A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cincinnati vs. Big Island of Hawaii for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Backpackers

Should you visit Cincinnati or Big Island of Hawaii?

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

Should I visit Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a hard-working, blue collar, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii is a relaxing, adventure-filled, and laid back island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Cincinnati and Big Island of Hawaii: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Waipio Valley Overlook
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Big Island of Hawaii. Although Cincinnati and Big Island of Hawaii are popular destinations, Big Island of Hawaii has more sights and attractions for tourists. Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cincinnati attracts visitors for its museums and nightlife. Big Island of Hawaii is more touristy than Cincinnati and is popular for its active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and majestic manta rays. It is also well known for the Waipio Valley Overlook. Cincinnati is famous for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Cincinnati
Big Island of Hawaii

Cincinnati is a great city 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 Cincinnati can be an interesting and educational experience. You'll find both traditional and quirky museums around town. For outside-the-box, check out the American Sign Museum or the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Art museums include the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the Taft Museum of Art. Other popular museums include the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.

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

Cincinnati
Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

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.

Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Is Cincinnati or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Nightlife?

Cincinnati
Big Island of Hawaii

Cincinnati is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Cincinnati has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is diverse and includes music venues, breweries, and nightclubs. In addition to the city's downtown, you'll find trendy places to hang out in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Breweries are popular in the city, in part because of its German roots.

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 Cincinnati or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Resorts?

Cincinnati
Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is not a resort destination.


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

Cincinnati
Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii is a world-class destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cincinnati or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Beaches?

Cincinnati
Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is not a beach destination.

Is Cincinnati or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Hiking?

Cincinnati
Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is not a hiking destination.


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

Cincinnati
Big Island of Hawaii

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

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.

Cincinnati has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are large shopping malls and retail outlets. You'll also find local boutiques in the Montgomery or Mariemont areas.

Is Cincinnati or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Families?

Cincinnati
Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati offers lots of family activities. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities around town like the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Museum Center, Newport Aquarium, and Smale Riverfront Park.

Is Cincinnati or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Couples?

Cincinnati
Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. However, Cincinnati is not particularly known for couples.

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.

Cincinnati is not always the best place to visit for a couple. If you do find yourself in town for a few days, there are several good restaurants and a number of music venues that can keep the visit fun and entertaining.


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

Cincinnati
Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii is well known for backpackers. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Big Island of Hawaii is a great island to visit for backpackers. 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.

Cincinnati is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.

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

Cincinnati
Big Island of Hawaii

Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two bus systems around town - the METRO and TANK bus systems. There's also a streetcar that travels through the downtown.

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 Cincinnati or Big Island of Hawaii a more walkable city?

Cincinnati
Big Island of Hawaii

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

Cincinnati is very walkable. There are several surprisingly walkable areas, particularly downtown and the nearby neighborhoods.

Big Island of Hawaii is not a walkable city. 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 Cincinnati Worth Visiting? and Is Big Island of Hawaii Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Cincinnati or Big Island of Hawaii?

Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cincinnati, and 5-14 days is enough time in Big Island of Hawaii.

Families should spend more time in Big Island of Hawaii than Cincinnati. 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 Cincinnati. 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 Cincinnati 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.


  • How many days in Cincinnati or Big Island of Hawaii? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cincinnati 1-2 
    Big Island of Hawaii 5-14

One day in Cincinnati or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the destination of Cincinnati. 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 Cincinnati has to offer.

With museums and food around the laid back island of Big Island of Hawaii, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cincinnati or Big Island of Hawaii?

Cincinnati 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the destination of Big Island of Hawaii, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Cincinnati or Big Island of Hawaii?

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

Big Island of Hawaii, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Cincinnati or Big Island of Hawaii?

The hard-working destination of Cincinnati offers nightlife and shopping. 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.

Big Island of Hawaii is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this island makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Big Island of Hawaii or Cincinnati?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cincinnati is $183, while the average daily cost in Big Island of Hawaii is $250. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cincinnati and Big Island of Hawaii in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cincinnati $102
    Big Island of Hawaii $112
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cincinnati $204
    Big Island of Hawaii $224
Compare Hotels in Cincinnati and Big Island of Hawaii

Looking for a hotel in Cincinnati or Big Island of Hawaii? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cincinnati


Hotels in Big Island of Hawaii


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cincinnati Hotel Prices and Big Island of Hawaii Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cincinnati $25
    Big Island of Hawaii $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cincinnati

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cincinnati:

  • Cincinnati to Cincinnati Airport (CVG) - Departure Private Transfer: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Cincinnati or Big Island of Hawaii?

Prices for flights to both Big Island of Hawaii and Cincinnati change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cincinnati $55
    Big Island of Hawaii $106

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cincinnati

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cincinnati.

  • Ohio River Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $61
  • Mainstrasse Village Food Tour in Covington KY: $79
  • Cincinnati Court Street Food Tour with Vegan Options: $85
  • Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour With Findlay Market : $85
  • Cincinnati Walking Sightseeing Tour with Pizza and Ice-cream: $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cincinnati $26
    Big Island of Hawaii $35

Tours and Activities in Cincinnati

Here are a few actual costs in Cincinnati for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Cincinnati Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Haunted Cincinnati Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour: $36
  • Tour of Historic Wesleyan Cemetery: $20
  • 1919: The year that changed baseball tour: $31
  • Brewers & Barons Trail Tour: $45
  • Built on Beer Tour: $45
  • Cellars and Saloons Sunday Brunch Tour in Cincinnati: $75
  • Cincinnati Ballparks & Breweries Bus Tour: $69
  • Cincinnati Brewing & Distilling Tasting Tour: $59
  • Cincinnati Ethnic Food and Culture Tour in Over the Rhine: $85
  • Cincinnati Findlay Market Food Walking Tour: $89
  • Cincinnati Reds Baseball Game Ticket at Great American Ballpark: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cincinnati $11
    Big Island of Hawaii $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Cincinnati

Also in Cincinnati, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Cincinnati Bar Hunt: Cin-sational Cincinnati Bar Crawl: $12
  • Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour in Cincinnati with Beer Tasting: $49
  • Craft Brewery 3 Stop Hop: $64
  • Cincinnati Original Craft Brewery Small-Group Tour: $68


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

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



When is the best time to visit Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati or Big Island of Hawaii in the Summer?

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Cincinnati during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cincinnati 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 July, Cincinnati is generally around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 79°F (26°C), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Cincinnati. In the summer, Cincinnati often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Cincinnati gets 298 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. Cincinnati usually gets less rain in July than Big Island of Hawaii. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 76°F (24°C)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cincinnati and Big Island of Hawaii. Many visitors come to Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is much colder than Big Island of Hawaii in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 58°F (15°C) in October, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

Cincinnati usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during autumn. Cincinnati gets 188 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, Cincinnati usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 76°F (24°C)

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

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

Cincinnati can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Cincinnati is much colder than Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cincinnati in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 72°F (22°C).

In the winter, Cincinnati often gets less sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Cincinnati gets 129 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. Cincinnati usually gets less rain in January than Big Island of Hawaii. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cincinnati 31°F (-0°C) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 72°F (22°C)

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

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Cincinnati 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 April, Cincinnati is generally much colder than Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 56°F (14°C), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cincinnati. Cincinnati usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during spring. Cincinnati gets 215 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, Cincinnati usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 73°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Big Island of Hawaii and Cincinnati

Cincinnati Big Island of Hawaii
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 72°F (22°C) 8.7 inches (221 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 72°F (22°C) 10.8 inches (274 mm)
Mar 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 72°F (22°C) 13.6 inches (345 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 73°F (23°C) 15.6 inches (395 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 74°F (23°C) 10.7 inches (272 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 75°F (24°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 76°F (24°C) 9.7 inches (247 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 76°F (25°C) 9.7 inches (247 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 76°F (25°C) 8.5 inches (215 mm)
Oct 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 76°F (24°C) 9.8 inches (248 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 74°F (24°C) 14.8 inches (375 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 73°F (23°C) 12.6 inches (321 mm)