Choose Bali if…
- many guests are on a budget: activities here skew cheaper
- you want guests to manage without renting a car
- guests are staying longer and want day trips
- you want lots of private group options for friends to book together
Choose Maui if…
- you want plenty of casual, inexpensive places to eat
- you love the setting: volcano sunrises, the Road to Hana, snorkeling with turtles and whales in winter
Side by side
| Bali | Maui | |
|---|---|---|
| Best season | April to October | April to May, September to November |
| Getting there | Ngurah Rai International (DPS). Seminyak is 30 minutes away, Uluwatu 45 minutes, Ubud 1.5 hours. | Kahului airport (OGG) is 30 minutes from Wailea and about 1 hour from Kapalua. |
| Car needed? | Not usually | Mostly yes |
| Activity prices | Budget-friendly | Mid-range |
| Group-friendly activities | 12 of 12 | 11 of 12 |
| Relaxed activities | 4 | 5 |
| Foodie activities | 3 | 3 |
| Adventure activities | 6 | 5 |
| Full-day trips | 4 | 2 |
| Seasonal activities | 0 | 1 |
| Budget eats on our list | 3 | 5 |
| Currency | Indonesian rupiah (IDR). Carry cash for small warungs. | US dollar (USD). |
| Tipping | Many restaurants add a service charge. Otherwise around 5 to 10% is appreciated. | Expected: 18 to 22% in restaurants. Large groups often get an automatic gratuity. |
| Dinner time | Dinner from about 7 to 9:30 pm. | Dinner usually from 6 to 9 pm. Popular restaurants book up weeks ahead. |
Top group activities in Bali
- Ubud day tour: rice terraces, monkey forest and waterfall. Tegallalang rice terraces, the Sacred Monkey Forest and a jungle waterfall swim.
- Mount Batur sunrise trek. Hike an active volcano in the dark and watch the sunrise from the top.
- Uluwatu temple and Kecak fire dance. A clifftop temple at sunset, followed by the hypnotic Kecak dance.
- Balinese cooking class with market visit. Shop at a morning market, then cook a full Balinese feast.
Top group activities in Maui
- Road to Hana guided tour. Waterfalls, black sand beaches and rainforest along the famous coastal road.
- Haleakalā sunrise tour. Watch the sun rise above the clouds from the 10,000-foot summit.
- Molokini crater snorkel trip. Snorkel in the clear water of a sunken volcanic crater, plus Turtle Town.
- Whale watching cruise. Humpback whales fill Maui's waters every winter.
Questions couples ask
Is Bali or Maui better for a destination wedding?
Choose Bali if many guests are on a budget: activities here skew cheaper. Choose Maui if you want plenty of casual, inexpensive places to eat.
When is the best time for a wedding in Bali and Maui?
Bali: April to October. Maui: April to May, September to November.
Which is easier for guests to reach, Bali or Maui?
Bali: Ngurah Rai International (DPS). Seminyak is 30 minutes away, Uluwatu 45 minutes, Ubud 1.5 hours. Maui: Kahului airport (OGG) is 30 minutes from Wailea and about 1 hour from Kapalua.
Made your choice?
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