A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Juneau vs. Honolulu for Attractions, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Juneau or Honolulu?

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

Should I visit Juneau or Honolulu? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Juneau

Juneau is a scenic, breathtaking, and historic city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and hiking.

Honolulu

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. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Juneau and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Juneau or Honolulu?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Honolulu. Although Juneau and Honolulu are popular destinations, Honolulu has more sights and attractions for tourists. Honolulu is very popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Juneau attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Honolulu is more touristy than Juneau and is popular for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. It is also well known for Pearl Harbor. Juneau is famous for its wildlife, natural beauty, and Gold Rush in 1880.

How is Juneau different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Juneau or Honolulu?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Juneau is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Honolulu are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Many visitors head to Juneau specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many museums focus on the history in the area, including the Gold Rush and the mining industry. You can visit several historic mines as well as the Last Chance Mining Museum. Other museums around town include the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Walter Soboleff Building, and the Alaska State Museum.

Is the Food Better in Juneau or Honolulu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Juneau and Honolulu can be difficult as they are each excellent in their own way.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Juneau. The seafood is superb and visitors will regret if they miss out on the salmon, halibut, and crab. There are many local restaurants and local chefs serving up the freshest caught fish. For the best seafood, head to the waterfront, and if you're looking for something other than seafood, the downtown is where you'll want to be.

Honolulu has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Is Juneau or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

Honolulu is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Juneau is not a good city for its evening party scene.

Honolulu offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Juneau. There are a couple of bars and breweries, but most people relax in the evening.

Is Juneau or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for its resorts. However, Juneau is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Honolulu is a great choice. 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.

Juneau is not a resort destination.

Is Juneau or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Honolulu is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Juneau is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Honolulu. 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.

Juneau is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Juneau or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for the beache. However, Juneau is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Honolulu. 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.

Juneau is not a beach destination.

Is Juneau or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Juneau and Honolulu both have terrific trails.

People visit Juneau specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find more than 250 miles of hiking trails in the area, and this really is the best way to experience Alaska. The area is known for its wildlife, but there are also glacier hikes, meadows, mountains, and more. In downtown Juneau there's the Perseverance Trail, the Granite Creek Trail, and the Mount Roberts Trail. From the Mendenhall Visitor Center there's the East Glacier Loop Trail, the West Glacier Trail, and the Nugget Falls Trail. There are also trails on Douglas Island and many options just outside of town.

Many people visit Honolulu specifically for its hiking. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Juneau or Honolulu?

Both Juneau and Honolulu are excellent shopping destinations.

Juneau is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a mix of contemporary art and traditional artisan crafts. You'll find gift shops and art galleries around, particularly downtown and in the Mendenhall Valley business district. Visitors often enjoy buying art, wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, or dolls.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Is Juneau or Honolulu Better for Families?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Juneau is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Honolulu is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Juneau. Its is filled with adventure that the whole family will enjoy. There's whale watching, dog sled tours, helicopter rides, hiking, and the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway. This bucket-list destination will have an impact on kids and adults alike.

Is Juneau or Honolulu Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Juneau and Honolulu make for a terrific place to visit.

Juneau makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy exploring and adventuring will be in awe of this destination. Glacier trekking, superb gardens, and romantic helicopter rides will leave you feeling like a contestant on "The Bachelor". There are also opportunities for romantic evenings out and cozy hotels where you can stay in.

For those traveling as a couple, Honolulu 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.

Is Juneau or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Juneau and Honolulu are excellent destinations for backpackers.

Juneau is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a popular destination with budget hotels and even a hostel or two.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Is Juneau or Honolulu Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Honolulu is a popular place for its public transit. However, Juneau is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Honolulu has a few public transit options. TheBus is the public bus system through the city and elsewhere on Oahu.

Public transit is mostly limited in Juneau. You can only reach Juneau by boat or plane and there are three bus routes through town.

Is Juneau or Honolulu a more walkable city?

Juneau and Honolulu both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Juneau is a very walkable city. The downtown is very walkable and many places can be reached within a reasonable walk.

Honolulu is a very walkable destination. The most walkable areas are around downtown Honolulu and in Waikiki.

For even more information, also check out Is Juneau Worth Visiting? and Is Honolulu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or Juneau?

How long in Juneau or Honolulu?

Both Juneau 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 Juneau. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Juneau, and 5-7 days is enough time in Honolulu.

Families should spend more time in Honolulu than Juneau. 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 Juneau. 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 Juneau 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.

One day in Juneau or Honolulu?

The beautiful city of Juneau offers food and shopping. 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.

Honolulu is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Juneau or Honolulu?

Juneau 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Juneau, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Honolulu is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Juneau or Honolulu?

Juneau is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Honolulu. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Juneau or Honolulu?

Juneau is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Juneau or Honolulu?

Honolulu has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Juneau. When comparing the sizes of Juneau 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 Juneau or Honolulu?

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 Juneau or Honolulu in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Juneau as well as Honolulu. Many visitors come to Juneau in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Honolulu for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Juneau is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Juneau average around 56°F (13°C), and Honolulu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. In the summer, Juneau often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Juneau gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun.

Juneau receives a lot of rain in the summer. Juneau usually gets more rain in July than Honolulu. Juneau gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Juneau or Honolulu in the Autumn?

Both Honolulu and Juneau are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Juneau for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, 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.

Juneau is much colder than Honolulu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Juneau averages around 42°F (6°C) in October, and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. Juneau usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during autumn. Juneau gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Juneau. In October, Juneau usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Juneau gets 7.8 inches (199 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Juneau or Honolulu in the Winter?

Both Honolulu and Juneau during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Juneau because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.

The weather in Juneau can be very cold. In the winter, Juneau is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Juneau in January average around 24°F (-4°C), and Honolulu averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Juneau often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Juneau gets 87 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Juneau. Juneau usually gets more rain in January than Honolulu. Juneau gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Juneau or Honolulu in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Juneau and Honolulu. The natural beauty are the main draw to Juneau this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Honolulu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Juneau in the spring. In April, Juneau is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Juneau average around 40°F (4°C), and Honolulu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. Juneau usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during spring. Juneau gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Juneau usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Juneau gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Juneau