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

Should you visit Vieques Island 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 Vieques Island 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.

Where Should I go: Vieques Island or Maui?

Vieques Island

Amidst the melodious chorus of coqui frogs and gentle whispers of palm trees blowing in an evening breeze, you will find that the waters around you glow just as brightly as the stars above. This tropical paradise is none other than Vieques, Puerto Rico. Tropical forests, bioluminescent bays, coral reefs--this island attracts visitors from all around the world who seek to see the wonders and beauties of the tropics. This island suits those from all walks of life, from history buffs seeking to learn about its unique past to nature-lovers wanting to admire its untouched wilderness. Vieques is the place for a perfect vacation!

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 Vieques Island?

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 Vieques Island is $210, 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 Vieques Island and Maui in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vieques Island $92
    Maui $141
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vieques Island $184
    Maui $282
Compare Hotels in Vieques Island and Maui

Looking for a hotel in Vieques Island 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 Vieques Island


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.
    Vieques Island $30
    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 Vieques Island or Maui?

Prices for flights to both Maui and Vieques Island 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
    Vieques Island $94
    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.
    Vieques Island $34
    Maui $38

Tours and Activities in Vieques Island

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vieques Island.

  • Vieques Biobay Kayaking Tour: $60
  • Unforgettable One Day Bioluminescent Kayak Adventure in Vieques: $60
  • El Yunque Rainforest Tour: Natural Waterslides Adventure : $65
  • Bio Bay Tour Vieques – Full Clear Canoes Experience: $65
  • Biobay Vieques Tour Kayak Night Tour: $65
  • Overnight Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Vieques Island: $66
  • CLEAR BOTTOM KAYAKS Tour in Bioluminescent, Mosquito Bay: $67
  • Isla de Vieques Beach Hopper Sightseeing Tour: $90
  • 1-Hour Bioluminescent Boat Tour in Mosquito Bay, Vieques : $100
  • Full Clear Kayak Bioluminescent Experience Vieques, Puerto Rico: $110
  • Vieques Island Rich History Tour : $125

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
    Vieques Island $30
    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 Vieques Island and Maui, we can see that Maui is more expensive. And not only is Vieques Island much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Vieques Island 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 Vieques Island would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vieques Island 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 Vieques Island.

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



When is the best time to visit Vieques Island or Maui?

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

Should I visit Vieques Island or Maui in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vieques Island as well as Maui. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Maui in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Vieques Island is around the same temperature as Maui in the summer. The daily temperature in Vieques Island averages around 29°C (83°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 Vieques Island this time of the year. In the summer, Vieques Island often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Maui. Vieques Island gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 290 hours of full sun.

Vieques Island usually gets more rain in July than Maui. Vieques Island gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vieques Island 29°C (83°F) 
    Maui 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Vieques Island or Maui in the Autumn?

Both Maui and Vieques Island are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Maui for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Vieques Island is around the same temperature as Maui. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vieques Island in October average around 28°C (82°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 Vieques Island. Vieques Island usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Maui during autumn. Vieques Island gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 245 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Vieques Island. In October, Vieques Island usually receives more rain than Maui. Vieques Island gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vieques Island 28°C (82°F) 
    Maui 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Vieques Island or Maui in the Winter?

Both Maui and Vieques Island during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Maui because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Vieques Island is generally a little warmer than Maui. Daily temperatures in Vieques Island 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 Vieques Island. In the winter, Vieques Island often gets more sunshine than Maui. Vieques Island gets 240 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. Vieques Island usually gets less rain in January than Maui. Vieques Island gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vieques Island 26°C (78°F) 
    Maui 72°F (22°C)

Should I visit Vieques Island or Maui in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vieques Island and Maui. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Maui this time of year.

Vieques Island is a little warmer than Maui in the spring. The daily temperature in Vieques Island averages around 27°C (80°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 Vieques Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vieques Island usually receives more sunshine than Maui during spring. Vieques Island gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vieques Island usually receives more rain than Maui. Vieques Island gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vieques Island 27°C (80°F) 
    Maui 74°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Maui and Vieques Island

Vieques Island Maui
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 72°F (22°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Feb 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 72°F (22°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 74°F (24°C) 1.8 inches (47 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 76°F (24°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 78°F (25°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 79°F (26°C) 0.4 inches (10 mm)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in) 80°F (26°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in) 79°F (26°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 78°F (26°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in) 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Dec 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 73°F (23°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)