A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chapel Hill vs. Big Island of Hawaii for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Chapel Hill or Big Island of Hawaii?

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

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Big Island of Hawaii? 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.

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a collegiate, southern, and student-oriented town. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii is a adventure-filled, laid back, and relaxing island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Chapel Hill and Big Island of Hawaii: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Big Island of Hawaii than Chapel Hill, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Big Island of Hawaii is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Chapel Hill is more popular for its museums and nightlife. Big Island of Hawaii is more touristy than Chapel Hill and is popular for its active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and majestic manta rays. Also, Big Island of Hawaii is famous for the Waipio Valley Overlook. Chapel Hill is well known for being the home of the oldest public university in the United States.

How is Chapel Hill different from Big Island of Hawaii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chapel Hill is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Big Island of Hawaii is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Chapel Hill can be an interesting and educational experience. Many of the museums are affiliated with UNC. A highlight of many trips is a visit to the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Hours can vary, so check the schedule ahead of time. Also worth visiting are the Ackland Art Museum and the Carolina Basketball Museum.

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 Chapel Hill or Big Island of Hawaii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Chapel Hill and Big Island of Hawaii offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Chapel Hill area. Students often eat on Franklin Street, which has a diverse mix of casual and slightly nicer restaurants. You'll find Indian food, Mediterranean, Italian, and Greek. The city also has excellent barbecue and other southern favorites.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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 Chapel Hill or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Nightlife?

Chapel Hill is a great town for nightlife. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Chapel Hill has something for everybody. Most of the nightlife is centered around the student population. Franklin Street has a number of bars where students hang out. There are also parties hosted by fraternities and sororities. Things are quieter during the summer months when students are mostly gone.

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 Chapel Hill or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Resorts?

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for its resorts. However, Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Big Island of Hawaii is a great choice. 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.

Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Chapel Hill is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Big Island of Hawaii a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Chapel Hill is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chapel Hill or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Beaches?

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for the beach. However, Chapel Hill is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Big Island of Hawaii. 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.

Chapel Hill is not a beach destination.

Is Chapel Hill or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Hiking?

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for its hiking experiences. However, Chapel Hill is not a hiking destination.

People visit Big Island of Hawaii specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Chapel Hill is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chapel Hill or Big Island of Hawaii?

Big Island of Hawaii is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Big Island of Hawaii. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Chapel Hill. There are a mix of local shops, larger shopping centers, and suburban malls. There are also weekly farmer's markets that are fun to check out.

Is Chapel Hill or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Families?

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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

Chapel Hill offers lots of family activities. You can wander around the UNC campus or visit one of the museums affiliated with the school. This includes a planetarium that has regular shows and movies (The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center). There are also science exhibits geared specifically towards kids.

Is Chapel Hill or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Couples?

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for couples. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Big Island of Hawaii makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Chapel Hill is a nice destination for couples. There's an eclectic mix of restaurants on Franklin Street. Couples will also enjoy exploring the campus at UNC, visiting the botanical garden, or checking out one of the town's museums.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is well known for backpackers. However, Chapel Hill is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Big Island of Hawaii is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Chapel Hill is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a young population thanks to the university, but there's little else to attract backpackers.

Is Chapel Hill or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Students?

Chapel Hill is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not popular with students.

Chapel Hill is a great destination for students. It's a quintessential college town. UNC has a nice campus and Franklin Street is the main spot for restaurants and shopping. Most of the students live near or on campus, but once you head further out things get more suburban.

Big Island of Hawaii is not popular with students.

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

Chapel Hill is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for its public transit.

While Chapel Hill offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are bus routes that operate between Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

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 Chapel Hill or Big Island of Hawaii a more walkable city?

Chapel Hill is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for its high level of walkability.

Chapel Hill is somewhat walkable. The area around UNC is the most walkable part of town. Elsewhere things are very suburban and you'll need a car.

Big Island of Hawaii is not a walkable town. 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 Chapel Hill Worth Visiting? and Is Big Island of Hawaii Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Chapel Hill or Big Island of Hawaii?

Chapel Hill and Big Island of Hawaii both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Big Island of Hawaii than Chapel Hill because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Chapel Hill, and 5-14 days is enough time in Big Island of Hawaii.

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

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

One day in Chapel Hill or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Chapel Hill. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chapel Hill has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the laid back island of Big Island of Hawaii. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Chapel Hill or Big Island of Hawaii?

Chapel Hill is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the laid back destination of Big Island of Hawaii. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Chapel Hill or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many people visit Chapel Hill for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the town of Chapel Hill. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid back island of Big Island of Hawaii. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Chapel Hill or Big Island of Hawaii?

The southern destination of Chapel Hill offers nightlife and food. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Big Island of Hawaii. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

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

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

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 Chapel Hill or Big Island of Hawaii in the Summer?

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Chapel Hill during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Chapel Hill for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Chapel Hill is around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chapel Hill in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Chapel Hill. In the summer, Chapel Hill often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Chapel Hill gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 169 hours of full sun.

Big Island of Hawaii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill usually gets less rain in July than Big Island of Hawaii. Chapel Hill gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chapel Hill and Big Island of Hawaii. Many visitors come to Chapel Hill in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Chapel Hill is generally cooler than Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Chapel Hill average around 61°F (16°C), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Chapel Hill, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chapel Hill usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during autumn. Chapel Hill gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Big Island of Hawaii receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Chapel Hill usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Chapel Hill gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Chapel Hill as well as Big Island of Hawaii. Most visitors come to Chapel Hill for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Big Island of Hawaii because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Chapel Hill can be very cold during winter. Chapel Hill is much colder than Big Island of Hawaii in the winter. The daily temperature in Chapel Hill averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In the winter, Chapel Hill often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Big Island of Hawaii. Chapel Hill gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 158 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Big Island of Hawaii. Chapel Hill usually gets less rain in January than Big Island of Hawaii. Chapel Hill gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Chapel Hill are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Big Island of Hawaii this time of year.

In the spring, Chapel Hill is cooler than Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chapel Hill in April average around 60°F (16°C), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during spring. Chapel Hill gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Big Island of Hawaii. In April, Chapel Hill usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Chapel Hill gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Big Island of Hawaii and Chapel Hill