A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers London vs. Honolulu for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit London or Honolulu?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between London and Honolulu can help you decide which place is right for you.

London

London is a global, international, and historic 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 shopping, museums, and theater.

Honolulu

Honolulu is a multi-cultural, energetic, and vibrant city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

London and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Honolulu?

You'll generally find more things to do in London than Honolulu. London is bigger than Honolulu, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. London is better known for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Honolulu is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. London is well known for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. Also, London is famous for Big Ben. Honolulu is well known for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes.

Big Ben

How is London different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of amazing museums and attractions in both Honolulu and London.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, London has many famous sights for visitors. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Honolulu that are not to be missed. 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 London or Honolulu Better for Theater?

London is an unbeatable place for theatre. However, Honolulu is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in London that are not to be missed. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Honolulu is not a theatre destination.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both London and Honolulu.

London has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Honolulu makes for a great culinary experience. 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 London or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

London is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in London is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

Honolulu has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 London or Honolulu Better for Music?

London is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Honolulu is not a live music destination.

London is known as a music capital around the world. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Honolulu is not a live music destination.

Is London or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, London is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Honolulu is a perfect 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.

London is not a resort destination.

Is London or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Honolulu is a great city for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, London is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

London is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is London or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is terrific for the beach. However, London is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Honolulu is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

London is not a beach destination.

Is London or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is terrific for hiking. However, London is not a hiking destination.

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.

London is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Honolulu?

London 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 London. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

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 London or Honolulu Better for Christmas?

London is an unbeatable place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Honolulu does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, London is a top place to visit during Christmas. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Honolulu does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Honolulu Better for Christmas Markets?

London is an unbeatable place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Honolulu does not offer Christmas markets.

People travel from around the world to visit the Christmas markets in London. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Honolulu does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Honolulu Better for Families?

You'll find amazing kid-friendly activities in either London or Honolulu.

London is one of the most popular family destinations. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

Honolulu is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Is London or Honolulu Better for Couples?

Both London and Honolulu are amazing destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, London has plenty to offer. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

Honolulu has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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 London or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent London. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

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 London or Honolulu Better for Students?

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

London is a very popular city for students. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

Honolulu is not popular with students.

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

London 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 London can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

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

Is London or Honolulu a more walkable city?

London is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

London is a very easy city to get around on foot. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

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 London Worth Visiting? and Is Honolulu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or London?

How long in London or Honolulu?

Both London and Honolulu have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, London has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in London than Honolulu. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for London, and 5-7 days is enough time in Honolulu.

Couples should spend more time in London than Honolulu. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in London that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in London 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 London.

One day in London or Honolulu?

London is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Honolulu. 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 London or Honolulu?

London is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. 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 London or Honolulu?

London is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in London, five days is sufficent for most. 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 London or Honolulu?

London is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that London has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the energetic big city of Honolulu. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, 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 London and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu is more expensive. And not only is London much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since London is in Europe 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 London would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in London 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 London.

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

Which is Bigger, London or Honolulu?

London has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Honolulu. When comparing the sizes of London 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 London 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 London or Honolulu in the Summer?

Both Honolulu and London are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to London for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Honolulu in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, London is cooler than Honolulu. Typically, the summer temperatures in London in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Honolulu averages at about 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. London usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during summer. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, London usually receives more rain than Honolulu. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit London or Honolulu in the Autumn?

Both Honolulu and London during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to London in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Honolulu for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, London is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in London average around 12°C (53°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, London often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. London gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun.

London usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Honolulu. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Honolulu in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Honolulu. Most visitors come to London for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Honolulu because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

London can be very cold during winter. London is much colder than Honolulu in the winter. The daily temperature in London averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. London usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during winter. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, London usually receives less rain than Honolulu. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit London or Honolulu in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to London as well as Honolulu. The spring months attract visitors to London because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.

In the spring, London is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the spring temperatures in London in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Honolulu averages at about 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. In the spring, London often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun.

London usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Honolulu. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and London