A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Fernando vs. Maui for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit San Fernando or Maui?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Fernando 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.

Where Should I go: San Fernando or Maui?

San Fernando

As the industrial capital of Trinidad & Tobago, San Fernando is an oil city which attracts more business visitors than tourists. While it is primarily focused on industry, the city has a certain charm with its old buildings and sloping streets that frame pretty views of the sea. It is the big city of Trinidad's southern half with plenty to offer in nightlife, especially during Carnival.

Maui

Who hasn't spent at least one Monday morning fantasizing about holding a mai tai on a Hawaiian beach? A trip to Maui may be just what we all have in mind, but it's so much more than a drink on a sandy towel.

At over 700 square miles, the island of Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian islands with a small population of just over 140,000 people. The island enjoys approximately two seasons a year with a mild climate just about everywhere. Rough living, right?

Voted "Best Island in the World" by many in the travel industry, Maui is the center for whale watching, relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, and the home of a large and lush rainforest.

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


Which place is cheaper, Maui or San Fernando?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in San Fernando is $188, while the average daily cost in Maui is $343. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for San Fernando and Maui in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Fernando $74
    Maui $141
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Fernando $148
    Maui $282
Compare Hotels in San Fernando and Maui

Looking for a hotel in San Fernando or Maui? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in San Fernando


Hotels in Maui


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Maui Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Fernando $50
    Maui $62

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Maui

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Maui:

  • VIP Private Maui OGG Arrival Transfer in Black Cadillac Escalade: $259
  • Private Transfer from Lahaina Cruise Port to Kahului Airport(OGG): $173
  • Private Transfer from Lahaina Cruise Port to Maui city hotels: $173
  • Private Transfer Kahului Airport OGG to Maui Kihei Lahaina Wailea: $42
  • Maui Kahului Airport (OGG) to Maui hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $41
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Maui Kahului Airport OGG: $39
  • Maui Kahului Airport (OGG) to Maui hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $20
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Maui Airport to Hotel: $16

Is it cheaper to fly into San Fernando or Maui?

Prices for flights to both Maui and San Fernando change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    San Fernando $83
    Maui $162

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Maui

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Maui.

  • From Ma'alaea Harbor: Sunset Dinner Cruise Aboard the Quicksilver: $140
  • Ma'alaea Sunset Prime Rib or Fresh Island Fish Dinner Cruise : $150
  • Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise from Ka’anapali Beach: $154
  • Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise - A Hawaiian Hula Experience: $158
  • South Gilligans' Island Luau with Dinner and Drinks: $166
  • Authentic Hawaiian Dinner Pa'ina with Natives in Hana: $185
  • Wailele Luau Including Fire and Knife Performance Plus Dinner: $219
  • Haleakala Maui Sunset Twilight Tour with Dinner: $255

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Fernando $28
    Maui $38

Tours and Activities in Maui

Here are a few actual costs in Maui for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Hour Maui Dolphin Watch Sightsee Raft Tour (Semi-Private): $97
  • 2-Hour Ma'alaea Humpback Whale Watching Cruise for up to 6 Guests: $269
  • 2.5 Hour Whale Escape Tour: $177
  • 4 Dual-Zipline Mountain Adventure in Maui: $200
  • 4-Hour Makena Whale Watch Tour: $135
  • 9am Haleakala Guided Downhill Tour : $149
  • Best of Maui Tour: Sips, Sites and Bites with Lunch: $259
  • Classic Haleakala Sunrise Tour: $244
  • Clear Bottom Kayak and Snorkel Tour at Turtle Town, Makena : $125
  • Deluxe Road to Hana Rainforest and Waterfall Experience from Maui: $226
  • Discover Lahaina: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • E-Scooter Tour At Turtle Town With Optional Photo and Video: $139

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Fernando $22
    Maui $41

Sample the Local Flavors in Maui

Also in Maui, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Brewery and Beach Cruise in a Vintage VW Bus : $229


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Fernando and Maui, we can see that Maui is more expensive. And not only is San Fernando much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since San Fernando is in Caribbean Islands and Maui is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to San Fernando would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Fernando 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 San Fernando.

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



When is the best time to visit San Fernando or Maui?

Maui has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Fernando experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit San Fernando or Maui in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to San Fernando as well as Maui. San Fernando attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Maui for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

San Fernando is around the same temperature as Maui in the summer. The daily temperature in San Fernando averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, 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 San Fernando this time of the year. In the summer, San Fernando often gets less sunshine than Maui. San Fernando gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 290 hours of full sun.

San Fernando receives a lot of rain in the summer. San Fernando usually gets more rain in July than Maui. San Fernando gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F) 
    Maui 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit San Fernando or Maui in the Autumn?

Both Maui and San Fernando are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Fernando throughout the year. Also, 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, San Fernando is around the same temperature as Maui. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Fernando in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Maui averages at about 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Maui. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Fernando. San Fernando usually receives less sunshine than Maui during autumn. San Fernando gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 245 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in San Fernando. In October, San Fernando usually receives more rain than Maui. San Fernando gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F) 
    Maui 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit San Fernando or Maui in the Winter?

Both Maui and San Fernando during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Fernando because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Maui this time of year.

In January, San Fernando is generally a little warmer than Maui. Daily temperatures in San Fernando average around 26°C (78°F), and Maui fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in San Fernando. In the winter, San Fernando often gets more sunshine than Maui. San Fernando gets 241 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. San Fernando usually gets less rain in January than Maui. San Fernando gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    San Fernando 26°C (78°F) 
    Maui 72°F (22°C)

Should I visit San Fernando or Maui in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both San Fernando and Maui. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Fernando year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Maui for the beaches and the natural beauty.

San Fernando is a little warmer than Maui in the spring. The daily temperature in San Fernando averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Maui fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maui this time of the year. In San Fernando, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Fernando usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Maui during spring. San Fernando gets 238 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, San Fernando usually receives more rain than Maui. San Fernando gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F) 
    Maui 74°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Maui and San Fernando

San Fernando Maui
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 72°F (22°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 72°F (22°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 51 mm (2 in) 74°F (24°C) 1.8 inches (47 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 76°F (24°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 252 mm (9.9 in) 78°F (25°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 79°F (26°C) 0.4 inches (10 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 225 mm (8.9 in) 80°F (26°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 203 mm (8 in) 79°F (26°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 199 mm (7.8 in) 78°F (26°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 73°F (23°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)