A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Orleans vs. Honolulu for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit New Orleans or Honolulu?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between New Orleans and Honolulu can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: New Orleans or Honolulu?

New Orleans

New Orleans is the largest city in the state of Louisiana, and it is a cultural city that is the home of jazz, unique cuisine, and Mardi Gras in the U.S. It was established in 1718 and is one of the oldest cities in the country. The culture of the city has a mix of French, Creole, African American, Caribbean, Irish, Haitian, German and Vietnamese. There's an energy and atmosphere that is unlike any place else.

Honolulu

Hawaii's capital city of Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is the state's center for government, finance, and transportation. It's also the home of Waikiki Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the state of Hawaii. Nearly one million people live in this Honolulu metropolitan area. This is almost 80% of the state's population. The city is not the relaxed Hawaiian destination that you might be searching for, but is instead a fast paced, cosmopolitan city. In addition to attracting many tourists every year, you'll also find international businesses, military defense and a diverse culture and population.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Honolulu or New Orleans?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in New Orleans is $239, while the average daily cost in Honolulu is $284. 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 New Orleans and Honolulu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Orleans $125
    Honolulu $183
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Orleans $250
    Honolulu $366
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and Honolulu

Looking for a hotel in New Orleans or Honolulu? 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 New Orleans


Hotels in Honolulu


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: New Orleans Hotel Prices and Honolulu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Orleans $51
    Honolulu $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in New Orleans

Some typical examples of transportation costs in New Orleans are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in New Orleans

Also for New Orleans, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • 25 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $300
  • One-Way Private New Orleans Arrival or Departure Transfer: $275
  • Handicap New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $260
  • Airport Transfer in New Orleans: $215
  • New Orleans Airport (MSY): Private Transfer to New Orleans: $211
  • Private Transfer from Port Of New of New Orleans Cruise: $210
  • New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport MSY Round-Trip Private Transfer: $207
  • 11 Passenger Executive Van: New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $197
  • Transfer from New Orleans MSY or Port to New Orleans by Minibus: $169
  • New Orleans Airport (MSY) to New Orleans - Round-Trip Transfer : $165
  • Private Transfer From New Orleans To Baton Rouge: $157
  • Full-Day Whitney Plantation & Large Airboat Swamp Tour w/Transfer: $155

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Honolulu

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


  • Rental Car for One Day
    $35
  • Airport Shuttle for Two
    $30
  • Hilton Parking
    $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Honolulu

Also for Honolulu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • VIP Transfer: Ko Olina to Honolulu Airport or Vice Versa: $199
  • VIP Transfer Between Waikiki & Honolulu Airport, /vice versa: $136
  • Shared Round-Trip Transfer: Honolulu Airport to Hotel or Cruise Terminal: $39
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Oahu Hotels or Cruise Terminal to Honolulu Airport: $20
  • Shared Departure Transfer from Waikiki Hotels to Honolulu Airport: $18
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Honolulu Airport to Hotel or Cruise Terminal: $20
  • Private Transfers between HNL Airport and Honolulu City: $56
  • Private Transfer from Honolulu Airport (HNL) to Honolulu Port: $37
  • Private Airport Transfer: Honolulu International Airport (HNL) to Honolulu: $66
  • Oahu: Honolulu Shuttle Bus Transfer to Pearl Harbor: $37
  • Oahu: Diamond Head Crater Trailhead Transfer & Entry Fee: $50
  • Oahu: 3 Ziplines and Coral Crater Tour with Transfer: $147

Is it cheaper to fly into New Orleans or Honolulu?

Prices for flights to both Honolulu and New Orleans 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
    New Orleans $45
    Honolulu $53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in New Orleans

For New Orleans, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cajun and Creole Cooking Class with Meal: $38
  • New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class with Meal: $42
  • Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option: $55
  • Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with Optional Dinner: $55
  • Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans: $55
  • French Quarter Food Tour with a Local: $76
  • The Premier New Orleans Food Tour: $77
  • Taste Of New Orleans Food Tour and Experience: $80
  • French Quarter Food Tour with Tastings: $89
  • New Orleans' Lower Garden Food Tour: $89
  • French Quarter Food Tour: $89
  • New Orleans Cooking Class and Cocktail Walking Tour: $106

Typical Food Prices in Honolulu

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Honolulu:


  • Dinner for Two
    $73
  • Lapperts Hawaii Ice Cream
    $5.55
  • Chai's Island Bistro (for 2)
    $53
  • Cheeseburger Waikiki (for 2)
    $34
  • Matsumoto Shave Ice (for 2)
    $7.50
  • Hot Dog with the Fixins'
    $8.30
  • Sushi Dinner for Two
    $73

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Honolulu

For Honolulu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hawaii Food Tour - Off The Beaten Path : $150
  • Honolulu City Lights Dinner Tour: $177

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New Orleans $55
    Honolulu $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in New Orleans

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New Orleans's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Zoo & Aquarium Tickets (2)
    $75
  • Riverboat Cruise
    $70
  • French Quarter City Tour
    $100

Tours and Activities in New Orleans

For New Orleans, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Bom Creole Dining Experience w/ Pool and Louisiana Native Chef : $135
  • Creole French Quarter Walking Tour: $30
  • Walking Instagram Photo Tour in the French Quarter New Orleans: $27
  • 2-Hour Guided French Quarter Vampire Walking Tour: $25
  • 45 Minute Highlights Tour of the French Quarter: $23
  • 60-minute Tremé Walking Tour & Photo Experience: $15
  • A Local's Private French Quarter Walking or Biking Tour : $175
  • A Locals' Drink Dat! Cocktail Tour: $200
  • Adults Only True Crime Dark History New Orleans Walking Tour: $37
  • Adults Only Voodoo History Guided Walking Tour in New Orleans: $37
  • Adults-Only History, Ghost, Vampire, and Voodoo Walking Tour: $30
  • Adults-Only New Orleans Ghost, Crime, Voodoo, and Vampire Tour: $37

Typical Entertainment Prices in Honolulu

For Honolulu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Parking for Hike
    $5.00
  • Pearl Harbor Audio Tour for Two
    $12
  • 2 hr Dinner Cruise
    $85
  • 1 Day Kayak Rental
    $36

Tours and Activities in Honolulu

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Honolulu.

  • Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial, small group Tour: $80
  • 'Lost' and Movie Tour: $200
  • 1 Hour Private Luxury Classic Car Sightseeing City Tour Honolulu: $138
  • 3 Hour Sunrise Photo Tour with Malasada: $65
  • 3 Hour Waikiki Waterslide and Ocean Playground Cruise: $113
  • 5 Hour Small Group Tour in Pearl Harbor and Honolulu: $145
  • 6 Hour Local Food Plate Jeep Tour: $230
  • 6 Hour Romantic Hawaii Jeep Tour: $276
  • 6 Zipline Tour at Coral Crater Adventure Park with Trans: $235
  • 8 Hour Circle Island Jeep Tour: $275
  • All Inclusive Ultimate Circle Island Day Tour and Waimea Falls: $156
  • Aloha Adventures: A Family Walking Tour in Waikiki: $533

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Orleans $60
    Honolulu $6.47

Sample the Local Flavors in New Orleans

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New Orleans:

  • Haunted Pub Crawl In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $13
  • Discovering the Flavors of Louisiana: Rum & Gin Distillery Tour: $14
  • New Orleans Distillery Tour and Rum Tasting with Guide: $15
  • Guided Distillery Tour & Rum Tasting: $15
  • Private New Orleans Seafood Bar Crawl: $15
  • Guided Rum Distillery Tour and Tasting: $15
  • Spooky Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour: $17
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $21
  • New Orleans Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of The Irish Channel: $25
  • Ghost Tour and Haunted Pub Crawl Party: $25
  • Adults Only True Crime Pub Crawl: $27
  • New Orleans Original True Crime Pub Crawl: $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Honolulu

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Honolulu:

  • Shaxi Dive Bar Tour: $37


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

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


Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Honolulu?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Honolulu. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans or Honolulu in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Honolulu. The summer months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

New Orleans is around the same temperature as Honolulu in the summer. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 82°F (28°C) 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 New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. New Orleans usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during summer. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Honolulu. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    New Orleans 82°F (28°C) 
    Honolulu 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Honolulu in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Honolulu. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year.

In the autumn, New Orleans is cooler than Honolulu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New Orleans in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Honolulu averages at about 80°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In the autumn, New Orleans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Honolulu. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun.

New Orleans usually gets more rain in October than Honolulu. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    New Orleans 69°F (21°C) 
    Honolulu 80°F (26°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Honolulu in the Winter?

Both Honolulu and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, New Orleans is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 51°F (11°C), and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. New Orleans usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during winter. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In January, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Honolulu. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    New Orleans 51°F (11°C) 
    Honolulu 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Honolulu in the Spring?

Both Honolulu and New Orleans during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to New Orleans in the spring for the activities around the city.

New Orleans is cooler than Honolulu in the spring. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Honolulu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in New Orleans. In the spring, New Orleans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Honolulu. New Orleans gets 254 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 New Orleans. New Orleans usually gets more rain in April than Honolulu. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    New Orleans 68°F (20°C) 
    Honolulu 76°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Honolulu and New Orleans

New Orleans Honolulu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 62°F (16°C) 5 inches (126 mm) 74°F (24°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 76°F (24°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 78°F (25°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 80°F (26°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 81°F (27°C) 0.6 inches (15 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 81°F (27°C) 0.4 inches (11 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (140 mm) 81°F (27°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 80°F (26°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Nov 61°F (16°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Dec 55°F (13°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)