Choose Costa Rica if…
- you want lots of private group options for friends to book together
- you love the setting: surf beaches, volcanoes, hot springs and rainforest on the Pacific coast, with a relaxed pura vida pace
Choose Maui if…
- you want plenty of casual, inexpensive places to eat
- you want special-occasion restaurants for a splurge night
- you love the setting: volcano sunrises, the Road to Hana, snorkeling with turtles and whales in winter
Side by side
| Costa Rica | Maui | |
|---|---|---|
| Best season | December to April | April to May, September to November |
| Getting there | Liberia (LIR) in Guanacaste is about 1h15 from Tamarindo and 30 minutes from the Papagayo Peninsula. San José (SJO) is 4 to 5 hours away by road. | Kahului airport (OGG) is 30 minutes from Wailea and about 1 hour from Kapalua. |
| Car needed? | Mostly yes | Mostly yes |
| Activity prices | Mid-range | Mid-range |
| Group-friendly activities | 12 of 12 | 11 of 12 |
| Relaxed activities | 6 | 5 |
| Foodie activities | 3 | 3 |
| Adventure activities | 6 | 5 |
| Full-day trips | 2 | 2 |
| Seasonal activities | 0 | 1 |
| Budget eats on our list | 4 | 5 |
| Currency | Costa Rican colón (CRC). US dollars are widely accepted. | US dollar (USD). |
| Tipping | A 10% service charge is included on restaurant bills by law. Extra tips are optional. Tip guides and drivers. | Expected: 18 to 22% in restaurants. Large groups often get an automatic gratuity. |
| Dinner time | Dinner is early, often from 6 to 9 pm, because the sun sets around 5:30 to 6 pm all year. | Dinner usually from 6 to 9 pm. Popular restaurants book up weeks ahead. |
Top group activities in Costa Rica
- Rincón de la Vieja day: hot springs, mud bath and waterfall. Hike near an active volcano, paint yourself with volcanic mud and soak in natural hot springs.
- Canopy zip line tour. Fly over the dry forest on a series of zip lines and platforms. Great for groups.
- Group surf lesson in Tamarindo. Beginner-friendly waves and patient instructors. Most people stand up on day one.
- Sunset catamaran with snorkel stop and dinner. Sail the coast, snorkel in a quiet bay and watch the sunset with dinner and drinks on board.
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 Costa Rica or Maui better for a destination wedding?
Choose Costa Rica if you want lots of private group options for friends to book together. Choose Maui if you want plenty of casual, inexpensive places to eat.
When is the best time for a wedding in Costa Rica and Maui?
Costa Rica: December to April. Maui: April to May, September to November.
Which is easier for guests to reach, Costa Rica or Maui?
Costa Rica: Liberia (LIR) in Guanacaste is about 1h15 from Tamarindo and 30 minutes from the Papagayo Peninsula. San José (SJO) is 4 to 5 hours away by road. Maui: Kahului airport (OGG) is 30 minutes from Wailea and about 1 hour from Kapalua.
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