A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Durham vs. Honolulu for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Durham 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 Durham and Honolulu can help you decide which place is right for you.

Durham

Durham is a student-filled, sports oriented, and diverse city. 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Durham and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durham or Honolulu?

You'll generally find more things to do in Honolulu than Durham. Honolulu is bigger than Durham, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Honolulu is more touristy than Durham and is popular for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. Also, Honolulu is famous for Pearl Harbor. Durham is well known for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Durham different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Durham can be an interesting and educational experience. Duke University is one of the most popular destinations in town. There are several museums on campus as well as the famous Duke Chapel. Elsewhere in Durham there's the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

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

Honolulu is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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 Durham. Barbecue is a favorite around town. You'll also find plenty of restaurants that cater to the student population, particularly along Nineth Street near Duke's campus.

Is Durham or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

Honolulu is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Honolulu offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Durham. The younger population tends to hang out near campus and along Nineth Street. If you're looking for something less student oriented, head to downtown Durham.

Is Durham or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for its resorts. However, Durham is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Honolulu is a perfect 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.

Durham is not a resort destination.

Is Durham or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Honolulu is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Durham is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Durham is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Durham or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for the beach. However, Durham is not a beach destination.

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.

Durham is not a beach destination.

Is Durham or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Durham 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.

Durham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Durham or Honolulu?

Honolulu is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Durham. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

Is Durham or Honolulu Better for Families?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-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.

Durham is a family-friendly city. A highlight for kids is a visit to the Durham Museum of Life and Science. It has both an indoor and an outdoor section and brings science to life for families. There's also an impressive playground and climbing area. Other activities in town include the Notasium and Eno River State Park. If you plan ahead you could also organize a trip to the Duke Lemur Center.

Is Durham or Honolulu Better for Couples?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Durham is a nice destination for couples. Have a picnic at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens or spend the day hiking at Eno River State Park. In the evening there's a wonderful selection of restaurants around town. Then you can check out a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center or see a Durham Bulls game.

Is Durham or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Honolulu is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Durham is not a good city 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.

Durham is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The student population means there are a number of parties and bars around town, but most backpackers overlook this city.

Is Durham or Honolulu Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in Durham. Duke University has a stunning campus with a world class garden. There's also nearby Nineth Street, which has shops, restaurants, and bars that are geared toward the student population.

Honolulu is not popular with students.

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

Honolulu is very good for its public transit. However, Durham is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Durham. There are buses around town, but you really need a car to explore the area.

Is Durham or Honolulu a more walkable city?

Honolulu is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Durham is not a good city for its walkability.

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

Durham is generally not a very walkable city. Downtown Durham and a few areas near Duke University are the most walkable areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or Durham?

How long in Durham or Honolulu?

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

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

The city of Durham offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Honolulu is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Durham or Honolulu?

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

Honolulu is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Durham or Honolulu?

Durham 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Honolulu. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Durham or Honolulu?

Durham 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.

Honolulu is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Durham or Honolulu?

Honolulu has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Durham. When comparing the sizes of Durham 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 Durham 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 Durham or Honolulu in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Durham as well as Honolulu. Many travelers come to Durham for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Honolulu in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Durham is around the same temperature as Honolulu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Durham in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Honolulu averages at about 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Durham this time of the year. In the summer, Durham often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Durham gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun.

Durham receives a lot of rain in the summer. Durham usually gets more rain in July than Honolulu. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Durham or Honolulu in the Autumn?

Both Honolulu and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Durham in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, 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, Durham is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 61°F (16°C), and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Durham. Durham usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during autumn. Durham gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Durham usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Durham gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Durham or Honolulu in the Winter?

Both Honolulu and Durham during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Durham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Honolulu because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Durham can be very cold during winter. Durham is much colder than Honolulu in the winter. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Durham often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Durham gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun.

Durham usually gets less rain in January than Honolulu. Durham gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Durham or Honolulu in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and Honolulu. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.

In the spring, Durham is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Durham in April average around 60°F (16°C), and Honolulu averages at about 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. In Durham, it's very sunny this time of the year. Durham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Honolulu during spring. Durham gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Durham usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Durham gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Durham