vs. Maui for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Minneapolis or Maui?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minneapolis or Maui, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a innovative, diverse, and dynamic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Minneapolis travel costs.

Maui

Maui is a adventure-filled, breathtaking, and stunning island. Maui is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Maui travel costs.

Minneapolis and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Minneapolis or Maui?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Maui than Minneapolis, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Maui is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Minneapolis is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Maui is more touristy than Minneapolis and is popular for its beach-filled coastline, world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, dramatic landscapes, and paradise environment. Also, Maui is famous for Haleakala National Park. Minneapolis is well known for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people.

How is Minneapolis different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Minneapolis offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.

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 Minneapolis or Maui? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

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 Minneapolis or Maui Better for Nightlife?

Minneapolis is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Minneapolis know how to have a good time. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

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 Minneapolis or Maui Better for Resorts?

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

Minneapolis is not a resort destination.

Is Minneapolis or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Minneapolis or Maui Better for Beaches?

Maui is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

Is Minneapolis or Maui Better for Hiking?

Maui is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Minneapolis or Maui?

Minneapolis is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Maui is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Minneapolis make it a world-class shopping destination. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

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 Minneapolis or Maui More Beautiful?

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

Minneapolis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Minneapolis or Maui Better for Families?

Maui is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Is Minneapolis or Maui Better for Couples?

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

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.

Minneapolis is a good city for couples to visit. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

Is Minneapolis or Maui Better for Students?

Minneapolis is a great destination for students. However, Maui is not popular with students.

Minneapolis is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

Maui is not popular with students.

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

Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers 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 Minneapolis or Maui a more walkable city?

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

Minneapolis is a somewhat walkable place. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

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 Minneapolis Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or Minneapolis?

How long in Minneapolis or Maui?

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

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

One day in Minneapolis or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Minneapolis. 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 adventure-filled island of Maui. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Minneapolis or Maui?

Minneapolis is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the shopping. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the idyllic destination of Maui. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Minneapolis or Maui?

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

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the stunning island of Maui. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Minneapolis or Maui?

The diverse city of Minneapolis 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Maui. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Minneapolis or Maui?

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 Minneapolis or Maui in the Summer?

Both Maui and Minneapolis during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Minneapolis in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Maui for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Minneapolis is around the same temperature as Maui in the summer. The daily temperature in Minneapolis averages around 76°F (25°C) in July, and Maui fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Minneapolis. In the summer, Minneapolis often gets more sunshine than Maui. Minneapolis gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 290 hours of full sun.

Minneapolis usually gets more rain in July than Maui. Minneapolis gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Maui in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Minneapolis and Maui. Most visitors come to Minneapolis for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Maui because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Minneapolis is much colder than Maui. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Minneapolis in October average around 52°F (11°C), and Maui averages at about 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maui this time of the year. Minneapolis usually receives less sunshine than Maui during autumn. Minneapolis gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 245 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Minneapolis usually receives more rain than Maui. Minneapolis gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Maui in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Minneapolis as well as Maui. The winter months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Maui this time of year.

The weather in Minneapolis can be very cold. In January, Minneapolis is generally much colder than Maui. Daily temperatures in Minneapolis average around 15°F (-10°C), and Maui fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Maui. In the winter, Minneapolis often gets less sunshine than Maui. Minneapolis gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 217 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Maui. Minneapolis usually gets less rain in January than Maui. Minneapolis gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Maui in the Spring?

Both Maui and Minneapolis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Maui for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Minneapolis is much colder than Maui in the spring. The daily temperature in Minneapolis averages around 49°F (10°C) in April, and Maui fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Maui. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Minneapolis. Minneapolis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Maui during spring. Minneapolis gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Minneapolis usually receives more rain than Maui. Minneapolis gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Maui and Minneapolis