A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malaga vs. Honolulu for Nightlife, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Malaga 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 Malaga 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.

Malaga

Malaga is a beautiful, friendly, and welcoming port city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

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 beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Malaga and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Honolulu?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Honolulu than Malaga. While Malaga is larger than Honolulu, Honolulu has more sights and attractions for tourists. Honolulu is very popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Malaga attracts visitors for its nightlife, music, and historical sights. Honolulu is more touristy than Malaga and is popular for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. It is also well known for Pearl Harbor. Malaga is famous for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene.

How is Malaga different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Honolulu is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Malaga and Honolulu offer a number of very good restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Malaga. Head to any of the local food markets and seafood shops to try local cuisine. Also make sure you try tapas and a filling Andalusian breakfast.

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 Malaga or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

Malaga 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 Malaga is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

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 Malaga or Honolulu Better for Music?

Malaga is great for live music. However, Honolulu is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Malaga draws a good crowd. The city has venues that offer pop, rock, blues, soulful, and more. Some of the most popular include ZZ club, Clarence Jazz Club, and Velvet Club.

Honolulu is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Malaga 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.

Malaga is not a resort destination.

Is Malaga or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Honolulu is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving.

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.

Malaga has a few good snorkeling spots. Water temperatures are mild enough for diving or snorkeling near Malaga. For the best diving, head to Cala del Canuelo Beach. Closer by, Penon del Cuervo Beach offers diving and snorkeling as well.

Is Malaga or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is a must-visit destination for the beache. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for the beach.

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.

Malaga is a good option for a beach vacation. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Is Malaga or Honolulu Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is great for its historic old town. However, Honolulu does not have a historic old town.

Malaga is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The city's old town is compact and small, making it a fun place to walk. There are historic buildings, museums, churches, and squares, as well as many restaurants and shops.

Honolulu does not have a historic old town.

Is Malaga or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Malaga 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.

Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Honolulu?

Honolulu is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping 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.

Malaga has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Is Malaga or Honolulu Better for Families?

Honolulu is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its kid-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.

Malaga is a family-friendly port city. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

Is Malaga or Honolulu Better for Couples?

Honolulu is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

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.

Malaga is a good port city for couples to visit. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Is Malaga or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga 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 Malaga. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Honolulu is a great port 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 Malaga or Honolulu Better for Students?

Malaga is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Honolulu is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Malaga. The city has many opportunities to learn Spanish. It's also an affordable city with a young population and a lively atmosphere that appeals to international students.

Honolulu is not popular with students.

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

Both Malaga and Honolulu offer nice public transit options.

Malaga has a few public transit options. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

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

Is Malaga or Honolulu a more walkable city?

Malaga and Honolulu both are very good when exploring on foot.

Malaga is a very walkable port city. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible on foot.

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 Malaga Worth Visiting? and Is Honolulu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Honolulu?

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

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

One day in Malaga or Honolulu?

The beautiful port city of Malaga offers shopping and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Malaga or Honolulu?

Malaga is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Malaga or Honolulu?

Malaga is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Malaga, 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 Malaga or Honolulu?

Malaga is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Malaga has to offer. This port 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 Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, 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 Malaga and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu is more expensive. And not only is Malaga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Malaga 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 Malaga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Malaga 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 Malaga.

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Honolulu?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Honolulu. When comparing the sizes of Malaga 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 Malaga 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 Malaga or Honolulu in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Honolulu. Most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Honolulu because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Malaga is generally around the same temperature as Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 25°C (77°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Honolulu. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Honolulu. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Honolulu in the Autumn?

Both Honolulu and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. 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.

Malaga is cooler than Honolulu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Malaga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Honolulu. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Malaga or Honolulu in the Winter?

Both Honolulu and Malaga during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Honolulu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Malaga is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malaga in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Honolulu averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Malaga often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in January than Honolulu. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Honolulu in the Spring?

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

In April, Malaga is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 16°C (60°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malaga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Honolulu. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Malaga