A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Melbourne vs. Honolulu for Attractions, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Melbourne or Honolulu?

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

Should I visit Melbourne 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.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a progressive, livable, and friendly city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches.

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. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Melbourne and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Melbourne or Honolulu?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Honolulu than Melbourne. While Melbourne is larger than Honolulu, Honolulu has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Honolulu is more touristy than Melbourne and is known for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. It is also well known for Pearl Harbor. Melbourne is famous for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population.

How is Melbourne different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Honolulu is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Honolulu are world-renowned. 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 Melbourne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

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

Both Melbourne and Honolulu offer excellent local cuisine and restaurants.

Melbourne has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Dining out in Honolulu is an experience not to be missed. 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 Melbourne or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Melbourne and Honolulu.

Melbourne has a large number of nightlife venues. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

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 Melbourne or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is not a resort destination.

Is Melbourne or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Honolulu is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Melbourne or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is very popular for the beache. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

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.

Melbourne is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Is Melbourne or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

People visit Honolulu specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Honolulu?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Melbourne and Honolulu.

Melbourne is well-known for its shopping. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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 Melbourne or Honolulu Better for Families?

Honolulu is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

Melbourne is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

Is Melbourne or Honolulu Better for Couples?

Honolulu is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Honolulu makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Melbourne or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Honolulu is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many 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.

Melbourne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Melbourne or Honolulu Better for Students?

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

Melbourne is a very popular city for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Honolulu is not popular with students.

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

Melbourne is great 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.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Melbourne. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

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

Is Melbourne or Honolulu a more walkable city?

Melbourne and Honolulu are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Melbourne is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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 Melbourne Worth Visiting? and Is Honolulu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Honolulu?

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

Families should spend more time in Honolulu than Melbourne. 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 Melbourne. 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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne or Honolulu?

Melbourne is a big city with plenty to do. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Honolulu. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Melbourne or Honolulu?

Melbourne 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Melbourne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the vibrant big city of Honolulu. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Melbourne or Honolulu?

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

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the vibrant city of Honolulu. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Melbourne or Honolulu?

Melbourne is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, 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 popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Honolulu, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, 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 Melbourne and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu is more expensive. And not only is Melbourne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Melbourne is in Pacific 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 Melbourne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Melbourne 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 Melbourne.

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

Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Honolulu?

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

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Honolulu has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Melbourne or Honolulu in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Honolulu. Many visitors come to Melbourne in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, 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 January, Melbourne is generally cooler than Honoluluin July. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 20°C (68°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. In Melbourne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Melbourne usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during summer. Melbourne gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Melbourne usually receives more rain than Honoluluin July. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Melbourne or Honolulu in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Honolulu. Most visitors come to Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene 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.

Melbourne is much colder than Honolulu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. In the autumn, Melbourne often gets less sunshine than Honoluluin October. Melbourne gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets less rain in April than Honoluluin October. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Honolulu in the Winter?

Both Honolulu and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.

In the winter, Melbourne is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Melbourne in July average around 9°C (49°F), and Honolulu averages at about 73°F (23°C)in January.

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. Melbourne usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during winter. Melbourne gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Honoluluin January. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Melbourne or Honolulu in the Spring?

Both Honolulu and Melbourne during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Honolulu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In October, Melbourne is generally much colder than Honoluluin April. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 14°C (57°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Melbourne. In the spring, Melbourne often gets less sunshine than Honoluluin April. Melbourne gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets more rain in October than Honoluluin April. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Melbourne