Which place is cheaper, Honolulu or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Honolulu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Honolulu can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Honolulu?
Abu Dhabi
It doesn't get more "lifestyles of the rich and famous" than a vacation to Abu Dhabi. The federal capital and center of government for the United Arab Emirates is arguably the most modern city in the world.
Abu Dhabi has a population of 1.5 million and provides a home to several oil companies and embassies, but this place is definitely a playground for the world's fanciest tourists. This city has several large projects underway including Yas Island's Formula 1 track and Ferrari theme park.
Note: homosexuality is still outlawed in the UAE with harsh punishments including deportation, fines, jail time or even a death sentence.
Honolulu
Hawaii's capital city of Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is the state's center for government, finance, and transportation. It's also the home of Waikiki Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the state of Hawaii. Nearly one million people live in this Honolulu metropolitan area. This is almost 80% of the state's population. The city is not the relaxed Hawaiian destination that you might be searching for, but is instead a fast paced, cosmopolitan city. In addition to attracting many tourists every year, you'll also find international businesses, military defense and a diverse culture and population.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Honolulu $284
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Honolulu is $284. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Abu Dhabi and Honolulu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Honolulu $183
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Honolulu $366
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Honolulu
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Honolulu? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices and Honolulu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Honolulu $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
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Car Rental$31
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Taxi to Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:
- Skydive in Abu Dhabi | Tandem Skydive with transfer: $817
- Private Transfer from Qasr Al Sarab to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $274
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Fujairah: $274
- Private Transfer from Jebel Dhanna Resort to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $274
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Talal Liwa: $274
- Private Transfer from Talal Liwa to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $274
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Jebel Dhanna Resort: $274
- Ferrari world & Warner bros. parks with transfer from Dubai: $250
- Abu Dhabi Helicopter Ride with optional Private Transfers: $222
- Warner Bros World Ticket's -Abu Dhabi Without Transfer: $220
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport DXB in Luxury Van: $212
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Luxury Van: $202
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Honolulu
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Honolulu are as follows:
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Rental Car for One Day$35
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Airport Shuttle for Two$30
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Hilton Parking$24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Honolulu
Also for Honolulu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Departure Transfer from Waikiki Hotels to Honolulu Airport: $18
- Honolulu Airport Private Transfer to or from Waikiki: $32
- Honolulu Airport -Waikiki Arrival Private Transfer W/Lei Greeting: $35
- Airport Private Transfer with Arrival Lei Greeting: $35
- Oahu: Honolulu Shuttle Bus Transfer to Pearl Harbor: $37
- Private Transfer from Honolulu Airport (HNL) to Honolulu Port: $37
- Shared Round-Trip Transfer: Honolulu Airport to Hotel or Cruise Terminal: $39
- Oahu: Diamond Head Crater Trailhead Transfer & Entry Fee: $50
- Private Transfers between HNL Airport and Honolulu City: $56
- Private One-way Airport Transfer Honolulu Airport To Honolulu: $65
- Honolulu Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport Departure: $70
- Honolulu Airport Arrival to Waikiki Hotel Private Transfer: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Honolulu?
Prices for flights to both Honolulu and Abu Dhabi change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAbu Dhabi $45Honolulu $53
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Dubai: Dhow Cruise Marina Multi Cusine Dinner & Tanura Show: $35
- Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $42
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $45
- Dubai Best Dhow Cruise Dinner Marina: $46
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $49
- Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $50
- Desert Tour with BBQ Dinner and Hotel Transfer: $51
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and all Camp Activities : $72
- Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
Typical Food Prices in Honolulu
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Honolulu:
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Dinner for Two$73
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Lapperts Hawaii Ice Cream$5.55
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Chai's Island Bistro (for 2)$53
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Cheeseburger Waikiki (for 2)$34
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Matsumoto Shave Ice (for 2)$7.50
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Hot Dog with the Fixins'$8.30
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Sushi Dinner for Two$73
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Honolulu
For Honolulu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Lanai Tabura curated Private Aloha Plate Food Tour from Honolulu: $239
- Brewery and Local Food Tour: $480
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Honolulu $40
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Abu Dhabi Full Day City Tour : $100
- Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum Entrance Ticket: $41
- Abu Dhabi Tour-Sheik Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace With Louvre Musuem: $115
- Falcon Hospital Tour with Transportation : $101
- Full Day Abu Dhabi City & Louvre Museum Tour: $90
- Private Full-Day Tour in Abu Dhabi: $234
- Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
- 4 Hour Cultural Tour of Abu Dhabi - Private Tour: $160
- 8 Hour Ticket/Pass For Yas Water World In Dubai.: $103
- Abu Dhabi 'Hidden Gems' by City Break - walking tours made fun!: $32
- Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
- Abu Dhabi : Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide: $43
Typical Entertainment Prices in Honolulu
For Honolulu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Parking for Hike$5.00
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Pearl Harbor Audio Tour for Two$12
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2 hr Dinner Cruise$85
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1 Day Kayak Rental$36
Tours and Activities in Honolulu
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Honolulu.
- Heart of Waikiki Walking Tour: Audio Tour Guide: $4.99
- Historic Downtown Honolulu Tour: Audio Tour Guide: $4.99
- Waikīkī's Beaches and Royalty: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Hawaii‘s Historic Kingdom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Military and Entertainment in Waikiki: A Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
- Oahu: USS Arizona Memorial Chief's Narrated Multimedia Tour: $7.99
- Downtown Honolulu Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $8.49
- Waikiki Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $8.49
- Honolulu In-App Audio Tour: Historical & Cultural Treasures: $9.00
- Honolulu's Backyard Rainforest Tour: Audio Tour Guide: $9.99
- USS Arizona Commander's Narrated Multimedia Tour - 23 Stops: $11
- Oahu: Honolulu 3-Hour Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Honolulu $6.47
Sample the Local Flavors in Honolulu
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Honolulu:
- Shaxi Dive Bar Tour: $37
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu is more expensive. And not only is Abu Dhabi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Honolulu is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Abu Dhabi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Abu Dhabi and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Honolulu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Honolulu than you might in Abu Dhabi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Abu Dhabi Expensive? and Is Honolulu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Honolulu?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Honolulu. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Honolulu, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi or Honolulu?
Honolulu has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Abu Dhabi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Honolulu in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Honolulu. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Honolulu in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Honolulu in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Honolulu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the summer, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Honolulu. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Honolulu. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Honolulu 81°F (27°C)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Honolulu in the Autumn?
Both Honolulu and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Honolulu for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Honolulu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Honolulu averages at about 80°F (26°C).
It's quite sunny in Honolulu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Honolulu during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Honolulu. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Honolulu 80°F (26°C)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Honolulu in the Winter?
Both Honolulu and Abu Dhabi during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Honolulu because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Abu Dhabi is generally cooler than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the winter, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Honolulu. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Honolulu. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Honolulu 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Honolulu in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Honolulu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.
Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Honolulu in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Honolulu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Honolulu during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Honolulu. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Honolulu 76°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Honolulu and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Honolulu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 80°F (26°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 0.6 inches (15 mm) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 0.4 inches (11 mm) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 80°F (26°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.