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

Should you visit Edinburgh or Honolulu?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Edinburgh and Honolulu can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a ancient, charming, and character-filled city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Honolulu

Honolulu is a vibrant, multi-cultural, and energetic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Edinburgh and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Honolulu?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Honolulu. Although Edinburgh and Honolulu are popular destinations, Honolulu has more sights and attractions for tourists. Honolulu is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Edinburgh attracts visitors for its theatre productions, music, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere. Edinburgh is famous for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. Honolulu is famous for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. It is also well known for Pearl Harbor.

How is Edinburgh different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Edinburgh and Honolulu.

The museums and tourist attractions in Edinburgh are world-renowned. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. There are also kid-friendly museums like Camera Obscura.

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.

Is Edinburgh or Honolulu Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is great for theatre. However, Honolulu is not a theatre destination.

Edinburgh attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Honolulu is not a theatre destination.

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

Honolulu is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Honolulu has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Edinburgh may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon. There are many fish and chips shops to choose from as well as a diversity of ethnic restaurants including Indian, Thai, and Ethiopian.

Is Edinburgh or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Edinburgh and Honolulu.

Edinburgh has a large number of nightlife venues. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars and clubs to choose from as well as some of the country's oldest pubs. Tourists tend to frequent the Old Town area, but you'll find more locals if you head to the student and university areas.

Honolulu is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Edinburgh or Honolulu Better for Music?

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

Edinburgh is known as a music capital around the world. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Honolulu is not a live music destination.

Is Edinburgh or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Edinburgh is not a resort destination.

Honolulu is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Edinburgh is not a resort destination.

Is Edinburgh or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Honolulu is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Edinburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Honolulu is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Edinburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Edinburgh or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is terrific for the beache. However, Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Honolulu is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Edinburgh or Honolulu Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Honolulu does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Edinburgh offers plenty to see. The city's Old Town attracts international visitors who come to see the Edinburgh Castle, the quaint streets, and the many shops and cafes. The Royal Mile is a popular area with pubs and souvenir shops. It connects the castle to the Scottish Parliament.

Honolulu does not have a historic old town.

Is Edinburgh or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Around Honolulu visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Honolulu?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Edinburgh and Honolulu.

Edinburgh is well-known for its shopping. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds. In the Old Town, Victoria Street is filled with Harry Potter shops and tourist stores where you can pick up a kilt or Edinburgh sweatshirt.

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.

Is Edinburgh or Honolulu Better for Families?

Honolulu is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Honolulu is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Edinburgh is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy wandering down Victoria Street and popping in the Harry Potter shops. There are also a number of fascinating Harry Potter tours that take you through notable landmarks where J.K. Rowling was inspired to write these popular stories. You'll even visit Tom Riddle's gravesite. Other highlights that families will enjoy include Edinburgh Castle and the Edinburgh Dungeon, which is best for older kids or kids that enjoy a good scare. Younger kids will enjoy a trip the illusions museum, Camera Obscura, which also offers one of the best views of the city.

Is Edinburgh or Honolulu Better for Couples?

Honolulu is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Honolulu is a great city for couples, as it 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.

Couples visit Edinburgh frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels. Whether you're interested in history, food, or fun, this city makes for a great couples trip.

Is Edinburgh or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Edinburgh. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with. It's a well visited city with many areas that attracted younger travelers or students.

Honolulu is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Is Edinburgh or Honolulu Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in Edinburgh. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

Honolulu is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Edinburgh and Honolulu.

Edinburgh has some public transit options. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Honolulu, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. TheBus is the public bus system through the city and elsewhere on Oahu.

Is Edinburgh or Honolulu a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Edinburgh is a very easy city to get around on foot. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

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

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

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Honolulu?

Both Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Edinburgh, and 5-7 days is enough time in Honolulu.

Families should spend more time in Honolulu than Edinburgh. 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 Edinburgh. 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 Edinburgh than Honolulu 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 Edinburgh.

One day in Edinburgh or Honolulu?

The beautiful city of Edinburgh offers theater and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

People visit Honolulu because there is so much to do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Edinburgh or Honolulu?

Edinburgh 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Edinburgh, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

People visit Honolulu because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Edinburgh or Honolulu?

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

People visit Honolulu because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Edinburgh or Honolulu?

Edinburgh is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Honolulu, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, 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 Edinburgh and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu is more expensive. And not only is Edinburgh much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh.

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

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Honolulu?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Honolulu. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh or Honolulu?

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 Edinburgh or Honolulu in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Honolulu. The summer months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.

In July, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 14°C (58°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during summer. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Edinburgh usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Honolulu in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Honolulu. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Honolulu for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Edinburgh is much colder than Honolulu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. In the autumn, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets more rain in October than Honolulu. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Honolulu in the Winter?

Both Honolulu and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Honolulu in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Edinburgh. In the winter, Edinburgh is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Edinburgh in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Honolulu averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during winter. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Honolulu. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Honolulu in the Spring?

Both Honolulu and Edinburgh during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Edinburgh in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Honolulu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 7°C (45°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Honolulu. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Edinburgh