A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Islamabad vs. Honolulu for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Islamabad 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 Islamabad 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.

Where Should I go: Islamabad or Honolulu?

Islamabad

Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan, specially built in the 1960's to replace the former capital, Karachi. Most of the city's population are employees of the government, though many people come from all over Pakistan to enjoy the city's peaceful atmosphere and green spaces, museums, and monuments.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Honolulu or Islamabad?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, 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 Islamabad and Honolulu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Honolulu $183
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Honolulu $366
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Honolulu

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad 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.

Hotels in Islamabad


Hotels in Honolulu


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: Islamabad Hotel Prices and Honolulu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.67
    Honolulu $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad

Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Premium Services: Islamabad Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfers.: $170
  • Transit Trip: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110
  • Islamabad Round Trip Airport Transfer & Customizable Day Trip: $95
  • Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
  • Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
  • Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
  • Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Honolulu

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Honolulu are as follows:


  • Rental Car for One Day
    $35
  • Airport Shuttle for Two
    $30
  • Hilton Parking
    $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Honolulu

Also for Honolulu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Honolulu HNL Airport Round-Trip Private Transfer in SUV: $273
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer: Honolulu International Airport to Hotel or Cruise Terminal: $271
  • Arrival Transfer Honolulu Airport HNL to Beach Resorts by SUV: $211
  • Private Airport Transfer from Honululu : $210
  • VIP Transfer: Ko Olina to Honolulu Airport or Vice Versa: $199
  • Chief's Luau Admission Including Transfers: $181
  • Honolulu Airport & KoOlina Hotels Private Transfer by Luxury SUV(up to 5 People): $180
  • Private Transfer from HNL Airport to Honolulu / Waikiki : $164
  • Arrival Private Transfer Honolulu Airport HNL to Beach Resorts by Executive Car: $157
  • Private Transfer from Honolulu Airport HNL to Waikiki by SUV: $148
  • Oahu: 3 Ziplines and Coral Crater Tour with Transfer: $147
  • Honolulu Airport & Waikiki Hotels Private Transfer by Passenger Van(up to 14ppl): $140

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Honolulu?

Prices for flights to both Honolulu and Islamabad 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Islamabad $15
    Honolulu $53

Typical Food Prices in Honolulu

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Honolulu:


  • Dinner for Two
    $73
  • Lapperts Hawaii Ice Cream
    $5.55
  • Chai's Island Bistro (for 2)
    $53
  • Cheeseburger Waikiki (for 2)
    $34
  • Matsumoto Shave Ice (for 2)
    $7.50
  • Hot Dog with the Fixins'
    $8.30
  • 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
  • Lanai Tabura curated Private Aloha Plate Food Tour from Honolulu: $239
  • Brewery and Local Food Tour: $480

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Honolulu $40

Tours and Activities in Islamabad

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.

  • Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
  • From 15 Day Trekking Tour of Thalay and Nangma: $3,070
  • From 9-Day Colors of Hunza Valley Cultural Tour: $2,065
  • From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150
  • From Full Day Historical Peshawar Guided City Tour: $160
  • From Skardu and Baltistan Cultural Tour with Food: $2,339
  • Full Day Private City Tour Of Islamabad: $99
  • Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
  • Full-day Essential Islamabad Tour: $150
  • Islamabad In & Around Full Day Customized City Tour: $80
  • Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
  • City Tour with Faisal Mosque and Lake View Park: $95

Typical Entertainment Prices in Honolulu

For Honolulu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Parking for Hike
    $5.00
  • Pearl Harbor Audio Tour for Two
    $12
  • 2 hr Dinner Cruise
    $85
  • 1 Day Kayak Rental
    $36

Tours and Activities in Honolulu

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Honolulu.

  • Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial, small group Tour: $80
  • 1 Hour Private Luxury Classic Car Sightseeing City Tour Honolulu: $138
  • 3 Hour Sightseeing *SPECIALTY Tour: $149
  • 3 Hour Sunrise Photo Tour with Malasada: $65
  • 3 Hour Waikiki Waterslide and Ocean Playground Cruise: $113
  • 3-Hour Adventure in Waikiki Water Park Adventure: $127
  • 3-Hour Honolulu Bottom Fishing Adventure: $99,999
  • 5 Hour Half Day Island Jeep Tour: $190
  • 5 Hour Small Group Tour in Pearl Harbor and Honolulu: $145
  • 5-Star Oahu Sightseeing with local food & shrimp plate included: $120
  • 6 Hour Local Food Plate Jeep Tour: $230
  • 6 Hour Romantic Hawaii Jeep Tour: $276

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Honolulu $6.47

Sample the Local Flavors in Honolulu

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Honolulu:

  • Shaxi Dive Bar Tour: $37


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Islamabad is in Asia 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 Islamabad would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Islamabad 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 Islamabad.

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


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Honolulu?

Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Honolulu. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad 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 Islamabad 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 Islamabad or Honolulu in the Summer?

Both Honolulu and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.

It's very hot in Islamabad this time of the year. Islamabad is a little warmer than Honolulu in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 32°C (90°F) in July, and Honolulu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during summer. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Islamabad. In July, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Honolulu 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Islamabad or Honolulu in the Autumn?

Both Honolulu and Islamabad during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, 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.

In the autumn, Islamabad is around the same temperature as Honolulu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamabad in October average around 26°C (80°F), and Honolulu averages at about 80°F (26°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the autumn, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Honolulu. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun.

Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than Honolulu. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Honolulu 80°F (26°C)

Should I visit Islamabad or Honolulu in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Honolulu. Furthermore, many visitors come to Honolulu in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Islamabad is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 14°C (57°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Honolulu during winter. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Honolulu. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Honolulu 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Islamabad or Honolulu in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Honolulu. Additionally, most visitors come to Honolulu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Islamabad is around the same temperature as Honolulu in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Honolulu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the spring, Islamabad often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Honolulu. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun.

Islamabad usually gets less rain in April than Honolulu. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Honolulu 76°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Islamabad

Islamabad Honolulu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 73°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 74°F (24°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 76°F (24°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 78°F (25°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 80°F (26°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 81°F (27°C) 0.6 inches (15 mm)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 81°F (27°C) 0.4 inches (11 mm)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 81°F (27°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 80°F (26°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 77°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 74°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)