Which place is cheaper, Whistler or Honolulu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Honolulu or Whistler?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Honolulu and Whistler 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.
Where Should I go: Honolulu or Whistler?
Honolulu
Hawaii's capital city of Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is the state's center for government, finance, and transportation. It's also the home of Waikiki Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the state of Hawaii. Nearly one million people live in this Honolulu metropolitan area. This is almost 80% of the state's population. The city is not the relaxed Hawaiian destination that you might be searching for, but is instead a fast paced, cosmopolitan city. In addition to attracting many tourists every year, you'll also find international businesses, military defense and a diverse culture and population.
Whistler
Located in the province of British Columbia in Canada, Whistler is most famous as the largest ski area in North America. It is also only a short distance from the city of Vancouver, and offers countless opportunities for snow boarding and other winter sports. The town has a permanent population of almost 10,000 and there is a larger seasonal population of workers that come from all over the world. Whistler is a major travel destination with more than two million people visiting the town yearly. As such, there are countless amenities available to visitors. Hotels can vary dramatically in price and quality. There are some budget options, including a couple of hostels in the area, but most people do not visit Whistler as a budget travel destination. It's usually an expensive vacation, but few would argue that it isn't worth the cost.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHonolulu $284Whistler $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Honolulu is $284, while the average daily cost in Whistler is $125. 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 Honolulu and Whistler in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHonolulu $183Whistler $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHonolulu $366Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Honolulu and Whistler
Looking for a hotel in Honolulu or Whistler? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Honolulu Hotel Prices and Whistler Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Honolulu $26Whistler $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Honolulu
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Honolulu are as follows:
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Rental Car for One Day$35
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Airport Shuttle for Two$30
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Hilton Parking$24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Honolulu
Also for Honolulu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Departure Transfer: Airport Shuttle Honolulu and Waikiki or Cruise Terminal: $18
- Arrival Transfer: Airport Shuttle Honolulu and Waikiki or Cruise Terminal: $18
- Shared Arrival Transfer from Honolulu Airport to Waikiki Hotels: $18
- Shared Departure Transfer from Waikiki Hotels to Honolulu Airport: $18
- Shared Arrival Transfer: Honolulu Airport to Hotel or Cruise Terminal: $20
- Shared Departure Transfer: Oahu Hotels or Cruise Terminal to Honolulu Airport: $20
- Honolulu Airport Private Transfer to or from Waikiki: $32
- Honolulu Airport -Waikiki Arrival Private Transfer W/Lei Greeting: $35
- Airport Private Transfer with Arrival Lei Greeting: $35
- Oahu: Honolulu Shuttle Bus Transfer to Pearl Harbor: $37
- Private Transfer from Honolulu Airport (HNL) to Honolulu Port: $37
- Shared Round-Trip Transfer: Honolulu Airport to Hotel or Cruise Terminal: $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Whistler
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Whistler:
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Richmond BC: $633
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Downtown Vancouver: $570
- Vancouver: Seaplane Transfer between Vancouver & Whistler: $161
Is it cheaper to fly into Honolulu or Whistler?
Prices for flights to both Whistler and Honolulu 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.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayHonolulu $53Whistler $30
Typical Food Prices in Honolulu
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Honolulu:
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Dinner for Two$73
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Lapperts Hawaii Ice Cream$5.55
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Chai's Island Bistro (for 2)$53
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Cheeseburger Waikiki (for 2)$34
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Matsumoto Shave Ice (for 2)$7.50
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Hot Dog with the Fixins'$8.30
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Sushi Dinner for Two$73
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Honolulu
For Honolulu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hawaii Food Tour - Off The Beaten Path : $150
- Oahu Da Local's Food Tour: $150
- Lanai Tabura curated Private Aloha Plate Food Tour from Honolulu: $239
Typical Food Prices in Whistler
Some typical examples of dining costs in Whistler are as follows:
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Coffee at Starbucks$12
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Tim Hortons Breakfast$12
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Coffee at Timmy's$3.63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Whistler
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Whistler.
- Finer Things: 4-Course Dinner Tour in Whistler: $131
- Finer Things Dinner Tour in Whistler: $144
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Honolulu $40Whistler $78
Typical Entertainment Prices in Honolulu
For Honolulu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Parking for Hike$5.00
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Pearl Harbor Audio Tour for Two$12
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2 hr Dinner Cruise$85
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1 Day Kayak Rental$36
Tours and Activities in Honolulu
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Honolulu.
- Historic Downtown Honolulu Tour: Audio Tour Guide: $4.99
- Heart of Waikiki Walking Tour: Audio Tour Guide: $4.99
- Oahu: USS Arizona Memorial Chief's Narrated Multimedia Tour: $7.99
- Waikīkī's Beaches and Royalty: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Hawaii‘s Historic Kingdom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Military and Entertainment in Waikiki: A Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
- Downtown Honolulu Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $7.99
- Honolulu In-App Audio Tour: Historical & Cultural Treasures: $9.00
- Honolulu's Backyard Rainforest Tour: Audio Tour Guide: $9.99
- Waikiki Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
- USS Arizona Commander's Narrated Multimedia Tour - 23 Stops: $11
- Oahu: Grand Circle Island Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $14
Typical Entertainment Prices in Whistler
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Whistler are as follows:
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Driving Range$15
Tours and Activities in Whistler
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Whistler are as follows:
- 2 Hour Late Afternoon Winter Zipline Adventure: $111
- Audain Art Museum Admission Ticket: $16
- Call of the Wild ATV Tour: $155
- Callaghan Cruiser Snowmobile Tour : $218
- Fishing Adventure in Whistler: $140
- Full Day Fly Fishing Tour: $249
- Full Day Spin Fishing Tour: $249
- Glacier Sightseeing Experience by Seaplane from Whistler: $183
- Guided Lunch Tour in Whistler: $88
- Half Day Fly Fishing Tour: $196
- Half Day Spin Fishing Tour: $194
- Ice Fishing Adventure in Whistler: $140
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHonolulu $6.47Whistler $8.72
Sample the Local Flavors in Whistler
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Whistler:
- Whistler Distillery Tour & Tasting Experience: $66
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Honolulu and Whistler, we can see that Honolulu is more expensive. And not only is Whistler much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Whistler would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Whistler 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 Whistler.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Honolulu Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Honolulu or Whistler?
Honolulu has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Honolulu and Whistler, 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 Honolulu or Whistler?
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 Honolulu or Whistler in the Summer?
Both Whistler and Honolulu during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Honolulu for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Honolulu is much warmer than Whistler in the summer. The daily temperature in Honolulu averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Whistler fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In Whistler, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Honolulu. In the summer, Honolulu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Whistler. Honolulu gets 303 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun.
Honolulu usually gets less rain in July than Whistler. Honolulu gets 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHonolulu 81°F (27°C)Whistler 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Honolulu or Whistler in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Honolulu and Whistler. The autumn months attract visitors to Honolulu because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Honolulu is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Honolulu in October average around 80°F (26°C), and Whistler averages at about 11°C (51°F).
In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Honolulu usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during autumn. Honolulu gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Whistler receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Honolulu usually receives less rain than Whistler. Honolulu gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHonolulu 80°F (26°C)Whistler 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Honolulu or Whistler in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Honolulu as well as Whistler. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Whistler. In January, Honolulu is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Honolulu average around 73°F (23°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. In the winter, Honolulu often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Honolulu gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Whistler. Honolulu usually gets less rain in January than Whistler. Honolulu gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHonolulu 73°F (23°C)Whistler 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Honolulu or Whistler in the Spring?
Both Whistler and Honolulu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Honolulu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
Honolulu is much warmer than Whistler in the spring. The daily temperature in Honolulu averages around 76°F (24°C) in April, and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. Honolulu usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during spring. Honolulu gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. In April, Honolulu usually receives less rain than Whistler. Honolulu gets 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHonolulu 76°F (24°C)Whistler 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Whistler and Honolulu
| Honolulu | Whistler | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 73°F (23°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 74°F (24°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 76°F (24°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 78°F (25°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 80°F (26°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 0.6 inches (15 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 0.4 inches (11 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 81°F (27°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 80°F (26°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 77°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.