A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Honolulu for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Athens or Honolulu?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Honolulu. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Athens

Athens is a energetic, historic, and ancient city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Honolulu

Honolulu is a multi-cultural, energetic, and vibrant city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Athens and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Honolulu?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Honolulu than Athens. While Athens is larger than Honolulu, Honolulu has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Honolulu is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Athens is more popular for its food, nightlife, and historical sights. Honolulu is more touristy than Athens and is known for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. Also, Honolulu is famous for Pearl Harbor. Athens is well known for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy.

How is Athens different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Honolulu and Athens. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Athens or Honolulu?

You'll find a number of fantastic museums and attractions in both Honolulu and Athens.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Athens has many famous sights for visitors. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Honolulu that are not to be missed. For many visitors, a trip to Pearl Harbor is one of the most memorable experiences while they're in Hawaii. It's still an active naval base, but it's also a National Historic Landmark that memorializes that historic day in 1941. There are many sights that reflect on the past and you can also pick up tours to the USS Arizona at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Other cultural sights around Honolulu include the Polynesian Cultural Center, the Shangri-La Museum, and Iolani Palace.

Is the Food Better in Athens or Honolulu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Athens have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Honolulu. The city offers a mix of internationally recognized chain restaurants as well as local mom and pop shops. You'll find a mix of cuisines that reflect the city's multicultural personality. There is plenty of Japanese food around town as well as local Hawaiian dishes. Spam is incorporated into many dishes, but you'll also find seafood and tropical fruits.

Is Athens or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

Athens is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Athens is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Honolulu has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has the most active nightlife scene on all of the Hawaiian islands. If you're looking for a party, then this is the place to stay. You'll find many bars, clubs, and entertainment options around town, as well as beach parties and festivals. For tourists, the highest concentration of nightlife venues is around Waikiki, which is also where you'll find the most hotels.

Is Athens or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Athens is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Honolulu for its luxury resorts. The highest concentration of resorts are around Waikiki where you'll find all of the major names such as the Hilton, Marriott, and the Hyatt.

Athens is not a resort destination.

Is Athens or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Honolulu is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Honolulu. There are great beaches around the island and near the city where you can enjoy diving and snorkeling. You'll find coral and tropical fish that make for a wonderful experience.

Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Athens or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Athens is not a beach destination.

Honolulu offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Nearby there are countless beach destinations such as the famed Waikiki Beach. There are also more local and lesser known stretches of sand where you can escape the tourist crowds. Other great beaches in the area include Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Magic Island, and Lanikai Beach.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Athens or Honolulu Better for its Old Town?

Athens is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Honolulu does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Athens offers plenty to see. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

Honolulu does not have a historic old town.

Is Athens or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Athens is not a hiking destination.

Honolulu is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Both in the city and nearby you'll find world famous hiking trails that offer spectacular views and breathtaking landscapes. There are many natural landmarks and dramatic mountains. Moanalua Valley Trail, also known as the Stairway to Heaven, is one of the top hiking trails in the area. Other popular options include Kuliouou Ridge Trail and Diamond Head Crater Hike.

Athens is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Honolulu?

Honolulu is great for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Honolulu. The city has some of the best shopping opportunities in the Hawaiian islands. There are brand name fashion outlets, large shopping malls, and boutique local vendors. Many of the malls are open air and let you enjoy the Hawaiian climate while you browse. Downtown Honolulu and Waikiki both have many shopping opportunities.

Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Athens or Honolulu Better for Families?

Honolulu is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Honolulu is very family-friendly. There are many kid-friendly beaches, hiking trails, and activities that appeal to families. While Waikiki Beach can get crowded, it is also a great option for kids. Kids will also enjoy snorkeling with sea turtles, swimming with dolphins, or taking surfing lessons. For a cold treat, everyone can enjoy shave ice and the perfect way to wrap up a day is a fun luau.

Athens is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Is Athens or Honolulu Better for Couples?

Honolulu is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Honolulu is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Romantic resorts, beautiful beaches, and stunning hikes make this a top honeymoon destination for couples. The city has an energy that is unlike anywhere else on the Hawaiian islands, but there are also nature trails and outdoor adventures nearby. There are a diversity of restaurants that highlight both local and international cuisines, and a nightlife scene that will keep you entertained.

Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Athens or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Athens. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Honolulu is a great city to visit for backpackers. This is one of the easier places to stay in Hawaii as a backpacker. There are a handful of hostels, and public transit is available so having a car isn't as crucial as it is everywhere else.

Is Athens or Honolulu Better for Students?

Athens is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Honolulu is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Honolulu is not popular with students.

Is Athens or Honolulu Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Athens is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Honolulu has a few public transit options. TheBus is the public bus system through the city and elsewhere on Oahu.

Is Athens or Honolulu a more walkable city?

Athens and Honolulu are very good when it comes to walkability.

Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

Honolulu is very walkable. The most walkable areas are around downtown Honolulu and in Waikiki.

For even more information, also check out Is Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Honolulu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or Athens?

How long in Athens or Honolulu?

Both Athens and Honolulu have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Honolulu has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Honolulu than Athens. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 5-7 days is enough time in Honolulu.

Families should spend more time in Honolulu than Athens. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Honolulu, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Honolulu than Athens. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Honolulu that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Honolulu if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Athens.

One day in Athens or Honolulu?

Athens is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Honolulu. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Athens or Honolulu?

Athens is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Honolulu is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Athens or Honolulu?

Athens is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Athens, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Honolulu. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Athens or Honolulu?

Athens is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Athens has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant big city of Honolulu. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu is more expensive. And not only is Athens much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Athens is in Europe 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 Athens would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Athens 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 Athens.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Honolulu Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Honolulu?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 96% larger than the population of Honolulu. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens or Honolulu?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Athens or Honolulu in the Summer?

Both Honolulu and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Honolulu because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Athens is around the same temperature as Honolulu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Honolulu averages at about 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Honolulu during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Honolulu. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Honolulu in the Autumn?

Both Honolulu and Athens during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Athens because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.

In October, Athens is generally cooler than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the autumn, Athens often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in October than Honolulu. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Honolulu in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Honolulu. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Honolulu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Athens is much colder than Honolulu in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. Athens usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Honolulu. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Athens or Honolulu in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Honolulu. Many travelers come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Honolulu in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Athens is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Honolulu averages at about 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the spring, Athens often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Honolulu. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Athens