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

Should you visit Phoenix or Maui?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Phoenix and Maui can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a desert, laid back, and sprawling city. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Phoenix travel costs.

Maui

Maui is a stunning, idyllic, and adventure-filled island. Many visitors also come to Maui because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Maui travel costs.

Phoenix and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phoenix or Maui?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Maui. Although Phoenix and Maui 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 Phoenix is known for its museums and attractions, food, and nightlife. Maui is more touristy than Phoenix 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. Phoenix is popular for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Phoenix different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Phoenix offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science 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 Phoenix or Maui? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Phoenix 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 Phoenix. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

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 Phoenix or Maui Better for Nightlife?

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

Phoenix has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

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 Phoenix or Maui Better for Resorts?

Maui is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Phoenix is not a resort destination.

In Maui, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Phoenix is not a resort destination.

Is Phoenix or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is a great island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Phoenix is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Maui is an extremely popular place to visit for 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.

Phoenix is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Phoenix or Maui Better for Beaches?

Maui is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Maui is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Is Phoenix or Maui Better for Hiking?

Maui is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Around Maui visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

Phoenix offers some nice hiking trails. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Is the Shopping Better in Phoenix or Maui?

If you're looking to go shopping, Phoenix and Maui both offer plenty of good spots.

Phoenix has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Maui is a great destination for 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.

Is Phoenix or Maui More Beautiful?

Maui is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Phoenix is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Maui because of it's amazing beauty. With its dramatic mountains and beautiful blue water, this island offers stunning beauty.

Phoenix is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Phoenix or Maui Better for Families?

Maui is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Maui is an extremely popular island to visit for families. 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.

Phoenix is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Phoenix or Maui Better for Couples?

Maui is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Maui is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

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

Phoenix and Maui both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

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.

Is Phoenix or Maui a more walkable city?

Phoenix 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.

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

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 Phoenix Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or Phoenix?

How long in Phoenix or Maui?

Both Phoenix 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 Phoenix. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Phoenix, and 3-7 days is enough time in Maui.

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

One day in Phoenix or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Phoenix. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Maui, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Phoenix or Maui?

Phoenix is a fun place to experience. 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.

In Maui, you'll find shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Phoenix or Maui?

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

Maui is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Maui has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Phoenix or Maui?

The sprawling city of Phoenix 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Maui. In Maui, you'll find shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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

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

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

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

The summer brings many poeple to Phoenix as well as Maui. Many travelers come to Phoenix for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Maui in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Phoenix can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Phoenix is generally a little warmer than Maui. Daily temperatures in Phoenix average around 98°F (36°C), and Maui fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Maui. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In the summer, Phoenix often gets more sunshine than Maui. Phoenix gets 380 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 290 hours of full sun.

Phoenix usually gets more rain in July than Maui. Phoenix gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Phoenix or Maui in the Autumn?

Both Maui and Phoenix are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Phoenix in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Maui for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Phoenix is around the same temperature as Maui in the autumn. The daily temperature in Phoenix averages around 79°F (26°C) in October, and Maui fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Maui. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. Phoenix usually receives more sunshine than Maui during autumn. Phoenix gets 305 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 245 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Phoenix usually receives less rain than Maui. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Phoenix or Maui in the Winter?

Both Maui and Phoenix during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Phoenix for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Maui because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Phoenix is much colder than Maui. Typically, the winter temperatures in Phoenix in January average around 58°F (14°C), and Maui averages at about 72°F (22°C).

In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Phoenix. In the winter, Phoenix often gets more sunshine than Maui. Phoenix gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 217 hours of full sun.

Maui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Phoenix usually gets less rain in January than Maui. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Phoenix or Maui in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Phoenix and Maui. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Maui this time of year.

In April, Phoenix is generally around the same temperature as Maui. Daily temperatures in Phoenix average around 74°F (23°C), and Maui fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maui this time of the year. In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. Phoenix usually receives more sunshine than Maui during spring. Phoenix gets 355 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Phoenix usually receives less rain than Maui. Phoenix gets 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Maui and Phoenix