A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Olympic National Park vs. Maui for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Olympic National Park or Maui?

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

Should I visit Olympic National Park 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.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a pristine, stunning, and vast park. The beauty of Olympic National Park is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking and museums. See Olympic National Park travel costs.

Maui

Maui is a idyllic, adventure-filled, and breathtaking island. You'll find world class beauty in Maui as well. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Maui travel costs.

Olympic National Park and Maui: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Maui than Olympic National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Maui is better known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Olympic National Park is more popular for its museums and attractions. Maui is more touristy than Olympic National Park 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. Olympic National Park is well known for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall.

How is Olympic National Park different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Olympic National Park or Maui?

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

Olympic National Park offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums near the park that highlight the region's history, culture, and geology. These include the Makah Cultural & Research Center Museum, Forks Timber Museum, Sequim Museum, and Squaxin Island Museum, Library and Research Center.

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 Olympic National Park or Maui? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Olympic National Park and Maui offer a number of respectable restaurants to choose from.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Olympic National Park. Most of the lodges have restaurants within the park, but they can be overpriced. There are also restaurants just outside of the park's border.

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 Olympic National Park or Maui Better for Nightlife?

Neither Olympic National Park or Maui offer decent nightlife.

People don't go to Olympic National Park for the nightlife. You can enjoy a peaceful natural setting after the sun sets.

Maui doesn't offer many options. The island is not known for its nightlife, but the limited activities that do exist you'll find in Kaanapali and Lahaina.

Is Olympic National Park or Maui Better for Resorts?

Olympic National Park and Maui offer a relatively similar set of high quality luxury resort options.

Olympic National Park is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are several lodges within the park as well as cabins and inns. Some have a historic atmosphere while others are more rustic. It's best to book well in advance, particularly if you're visiting during the peak summer months.

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 Olympic National Park or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Olympic National Park 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.

Olympic National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Olympic National Park or Maui Better for Beaches?

Maui is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Olympic National Park is not a beach destination.

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.

Olympic National Park is not a beach destination. The park has a rugged coastline with sandy beaches. Many people enjoy exploring the tidal pools or watching the sun set. Some of the best beaches include Kalaloch Beach, Beach 4, and Ruby Beach.

Is Olympic National Park or Maui Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Olympic National Park and Maui both have first-rate trails.

People visit Olympic National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hiking trails will take you through the diverse range of landscapes. There are mountain climbs, coastal trails, and routes that wander through old growth forests. You'll also find a mix of day hikes and backcountry wilderness hikes. Mount Storm King, Marymere Falls, and the High Divide are favorite hikes in the park, but there are countless others.

Many people visit Maui specifically for its hiking. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Olympic National Park or Maui?

Maui is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its shopping areas.

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.

Olympic National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There's a park store where you can pick up books, informational resources, and souvenirs.

Is Olympic National Park or Maui More Beautiful?

Maui is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its scenery and beauty.

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

With stunning beauty, Olympic National Park attracts visitors from all around. The diversity of landscapes give the park a unique beauty. You can explore old growth rainforests, wander down pristine beaches, or take in the stunning mountain views.

Is Olympic National Park or Maui Better for Families?

Maui is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Olympic National Park. Kids will enjoy exploring the tidal pools and running around the beach. It's also fun to lose yourself in the old growth rainforests and spend some time kayaking or canoeing at Lake Crescent.

Is Olympic National Park or Maui Better for Couples?

Maui is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit 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.

Olympic National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy hiking, camping, and natural beauty will love exploring this park together. There are a diversity of ecosystems and landscapes where you can enjoy a couples retreat together.

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

Olympic 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 Olympic National Park. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

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

Both Olympic National Park and Maui offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Olympic National Park. There are buses and ferries to the park, but the park is large and requires a private vehicle to fully access it.

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 Olympic National Park or Maui a more walkable city?

Neither Olympic National Park or Maui are walkable places.

Olympic National Park is not a walkable park. The park is large and you'll need a car to reach most of the trailheads.

Maui is not a very walkable park. 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 Olympic National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Olympic National Park or Maui?

Both Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Olympic National Park, and 3-7 days is enough time in Maui.

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

One day in Olympic National Park or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Olympic 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.

In Maui, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Olympic National Park or Maui?

Olympic 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. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Maui. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It offers something for everyone.

Five days in Olympic National Park or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the pristine destination of Olympic National Park. This 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.

Maui is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Olympic National Park or Maui?

The vast park of Olympic National Park offers museums. 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.

In Maui, you'll find shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park or Maui in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Olympic National Park and Maui. The summer months attract visitors to Olympic National Park because of the hiking 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.

Olympic National Park is much colder than Maui in the summer. The daily temperature in Olympic National Park averages around 60°F (15°C) in July, and Maui fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maui this time of the year. In Olympic National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. Olympic National Park usually receives less sunshine than Maui during summer. Olympic National Park gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 290 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Olympic National Park usually receives more rain than Maui. Olympic National Park gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Olympic National Park or Maui in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Olympic National Park is much colder than Maui. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Olympic National Park in October average around 51°F (10°C), and Maui averages at about 78°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Maui. In the autumn, Olympic National Park often gets less sunshine than Maui. Olympic National Park gets 113 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 245 hours of full sun.

Olympic National Park receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Olympic National Park usually gets more rain in October than Maui. Olympic National Park gets 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Olympic National Park or Maui in the Winter?

Both Maui and Olympic National Park are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park. In January, Olympic National Park is generally much colder than Maui. Daily temperatures in Olympic National Park average around 41°F (5°C), and Maui fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Maui. Olympic National Park usually receives less sunshine than Maui during winter. Olympic National Park gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 217 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Maui. It's quite rainy in Olympic National Park. In January, Olympic National Park usually receives more rain than Maui. Olympic National Park gets 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Olympic National Park or Maui in the Spring?

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

Olympic National Park is much colder than Maui in the spring. The daily temperature in Olympic National Park averages around 47°F (8°C) in April, and Maui fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Olympic National Park often gets less sunshine than Maui. Olympic National Park gets 148 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 231 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Olympic National Park. Olympic National Park usually gets more rain in April than Maui. Olympic National Park gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Maui and Olympic National Park