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

Should you visit Cardiff or Honolulu?

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

Should I visit Cardiff 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.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a green, industrial, and up-and-coming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. 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 beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Cardiff and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Honolulu?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Honolulu than Cardiff. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Honolulu is more touristy than Cardiff and is popular for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. It is also well known for Pearl Harbor. Cardiff is famous for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Cardiff different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Honolulu is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cardiff 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cardiff. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.

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

Honolulu is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Cardiff may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.

Is Cardiff or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

Honolulu is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Honolulu know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Cardiff has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

Is Cardiff or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is not a resort destination.

Is Cardiff or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Honolulu is a great destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cardiff or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Is Cardiff or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Honolulu?

Honolulu is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Honolulu is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Cardiff has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Is Cardiff or Honolulu Better for Families?

Honolulu is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Cardiff offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.

Is Cardiff or Honolulu Better for Couples?

Honolulu is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

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.

Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is Cardiff or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Honolulu is a great destination for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Honolulu Better for Students?

Cardiff 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 Cardiff. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

Honolulu is not popular with students.

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

Honolulu is a popular place for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Honolulu, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. TheBus is the public bus system through the city and elsewhere on Oahu.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Cardiff or Honolulu a more walkable city?

Honolulu is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable city. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

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

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Honolulu?

Both Cardiff 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 Cardiff. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cardiff, and 5-7 days is enough time in Honolulu.

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

The city of Cardiff offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Because Honolulu is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Cardiff or Honolulu?

Cardiff 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 Cardiff, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Because Honolulu is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Cardiff or Honolulu?

Cardiff 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 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 Cardiff or Honolulu?

Cardiff 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Honolulu. Because Honolulu is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, 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 Cardiff and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu is more expensive. And not only is Cardiff much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cardiff 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 Cardiff would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cardiff 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 Cardiff.

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Honolulu?

Honolulu has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff or Honolulu in the Summer?

Both Honolulu and Cardiff during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Honolulu for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Cardiff is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 17°C (63°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cardiff. In the summer, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in July than Honolulu. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Honolulu in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Honolulu. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, 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.

Cardiff is much colder than Honolulu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 11°C (52°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. Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during autumn. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Cardiff gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cardiff or Honolulu in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Honolulu. The winter months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.

The weather in Cardiff can be very cold. In the winter, Cardiff is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cardiff in January average around 3°C (38°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, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Honolulu. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Honolulu in the Spring?

Both Honolulu and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Honolulu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Cardiff is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 9°C (48°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during spring. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Cardiff