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

Should you visit Bilbao 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 Bilbao 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.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a friendly, industrial, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Honolulu

Honolulu is a vibrant, multi-cultural, and energetic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bilbao and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Honolulu?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Honolulu. Although Bilbao and Honolulu are roughly the same size, Honolulu has more sights and attractions for tourists. Honolulu is very popular for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bilbao attracts visitors for its historical sights. Honolulu is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. It is also well known for Pearl Harbor. Bilbao is famous for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Bilbao different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Honolulu are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Bilbao offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. A favorite museum in town is the popular Guggenheim Museum. From its iconic building to the unique exhibits, this is a must-see stop during your visit. Other highlights around town include the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, the Museo Vasco, as well as the city's unique bridges.

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

Honolulu is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

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.

Bilbao is not a culinary destination. The food scene is among the best in Spain. The city has several world renowned restaurants, including a few Michelin-starred restaurants, but there are also smaller eateries that cater to the locals and tourists alike. Make sure you try the pintxos, which are small dishes that are the Basque region's answer to tapas. Many include seafood and are cooked with olive oil and garlic.

Is Bilbao or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Bilbao and Honolulu.

Bilbao is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a great late night scene that centers around eating and drinking. There are lively nightclubs, a good live music scene, and no shortage of people heading out on the town.

Many people head to Honolulu for the nightlife scene. 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 Bilbao or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for its resorts. However, Bilbao 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.

Bilbao is not a resort destination.

Is Bilbao or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Honolulu is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bilbao 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.

Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bilbao or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for the beache. However, Bilbao 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.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Bilbao or Honolulu Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Honolulu does not have a historic old town.

Bilbao is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Honolulu does not have a historic old town.

Is Bilbao or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Bilbao 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.

Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Honolulu?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Honolulu and Bilbao.

Bilbao is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

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.

Is Bilbao or Honolulu Better for Families?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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.

Bilbao offers lots of family activities. The city offers some great museums such as the Guggenheim Museum. Families will also enjoy taking a ride of the Artxander Funicular, and exploring Mercado de la Ribera. You can also enjoy walking around Park Abandoibarra and exploring the creative sculptures.

Is Bilbao or Honolulu Better for Couples?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Bilbao is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with a vibrant enjoy with parks and outdoor strolls that couples will enjoy. There are also many great museums and romantic restaurants as well as some great shopping streets.

Is Bilbao or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Honolulu is well known for backpackers. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bilbao. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Is Bilbao or Honolulu Better for Students?

Bilbao is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Honolulu is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Bilbao. This is a popular study abroad destination with many great museums and educational opportunities for international students.

Honolulu is not popular with students.

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

Bilbao 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 Bilbao. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

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

Is Bilbao or Honolulu a more walkable city?

Honolulu is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Bilbao is a somewhat walkable city. It's a fairly walkable city with several pedestrian-friendly areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Honolulu?

Both Bilbao 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 Bilbao. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bilbao, and 5-7 days is enough time in Honolulu.

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

The city of Bilbao offers nightlife and shopping. 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.

Honolulu is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Bilbao or Honolulu?

Bilbao 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bilbao, a weekend is sufficent for most. 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 Bilbao or Honolulu?

Bilbao 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.

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 Bilbao or Honolulu?

Bilbao is a great place to explore. 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 bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, 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 Bilbao and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu is more expensive. And not only is Bilbao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bilbao 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 Bilbao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bilbao 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 Bilbao.

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

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Honolulu?

Honolulu has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao 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 Bilbao 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 Bilbao or Honolulu in the Summer?

Both Honolulu and Bilbao during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bilbao 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 July, Bilbao is generally cooler than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 20°C (68°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun.

Bilbao usually gets more rain in July than Honolulu. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Honolulu in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Honolulu. The autumn months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. 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.

Bilbao is much colder than Honolulu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 16°C (62°F) in October, and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during autumn. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bilbao or Honolulu in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Honolulu. The museums and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Honolulu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Bilbao is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bilbao in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Honolulu averages at about 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. In the winter, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bilbao usually gets more rain in January than Honolulu. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Honolulu in the Spring?

Both Honolulu and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bilbao for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Honolulu in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Bilbao is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 12°C (54°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during spring. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. In April, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Bilbao