Kyoto is an excellent choice for travelers interested in cultural immersion, historical sites, and efficient public transportation. Maui is better suited for those seeking beautiful beaches, water activities, and a family-friendly resort experience. The best choice depends on individual preferences and budget.
| Attribute | Kyoto, Japan | Maui, Hawaii |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of flights | Variable, check with airlines or travel search engines | Round-trip flights to Maui in 2025 can start from as low as $92, but the average cost is around $420. One-way tickets can be found for as low as $49. Prices vary depending on the departure airport and time of year, with September often being the cheapest month to fly. |
| Average hotel price per night | Mid-range: $125 (can reach $233 in high season), Budget: ¥2,000 to ¥8,000 per person, Luxury: from ¥20,000 per room | 3-star hotels: $468, 4-star hotels: $580, Luxury 5-star hotels: $952. Cheapest 3-star hotel room found recently was $143, while the most expensive was $1,337. |
| Availability of English-speaking services | English signage and announcements are common. Tourist information hotlines are available. Many websites for transportation and attractions have English versions. | English is widely spoken and understood in Maui, given its status as a major tourist destination in the United States. |
| Number of historical sites | Numerous temples, shrines, and castles | Haleakalā National Park, ʻĪao Valley State Monument, Lahaina Historic District (though some sites were damaged in recent fires), Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum, Bailey House Museum, Kahanu Garden + Piʻilanihale Heiau |
| Beach quality | Not a coastal city, no beaches | Known for its beautiful beaches, with over 30 miles of coastline. White and black sand beaches suitable for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and sunbathing. Popular beaches include: K āʻanapali Beach, Wailea Beach, Mākena Beach (Big Beach), Hamoa Beach |
| Hiking trail difficulty | Varies, some easy enough for kids (e.g., Arashiyama Monkey Park) | Hiking trails in Maui range from easy to difficult. Some popular trails include: ʻĪao Valley Trail (easy), Haleakalā National Park trails (varying difficulty) |
| Local cuisine specialties | Kyo-kaiseki, Yudofu, Obanzai, Yuba, Kyozushi, Matcha Green Tea desserts, Nishin Soba | Kalua pig, Laulau, Lomi lomi salmon, Poke, Loco Moco, Spam Musubi, Malasadas, Saimin |
| Nightlife options | Shijo-Kawaramachi area, Pontocho Alley | Bars, restaurants with live music, luaus, and brewery hopping. Popular areas for nightlife include: Front Street in Lahaina, Kihei, Paia Town |
| Family-friendliness | Family-friendly with attractions like Kyoto Aquarium, Kyoto Railway Museum, Kyoto City Zoo, and Arashiyama Monkey Park | Considered a family-friendly destination with a wide range of activities and amenities for children. Many resorts offer kids' clubs and family-friendly activities. |
| Public transportation options | Buses, Subway (Karasuma and Tozai lines), Trains (JR lines and other railway companies), Taxis, Bicycles | Maui has a public bus system called "The Maui Bus." A single ride is $2, and a day pass is $4. The Ka'anapali Trolley is a free shuttle that operates in the Ka'anapali resort area. |
| Safety and crime rate | One of the safest cities in the world for tourists. Low crime index. Petty theft is rare. | Generally considered a safe destination with a relatively low crime rate compared to other parts of the United States. However, petty theft can occur, especially in tourist areas. The north part of the county is generally considered the safest. |
| Cultural experiences | Tea ceremonies, Visiting temples and shrines (Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera), Exploring Gion district, Learning traditional skills, Zen meditation | Attending a luau, Visiting historical sites like the Baldwin Home Museum and Lahaina Banyan Court, Learning traditional arts like lei-making and hula, Visiting Hawaiian Heiau (temples), Exploring Kepaniwai Park & Heritage Gardens |