A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nice vs. Honolulu for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Nice 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 Nice 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.

Nice

Nice is a chic, glamourous, and beautiful seaside destination. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Nice and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nice or Honolulu?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Honolulu. Although Nice and Honolulu are roughly the same size, Honolulu has more sights and attractions for tourists. Honolulu is very popular for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Nice attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Nice is famous for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Honolulu is famous for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. It is also well known for Pearl Harbor.

How is Nice different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Honolulu is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Nice 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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Nice have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Honolulu. 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 Nice or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

Nice 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 Nice is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Nice and Honolulu have world-class options.

Nice is a world class resort vacation destination. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

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.

Is Nice or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Honolulu is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Is Nice or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is renowned for the beache. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for the beach.

Honolulu is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Many people visit Nice for it's beautiful beaches. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Is Nice or Honolulu Better for its Old Town?

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

Nice is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Honolulu does not have a historic old town.

Is Nice or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Nice is not a hiking destination.

Around Honolulu visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Nice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nice or Honolulu?

Both Nice and Honolulu are great shopping destinations.

Nice is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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 Nice or Honolulu Better for Families?

Honolulu is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Honolulu is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Nice is a family-friendly seaside destination. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Nice or Honolulu Better for Couples?

Both Nice and Honolulu are world-class destinations for a couple's getaway.

Nice is a great seaside destination for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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.

Is Nice or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Honolulu is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Honolulu is a great 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

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

Nice 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 Nice. There are both buses and trams.

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

Is Nice or Honolulu a more walkable city?

Nice is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Nice is a very easy seaside destination to get around on foot. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

Honolulu is a very walkable seaside destination. The most walkable areas are around downtown Honolulu and in Waikiki.

For even more information, also check out Is Nice Worth Visiting? and Is Honolulu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or Nice?

How long in Nice or Honolulu?

Both Nice 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 Nice. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Nice, and 5-7 days is enough time in Honolulu.

Families should spend more time in Honolulu than Nice. 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 Nice than Honolulu. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Nice that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Honolulu than Nice 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 Nice or Honolulu?

The beautiful seaside destination of Nice offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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 big city destination where you can fill many days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Nice or Honolulu?

Nice is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Nice or Honolulu?

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

Honolulu is a energetic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Nice or Honolulu?

Nice is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This seaside destination offers something for everyone.

Honolulu is a vibrant city where you can fill many days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, 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 Nice and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu is more expensive. And not only is Nice much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nice 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 Nice would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nice 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 Nice.

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

Which is Bigger, Nice or Honolulu?

Honolulu has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Nice. When comparing the sizes of Nice 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 Nice 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 Nice or Honolulu in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nice as well as Honolulu. The summer months attract visitors to Nice because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.

In July, Nice is generally cooler than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Nice average around 23°C (73°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

Nice usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Honolulu. Nice gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nice or Honolulu in the Autumn?

Both Honolulu and Nice are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nice this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Honolulu for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Nice is much colder than Honolulu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

It's quite rainy in Nice. In October, Nice usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Nice gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nice or Honolulu in the Winter?

Both Honolulu and Nice during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nice for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Honolulu in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Nice is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nice in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Honolulu averages at about 73°F (23°C).

Nice usually gets less rain in January than Honolulu. Nice 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 Nice or Honolulu in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nice and Honolulu. Many visitors come to Nice in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Honolulu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Nice is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Nice average around 13°C (56°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In April, Nice usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Nice gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Nice