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

Should you visit Karachi or Honolulu?

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

Should I visit Karachi 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.

Where Should I go: Karachi or Honolulu?

Karachi

Karachi is the capital of the Pakistani province of Sindh. It is the most populous city in Pakistan, and sixth most populous city proper in the world. Karachi, located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, is the financial and commercial center of the nation, as well as its largest port. The pace of life here is more hurried, and social attitudes are far more liberal than elsewhere in Pakistan. Locals call it the City of Lights, the City of The Quaid, and the City that Never Sleeps. The city credits its growth to the mixed populations of economic and political migrants along with refugees from different national, provincial, linguistic and religious origins, who generally come to the city to settle permanently.

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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Pakistan, The Best Historical 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 Karachi?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Karachi is $26, 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 Karachi and Honolulu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Karachi $11
    Honolulu $183
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Karachi $22
    Honolulu $366
Compare Hotels in Karachi and Honolulu

Looking for a hotel in Karachi 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 Karachi


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: Karachi Hotel Prices and Honolulu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Karachi $4.58
    Honolulu $26

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:

  • Departure Transfer: Airport Shuttle Honolulu and Waikiki or Cruise Terminal: $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
  • Oahu: Diamond Head Crater Trailhead Transfer & Entry Fee: $50
  • Honolulu Airport HNL to Waikiki-Arrival Private Transfer: $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Karachi or Honolulu?

Prices for flights to both Honolulu and Karachi 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
    Karachi $11
    Honolulu $53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Karachi

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Karachi.

  • Private Karachi Street Food Tour: $94
  • Half-Day Karachi Burns Road Private Victoria Ride with Dinner: $100
  • Street Food Tour of Karachi: $199

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.
    Karachi $5.07
    Honolulu $40

Tours and Activities in Karachi

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Karachi are as follows:

  • Experience local village life in Sindh: $200
  • Full Day Private Tour in Karachi City: $162
  • Full Day Private Tour to Mohatta Palace Zainab and Burns road: $196
  • Karachi City Tour : $129
  • Karachi Sightseeing Private tour: $159
  • UNESCO World Heritage Tour Near Karachi : $150

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.

  • Historic Downtown Honolulu Tour: Audio Tour Guide: $4.99
  • Heart of Waikiki Walking Tour: Audio Tour Guide: $4.99
  • Hawaii‘s Historic Kingdom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Military and Entertainment in Waikiki: A Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
  • Oahu: USS Arizona Memorial Chief's Narrated Multimedia Tour: $7.99
  • Waikīkī's Beaches and Royalty: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Downtown Honolulu Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $8.49
  • Waikiki Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $8.49
  • Honolulu In-App Audio Tour: Historical & Cultural Treasures: $9.00
  • Honolulu's Backyard Rainforest Tour: Audio Tour Guide: $9.99
  • USS Arizona Commander's Narrated Multimedia Tour - 23 Stops: $11
  • Oahu: Honolulu 3-Hour Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Karachi $3.35
    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 Karachi and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu is more expensive. And not only is Karachi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Karachi 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 Karachi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Karachi 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 Karachi.

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


Which is Bigger, Karachi or Honolulu?

Karachi has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Honolulu. When comparing the sizes of Karachi 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 Karachi 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 Karachi or Honolulu in the Summer?

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

Karachi is a little warmer than Honolulu in the summer. The daily temperature in Karachi averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Honolulu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. In the summer, Karachi often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Karachi gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun.

Karachi usually gets more rain in July than Honolulu. Karachi gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Karachi 30°C (86°F) 
    Honolulu 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Karachi or Honolulu in the Autumn?

Both Honolulu and Karachi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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.

In the autumn, Karachi is around the same temperature as Honolulu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Karachi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Honolulu averages at about 80°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Karachi. Karachi usually receives more sunshine than Honolulu during autumn. Karachi gets 284 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Karachi usually receives less rain than Honolulu. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Karachi 29°C (84°F) 
    Honolulu 80°F (26°C)

Should I visit Karachi or Honolulu in the Winter?

Both Honolulu and Karachi during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.

In January, Karachi is generally cooler than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Karachi average around 19°C (66°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Karachi. In the winter, Karachi often gets more sunshine than Honolulu. Karachi gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun.

Karachi usually gets less rain in January than Honolulu. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Karachi 19°C (66°F) 
    Honolulu 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Karachi or Honolulu in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Karachi and Honolulu. Furthermore, many travelers come to Honolulu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Karachi is a little warmer than Honolulu in the spring. The daily temperature in Karachi averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Honolulu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. In Karachi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Karachi usually receives more sunshine than Honolulu during spring. Karachi gets 277 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Karachi usually receives less rain than Honolulu. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Karachi 29°C (84°F) 
    Honolulu 76°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Karachi

Karachi Honolulu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 73°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 74°F (24°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 76°F (24°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 78°F (25°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 80°F (26°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 81°F (27°C) 0.6 inches (15 mm)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 81°F (27°C) 0.4 inches (11 mm)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 81°F (27°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 80°F (26°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 77°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 74°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)