A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Big Island of Hawaii vs. Vancouver for Attractions, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Big Island of Hawaii or Vancouver?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Big Island of Hawaii or Vancouver, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii is a laid back, relaxing, and adventure-filled island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a diverse, friendly, and outdoorsy city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Big Island of Hawaii and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Big Island of Hawaii or Vancouver?

Both Vancouver and Big Island of Hawaii have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Big Island of Hawaii is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Vancouver is known for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Big Island of Hawaii is more touristy than Vancouver and is known for its active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and majestic manta rays. Vancouver is popular for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere.

How is Big Island of Hawaii different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Vancouver and Big Island of Hawaii. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Big Island of Hawaii or Vancouver?

Vancouver is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Big Island of Hawaii is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Vancouver from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Big Island of Hawaii offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several local museums around the island such as the Hulihe'e Palace and 'Imiloa Astronomy Center. There's also the Hawaii Plantation Museum and the Lyman House Museum.

Is the Food Better in Big Island of Hawaii or Vancouver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vancouver is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Big Island of Hawaii is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Vancouver. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Big Island of Hawaii. It can be challenging to find local restaurants that aren't catering to the tourist crowd, but when you do you'll be rewarded with great local dishes. Seafood, poke bowls, and shave ice are all popular.

Is Big Island of Hawaii or Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

Vancouver is a great city for nightlife. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Vancouver has something for everybody. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

Most people don't head to Big Island of Hawaii specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The nightlife scene is very chill with many local places that have live music and drinks. You won't find any major nightclubs, but there are karaoke bars and laid back breweries. The most options are found in Hilo and Kailua-Kona.

Is Big Island of Hawaii or Vancouver Better for Resorts?

Big Island of Hawaii is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Vancouver is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Big Island of Hawaii for its luxury resorts. There are a number of beautiful luxury resorts on the island like the Hilton Waikoloa Village, the Four Seasons Resort, and Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort.

Vancouver is not a resort destination.

Is Big Island of Hawaii or Vancouver Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Big Island of Hawaii is a must-visit destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Vancouver is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Big Island of Hawaii. There are a number of beautiful snorkeling spots where you'll see beautiful fish and sometimes even sea turtles. A bucket list experience is also diving or snorkeling with the manta rays, which will take your breath away.

Vancouver is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Big Island of Hawaii or Vancouver Better for Beaches?

Big Island of Hawaii is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, Vancouver is not a beach destination.

Big Island of Hawaii offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. This is a younger island than most in Hawaii, so the beaches are varied and diverse. You'll find white sand beaches, black volcanic sand beaches, and even green sand. There are also areas where the lava rock reaches the ocean. Hapuna Beach is a favorite as is Honl's Beach.

Vancouver is not a beach destination.

Is Big Island of Hawaii or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

Big Island of Hawaii and Vancouver are both places where visitors can find world-class hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Big Island of Hawaii draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The island is filled with miles of spectacular hiking trails. They'll take you to iconic waterfalls, world-renowned viewpoints, and through fields of lava rocks. Many people spend days hiking in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, but there are also impressive hikes along the Kona Coast.

Around Vancouver visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.

Is the Shopping Better in Big Island of Hawaii or Vancouver?

Vancouver is renowned for shopping. Also, Big Island of Hawaii is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Vancouver. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.

Big Island of Hawaii is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many local artisan shops on the island, particular in Hilo, Historic Kailua Village and along the Kohala Coast. You'll find handmade quilts, wooden carved products, and handcrafted jewelry.

Is Big Island of Hawaii or Vancouver Better for Families?

Big Island of Hawaii is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vancouver is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Big Island of Hawaii is very family-friendly. Families will enjoy the laid back island vibe. You can spend some time on the beach and then head inland to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. If your kids are adventurous, the island is a great place to dive or snorkel with manta rays. There are also great hikes, helicopter rides, and luaus.

Vancouver is a very kid-friendly island. There are great kid-friendly museums like the Science Museum, as well as outdoor markets, public parks, and easy access to the nearby nature. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must for many families. You can see the bears, take a gondola, and see the a lumberjack show.

Is Big Island of Hawaii or Vancouver Better for Couples?

Big Island of Hawaii and Vancouver are both world-class to visit as a couple.

Big Island of Hawaii has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples who enjoy a relaxed beach vibe will love a visit to this laid back island. There are upscale resorts as well as independent hotels that have a more personal style. The island also has stunning views, impressive hikes, and countless opportunities for romance.

Vancouver is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Most of the activities take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting. You can take a carriage ride in Stanley Park or visit the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. Eat dim sum in Chinatown and then wander through the diverse neighborhood. End the day with a show at Orpheum Theater.

Is Big Island of Hawaii or Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Big Island of Hawaii and Vancouver are great places to visit.

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular with the backpacker crowd. This is one of the most popular islands for backpackers. It has a mellow atmosphere that appeals to young travelers. There are also hostels on the island, but transportation can be challenging.

Vancouver is a great island to visit for backpackers. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

Is Big Island of Hawaii or Vancouver Better for Students?

Vancouver is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not popular with students.

Vancouver is a great city to visit as a student. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

Big Island of Hawaii is not popular with students.

Is Big Island of Hawaii or Vancouver Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Vancouver is renowned for times when you don't have a car. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for its public transit.

Vancouver has a great public transit system. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

Public transit is generally limited in Big Island of Hawaii. There is a bus service that connects Kona and Hilo. It's called the Hele-On and there are both north and south routes.

Is Big Island of Hawaii or Vancouver a more walkable city?

Vancouver is renowned for its walkability. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for its high level of walkability.

Vancouver is a very easy city to get around on foot. The downtown area is very compact and fun to explore on foot.

Big Island of Hawaii is not a walkable island. It's the largest of the Hawaiian islands and a car is necessary if you want to see the whole thing.

For even more information, also check out Is Big Island of Hawaii Worth Visiting? and Is Vancouver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Big Island of Hawaii?

How long in Big Island of Hawaii or Vancouver?

In either Big Island of Hawaii or Vancouver, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Big Island of Hawaii than Vancouver because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 5-14 days is a good amount of time for Big Island of Hawaii, and 3-5 days is enough time in Vancouver.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vancouver than Big Island of Hawaii 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 Vancouver.

One day in Big Island of Hawaii or Vancouver?

You'll find shopping and museums around the island of Big Island of Hawaii. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Vancouver is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Big Island of Hawaii or Vancouver?

You'll find museums and food around the laid back destination of Big Island of Hawaii. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Vancouver is a fun place to experience. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Big Island of Hawaii or Vancouver?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the laid back island of Big Island of Hawaii. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

Many people visit Vancouver for five days. Vancouver is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Big Island of Hawaii or Vancouver?

Big Island of Hawaii is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Big Island of Hawaii, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The friendly big city of Vancouver offers nightlife and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Big Island of Hawaii and Vancouver, we can see that Big Island of Hawaii is more expensive. And not only is Vancouver much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vancouver would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vancouver 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 Big Island of Hawaii would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Big Island of Hawaii than you might in Vancouver.

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

When is the best time to visit Big Island of Hawaii or Vancouver?

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 Big Island of Hawaii or Vancouver in the Summer?

Both Vancouver and Big Island of Hawaii are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Big Island of Hawaii for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Vancouver in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Big Island of Hawaii is a little warmer than Vancouver in the summer. The daily temperature in Big Island of Hawaii averages around 76°F (24°C) in July, and Vancouver fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Vancouver. Big Island of Hawaii usually receives less sunshine than Vancouver during summer. Big Island of Hawaii gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Big Island of Hawaii. In July, Big Island of Hawaii usually receives more rain than Vancouver. Big Island of Hawaii gets 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Big Island of Hawaii or Vancouver in the Autumn?

Both Vancouver and Big Island of Hawaii during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Vancouver 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, Big Island of Hawaii is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Big Island of Hawaii in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Vancouver averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Big Island of Hawaii often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Big Island of Hawaii gets 138 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun.

Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Big Island of Hawaii. Big Island of Hawaii usually gets more rain in October than Vancouver. Big Island of Hawaii gets 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Island of Hawaii or Vancouver in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Island of Hawaii and Vancouver. Most visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Vancouver because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Vancouver can be very cold. In January, Big Island of Hawaii is generally much warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Big Island of Hawaii average around 72°F (22°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Big Island of Hawaii usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Big Island of Hawaii gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the winter. Big Island of Hawaii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Big Island of Hawaii usually receives more rain than Vancouver. Big Island of Hawaii gets 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Big Island of Hawaii or Vancouver in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Big Island of Hawaii as well as Vancouver. The spring months attract visitors to Big Island of Hawaii because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Vancouver this time of year.

Big Island of Hawaii is much warmer than Vancouver in the spring. The daily temperature in Big Island of Hawaii averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In the spring, Big Island of Hawaii often gets less sunshine than Vancouver. Big Island of Hawaii gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Big Island of Hawaii receives a lot of rain in the spring. Big Island of Hawaii usually gets more rain in April than Vancouver. Big Island of Hawaii gets 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Big Island of Hawaii