Maui vs Big Island: Which To Visit On Vacation 2025
Wondering whether to visit Maui or the Big Island on vacation? If so, this article’s for you.
The Big Island is Hawaii’s largest island, and my favorite, after visiting it over three times. I recently visited Maui, and it had a completely different vibe and charm to it. To help you decide which island’s right for you, this article will cover how they compare in terms of attraction, cost, hotels, and much more.
Here is everything you need to know before booking a trip to Maui or the Big Island.
Maui vs Big Island At A Glance
The Big Island is Hawaii’s largest island, spanning over 5,000 acres, and over 5 times the size of Maui! The Big Island is split into two main distinct cities (Kona and Hilo), whereas Maui has a variety of small towns, and one main city (Kahului).
Kona is the sunny resort side of the Big Island, with beautiful white sand beaches, upscale resorts, and picturesque bays for snorkeling.
Hilo is the rainy, lush rainforest town on the southern side of the island, with waterfalls, family-friendly beach parks, and a more sleepy vibe.
Beyond the main cities, the Big Island is home to the two world’s most active volcanoes (Mauna Loa and Kīlauea), with the Kīlauea actively erupting.
You can see active eruptions at the Volcanoes National Park in the middle of the island, and it’s one of the most fascinating places to visit in the world.
Maui has a small city by the airport (Kahului), and beach resort areas on the South and West coast. Maui’s only active volcano, Haleakala, and the small rainforest town of Hana, make up the eastern portion of the island.
In Maui, you can visit the Haleakala National Park to watch the sunrise/sunset, or drive the scenic road to Hana. It’s much smaller than the Big Island, and you can see most of the island within 1 to 2 days.
In my experience, the Big Island has a more rugged, less touristy feel, especially in Hilo, and while doing road trips around the island.
Maui is more compact, modern, and centered around the beaches, which can be great if you’re looking for a beach vacation.
Things To Do On Each Island
Whether you’re into snorkeling, enjoying Hawaiian food, or relaxing by the beach, both islands won’t disappoint. Maui is most known for the beaches, but the Big Island has equally beautiful white sand beaches in north Kona and Kohala.
The Big Island feels more vast, and has a diverse variety of tourist attractions in the major cities, and Volcanoes National Park. Maui has considerably less places to visit, but still many unique attractions on the road to Hana.
In Kona on the Big Island, there are beach towns lined with upscale resorts, historic parks, farmer’s markets, famous poke spots, and everything from coffee to vanilla, and honey farms.
In Hilo on the Big Island, there’s a charming downtown area overlooking the bay, waterfalls, beach parks, a zoo, lava tube, and more.
Many of the attractions in Hilo are free, and it has a laid back vibe perfect for a relaxing family vacation.
In Maui, there’s some very nice beach towns lined with resorts, the scenic road to Hana drive, and an abundance of water activities. I saw more people kayaking, boogieboarding, and learning how to surf than I’ve ever seen on the Big Island.
Additionally, from Maui, you can take the ferry to Lanai, or go on a boat tour to the Molokini Crater for a day of snorkeling. From Maui’s beaches, you’ll have a beautiful view of the nearby islands (Molokai, Lanai) in the distance.
Another fun thing you can do on each island is watching the sunset from a volcano summit. The Mauna Kea summit is at an elevation of 13,803 feet, whereas the Haleakala summit on Maui is at an elevation of 10,023 feet.
On the Big Island, you can drive up to the Mauna Kea summit to watch the sunset and go stargazing. On Maui, you can drive up the Haleakala summit to watch the sunrise or sunset.
Here are some of the best things to do on each island.
Best Things To Do On The Big Island
- Tour farms in Kona (coffee, vanilla, honey, sea salt)
- Enjoy Kona’s white sand beaches and Hilo’s family-friendly lagoons
- Explore the Volcanoes National Park
- Visit Puna’luu Black Sand Beach
- Visit Pu’uhonua National Park and other historic sites
- Go on a snorkeling tour to Kealakekua Bay
- Drive the scenic Hamakua Coast
- Try tropical fruit at one of the farmer’s markets (Hilo, Kona, Waimea, Pahoa)
- Hike to Akaka Falls
- Visit the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens
- Stroll around Hilo Bay
- Visit Rainbow Falls and the Kaumana Caves in Hilo
- Watch the sunset/stargaze on top of Mauna Kea summit
Best Things To Do In Maui
- Enjoy 30 miles of beautiful beaches
- Drive the scenic road to Hana
- Visit Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach
- Try Aunty Sandy’s banana bread in Hana
- Go on a snorkeling tour to Molokoni Crater
- Attend the Maui Swap Meet
- Visit the Maui Gold Pineapple Farm
- Explore the the food truck scene
- Watch the sunrise/sunset from the Haleakala summit
- Go on a day trip to Lanai by ferry
For a full list, check out our articles on the best things to do on the Big Island and Maui!
Hotels and Accommodations
Maui offers many more upscale beachfront resort options than the Big Island, despite it being smaller. The Big Island has a few nice beachfront resorts along the Kohala coast (The Westin, Four Seasons), but it doesn’t compare to Maui.
Maui has a variety of top-notch honeymoon resorts lining the coast in Wailea, and Kapalua/Napili. Additionally, Maui has five Hyatt resorts on the island if you’re looking to redeem points, whereas the Big Island has none.
Besides upscale resorts, however, the Big Island offers more budget and mid-range hotel options. The three main areas to stay on the island are Kona, Hilo, and Volcano Village, which is right outside of Volcanoes National Park.
There are less options in Hilo and Volcano Village, but a variety of cozy hotels and vacation rentals to stay at.
Difference in Cost
The Big Island is a more budget-friendly island, with dozens of free attractions, and cheaper lodging options.
Since the island is so spread out, there are dozens of vacation rentals, and small hotels to stay at.
Maui is more limited in budget hotel options, but it offers better opportunities to redeem hotel points. I rented a car from Makoa rental car on Maui, and it ended up being similar, or cheaper to rental car prices on the Big Island.
Which To Visit For A Honeymoon
Maui is the most popular for honeymoons, because it has 30 miles of accessible beaches, and a variety of top-notch resorts to choose from.
The Big Island has a few great honeymoon resorts in Kona, as well as cozy rainforest lodges in Volcano Village.
Maui may be better for a beach honeymoon, but I’d argue that the Big Island has some of the best honeymoon activities.
On the Big Island, you can go snorkeling with manta rays at night, stargazing at the highest point in Hawaii (Mauna Kea summit), and visit all of the charming natural attractions.
Maui doesn’t have as many natural attractions, but you can drive the road to Hana, watch the sunrise from Haleakala summit, and enjoy all of the beautiful beaches.
Which To Visit For A Family Vacation
The Big Island is best for a family vacation if you’re looking for an adventure, or traveling on a budget.
With the Volcanoes National Park, historic sites in Kona, and everything from rainforest zoos to lava caves in Hilo, you won’t run out of fun things to do.
Maui can be great for a family vacation if you love the beach and water activities, but it will likely be more expensive.
Maui vs Big Island FAQs
How do these islands compare to Oahu?
Oahu is the most populated Hawaiian island, and it’s home to the most historic and cultural sites, including the Pearl Harbor Memorial, and Polynesian Cultural Center.
It’s the most crowded of the Hawaiian islands, but it has the best luaus, and widest variety of tourist activities. If you’re interested in Hawaiian culture, history, and food, Oahu is one of the best choices.
How do these islands compare to Kauai?
Kauai is one of the most remote and undeveloped Hawaiian islands, so it’s more lowkey than Maui or Kona on the Big Island.
It has excellent hiking trails, an abundance of natural attractions, and a sleepy vibe similar to Hilo on the Big Island. It lacks as many swimmable beaches as the other islands, so I recommend visiting the Big Island if you want a mix of both.
Which island is better for snorkeling?
Maui and the Big Island are equally great for snorkeling. On the Big Island (Kona), Kealakakua Bay is the best snorkeling spot, and there are a few easily accessible sites like Two Step Beach and Kahaluʻu Beach Park.
In Maui, Honolua Bay is one of the best sites, and you can go on a snorkeling tour to Molokoni Crater and Turtle Town offshore.
Which island is cheaper?
The Big Island can be much cheaper than Maui, depending on where you stay. The Big Island has a wider variety of budget-friendly hotels, cheap places to eat, and free attractions all over the island.
If you’re trying to travel to Maui on a budget, you’ll likely have to camp overnight, or stay in a vacation rental.
Which island has the nicest beaches?
Maui and the Big Island have equally beautiful beaches, with soft white sand, crystal clear waters, and sea turtles.
The Big Island has more unique beaches, from Kona’s historic beach parks to Hilo’s natural lagoons, and the Punaluu Black Sand Beach.
With the exception of Hana, most of Maui’s beaches are lined by resorts, and can feel a bit more touristy. That said, you won’t struggle finding the perfect beach for swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing on either island.
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