A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Ocean City vs. Maui for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Resorts

Should you visit Ocean City or Maui?

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

Should I visit Ocean City 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.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a active, energetic, and fun-filled city. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and nightlife. See Ocean City travel costs.

Maui

Maui is a idyllic, adventure-filled, and breathtaking island. You'll find world class beauty in Maui as well. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Maui travel costs.

Ocean City and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Maui?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Maui. Although Ocean City and Maui are both popular with visitors, Maui has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Maui is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Ocean City is known for its food and nightlife. Ocean City is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Maui 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.

How is Ocean City different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ocean City or Maui?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Ocean City or Maui.

Ocean City offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people spend their time on the beach, but for the rainy days you can check out the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum or the Art League of Ocean City.

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 Ocean City or Maui? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ocean City 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 Ocean City. Themed restaurants are popular in the area. You'll also find all-you-can-eat seafood buffets and casual diners with pancakes and waffles. Pizza, burgers, and other fast food options are also abundant.

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 Ocean City or Maui Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Ocean City know how to have a good time. Happy hours are popular at the bars in the area. You'll also find live music and DJ led parties. Head to the boardwalk, which will overwhelm your senses. There are neon lights, colorful rides, and arcades filled with people and activities.

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 Ocean City or Maui Better for Resorts?

Ocean City and Maui offer a relatively similar set of high quality luxury resort options.

Ocean City is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are many oceanfront resorts with pools and rooms with ocean views. The hotels along the beach tend to be the most expensive, but if you find a place across from the Coastal Highway, it's very challenging to walk to the beach.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Maui. 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.

Is Ocean City or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ocean City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Ocean City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ocean City or Maui Better for Beaches?

Maui is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its beaches.

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.

Ocean City is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are ten miles of sandy beach that are lined with hotels and resorts. A festive boardwalk runs along the coastline and has many rides, arcades, restaurants, and more. The beach offers waves and warm water during the summer months.

Is Ocean City or Maui Better for Hiking?

Maui is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Ocean City 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.

Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Maui?

Maui is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Ocean City is not a good city for shopping.

Many visitors go to Maui to go 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.

Ocean City is a good destination for shopping. You'll find surf stores and souvenir shops along the three mile boardwalk. There are also many vendors and shopping centers along the Coastal Highway. For something a little more interesting you can head to the Inlet Village.

Is Ocean City or Maui More Beautiful?

Maui is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Ocean City is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Maui as well. With its dramatic mountains and beautiful blue water, this island offers stunning beauty.

Ocean City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ocean City or Maui Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ocean City or Maui.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Ocean City is a very family-friendly destination. Beyond the family-friendly beach, there's also minigolf, dolphin tours, and themed-restaurants that are perfect for kids. Head to the Jolly Roger amusement park for a thrilling afternoon or spend some time visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not. The boardwalk is lined with activities for both kids and adults. There are also candy shops, ice cream parlors, and pizza joints where you can grab a bite to eat.

Maui is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Is Ocean City or Maui Better for Couples?

Maui is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Ocean City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Hotels line the beach, many with beautiful views and nice pools. You can take long romantic walks along the coastline or head to one of the many seafood restaurants in town.

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

Both Ocean City and Maui offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Ocean City. There are boardwalk trams as well as shuttle buses, but most people have their own vehicle, and its recommended you have a private car to get around.

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 Ocean City or Maui a more walkable city?

Ocean City is a city with a few options for its high level of walkability. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Ocean City is generally not very walkable. If you stay at an oceanfront hotel or on the ocean block, it's possible to walk to the beach. If you stay further back, you'll have to cross the Coastal Highway, which is eight lanes of busy traffic.

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 Ocean City Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Maui?

Both Ocean City and Maui have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Maui has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Maui than Ocean City. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Maui than Ocean City. 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 Maui than Ocean City 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 Maui.

One day in Ocean City or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ocean City. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling around the breathtaking island of Maui, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Ocean City or Maui?

Ocean City is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Maui, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Ocean City or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the laid back destination of Ocean City. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Maui, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Ocean City or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun-filled city of Ocean City. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Maui is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this island makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

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

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Maui. The summer months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Maui this time of year.

In July, Ocean City is generally around the same temperature as Maui. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 77°F (25°C), and Maui fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

Ocean City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Maui. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ocean City or Maui in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Maui. The shopping scene are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Maui for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Ocean City is much colder than Maui in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 58°F (14°C) in October, and Maui fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in October than Maui. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Maui in the Winter?

Both Maui and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Maui in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ocean City. In the winter, Ocean City is much colder than Maui. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ocean City in January average around 35°F (2°C), and Maui averages at about 72°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Maui. In January, Ocean City usually receives less rain than Maui. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ocean City or Maui in the Spring?

Both Maui and Ocean City during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Maui for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Ocean City is generally much colder than Maui. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 54°F (12°C), and Maui fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in April than Maui. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Maui and Ocean City