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

Should you visit Cologne or Honolulu?

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

Should I visit Cologne 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.

Cologne

Cologne is a accessible, vibrant, and colorful city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Honolulu

Honolulu is a multi-cultural, energetic, and vibrant city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Cologne and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cologne or Honolulu?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Honolulu than Cologne. While Cologne is larger than Honolulu, Honolulu has more sights and attractions for tourists. Honolulu is better known for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Cologne is more popular for its historical sights and christmas markets. Honolulu is more touristy than Cologne and is popular for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. Also, Honolulu is famous for Pearl Harbor. Cologne is well known for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River.

How is Cologne different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Honolulu is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Honolulu on the map. 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.

Many visitors head to Cologne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

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

Honolulu is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Honolulu is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Cologne. The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.

Is Cologne or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

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

Cologne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

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 Cologne or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Cologne 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.

Cologne is not a resort destination.

Is Cologne or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Honolulu is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cologne 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.

Cologne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cologne or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Cologne 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.

Cologne is not a beach destination.

Is Cologne or Honolulu Better for its Old Town?

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

Cologne is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Old Town is large, but its mostly been rebuilt with modern buildings. There are plenty of shopping areas where you can buy name brand clothing or sample sweets.

Honolulu does not have a historic old town.

Is Cologne or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Cologne 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.

Cologne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cologne or Honolulu?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Honolulu and Cologne.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Cologne. There is no shortage of clothing shops around Cologne. You'll find all of the major European chains with many souvenir shops mixed in. Schildergasse is a major shopping street in town, but there are also many shopping malls to choose from. For local markets, head to Wilhemplatz.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Cologne or Honolulu Better for Christmas?

Cologne is an unbeatable place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Honolulu does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, Cologne is a top place to visit during Christmas. Cologne is one of the top Christmas destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Honolulu does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cologne or Honolulu Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is an unbeatable place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Honolulu does not offer Christmas markets.

People travel from around the world to visit the Christmas markets in Cologne. Cologne is one of the top Christmas market destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Honolulu does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cologne or Honolulu Better for Families?

Honolulu is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cologne 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.

Cologne is a very family-friendly destination. In addition to the stunning cathedral and impressive bridge, this city has many great playgrounds including Rheinpark, right across the river from old town. Kids who like high places will enjoy the view from the top of KölnTriangle. Popular kid-friendly museums in town include Odysseum and the Chocolate Museum. And if you have a day to spare, head to the indoor waterpark at Aqualand.

Is Cologne or Honolulu Better for Couples?

Honolulu is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Cologne is a nice destination for couples. The city has a number of activities that couples will enjoy such as walks along the river, dining at nice restaurants, and Rhein River cruises. Also make sure you put a lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge to declare your commitment to each other.

Is Cologne or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Honolulu is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Cologne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.

Is Cologne or Honolulu Better for Students?

Cologne is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Honolulu is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Cologne. The city is large enough to attract international students for all types of studies. It's also well connected to the German train system so it's easy to get out and explore the area.

Honolulu is not popular with students.

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

Cologne is an unbeatable place 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.

Visitors in Cologne can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. KVB operates the system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area.

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

Is Cologne or Honolulu a more walkable city?

Cologne and Honolulu both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Cologne is a very walkable destination. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or Cologne?

How long in Cologne or Honolulu?

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

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

Cologne is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Honolulu, you'll find shopping and museums. 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 Cologne or Honolulu?

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

In Honolulu, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Cologne or Honolulu?

Cologne 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 Cologne or Honolulu?

Cologne 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. In Honolulu, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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 The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Germany, 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 Cologne and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu is more expensive. And not only is Cologne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cologne 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 Cologne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cologne 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 Cologne.

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

Which is Bigger, Cologne or Honolulu?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Honolulu. When comparing the sizes of Cologne 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 Cologne 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 Cologne or Honolulu in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Cologne is cooler than Honolulu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cologne in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Honolulu averages at about 81°F (27°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets more rain in July than Honolulu. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Honolulu in the Autumn?

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

In October, Cologne is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 12°C (54°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during autumn. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cologne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Honolulu. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cologne or Honolulu in the Winter?

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

The weather in Cologne can be very cold. Cologne is much colder than Honolulu in the winter. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. In the winter, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets less rain in January than Honolulu. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Honolulu in the Spring?

Both Honolulu and Cologne 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 Cologne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Honolulu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cologne is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cologne in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Honolulu averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during spring. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cologne usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Cologne