Which place is cheaper, Honolulu or Helsinki?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Helsinki 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.
Helsinki is a nature-focused, coastal, and environmentally conscious city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.
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 food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.
Visitors will generally find more to do in Honolulu than Helsinki. While Helsinki is larger than Honolulu, Honolulu has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Honolulu is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Helsinki attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Honolulu is more touristy than Helsinki and is known for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. It is also well known for Pearl Harbor. Helsinki is famous for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Honolulu and Helsinki. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Honolulu is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.
The museums and tourist attractions in Honolulu are world-renowned. 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.
Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Helsinki. Many of the city's sights and attractions center around nature and the water. Major hightlights of the city include the Fortress of Sveaborg, Seurasaari open-Air Museum, and Temppeliaukio Rock Church. The city is also home to The National Museum of Finland.
Honolulu is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.
There are many up and coming restaurants in the Helsinki area. Food in town is all about local flavors and simple ingredients. The dishes let the flavor speak for itself without fancy cooking techniques or complex flavor combinations. Many of the restaurants are locally sourced with traditional ingredients. You'll find a lot of seafood, herring, grilled sausages, pancakes, and desserts.
Honolulu is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.
Honolulu has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.
Helsinki has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is at its best on weekends when the city center comes to life with parties, dance clubs, and student activities. Many of the best clubs and bars are concentrated in the city center. Weekends are a bit calmer and things quiet down a lot.
Honolulu is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Helsinki 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.
Helsinki is not a resort destination.
Honolulu is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Helsinki 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.
Helsinki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Honolulu is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Helsinki 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.
Helsinki is not a beach destination.
Honolulu is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Helsinki 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.
Helsinki is not a hiking destination.
Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Helsinki and Honolulu.
Helsinki is well-known for its shopping. The city is great for shopping, with many brands focused on sustainability. There are local boutiques as well as name brands. Flea markets and vintage shops are also popular.
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.
Honolulu is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Helsinki 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.
Helsinki is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The coastal setting offers many activities that kids and adults alike will enjoy. This capital city has a calm atmosphere with plenty of parkland to explore. The shoreline is dotted by islands where you'll also find a zoo and a fort. Kids will also enjoy exploring the islands by boat.
Honolulu is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Helsinki 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 Helsinki frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city's many parks offer the perfect setting for a picnic or a walk. There are also botanical gardens, evening boat rides, and saunas that will help you enjoy a romantic trip away.
Honolulu is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.
Many 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.
Plenty of backpackers visit Helsinki. With its active nightlife scene, vibrant atmosphere, and inclusive personality, this city is a fun place for backpackers, but you should expect to pay a premium for the experience. Many backpackers avoid the city because they have heard how expensive it is. There are a few hostels around that will help you keep costs a bit more manageable.
Helsinki is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Honolulu is not popular with students.
Students come from all over to stay in Helsinki. The city has an active student life with plenty of culture and nature. It's active nightlife scene and beautiful natural areas make it a wonderful place to study.
Honolulu is not popular with students.
Helsinki is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.
Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Helsinki. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.
Honolulu has a few public transit options. TheBus is the public bus system through the city and elsewhere on Oahu.
Honolulu is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.
Honolulu is a very walkable city. The most walkable areas are around downtown Honolulu and in Waikiki.
Helsinki is a somewhat walkable city. Many neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot. The air is also clean and the setting is refreshing.
For even more information, also check out Is Helsinki Worth Visiting? and Is Honolulu Worth Visiting?.
Both Helsinki 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 Helsinki. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Helsinki, and 5-7 days is enough time in Honolulu.
Families should spend more time in Honolulu than Helsinki. 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 Helsinki. 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 Helsinki 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.
The beautiful city of Helsinki offers food and shopping. 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.
Honolulu is a big city with plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.
Helsinki 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 Helsinki, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
Honolulu 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.
Helsinki 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.
Honolulu is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Honolulu, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Helsinki 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Honolulu has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Helsinki is $149, while the average daily cost in Honolulu is $284. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Helsinki and Honolulu in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or Honolulu? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Honolulu are as follows:
Also for Honolulu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Honolulu and Helsinki change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
For Helsinki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Honolulu:
For Honolulu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Helsinki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
For Honolulu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Honolulu.
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Honolulu:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Helsinki and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu is more expensive. And not only is Helsinki much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Helsinki 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 Helsinki would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Helsinki 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 Helsinki.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Helsinki Expensive? and Is Honolulu Expensive?.
Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Honolulu. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki 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.
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.
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Honolulu. The summer months attract visitors to Helsinki because of 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, Helsinki is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. In Helsinki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Honolulu. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Helsinki 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.
Helsinki is much colder than Honolulu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 6°C (42°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, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun.
Helsinki usually gets more rain in October than Honolulu. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Both Honolulu and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, 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 Helsinki. In the winter, Helsinki is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Honolulu averages at about 73°F (23°C).
It's quite sunny in Honolulu. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Honolulu. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
Both Honolulu and Helsinki during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Honolulu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
Helsinki can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Helsinki is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun.
Helsinki usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Honolulu. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Helsinki | Honolulu | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | -6°C (21°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
Mar | -3°C (27°F) | 34 mm (1.4 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
Apr | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
May | 9°C (49°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) |
Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 80°F (26°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 0.6 inches (15 mm) |
Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 0.4 inches (11 mm) |
Sep | 11°C (51°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) |
Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 80°F (26°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
Nov | 1°C (33°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
Dec | -4°C (26°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |