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

Should you visit Joshua Tree National Park or Big Island of Hawaii?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Joshua Tree National Park and Big Island of Hawaii 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.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a fascinating, adventurous, and unique national park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii is a adventure-filled, laid back, and relaxing island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Joshua Tree National Park and Big Island of Hawaii: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Big Island of Hawaii than Joshua Tree National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Big Island of Hawaii is more touristy than Joshua Tree National Park and is known for its active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and majestic manta rays. Also, Big Island of Hawaii is famous for the Waipio Valley Overlook. Joshua Tree National Park is well known for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

How is Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is a island with good options for its museums and history. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Big Island of Hawaii. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is a island with good options for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Big Island of Hawaii is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

While Joshua Tree National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There aren't any restaurants inside the park, so you'll want to pack your own food and eat at one of the picnic areas.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Big Island of Hawaii. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Joshua Tree National Park. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Big Island of Hawaii is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Big Island of Hawaii is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for the beach. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Big Island of Hawaii is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

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

Both Joshua Tree National Park and Big Island of Hawaii are destinations which offer first-rate hiking.

Around Joshua Tree National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are a wide range of hikes that include easy, moderate, and strenuous options. Some of the best hikes include Discovery Trail, Boy Scout Trail, and Black Rock Canyon Panorama Loop.

Big Island of Hawaii is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Big Island of Hawaii. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There is a park store where you can pick up gifts or other items.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Joshua Tree National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Big Island of Hawaii is an extremely popular island to visit for families. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its giant boulders that kids can scramble on and its Dr. Seuss-like Joshua Trees, this really is nature's best playground. There are also kid-friendly hikes and Junior Ranger Programs that will both educate and entertain the kids.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for couples. Also, Joshua Tree National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Big Island of Hawaii is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Couples visit Joshua Tree National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.

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

Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

Big Island of Hawaii is a great national 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 Joshua Tree National Park or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Big Island of Hawaii is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Joshua Tree National Park. There's no reliable public transportation in the park.

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

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

Joshua Tree National Park is not a very walkable national park. You need a car to truly explore the park.

Big Island of Hawaii is not a walkable national 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 Joshua Tree National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Big Island of Hawaii Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Joshua Tree National Park or Big Island of Hawaii?

Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful destination of Joshua Tree 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the adventure-filled island of Big Island of Hawaii. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Joshua Tree National Park or Big Island of Hawaii?

Joshua Tree 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 national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Big Island of Hawaii. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Joshua Tree National Park or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many people visit Joshua Tree National Park for five days. You'll find around the beautiful national park of Joshua Tree National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here. It offers something for everyone.

A week in Joshua Tree National Park or Big Island of Hawaii?

The unique destination of Joshua Tree National Park offers . Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Big Island of Hawaii is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.

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

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