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

Should you visit Bern or Honolulu?

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

Should I visit Bern or Honolulu? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Bern

Bern is a cultural, historic, and charming city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Honolulu

Honolulu is a energetic, vibrant, and multi-cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bern and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bern or Honolulu?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Honolulu than Bern, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Honolulu is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Bern is known for its historical sights. Honolulu is more touristy than Bern and is popular for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. It is also home to Pearl Harbor. Bern is popular for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory.

How is Bern different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Honolulu is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Many visitors head to Bern specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with architecture and charming character. While you're in town make sure you visit the Einstein Museum, the Clock Tower, and the Bern Cathedral.

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

Honolulu is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Honolulu makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Is Bern or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

Honolulu is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Honolulu offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Is Bern or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is renowned for its resorts. However, Bern is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Honolulu is a great choice. 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.

Bern is not a resort destination.

Is Bern or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Honolulu is a well-known place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bern is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Bern is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bern or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is renowned for its beaches. However, Bern is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Honolulu. 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.

Bern is not a beach destination.

Is Bern or Honolulu Better for its Old Town?

Bern is great for its historic old town. However, Honolulu does not have a historic old town.

Bern is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The charming old town is filled with quaint alleys and sandstone buildings. It's a compact area that flows down a hill to the River Aare.

Honolulu does not have a historic old town.

Is Bern or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Bern is not a hiking destination.

People visit Honolulu specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bern or Honolulu?

Both Bern and Honolulu are excellent shopping destinations.

Bern is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The old town is filled with boutique shops and unique markets. The main shopping streets are Spitalgasse and Marktgasse and popular items to buy include jewelry, art, and watches.

Honolulu is well-known for its shopping. 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 Bern or Honolulu Better for Families?

Honolulu is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Honolulu is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Bern is very family-friendly. This charming town has riverside parks and pools, a zoo, a waterpark, and kid-friendly museums that the whole family can enjoy. You can also visit nearby Gurten, a mountain with tobogganing, concerts, and a mini ski resort.

Is Bern or Honolulu Better for Couples?

Honolulu is renowned for romance. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Honolulu makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

Is Bern or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Bern and Honolulu are excellent destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Bern. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

Many backpackers visit Honolulu. 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 Bern or Honolulu Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bern 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 Bern. There are trams and buses that run around town.

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

Is Bern or Honolulu a more walkable city?

Bern and Honolulu both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Bern is very walkable. It's fun to explore the old town on foot. It is compact enough to that you can see all of the highlights in a few hours.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or Bern?

How long in Bern or Honolulu?

Both Bern and Honolulu have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Honolulu than in Bern. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bern, and 5-7 days is enough time in Honolulu.

Families should spend more time in Honolulu than Bern. 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 Bern. 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 Bern 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 Bern or Honolulu?

The beautiful city of Bern offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Honolulu is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bern or Honolulu?

Bern is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bern, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Honolulu is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bern or Honolulu?

Bern is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Honolulu is a vibrant big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Bern or Honolulu?

Bern is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Honolulu is a vibrant city where you can fill many days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Bern and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Bern is in Europe and Honolulu is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Bern or Honolulu?

Honolulu has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Bern 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 Bern 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 Bern or Honolulu in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bern as well as Honolulu. Many visitors come to Bern in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Honolulu for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Bern is cooler than Honolulu in the summer. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 21°C (70°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 Bern this time of the year. In the summer, Bern often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets more rain in July than Honolulu. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bern or Honolulu in the Autumn?

Both Honolulu and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Honolulu because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bern is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bern in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Honolulu averages at about 80°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. Bern usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during autumn. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bern usually receives less rain than Honolulu. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bern or Honolulu in the Winter?

Both Honolulu and Bern during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Bern because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.

The weather in Bern can be very cold. In January, Bern is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 3°C (37°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Bern often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets less rain in January than Honolulu. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bern or Honolulu in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Honolulu. The natural beauty are the main draw to Bern this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Honolulu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Bern is much colder than Honolulu in the spring. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 11°C (52°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. Bern usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during spring. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bern usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Bern