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

Should you visit Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios 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: Ocho Rios or Big Island of Hawaii?

Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios, or "Ochi" is a town located on the northeastern shore of Jamaica and is a popular hub for cruise ships. It is a great destination for tourists as it has many resorts and beautiful beaches.

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 Ocho Rios?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $77, 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 Ocho Rios and Big Island of Hawaii in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocho Rios $52
    Big Island of Hawaii $112
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocho Rios $104
    Big Island of Hawaii $224
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Big Island of Hawaii

Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios


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: Ocho Rios Hotel Prices and Big Island of Hawaii Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocho Rios $7.60
    Big Island of Hawaii $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios

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

  • Private Luxury Transfer from Sandals Dunns River : $300
  • Couples Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $300
  • From Scenic Guided Horseback Ride with Transfer: $195
  • Private Transfer from MBJ Airport to Resorts in Ocho Rios : $160
  • Ocho Rios Private Airport Transfer [VIP LUXURY Vehicles]: $158
  • Kingston Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios: $140
  • Private Jamaica Airport Transfers: $130
  • Private Airport Transfer from Montego Bay Airport to Ocho Rios: $130
  • Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios Hotels in Jamaica: $130
  • Runaway Bay Hotels Private Round Trip Transfers from MBJ: $125
  • MBJ Airport Round trip Private transfer for Runaway Bay Hotels: $120
  • Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Riu Ocho Rios, Low Cost.: $115

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

Prices for flights to both Big Island of Hawaii and Ocho Rios 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
    Ocho Rios $17
    Big Island of Hawaii $106

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ocho Rios

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

  • From Flavors of Jamaica Guided Food Tour: $89
  • Taste of Jamaica Farm & Food Tour: $98
  • Ocho Ros: Hillside Cooking Class, Jamaican Style: $130
  • Taste of Jamaica Food Tour: $140
  • The Jamaica School of Cooking and Ocho Rios Highlights Tour: $141
  • Ocho Rios Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner: $218

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ocho Rios $15
    Big Island of Hawaii $35
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ocho Rios

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


  • Tour of Brimmer Hall Estate
    $11
  • Admission to Coyaba Gardens
    $5.47
  • Tour of Prospect Plantation
    $18

Tours and Activities in Ocho Rios

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

  • Authentic Jamaican Bamboo Rafting Tour from Runaway Bay: $194
  • Black River Safari & YS Falls Tour from Runaway Bay: $285
  • Blue hole waterfalls + Bamboo river rafting tour from Ocho rios: $109
  • Bob Marley Nine Mile Tour from Ocho Rios: $77
  • Combo Blue Hole and Horseback Riding Tour From Ocho Rios : $160
  • Full-Day Tour to Blue Hole Falls with Horseback Ride from Montego Bay: $220
  • Shopping Tour From Runaway Bay Hotels : $65
  • ATV, Bamboo Rafting, Horseback Ride Guided Tour from Montego Bay: $135
  • All day Tour of Ocho Rios : $200
  • Bamboo Rafting & River Tubing Tour Ocho Rios(Entry Fee Included): $220
  • Bamboo Rafting in Ocho Rios Private Experience: $207
  • Bamboo Rafting on the Lethe great/river(:),tour: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ocho Rios $7.71
    Big Island of Hawaii $32


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ocho Rios and Big Island of Hawaii, we can see that Big Island of Hawaii is more expensive. And not only is Ocho Rios much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios.

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



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

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

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

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Ocho Rios are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Big Island of Hawaii this time of year.

In the summer, Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocho Rios in July average around 29°C (83°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 Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during summer. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Big Island of Hawaii. In July, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 76°F (24°C)

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

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Ocho Rios during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts 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 October, Ocho Rios is generally a little warmer than Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 28°C (82°F), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the autumn, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 138 hours of full sun.

Big Island of Hawaii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in October than Big Island of Hawaii. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 76°F (24°C)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Big Island of Hawaii. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Also, many visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Big Island of Hawaii in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during winter. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

Big Island of Hawaii receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 72°F (22°C)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Big Island of Hawaii. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocho Rios in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the spring, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 134 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Big Island of Hawaii. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in April than Big Island of Hawaii. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 73°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Big Island of Hawaii and Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios Big Island of Hawaii
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 72°F (22°C) 8.7 inches (221 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 72°F (22°C) 10.8 inches (274 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 72°F (22°C) 13.6 inches (345 mm)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 73°F (23°C) 15.6 inches (395 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 74°F (23°C) 10.7 inches (272 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 75°F (24°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 76°F (24°C) 9.7 inches (247 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 76°F (25°C) 9.7 inches (247 mm)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 76°F (25°C) 8.5 inches (215 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 76°F (24°C) 9.8 inches (248 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 74°F (24°C) 14.8 inches (375 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 73°F (23°C) 12.6 inches (321 mm)