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

Should you visit Beijing or Honolulu?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Honolulu can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Beijing

Beijing is a historic, massive, and jam-packed city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. 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. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Beijing and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Honolulu?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Honolulu than Beijing. While Beijing is larger than Honolulu, Honolulu has more sights and attractions for tourists. Honolulu is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Beijing is more popular for its food and big city activities. Beijing is well known for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. Honolulu is well known for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. Also, Honolulu is famous for Pearl Harbor.

How is Beijing different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Beijing or Honolulu.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Beijing on the map. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

Travelers visit Honolulu from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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 Beijing or Honolulu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beijing 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 Beijing have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

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 Beijing or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Beijing or Honolulu has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Beijing know how to have a good time. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

The nightlife in Honolulu has something for everybody. 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 Beijing or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

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

Honolulu is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Beijing is not a resort destination.

Is Beijing or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Honolulu is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Beijing is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Beijing or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

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

Honolulu is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Beijing is not a beach destination.

Is Beijing or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Beijing is not a hiking destination.

Around Honolulu visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Beijing is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Honolulu?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Honolulu and Beijing.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Is Beijing or Honolulu Better for Families?

Honolulu is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Honolulu is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Beijing offers lots of family activities. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Is Beijing or Honolulu Better for Couples?

Honolulu is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Honolulu is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Is Beijing or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing and Honolulu are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Beijing is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

Honolulu is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 Beijing or Honolulu Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

Honolulu is not popular with students.

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

Beijing 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 Beijing. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

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

Is Beijing or Honolulu a more walkable city?

Honolulu is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Honolulu?

Both Beijing 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 Beijing. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Beijing, and 5-7 days is enough time in Honolulu.

Families should spend more time in Honolulu than Beijing. 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 Beijing. 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 Honolulu than Beijing 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 Honolulu.

One day in Beijing or Honolulu?

Beijing is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

In Honolulu, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Beijing or Honolulu?

Beijing is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

In Honolulu, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Beijing or Honolulu?

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

Honolulu is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Honolulu has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Beijing or Honolulu?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Honolulu. In Honolulu, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, 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 Beijing and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing is in Asia 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 Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Beijing.

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

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Honolulu?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Honolulu. When comparing the sizes of Beijing 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 Beijing or Honolulu?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Beijing or Honolulu in the Summer?

Both Honolulu and Beijing during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.

In the summer, Beijing is around the same temperature as Honolulu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Beijing in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Honolulu averages at about 81°F (27°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the summer, Beijing often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually gets more rain in July than Honolulu. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Honolulu in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Honolulu. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Honolulu for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Beijing is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (56°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during autumn. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Beijing usually receives less rain than Honolulu. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Beijing or Honolulu in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Honolulu. Many travelers come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Honolulu in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Beijing. Beijing is much colder than Honolulu in the winter. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around -4°C (26°F) in January, and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the winter, Beijing often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Honolulu. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in January than Honolulu. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Honolulu in the Spring?

Both Honolulu and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Beijing in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Honolulu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Beijing is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Beijing in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Honolulu averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Honolulu during spring. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Beijing usually receives less rain than Honolulu. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Beijing