A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Glacier National Park vs. Big Island of Hawaii for Resorts, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Glacier National Park or Big Island of Hawaii?

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

Should I visit Glacier National Park or Big Island of Hawaii? 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.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a stunning, breathtaking, and gorgeous park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii is a laid back, relaxing, and adventure-filled island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Glacier National Park and Big Island of Hawaii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Glacier National Park or Big Island of Hawaii?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Big Island of Hawaii. Although Glacier National Park and Big Island of Hawaii are both popular with visitors, Big Island of Hawaii has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Glacier National Park is popular for its miles of hiking trails, impressive glaciers, and pristine lakes. Big Island of Hawaii is popular for its active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and majestic manta rays. It is also home to the Waipio Valley Overlook.

How is Glacier National Park different from Big Island of Hawaii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Big Island of Hawaii and Glacier National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Glacier National Park or Big Island of Hawaii?

Big Island of Hawaii is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its museums and history.

Big Island of Hawaii is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several local museums around the island such as the Hulihe'e Palace and 'Imiloa Astronomy Center. There's also the Hawaii Plantation Museum and the Lyman House Museum.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Glacier National Park. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most people head straight for the park.

Is the Food Better in Glacier National Park or Big Island of Hawaii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Big Island of Hawaii is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its restaurants.

Big Island of Hawaii offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. It can be challenging to find local restaurants that aren't catering to the tourist crowd, but when you do you'll be rewarded with great local dishes. Seafood, poke bowls, and shave ice are all popular.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Glacier National Park. You'll find several restaurants and cafes both within and near the park, but this is an incredibly crowded park so you'll want to make reservations well in advance.

Is Glacier National Park or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Nightlife?

Big Island of Hawaii is a moderate island for nightlife. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for nightlife and partying.

Most people don't head to Big Island of Hawaii specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The nightlife scene is very chill with many local places that have live music and drinks. You won't find any major nightclubs, but there are karaoke bars and laid back breweries. The most options are found in Hilo and Kailua-Kona.

Glacier National Park doesn't offer many options. People visit for the scenery, not the nightlife scene.

Is Glacier National Park or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Resorts?

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for its resorts. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Big Island of Hawaii is a great choice. There are a number of beautiful luxury resorts on the island like the Hilton Waikoloa Village, the Four Seasons Resort, and Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort.

With a selection of resorts, Glacier National Park makes a nice vacation spot. There are several lodges, cabins, and inns near or within the park, but reservations are recommended well in advance.

Is Glacier National Park or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Glacier National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Big Island of Hawaii a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. There are a number of beautiful snorkeling spots where you'll see beautiful fish and sometimes even sea turtles. A bucket list experience is also diving or snorkeling with the manta rays, which will take your breath away.

Glacier National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Glacier National Park or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Beaches?

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for its beaches. However, Glacier National Park is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Big Island of Hawaii. This is a younger island than most in Hawaii, so the beaches are varied and diverse. You'll find white sand beaches, black volcanic sand beaches, and even green sand. There are also areas where the lava rock reaches the ocean. Hapuna Beach is a favorite as is Honl's Beach.

Glacier National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Glacier National Park or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Hiking?

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for the nearby hiking options. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its hiking trails.

People visit Big Island of Hawaii specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The island is filled with miles of spectacular hiking trails. They'll take you to iconic waterfalls, world-renowned viewpoints, and through fields of lava rocks. Many people spend days hiking in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, but there are also impressive hikes along the Kona Coast.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Glacier National Park. There are more than 700 miles of trails in the park. For the best experience, you should purchase a permit and explore the parks backcountry. Other popular trails include Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, and Avalanche Lake Trail. It's best to start in the early morning as this is a popular park and the trails get busier as the day progresses.

Is the Shopping Better in Glacier National Park or Big Island of Hawaii?

Big Island of Hawaii is notable for shopping. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its shopping opportunities.

Big Island of Hawaii is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many local artisan shops on the island, particular in Hilo, Historic Kailua Village and along the Kohala Coast. You'll find handmade quilts, wooden carved products, and handcrafted jewelry.

If you're looking to go shopping, Glacier National Park has some nice offerings. There are park stores where you can pick up books, souvenirs, and gifts.

Is Glacier National Park or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Families?

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Big Island of Hawaii is a very family-friendly destination. Families will enjoy the laid back island vibe. You can spend some time on the beach and then head inland to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. If your kids are adventurous, the island is a great place to dive or snorkel with manta rays. There are also great hikes, helicopter rides, and luaus.

Glacier National Park is a family-friendly park. The landscapes are spectacular, but the crowds can be intense, which means it can be hard to find places to pull over and park during the peak seasons. Keep this in mind when you're traveling with kids because you may end up spending more time in the car than you'd expected.

Is Glacier National Park or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Couples?

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for romance. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its romantic activities.

Big Island of Hawaii makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy a relaxed beach vibe will love a visit to this laid back island. There are upscale resorts as well as independent hotels that have a more personal style. The island also has stunning views, impressive hikes, and countless opportunities for romance.

Glacier National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Drive along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun-Road and take in the truly breathtaking scenery. Many people consider this to be a top destination for a honeymoon and couples will appreciate the impressive hikes, dramatic waterfalls, and adventure-filled activities.

Is Glacier National Park or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Glacier National Park is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Big Island of Hawaii is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Glacier National Park. The backcountry is truly pristine, and obtaining a Wilderness Permit and getting off-the-beaten-path will help you escape some of the crowds that the park is known for.

Big Island of Hawaii is a great park to visit for backpackers. This is one of the most popular islands for backpackers. It has a mellow atmosphere that appeals to young travelers. There are also hostels on the island, but transportation can be challenging.

Is Glacier National Park or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Glacier National Park and Big Island of Hawaii offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Glacier National Park. There's a free shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road that's available on a first-come, first-served basis, but expect crowds. The road can get quite congested during peak times. There are also tours that take you along the road so you can enjoy the scenery without having to focus on driving.

Public transit is mostly limited in Big Island of Hawaii. There is a bus service that connects Kona and Hilo. It's called the Hele-On and there are both north and south routes.

Is Glacier National Park or Big Island of Hawaii a more walkable city?

Neither Glacier National Park or Big Island of Hawaii are walkable places.

Glacier National Park is not a walkable park. You'll need a car to get almost anywhere in the park.

Big Island of Hawaii is not a very walkable park. It's the largest of the Hawaiian islands and a car is necessary if you want to see the whole thing.

For even more information, also check out Is Glacier National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Big Island of Hawaii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Island of Hawaii or Glacier National Park?

How long in Glacier National Park or Big Island of Hawaii?

Glacier National Park and Big Island of Hawaii both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Big Island of Hawaii than Glacier National Park because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Glacier National Park, and 5-14 days is enough time in Big Island of Hawaii.

Families should spend more time in Big Island of Hawaii than Glacier National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Big Island of Hawaii, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Big Island of Hawaii than Glacier National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Big Island of Hawaii that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Big Island of Hawaii than Glacier National Park 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 Big Island of Hawaii.

One day in Glacier National Park or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful destination of Glacier National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Big Island of Hawaii, you'll find shopping and museums. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Glacier National Park or Big Island of Hawaii?

Glacier National Park is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this park has to offer. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Island of Hawaii. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It offers something for everyone.

Five days in Glacier National Park or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many people visit Glacier National Park for five days. You'll find around the beautiful park of Glacier National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Big Island of Hawaii is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Glacier National Park or Big Island of Hawaii?

The gorgeous destination of Glacier National Park offers . Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

In Big Island of Hawaii, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

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

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