Which is better? Maui vs Honolulu for Vacation - Trip Support (2024)

Maui is the second-largest island in Hawaii and is also known as The Valley Isle. Get ready for gorgeous beaches, beautiful weather and that chilled-out island vibe that fits so perfectly with a holiday in the tropics.

The beaches lure many travelers to Maui. You can take your pick from white, black, or red sand beaches with over 30 miles of sandy shores, so it’s easy to find your piece of paradise. You can go sunbathing, swimming or try water sports like snorkeling, paddle boarding, diving and surfing.

Some beaches like Big Beach are well-known and busy enough to justify lifeguards on duty, while others are off-the-beaten-track secluded beaches where you might be lucky enough to be alone apart from the sea life. From West Maui to East Maui, any beach bum can find a beach to relax and enjoy blissful sunny days.

When you are feeling hungry, you have an array of dining options. Maui is known for farm and/or ocean-to-table cuisine that is as fresh as can be. A luau is a great way to sample traditional food, or you can find many restaurants serving up traditional fare and international dishes too.

From the beach to the lush rainforest we go. The sacred Iao Valley is a 4,000-acre historic state park in central Maui. There you can find the 1,200-foot Iao Needle, which is popular for awe-inspiring hiking.

The sacred Iao Valley also holds great historical significance. In 1790 the Battle of Kepaniwai took place there, which saw King Kamehameha I fight with Maui’s army in his efforts to unite the islands. Kamehameha won against Maui’s forces in a gory battle that altered the course of Hawaii’s history.

The Maui Ocean Center is the place you can be sure to see what you might see in the ocean. It is home to many species of reef fish, sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles. They also have an innovative virtual reality experience with Hawaii’s humpback whales.

If you are feeling a bit adventurous, check out the Haleakala National Park and see Haleakala Volcano, the world’s largest dormant volcano. We recommend you book a tour to have an experienced guide keep you safe and well-informed about the details of the park. The sunrise tour is well worth getting up early for, or a day tour will take in many sights, including Kepaniwai Gardens, quaint historic towns, churches and major landmarks. A bike tour is another exciting way to take in the gorgeous sights of Haleakala National Park.

Still seeking thrills surrounded by nature?

Ziplining might be calling. Zooming through the rainforest with ocean and mountain views is exhilarating and exciting. Several companies offer zip lining adventures that you can book before you leave home or on the ground in Hawaii.

• Take a road trip along the scenic route of Hana Highway
• Go island hopping to Molokini for an afternoon of snorkeling and swimming
• Indulge in a luxury spa treatment
• Indulge in the freshest straight-from-the-ocean seafood dishes at Mama's Fish House
• Drink tropical co*cktails at sunset at a beach bar
• Visit the waterslide park at Ho'okipa Beach Park
• Take a surfing lesson
• Walk the Pipiwai Trail and take photos of the waterfall
• Get your fix of Hawaiiana at the Maui Historical Society
• Smell the sweet flowers at Kula Botanical Gardens

If you love arts and culture, Honolulu will delight you. The Bishop Museum is the biggest museum in Hawaii, full of artifacts and antiques from Hawaii and the Pacific. For kids, there is an educational planetarium where they can learn about how explorers navigated the Pacific by the stars.

There are lots of interactive displays, and the museum building is a gem in itself. Next up, the Honolulu Museum of Art showcases an impressive collection of fine art. Don’t miss Iolani Palace, formerly the residence of the royal family.

For foodies, Honolulu serves up the best meals from traditional Hawaiian classics to modern takes that are fresh in presentation and taste. Casual beachfront restaurants, fine dining or a food truck serving up poke bowls – every meal promises to be divine. Locals claim Kalua pig takes best in the capital and you can’t go wrong with a mai tai at sunset.

For incredible panoramic views, head to Nuuanu Pali Lookout, which is especially amazing around sunset. It's windy but worth it for the Instagrammable shots you will capture. After sunset, hit ChinaTown for some shopping before dinner and dancing.

When you get the urge for some retail therapy, there is no better place than Ala Moana Boulevard. There you can find Hawaiian goods and international brands with everything, including fashion, accessories, homeware, souvenirs, books and specialty items. It is home to the biggest mall on the island and also has restaurants, bars and cafes, and entertainment.

There is a big public park that is nice for strolling around or for a picnic. Ala Moana translates to “path to the sea,” so you can guess the beach is not far away. Dotted around sunny Honolulu, you can find shopping malls, boutique stores, markets, and plenty of other shopping opportunities. Make sure you spare plenty of space in your suitcase and you might like to take home some fresh tropical orchids or flower leis too.

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When it comes to Maui versus Honolulu, a lot comes down to personal preference. Both islands are unique tropical paradises that tick all the major boxes sun-seeking holidaymakers usually have from gorgeous beaches, exciting tourist attractions, heaps of water sports, delicious food and cultural sites.

From either place, you can easily jump on a boat for an epic day at sea that includes swimming, exploring and soaking up the sun. As we said, both destinations are wonderful. To decide for yourself, you might have to visit both places to decide which is better – Maui or Honolulu.

• Visit the dormant volcano Diamond Head
• Go turtle spotting at Hanauma Bay
• Learn about the Polynesian culture at Bishop Museum
• Go hiking to Manoa Falls, where you can take a dip in the water hole
• See the animals at Honolulu Zoo
• Witness geysers up to 30 feet at Halona BlowHole
• Walk the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail with some whale watching along the way
• Say cheers at the Mai Tai Bar
• Ride the water slides and swim all day long at Wet 'n' Wild Hawaii

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