A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nassau vs. Big Island of Hawaii for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nassau or Big Island of Hawaii?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau or Big Island of Hawaii, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Nassau or Big Island of Hawaii?

Nassau

There are few vacation destinations more famous than the Bahamian city of Nassau. This capital city is full of laid back locals, relaxed tourists and the iconic pastel pink government houses.

As the largest city in the Bahamas, Nassau can hold plenty of people. Not only are there hundreds of tourists on any given day, the city is also home to 260,000 people – that is 80 percent of the Bahamas' total population.

Founded around 1650, Nassau's location made it a great spot on the trade route. So great, in fact, that it also became a popular destination for pirates – including the infamous Blackbeard.

Pack light because it's going to be pretty steamy in Nassau. The climate is essentially identical to southern Florida. It is warm and humid all year with the occasional cold snap in the winter.

Big Island of Hawaii

What comes to mind when someone says, "Hawaii"? Probably sandy beaches, coconut drinks and lazy days of tanning. It's a dream destination for those who want to get away, but the island of Hawai'i, or the Big Island as it's most commonly called, has so much more to offer than a place to catch up on your latest novel.

At 93 miles across, and a population of 185 thousand, the Big Island was once a large exporter of sugarcane. After its final plantation closed in 1996, tourism became the backbone of Hawai'i Island's economy. More recently, the Big Island has become the focus for sustainable tourism – visiting a place as a tourist and trying to make only a positive impact on your destination.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Big Island of Hawaii or Nassau?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $189, while the average daily cost in Big Island of Hawaii is $250. 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 Nassau and Big Island of Hawaii in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nassau $109
    Big Island of Hawaii $112
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nassau $218
    Big Island of Hawaii $224
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Big Island of Hawaii

Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Big Island of Hawaii? 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 Nassau


Hotels in Big Island of Hawaii


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: Nassau Hotel Prices and Big Island of Hawaii Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nassau $32
    Big Island of Hawaii $38
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nassau

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Nassau are as follows:


  • Water Taxi
    $8.02
  • Taxi to Cable Beach
    $25
  • Taxi from Airport
    $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nassau

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nassau:

  • Nassau Roundtrip Transfer by Limousine to Paradise Island: $360
  • Round-Trip Airport Transfer by Limousine: $360
  • Lynden Pindling Airport (NAS): Round-Trip Nassau Transfer: $252
  • Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Paradise Island: $251
  • Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer to Paradise Island: $247
  • Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer to Downtown Nassau: $243
  • Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Cable Beach: $243
  • Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Downtown Nassau: $243
  • Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer to Cable Beach: $243
  • Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer: $240
  • Paradise Island Private Roundtrip Transfer by Sedan: $207
  • Airport Transfer: $190

Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Big Island of Hawaii?

Prices for flights to both Big Island of Hawaii and Nassau 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
    Nassau $53
    Big Island of Hawaii $106

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nassau

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

  • Nassau Food Tour and Beach Break: $65
  • Conch Salad Cooking Lesson and Tasting in Nassau: $80
  • Sail Catamaran Sunset Dinner Cruise: $116
  • All Inclusive Sunset Dinner Cruise in Nassau Bahamas: $125
  • Dinner and Dancing: $130
  • Authentic Bahamian Cooking Class: $135
  • Bahamian Cooking Class Lunch Experience by Tru Bahamian Food Tour: $140
  • Island Food Tour: $140
  • Gourmet dinner & sunset cruise on luxury catamaran: $375

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nassau $37
    Big Island of Hawaii $35
Typical Entertainment Prices in Nassau

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Nassau are as follows:


  • Jet Ski
    $50
  • 4 Hr Kayak Tour
    $70
  • 1/2 Day Snorkel Trip
    $75

Tours and Activities in Nassau

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

  • Bahamas Adventure: Pigs, Reef, Turtles, and Beach with Lunch: $299
  • 2 Hours Sip and Snorkeling Experience in Bahamas: $150
  • 3 Hour Eco-Glide Adventure in Nassau: $99
  • 3 Hour Island Tour: Swimming with Pigs, Turtles, and Snorkeling: $250
  • 3-Hour ATV Tour of New Providence (Inclusive of water & local deserts): $190
  • 3-Hour Buggy Tour of New Providence (Inclusive of water & local deserts): $250
  • ATV Half Day City Tour in Guided Tour With Free Samples: $250
  • ATV Island Tour with Beach Break, Lunch, and Pick-up/Drop-off: $199
  • ATV tours by RSR: $230
  • All New Weekend Tour with Seafood Snack Portuguese & Spanish : $7.00
  • Atlantis Bridge Speed Boat Adventure: $100
  • Atlantis Speed Boat Tours: $81

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nassau $19
    Big Island of Hawaii $32
Typical Alcohol Prices in Nassau

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Nassau are as follows:


  • Cocktail
    $6.52

Sample the Local Flavors in Nassau

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nassau:

  • Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $135
  • Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $140


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nassau and Big Island of Hawaii, we can see that Big Island of Hawaii is more expensive. And not only is Nassau much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nassau is in Caribbean Islands and Big Island of Hawaii 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 Nassau would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nassau 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 Big Island of Hawaii would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Big Island of Hawaii than you might in Nassau.

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



When is the best time to visit Nassau or Big Island of Hawaii?

Big Island of Hawaii has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Nassau experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Nassau or Big Island of Hawaii in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Big Island of Hawaii. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Big Island of Hawaii this time of year.

Nassau is a little warmer than Big Island of Hawaii in the summer. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In the summer, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Big Island of Hawaii. Nassau receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nassau usually gets less rain in July than Big Island of Hawaii. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nassau 28°C (82°F) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Big Island of Hawaii in the Autumn?

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Nassau are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Big Island of Hawaii for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nassau is around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nassau in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during autumn. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Big Island of Hawaii. It's quite rainy in Nassau. In October, Nassau usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nassau 26°C (79°F) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Big Island of Hawaii in the Winter?

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Nassau during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Nassau because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Nassau is generally around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 21°C (70°F), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Nassau. In the winter, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 158 hours of full sun.

Big Island of Hawaii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nassau usually gets less rain in January than Big Island of Hawaii. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nassau 21°C (70°F) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 72°F (22°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Big Island of Hawaii in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Big Island of Hawaii. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Also, most visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Nassau is around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii in the spring. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 23°C (74°F) in April, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during spring. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

Big Island of Hawaii receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Nassau usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nassau 23°C (74°F) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 73°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Big Island of Hawaii and Nassau

Nassau Big Island of Hawaii
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 72°F (22°C) 8.7 inches (221 mm)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 72°F (22°C) 10.8 inches (274 mm)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 72°F (22°C) 13.6 inches (345 mm)
Apr 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 73°F (23°C) 15.6 inches (395 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 74°F (23°C) 10.7 inches (272 mm)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 75°F (24°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 76°F (24°C) 9.7 inches (247 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 76°F (25°C) 9.7 inches (247 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 76°F (25°C) 8.5 inches (215 mm)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 76°F (24°C) 9.8 inches (248 mm)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 74°F (24°C) 14.8 inches (375 mm)
Dec 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 73°F (23°C) 12.6 inches (321 mm)