A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubai vs. Honolulu for Attractions, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Dubai or Honolulu?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Honolulu can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a modern, glamorous, and opulent city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

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. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Dubai and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Honolulu?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Honolulu than Dubai. While Dubai is larger than Honolulu, Honolulu has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Honolulu is better known for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Dubai is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities. Honolulu is more touristy than Dubai and is known for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. Also, Honolulu is famous for Pearl Harbor. Dubai is well known for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style.

How is Dubai different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Honolulu Better for Skiing?

Dubai is adequate for skiing. However, Honolulu is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Dubai to take advantage of their winter sports. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Honolulu is not a skiing destination.

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

Honolulu is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Honolulu has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dubai can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

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

Foodies will find both Dubai and Honolulu both to be superb destinations.

Dubai has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Honolulu makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Dubai or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Dubai is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

Honolulu has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Dubai or Honolulu Better for Music?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Honolulu is not a live music destination.

Dubai is known as a music capital around the world. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Honolulu is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Dubai and Honolulu.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Dubai is a perfect choice. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Honolulu offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Is Dubai or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Honolulu is a great city for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Dubai has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Is Dubai or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Honolulu is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

Dubai has a beach worth visiting. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Is Dubai or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is a world-class destination for hiking. However, Dubai is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Honolulu specifically for its hiking. 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.

Dubai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Honolulu?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Dubai. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

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.

Is Dubai or Honolulu Better for Families?

Honolulu is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Honolulu is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Dubai is a very family-friendly place to visit. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

Is Dubai or Honolulu Better for Couples?

Honolulu is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Honolulu has plenty to offer. 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.

Dubai is a nice destination for couples. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

Is Dubai or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Honolulu is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Honolulu. 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.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Honolulu Better for Students?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Honolulu is not popular with students.

Dubai is a very popular city for students. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Honolulu is not popular with students.

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

Dubai and Honolulu both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Dubai offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

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

Is Dubai or Honolulu a more walkable city?

Honolulu is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

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

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

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

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Honolulu?

Both Dubai and Honolulu have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Honolulu has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Honolulu than Dubai. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 5-7 days is enough time in Honolulu.

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

Dubai is a big city with plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

In Honolulu, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this multi-cultural big city offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dubai or Honolulu?

Dubai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Honolulu. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Honolulu?

Dubai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dubai, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Honolulu is a fun place to experience. In Honolulu, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this big city destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dubai or Honolulu?

Dubai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dubai has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

In Honolulu, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this multi-cultural big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Dubai is in Middle East and Honolulu is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Honolulu?

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

Honolulu has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dubai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Honolulu in the Summer?

Both Honolulu and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Honolulu in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is a little warmer than Honolulu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Honolulu averages at about 81°F (27°C).

In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Honolulu. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Dubai is June to August.

Should I visit Dubai or Honolulu in the Autumn?

Both Honolulu and Dubai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Honolulu for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Dubai is generally around the same temperature as Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 29°C (84°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Honolulu. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Honolulu in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Honolulu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Honolulu because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dubai is cooler than Honolulu in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Honolulu. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter. Also, January to March is the rainy season in Dubai.

Should I visit Dubai or Honolulu in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Honolulu. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.

In the spring, Dubai is around the same temperature as Honolulu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Honolulu averages at about 76°F (24°C).

Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Honolulu. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Dubai