A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Duck Key vs. Big Island of Hawaii for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Duck Key or Big Island of Hawaii?

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 Duck Key and Big Island of Hawaii can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Duck Key or Big Island of Hawaii?

Duck Key

If you are thirsty for the taste of tropical splendor, Duck Key, Florida will surely quench your desires. Located in Monroe County, Florida, right beside its neighbor Conch Key, Duck Key stands. The community is chock full of everyone's favorite seaside activities, including fishing, jetskiing, scuba diving, canoeing, and kayaking. Though a quaint town, Duck Key attracts tourists from all over due to its quiet beaches and friendly locals. Whether you are looking to meet and greet with the dolphins or simply lie upon the sandy white beaches as the fire orange sun sets before you, Duck Key is truly a sweet and small subtropical diversion.

Big Island of Hawaii

What comes to mind when someone says, "Hawaii"? Probably sandy beaches, coconut drinks and lazy days of tanning. It's a dream destination for those who want to get away, but the island of Hawai'i, or the Big Island as it's most commonly called, has so much more to offer than a place to catch up on your latest novel.

At 93 miles across, and a population of 185 thousand, the Big Island was once a large exporter of sugarcane. After its final plantation closed in 1996, tourism became the backbone of Hawai'i Island's economy. More recently, the Big Island has become the focus for sustainable tourism – visiting a place as a tourist and trying to make only a positive impact on your destination.

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

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

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

When is the best time to visit Duck Key or Big Island of Hawaii?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Duck Key or Big Island of Hawaii in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck Key and Big Island of Hawaii. Also, many travelers come to Big Island of Hawaii for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Duck Key is generally a little warmer than Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Duck Key average around 84°F (29°C), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Duck Key, it's very sunny this time of the year. Duck Key usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during summer. Duck Key gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

Big Island of Hawaii receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Duck Key usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Duck Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Duck Key as well as Big Island of Hawaii. Also, many visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Duck Key is around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii in the autumn. The daily temperature in Duck Key averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Duck Key this time of the year. In the autumn, Duck Key often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Duck Key gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 138 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Big Island of Hawaii. Duck Key receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Duck Key usually gets less rain in October than Big Island of Hawaii. Duck Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Duck Key are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Duck Key is around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the winter temperatures in Duck Key in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 72°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Duck Key. Duck Key usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during winter. Duck Key gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Big Island of Hawaii. In January, Duck Key usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Duck Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Duck Key during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Big Island of Hawaii because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Duck Key is generally around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Duck Key average around 77°F (25°C), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Duck Key. In the spring, Duck Key often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Duck Key gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 134 hours of full sun.

Big Island of Hawaii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Duck Key usually gets less rain in April than Big Island of Hawaii. Duck Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Big Island of Hawaii and Duck Key