A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hiroshima vs. Paihia for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Hiroshima or Paihia?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hiroshima and Paihia 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.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a memorable, meaningful, and park-filled city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Paihia

Paihia is a beautiful, relaxing, and fun-filled coastal town. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Hiroshima and Paihia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hiroshima or Paihia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paihia. Although Hiroshima and Paihia are popular destinations, Paihia has more sights and attractions for tourists. Paihia is very popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Hiroshima attracts visitors for its museums and shopping. Paihia is more touristy than Hiroshima and is known for its warm year round climate, impressive beaches, and world class snorkeling and scuba diving. It is also well known for the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Hiroshima is famous for being the sight of the world's first atomic bomb detonation.

How is Hiroshima different from Paihia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hiroshima or Paihia?

Hiroshima is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Paihia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Hiroshima are world-renowned. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was built to commemorate the victims of the world's first nuclear attack. The park also serves as a sight to promote long term peace. In the park you'll find the Peace Memorial Museum, the Memorial Cenotaph, the Atom Bomb Dome, and the Flame of Peace. Other sights in Hiroshima include the Itsukushima shrine, the Hiroshima Castle, and Mitaki-dera Temple.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Paihia. There are some interesting cultural sights in the area like the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and the Museum of Waitangi.

Is the Food Better in Hiroshima or Paihia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Hiroshima and Paihia can be an enjoyable experience.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Hiroshima. There are many local dishes that you'll find in restaurants around town. Some of the best dining areas are around Hiroshima Station and in downtown Hiroshima. Make sure you try the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, the local oysters, and tsukemen.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Paihia. Local seafood, regional produce, and fresh ingredients make dining in the area a rewarding experience. You'll find fine dining restaurants, pizzerias, and local cafes to choose from.

Is Hiroshima or Paihia Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Hiroshima and Paihia.

If you're looking for night time activities Hiroshima has a few options to choose from. The city has many hidden pubs and traditional Japanese bars. The most vibrant nightlife scene is in the Chugoku-Shikoku district, particularly around Nagarekawa Street.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Paihia. As a holiday spot, there are a number of clubs and bars that cater to tourists in the area.

Is Hiroshima or Paihia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paihia is a great coastal town for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Hiroshima is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Paihia is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are scuba diving and snorkel shops available around town where you can organize trips and excursions to experience the undersea world.

Hiroshima is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hiroshima or Paihia Better for Beaches?

Paihia is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Hiroshima is not a beach destination.

Paihia is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There are stunning beaches both in Paihia and throughout the Bay of Islands. Paihia Beach is in town. It's small but nice and makes a great picnic spot. For a more secluded spot head to Matauri Bay Beach or Takou Bay.

Hiroshima is not a beach destination.

Is Hiroshima or Paihia Better for Hiking?

Paihia is a great coastal town for hiking. However, Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Paihia for the hiking trails. The Bay of Islands is filled with coastal walks and peaceful hikes. This is a great way to soak up the area's atmosphere and take in some spectacular views.

Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hiroshima or Paihia?

Hiroshima is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Paihia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Hiroshima is well-known for its shopping. There are outlet malls as well as morning markets, that make for interesting shopping. Head to old Sanyodo Road to shop where the locals shop and for international brands head to Hondori Central Shopping District.

Many visitors go to Paihia to go shopping. There are plenty of retail stores around town where you can pick up clothes or enjoy some souvenir shopping.

Is Hiroshima or Paihia Better for Families?

Paihia is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Paihia is an extremely popular coastal town to visit for families. Beaches, dolphin spotting, ice cream, and chocolate factories make the Bay of Islands the perfect place for a family vacation. There are amazing walking trails like the Manginangina Kauri Walk and opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. There are also adventure spots and great beaches.

Hiroshima is a family-friendly place to visit. Tragedy often comes to mind when you think of this city, as it was the sight of the first atomic bomb detonation. Older kids will learn a lot from a visit, but it may be a bit overwhelming for younger kids. There are still many things to do with kids of all ages in the city though, such as feeding the koi fish at Shukeien Park or visiting the floating Itsukushima shrine.

Is Hiroshima or Paihia Better for Couples?

Paihia is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Paihia is a great coastal town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. You can enjoy sunset boat cruises, sip wine with a waterfront view, or walk through pristine natural areas. For thrill seekers there are adrenaline filled activities like parasailing or scuba diving.

Hiroshima makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There is plenty of nature and green space in the city. Couples will enjoy visiting the Hiroshima Castle or wandering through the gardens such as Shukkeien or the Hiroshima Botanical Garden.

Is Hiroshima or Paihia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paihia is a great coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Paihia is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a handful of hostels around town as well as many great activities for backpackers like scuba diving or parasailing.

Plenty of backpackers visit Hiroshima. There are many hostels around town and plenty of things to see an do.

Is Hiroshima or Paihia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hiroshima is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Paihia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Hiroshima has some very good public transit options. There's a good tram and streetcar network around town as well as a ferry connecting the city to Miyajima Island. There are also buses around town.

You'll find some public transit in Paihia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are ferries and some intercity buses through the Bay of Islands.

Is Hiroshima or Paihia a more walkable city?

Hiroshima is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Paihia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Hiroshima is a very walkable city. If you base yourself in downtown Hiroshima, you can explore many areas on foot.

Paihia is a somewhat walkable city. It's possible to explore parts of the town on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Hiroshima Worth Visiting? and Is Paihia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Paihia or Hiroshima?

How long in Hiroshima or Paihia?

In either Hiroshima or Paihia, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Paihia than Hiroshima because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hiroshima, and 3-5 days is enough time in Paihia.

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

Couples should spend more time in Paihia than Hiroshima. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Paihia that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paihia than Hiroshima 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 Paihia.

One day in Hiroshima or Paihia?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Hiroshima. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find nightlife and food around the coastal town of Paihia. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Hiroshima or Paihia?

Hiroshima is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the relaxing destination of Paihia. 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 coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Hiroshima or Paihia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hiroshima. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the relaxing coastal town of Paihia. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer.

A week in Hiroshima or Paihia?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the park-filled destination of Hiroshima. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Paihia is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hiroshima and Paihia, we can see that Hiroshima is more expensive. And not only is Paihia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hiroshima is in Asia and Paihia is in Pacific, 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 Paihia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Paihia 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 Hiroshima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hiroshima than you might in Paihia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hiroshima or Paihia?

Hiroshima has a larger population, and is about 590 times larger than the population of Paihia. When comparing the sizes of Hiroshima and Paihia, 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.