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

Should you visit Big Island of Hawaii or Whistler?

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 Whistler, 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. You'll find world class beauty in Big Island of Hawaii as well. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Big Island of Hawaii travel costs.

Whistler

Whistler is a adventurous, outdoorsy, and charming village. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Whistler is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Whistler travel costs.

Big Island of Hawaii and Whistler: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Big Island of Hawaii. Although Big Island of Hawaii and Whistler are both popular with visitors, Big Island of Hawaii has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Big Island of Hawaii is more popular for its museums and attractions, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Whistler is known for its skiing, food, nightlife, and small town charm. Big Island of Hawaii is popular for its active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and majestic manta rays. It is also home to the Waipio Valley Overlook. Whistler is popular for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding.

How is Big Island of Hawaii different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Big Island of Hawaii or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is renowned for skiing. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Whistler is among the best in the world. Whistler is the largest ski resort in North America. It covers a vast area that includes two peaks - Whistler and Blackcomb. The slopes are connected by lifts and gondolas and there are options for every level, from beginner to expert.

Big Island of Hawaii is not a skiing destination.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Whistler is not a good village for its museums and history.

Big Island of Hawaii is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

While most people don't head to Whistler specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There is a local museum where you can learn about the areas culture and heritage.

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

Whistler is a great village 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 Whistler. There are many great restaurants and pubs that serve local dishes like Whistler herring, meatloaf, and Artic char fish. There are casual eateries as well as fine dining with upscale cuisine.

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 Whistler Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Whistler has something for everybody. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

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 Whistler Better for Resorts?

Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for its resorts. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit for its luxury resorts.

Big Island of Hawaii offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

In Whistler, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There's a large selection of resorts that you can choose from. Many have pools and hot tubs and range from romantic to family-friendly.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Whistler is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Big Island of Hawaii specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. 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.

Whistler is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Big Island of Hawaii or Whistler Better for Beaches?

Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for its beaches. However, Whistler is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Big Island of Hawaii are among the best in 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.

Whistler is not a beach destination.

Is Big Island of Hawaii or Whistler Better for Hiking?

Big Island of Hawaii and Whistler are both places where visitors can find amazing 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 Whistler visitors will find world-class hiking trails. During the warmer seasons there are miles of hiking trails that take you through both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Many trails are accessible by gondola and you'll find great views and stunning vistas. Trails range from short family-friendly options to strenuous and adventurous routes.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Big Island of Hawaii is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Whistler. The village offers great shopping where you can pick up local items or any ski gear you may have forgotten.

Is Big Island of Hawaii or Whistler More Beautiful?

Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Big Island of Hawaii as well. Kilauea is the dramatic volcano that often offers a show to visitors. The island also has spectacular viewpoints like Waipi'o Valley Lookout, dramatic waterfalls, and picturesque bays.

The beauty of Whistler is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The town sits in a valley that is surrounded by stunning mountains and impressive glaciers.

Is Big Island of Hawaii or Whistler Better for Families?

Big Island of Hawaii and Whistler are both amazing destinations for the whole family.

Big Island of Hawaii is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. 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.

Whistler is an extremely popular island to visit for families. Kids will love the winter activities like skiing, dog sledding, and bobsledding. There's also an ice skating rink, climbing gym, and tons of kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Big Island of Hawaii or Whistler Better for Couples?

Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for romance. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Whistler makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy an adventure will love the year-round outdoor sports. There are also romantic spas, fine dining, and scenic gondola rides.

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

For backpackers, both Big Island of Hawaii and Whistler are superb 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.

Whistler is a great island to visit for backpackers. There are several hostels in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Big Island of Hawaii and Whistler both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Whistler. There's a bus system that connects the town to other nearby neighborhoods.

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

Whistler is a great village for its walkability. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for its high level of walkability.

Whistler is very walkable. It's a compact town that's easy 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 Whistler Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Big Island of Hawaii or Whistler?

In either Big Island of Hawaii or Whistler, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Big Island of Hawaii than Whistler 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 Whistler.

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

One day in Big Island of Hawaii or Whistler?

The beautiful island of Big Island of Hawaii offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Whistler. 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 Whistler?

Big Island of Hawaii is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Whistler is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Big Island of Hawaii or Whistler?

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

Many people visit Whistler for five days. Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the beautiful village of Whistler. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this village has to offer.

A week in Big Island of Hawaii or Whistler?

Big Island of Hawaii is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Big Island of Hawaii has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

The charming destination of Whistler offers skiing and nightlife. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

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

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 Whistler Expensive?.

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

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 Big Island of Hawaii or Whistler in the Summer?

Both Whistler and Big Island of Hawaii during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Big Island of Hawaii because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Whistler this time of year.

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

In Whistler, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Big Island of Hawaii often gets less sunshine than Whistler. Big Island of Hawaii gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Big Island of Hawaii. Big Island of Hawaii usually gets more rain in July than Whistler. Big Island of Hawaii gets 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Island of Hawaii and Whistler. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Big Island of Hawaii this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Whistler for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Big Island of Hawaii is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Big Island of Hawaii in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Whistler averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Big Island of Hawaii usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during autumn. Big Island of Hawaii gets 138 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Whistler receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Big Island of Hawaii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Big Island of Hawaii usually receives more rain than Whistler. Big Island of Hawaii gets 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Big Island of Hawaii as well as Whistler. Many travelers come to Big Island of Hawaii for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Whistler in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Whistler can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Big Island of Hawaii is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Big Island of Hawaii average around 72°F (22°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Big Island of Hawaii often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Big Island of Hawaii gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Whistler. Big Island of Hawaii receives a lot of rain in the winter. Big Island of Hawaii usually gets more rain in January than Whistler. Big Island of Hawaii gets 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Whistler and Big Island of Hawaii are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Whistler for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

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

Big Island of Hawaii usually receives less sunshine than Whistler during spring. Big Island of Hawaii gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Whistler and Big Island of Hawaii