A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New York City vs. Big Island of Hawaii for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit New York City or Big Island of Hawaii?

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 New York City and Big Island of Hawaii. 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.

New York City

New York City is a energetic, cosmopolitan, and one-of-a-kind city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii is a laid back, relaxing, and adventure-filled island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

New York City and Big Island of Hawaii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New York City or Big Island of Hawaii?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New York City. Although New York City and Big Island of Hawaii are both popular with visitors, New York City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. New York City is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Big Island of Hawaii is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. New York City is popular for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also home to The Statue of Liberty. Big Island of Hawaii is popular for its active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and majestic manta rays.

How is New York City different from Big Island of Hawaii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Big Island of Hawaii and New York City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New York City or Big Island of Hawaii?

New York City is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Big Island of Hawaii is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit New York City from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

Big Island of Hawaii offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several local museums around the island such as the Hulihe'e Palace and 'Imiloa Astronomy Center. There's also the Hawaii Plantation Museum and the Lyman House Museum.

Is New York City or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Theater?

New York City is renowned for theatre. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in New York City. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Big Island of Hawaii is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in New York City or Big Island of Hawaii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Big Island of Hawaii is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, New York City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Big Island of Hawaii. It can be challenging to find local restaurants that aren't catering to the tourist crowd, but when you do you'll be rewarded with great local dishes. Seafood, poke bowls, and shave ice are all popular.

Is New York City or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Nightlife?

New York City is renowned for nightlife. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for nightlife and partying.

New York City is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

Most people don't head to Big Island of Hawaii specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The nightlife scene is very chill with many local places that have live music and drinks. You won't find any major nightclubs, but there are karaoke bars and laid back breweries. The most options are found in Hilo and Kailua-Kona.

Is New York City or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Music?

New York City is renowned for live music. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not a live music destination.

New York City is known as a music capital around the world. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Big Island of Hawaii is not a live music destination.

Is New York City or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Resorts?

Big Island of Hawaii is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, New York City is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Big Island of Hawaii for its luxury resorts. There are a number of beautiful luxury resorts on the island like the Hilton Waikoloa Village, the Four Seasons Resort, and Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort.

New York City is not a resort destination.

Is New York City or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Big Island of Hawaii is a must-visit destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, New York City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Big Island of Hawaii. There are a number of beautiful snorkeling spots where you'll see beautiful fish and sometimes even sea turtles. A bucket list experience is also diving or snorkeling with the manta rays, which will take your breath away.

New York City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is New York City or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Beaches?

Big Island of Hawaii is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, New York City is not a beach destination.

Big Island of Hawaii offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. This is a younger island than most in Hawaii, so the beaches are varied and diverse. You'll find white sand beaches, black volcanic sand beaches, and even green sand. There are also areas where the lava rock reaches the ocean. Hapuna Beach is a favorite as is Honl's Beach.

New York City is not a beach destination.

Is New York City or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Hiking?

Big Island of Hawaii is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. However, New York City is not a hiking destination.

Big Island of Hawaii is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The island is filled with miles of spectacular hiking trails. They'll take you to iconic waterfalls, world-renowned viewpoints, and through fields of lava rocks. Many people spend days hiking in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, but there are also impressive hikes along the Kona Coast.

New York City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New York City or Big Island of Hawaii?

New York City is renowned for shopping. Also, Big Island of Hawaii is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in New York City. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

Big Island of Hawaii is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many local artisan shops on the island, particular in Hilo, Historic Kailua Village and along the Kohala Coast. You'll find handmade quilts, wooden carved products, and handcrafted jewelry.

Is New York City or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Christmas?

New York City is renowned for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Big Island of Hawaii does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in New York City. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Big Island of Hawaii does not offer Christmas activities.

Is New York City or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is a great city for visiting Christmas markets. However, Big Island of Hawaii does not offer Christmas markets.

New York City has a lively atmosphere around its Christmas markets. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Big Island of Hawaii does not offer Christmas markets.

Is New York City or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Families?

Big Island of Hawaii is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, New York City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Big Island of Hawaii is very family-friendly. Families will enjoy the laid back island vibe. You can spend some time on the beach and then head inland to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. If your kids are adventurous, the island is a great place to dive or snorkel with manta rays. There are also great hikes, helicopter rides, and luaus.

New York City is a very kid-friendly city. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Is New York City or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Couples?

New York City and Big Island of Hawaii both world-class destinations for a couple.

New York City is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

Big Island of Hawaii makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy a relaxed beach vibe will love a visit to this laid back island. There are upscale resorts as well as independent hotels that have a more personal style. The island also has stunning views, impressive hikes, and countless opportunities for romance.

Is New York City or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City and Big Island of Hawaii are both great destinations for backpackers.

New York City is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Big Island of Hawaii is a great city to visit for backpackers. This is one of the most popular islands for backpackers. It has a mellow atmosphere that appeals to young travelers. There are also hostels on the island, but transportation can be challenging.

Is New York City or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Students?

New York City is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not popular with students.

New York City is a great destination for students. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Big Island of Hawaii is not popular with students.

Is New York City or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New York City is renowned for times when you don't have a car. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for its public transit.

New York City has a great public transit system. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Big Island of Hawaii. There is a bus service that connects Kona and Hilo. It's called the Hele-On and there are both north and south routes.

Is New York City or Big Island of Hawaii a more walkable city?

New York City is renowned for its walkability. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for its high level of walkability.

New York City is a very easy city to get around on foot. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

Big Island of Hawaii is not a walkable city. It's the largest of the Hawaiian islands and a car is necessary if you want to see the whole thing.

For even more information, also check out Is New York City Worth Visiting? and Is Big Island of Hawaii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Island of Hawaii or New York City?

How long in New York City or Big Island of Hawaii?

New York City and Big Island of Hawaii both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Big Island of Hawaii than New York City because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for New York City, and 5-14 days is enough time in Big Island of Hawaii.

Families should spend more time in Big Island of Hawaii than New York City. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Big Island of Hawaii, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in New York City than Big Island of Hawaii. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in New York City that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City than Big Island of Hawaii 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 New York City.

One day in New York City or Big Island of Hawaii?

New York City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid back destination of Big Island of Hawaii. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in New York City or Big Island of Hawaii?

New York City is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Island of Hawaii. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in New York City or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many people visit New York City for five days. New York City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the relaxing destination of Big Island of Hawaii. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in New York City or Big Island of Hawaii?

New York City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Many people spend one week here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New York City, one week is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful island of Big Island of Hawaii. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

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

When is the best time to visit New York City or Big Island of Hawaii?

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 York City or Big Island of Hawaii in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both New York City and Big Island of Hawaii. Many visitors come to New York City in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

New York City is around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii in the summer. The daily temperature in New York City averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

Big Island of Hawaii receives a lot of rain in the summer. New York City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, New York City usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. New York City gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit New York City or Big Island of Hawaii in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to New York City as well as Big Island of Hawaii. Most visitors come to New York City for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Big Island of Hawaii because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, New York City is much colder than Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New York City in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It's quite rainy in Big Island of Hawaii. New York City usually gets less rain in October than Big Island of Hawaii. New York City gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New York City or Big Island of Hawaii in the Winter?

Both Big Island of Hawaii and New York City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to New York City because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Big Island of Hawaii this time of year.

The weather in New York City can be very cold. In January, New York City is generally much colder than Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in New York City average around 31°F (-1°C), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Big Island of Hawaii. In January, New York City usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. New York City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit New York City or Big Island of Hawaii in the Spring?

Both Big Island of Hawaii and New York City during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to New York City this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Big Island of Hawaii for the beaches and the natural beauty.

New York City is much colder than Big Island of Hawaii in the spring. The daily temperature in New York City averages around 52°F (11°C) in April, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Big Island of Hawaii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. New York City usually gets less rain in April than Big Island of Hawaii. New York City gets 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Big Island of Hawaii and New York City