Maui vs. Big Island: Which Hawaiian Island Should You Visit?

Maui vs. Big Island – Quick Overview

Who Maui Is Best For

Maui is often considered one of the best options for honeymooners and couples’ trips. Maui’s beaches are world famous and are often shortlisted on “best beaches in the world” lists. There are plenty of luxury resorts here, especially in the Wailea area, which is famous for its crescent-shaped beaches and multiple golf courses. It is private and serene, making it a top spot for adult travelers.  

Who the Big Island Is Best For

The Big Island is ideal for those who like exploring and are nature enthusiasts. There are plenty of nice resorts here as well, especially in the Waikoloa area. The Big Island is also known for the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, as many come here to visit the park and hope to see a volcanic eruption. Aside from the volcanoes, the Big Island also has lush rainforests, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and historical sites.

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison to help you decide at a glance.

Beaches – Maui vs. Big Island

Maui Beaches

Maui beaches are world famous for a reason. Maui’s beaches have soft golden sand, warm water, and world-class snorkeling. Here is a short, non-exhaustive list of some of Maui’s best beaches (in no particular order).

• Kapalua Bay (West Maui): This sheltered bay has calm waters and is ideal for both swimming and snorkeling.
• Kaanapali Beach (West Maui): This beach is 3 miles long and dotted with resorts, condos, and restaurants. Whale sightings are common from the beach. There are also daily cliff diving ceremonies at Black Rock.
• Makena Beach, aka Big Beach (South Maui): One of Maui’s largest beaches with clear water and golden sand. Big Beach is ideal for sunbathing, but swimming here can be rough.
• Napili Bay (West Maui): Napili Bay is famous for snorkeling. Another crescent bay surrounded by palm trees is ideal for swimming as well.
• Waianapanapa State Park, aka Black Sand Beach (Hana): This beach requires advance reservations now. This famous black sand beach features tropical scenery and turquoise waters. It is generally not advised to swim here.

Big Island Beaches

Big Island beaches are a bit different from Maui’s. There are a lot of rocky shorelines on Maui, but there are sandy beaches as well. This is also a non-exhaustive list of some of the Big Island’s best.

• Hapuna Beach State Park (South Kohala): This is the largest white sand beach on the island and is right near Waikoloa. It is a popular beach for swimming, bodyboarding, and snorkeling.
• Kua Bay (North Kona): This beach has facilities like showers and restrooms. It is also a white sand beach with turquoise waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
• Mauna Kea Beach (South Kohala): This is named after the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel located here. This is a crescent-shaped beach with clear and calm waters ideal for swimming and paddleboarding.
• Punalu’u Black Sand Beach (Kau): This beach is famous for its black sand. It is also a spot that green sea turtles (honu) frequently bask on.
• Wailea Bay (South Kohala): Secluded and shaded beach area with calm waters known for excellent snorkeling.

Things to Do – Maui vs. Big Island

Things to Do in Maui

Some of the top activities for visitors to Maui include driving the scenic Road to Hana, visiting Haleakala National Park, exploring Wai’anapanapa State Park (featuring a black sand beach), snorkeling, swimming at Ka’anapali Beach, attending a luau, and participating in seasonal whale watching.

The Road to Hana is a full-day scenic drive. Although it is only 64 miles, this road features hairpin curves, one-lane bridges, and plenty of stops to hike, visit waterfalls, buy banana bread, and more. You can also book a tour and ride in a comfortable van and take in the scenery.

Haleakala National Park is a dormant volcano that rises to 10,023 feet. It contains unique ecosystems and plant life. Haleakala is a popular spot to visit for the sunrise, which requires reservations. There is also a range of hiking opportunities for both casual and more experienced hikers.

Wai’anapanapa State Park is located along the Road to Hana. It is a 122-acre state park famous for its black sand beach. There are also sea caves, blowholes, and hiking opportunities here. Reservations are also required here now as well.

Maui luaus are extremely popular activities as well. Old Lahaina Luau is famous for its cultural traditions and authenticity. Some other luaus are smaller and put on by hotels. Luaus generally consist of cultural education, storytelling, Polynesian dancing, dinner, and drinks.

Whale watching in Maui in the winter months is a top activity. Humpback whales come here every winter to give birth in the calm waters, and they put on quite a show. If you are not visiting during winter, a snorkeling day or a visit to the Molokini Crater is also an option.

For more on Maui things to do, check out this post on the best things to do in Maui or my Maui 5-day itinerary.

Things to Do on the Big Island

Popular activities on the Big Island include a visit to the Volcanoes National Park, waterfalls, Waipio Valley, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, touring a Kona coffee farm, and exploring Hilo.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has been putting on a show in an active eruption phase since December 2024. We visited in 2025 and unfortunately just missed an active eruption. But it is still worth going to for the scenery and hiking. It is also ever-changing. Landscapes that I saw 10 years ago have now changed dramatically because eruptions are always creating new land.

Akaka Falls is a huge accessible waterfall. Rainbow Falls is also a popular waterfall in Hilo. The Big Island has lush scenery especially on the Hilo side of the island and some of the best waterfalls I have ever seen.

Waipio Valley Lookout is a historical site as it was the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I. Waipio Valley is closed to visitors, but visiting the overlook to see this breathtaking valley is worth the visit. Driving this scenic drive from Hilo to the Kona coast, Waipio Valley is along the way and a short stop.

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park was once the home of Hawaiian royal grounds and a place of refuge for Hawaiian lawbreakers. It is now a national park. Located in South Kona, these restored grounds give visitors a glimpse into Hawaiian history and culture.

Kona Coffee is world famous for its smooth and mild flavor profile. You can tour coffee farms, learn about the process, and taste different varieties of coffee. We enjoyed and recommend our tour at Greenwell Farms.

Hilo is a lush and authentic place to visit on the island of Hawaii. While Kona is the sunny side of the island, Hilo is green with waterfalls, cultural sites, and is the closest city to Volcanoes National Park.

Where to Stay

Best Areas to Stay in Maui

By far the most popular areas to stay in Maui are Wailea, Kaanapali, and Kihei.

Wailea is home to many upscale resorts. It is also the most expensive place to stay on the island. Wailea is ideal for couples, honeymooners, and luxury travelers. It features top resorts, golf courses, and shopping.

Kaanapali is a walkable, family-friendly place ideal for both adult travelers and families. Kaanapali has a long stretch of beach with condos, restaurants, and shops along it. The ocean here is popular for snorkeling. Whale sightings are common from the beach here.

Kihei is a more laid-back town that is great for couples and adult travelers. There are great beaches here and lots of condos and vacation rentals. It is easier to find more budget-friendly options here as well.

Best Areas to Stay on the Big Island

The most popular areas to stay on the Big Island include Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa, Hilo, and Volcano.

Kailua-Kona is located on the sunny side of the island. It is an ideal spot if you want to do a manta ray snorkel tour. There are plenty of rental options here, as well as shopping and dining. Kona is a great place to stay for easy access to tourist stops.

Waikoloa or the Kohala Coast is known for sunny weather as well. It is conveniently located north of Kona. Waikoloa has many high-end luxury resorts, condos, and golf courses. Waikoloa has shopping areas with shopping, grocery stores, and restaurants.

Hilo is a more authentic budget-friendly option on the other side of the island. Hilo can be rainy but also incredibly lush. Hilo also offers easier access to attractions like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Akaka Falls.

Volcano, Hawaii, is located right outside the Volcanoes National Park. It is a small community with a few restaurants and accommodations. Volcano offers easy access to exploring the park for a few days.

Costs & Budget Comparison

Is Maui More Expensive Than the Big Island?

Yes, Maui is more expensive than the Big Island on average. Of course, prices vary depending on the time of year you visit and what kind of rental you stay in. Maui has many resorts that are high-end and may cost upwards of $600 per night. Rental cars are also more expensive on Maui. Other costs like groceries, food, and dining are also more expensive on Maui. That said, it is possible to travel on a budget, rent a condo or other accommodation, and save on meals.

Which Island Offers Better Value?

Both islands have activities that are either free, like hiking and beaches, or low-cost, like scenic drives and national parks. The Big Island offers better value for your money because it is generally cheaper, less crowded, and has more affordable options available. Maui offers more convenience as it has more developed areas with restaurants and shops, and world-class beaches.

Getting Around Each Island

Driving in Maui

Maui roads are easy to navigate in popular destination towns. It is hard to get around here without a car, but it is a relatively small island. There are some roads that can be a bit more challenging, such as the Road to Hana, the drive to the summit of Haleakala, and the backside of the Road to Hana (which some say may void your rental car contract). Driving major roads around South and West Maui should not be a problem.

Driving on the Big Island

The challenges with driving the Big Island are more due to its sheer size. The Hawaii Belt Road is a 6-hour drive that encircles the entire island. There is a direct route between Hilo and Kona along the Saddle Road, which still takes between 1.5 and 2 hours. There is also a scenic route along the North Coast of the island. Visiting the Big Island means you will spend more time in your car if you want to visit spots all over the island.

Which Island is Best for Couples & Adults

Maui for Couples

Maui is considered a top choice for couples for its luxury resorts, beaches, and luxury. There are plenty of activities for couples, including sunset cruises, spa visits, and massages, and secluded beaches. There are also wonderful restaurants for sunset dinners. Maui also offers attractions suitable for adults, like scenic drives, catamaran and whale watching trips, and nature excursions and hiking.

Big Island for Couples

The Big Island is suitable for couples who want a mixture of romantic and adventurous excursions. The Kohala Coast offers luxury accommodations. The Kona area offers a mix of attractions and dining. Volcano Village offers a quiet, intimate stay near the volcanoes. There are also unique activities for couples on the Big Island, like stargazing at Mauna Kea.

Maui vs. Big Island – Pros & Cons

Pros & Cons of Maui

There are many pros to vacationing in Maui. Maui is a premier destination for couples because of its romantic atmosphere, luxury rentals, andgorgeous sunsets. Maui is relatively small, so day trips and sightseeing are accessible. The climate is ideal offering dependable warm and sunny days most of the year.

Maui does have some cons as well. Maui can be more expensive to visit, with higher costs for everything from accommodations to rental cars to dining. Some spots can get crowded, especially around holidays. There is limited nightlife. Some spots cater more to tourists and feel less authentic.

Pros & Cons of the Big Island

The Big Island has many pros for couples. Couples wishing for a mix of relaxation and adventure will love the Big Island. The Big Island is less crowded and offers both high-end resorts and stunning scenery. There are also luxurious dining options, especially around resorts on the Kohala Coast.

A big con of the Big Island for many people is the extensive driving that is required in order to see all of the sights. Sandy beaches are limited here as the volcanic rock is everywhere, and some beaches are extremely rocky. The weather is more unpredictable here. When the volcano is erupting, there can be smog in the ai,r which can be uncomfortable.

Maui vs. Big Island – Which Should You Choose?

Choose Maui If…

Choose Maui if you are looking for an amenity-rich vacation with beaches, dining, and shopping. Maui is a good choice if you are looking to splurge a bit on a vacation or for a special occasion. If you like higher-end restaurants, more developed infrastructure, and a resort experience, then Maui may be a good fit for you. Maui is the classic Hawaiian luxury vacation.

Choose the Big Island If…

Choose the Big Island if you are looking for a mix of adventure and diversity. While the Big Island does also have some luxury it also offers diverse landscapes and adventure for nature lovers. If you have more time and do not mind driving between popular spots, the Big Island is a great choice for your vacation. The Big Island offers dramatic scenery and exploration.

Final Thoughts

Maui vs. Big Island – Our Recommendation

For a first-time visit to Hawaii or for a special occasion like a honeymoon, I would recommend Maui. This is what many people think of when they imagine Hawaii. That said, I would go back again and visit another island. I believe the Big Island is underrated. Better yet, if you have two weeks, you can split your time between these two islands for a mixture of luxury and adventure.