A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kuala Lumpur vs. Honolulu for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Honolulu?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kuala Lumpur and Honolulu. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a colorful, historic, and modern city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Honolulu

Honolulu is a energetic, vibrant, and multi-cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Kuala Lumpur and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Honolulu?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Honolulu than Kuala Lumpur. While Kuala Lumpur is larger than Honolulu, Honolulu has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Honolulu is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Kuala Lumpur is known for its food, shopping, and big city activities. Honolulu is more touristy than Kuala Lumpur and is known for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. It is also home to Pearl Harbor. Kuala Lumpur is popular for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants.

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kuala Lumpur or Honolulu?

Spend time exploring the fantastic sights and museums in either Kuala Lumpur or Honolulu.

Travelers visit Kuala Lumpur from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

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.

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

Kuala Lumpur is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Kuala Lumpur have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Honolulu. 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 Kuala Lumpur or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Kuala Lumpur and Honolulu.

Kuala Lumpur has a large number of nightlife venues. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

Honolulu is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Honolulu for its luxury resorts. 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.

Kuala Lumpur is not a resort destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Honolulu is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Kuala Lumpur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Honolulu offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Honolulu is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Honolulu?

Kuala Lumpur is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Kuala Lumpur. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi areas.

Honolulu is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 Kuala Lumpur or Honolulu Better for Families?

Honolulu is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Honolulu is very family-friendly. 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.

Kuala Lumpur is a very kid-friendly city. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Honolulu Better for Couples?

Honolulu is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Honolulu is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Couples visit Kuala Lumpur frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kuala Lumpur and Honolulu are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Kuala Lumpur is very popular with the backpacker crowd. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

Honolulu is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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 Kuala Lumpur or Honolulu Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Honolulu is not popular with students.

Kuala Lumpur is a very popular city for students. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Honolulu is not popular with students.

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

Kuala Lumpur is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Visitors in Kuala Lumpur can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

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

Is Kuala Lumpur or Honolulu a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur and Honolulu are very good when it comes to walkability.

Kuala Lumpur is very walkable. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Honolulu?

Both Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 5-7 days is enough time in Honolulu.

Families should spend more time in Honolulu than Kuala Lumpur. 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 Kuala Lumpur. 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 Kuala Lumpur than Honolulu 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 Kuala Lumpur.

One day in Kuala Lumpur or Honolulu?

Kuala Lumpur is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Honolulu, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Kuala Lumpur or Honolulu?

Kuala Lumpur 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kuala Lumpur, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Honolulu is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Kuala Lumpur or Honolulu?

Kuala Lumpur is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kuala Lumpur, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Honolulu, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this multi-cultural big city offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Kuala Lumpur or Honolulu?

Kuala Lumpur is a great place to explore. 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 popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Honolulu?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Honolulu. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur or Honolulu?

Honolulu has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kuala Lumpur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Honolulu in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Honolulu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Honolulu because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Honolulu in the summer. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Honolulu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. In Kuala Lumpur, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during summer. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Honolulu in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Honolulu. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.

In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Honolulu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Honolulu averages at about 80°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in October than Honolulu. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Honolulu in the Winter?

Both Honolulu and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Honolulu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Kuala Lumpur is generally a little warmer than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during winter. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Honolulu in the Spring?

Both Honolulu and Kuala Lumpur during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Honolulu in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Honolulu in the spring. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Honolulu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in April than Honolulu. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Kuala Lumpur