A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Phoenix vs. Big Island of Hawaii for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Phoenix or Big Island of Hawaii?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Phoenix and Big Island of Hawaii 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.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a sprawling, desert, and laid back city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii is a adventure-filled, laid back, and relaxing island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Phoenix and Big Island of Hawaii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phoenix or Big Island of Hawaii?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Big Island of Hawaii than Phoenix, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Big Island of Hawaii is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Phoenix is more popular for its nightlife. Big Island of Hawaii is more touristy than Phoenix and is known for its active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and majestic manta rays. Also, Big Island of Hawaii is famous for the Waipio Valley Overlook. Phoenix is well known for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Phoenix 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 Phoenix. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Phoenix or Big Island of Hawaii?

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Big Island of Hawaii and Phoenix.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Phoenix. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.

Big Island of Hawaii is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 the Food Better in Phoenix or Big Island of Hawaii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Phoenix and Big Island of Hawaii can be an enjoyable experience.

Phoenix is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

Big Island of Hawaii offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Phoenix or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Nightlife?

Phoenix is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Phoenix has a few options to choose from. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

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 Phoenix or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Resorts?

Big Island of Hawaii is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Phoenix is not a resort destination.

Big Island of Hawaii is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Phoenix is not a resort destination.

Is Phoenix or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Big Island of Hawaii is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Phoenix is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Big Island of Hawaii is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Phoenix is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Phoenix or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Beaches?

Big Island of Hawaii is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Big Island of Hawaii is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Is Phoenix or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Hiking?

Big Island of Hawaii is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Around Big Island of Hawaii visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Phoenix offers some nice hiking trails. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Is the Shopping Better in Phoenix or Big Island of Hawaii?

Big Island of Hawaii is a great island for its shopping areas. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Big Island of Hawaii. 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.

Phoenix is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Is Phoenix or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Families?

Big Island of Hawaii is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Big Island of Hawaii is an extremely popular island to visit for families. 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.

Phoenix is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Phoenix or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Couples?

Big Island of Hawaii is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Big Island of Hawaii is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

Is Phoenix or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Big Island of Hawaii is a great island for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Phoenix is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Big Island of Hawaii. 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.

Phoenix is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel or two around town for budget travelers.

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

Phoenix and Big Island of Hawaii both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

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 Phoenix or Big Island of Hawaii a more walkable city?

Phoenix is adequate for its walkability. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for its high level of walkability.

Phoenix is generally not a very walkable city. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

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 Phoenix Worth Visiting? and Is Big Island of Hawaii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Island of Hawaii or Phoenix?

How long in Phoenix or Big Island of Hawaii?

Phoenix 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 Phoenix because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Phoenix, and 5-14 days is enough time in Big Island of Hawaii.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Big Island of Hawaii than Phoenix 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 Big Island of Hawaii.

One day in Phoenix or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Phoenix. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Phoenix has to offer.

In Big Island of Hawaii, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Phoenix or Big Island of Hawaii?

Phoenix is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Big Island of Hawaii, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Phoenix or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many people visit Phoenix for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Phoenix. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Big Island of Hawaii is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Big Island of Hawaii has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Phoenix or Big Island of Hawaii?

The sprawling destination of Phoenix offers nightlife and food. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Island of Hawaii. In Big Island of Hawaii, you'll find museums and food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Phoenix and Big Island of Hawaii, we can see that Big Island of Hawaii is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

When is the best time to visit Phoenix 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 Phoenix or Big Island of Hawaii in the Summer?

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Phoenix are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Phoenix for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Big Island of Hawaii because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Phoenix. In the summer, Phoenix is a little warmer than Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the summer temperatures in Phoenix in July average around 98°F (36°C), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. Phoenix usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during summer. Phoenix gets 380 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, Phoenix usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Phoenix gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Phoenix during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Big Island of Hawaii this time of year.

In October, Phoenix is generally around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Phoenix average around 79°F (26°C), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. In the autumn, Phoenix often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Phoenix gets 305 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. Phoenix usually gets less rain in October than Big Island of Hawaii. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Phoenix and Big Island of Hawaii. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Big Island of Hawaii for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Phoenix is much colder than Big Island of Hawaii in the winter. The daily temperature in Phoenix averages around 58°F (14°C) in January, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. Phoenix usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during winter. Phoenix gets 254 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, Phoenix usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Phoenix as well as Big Island of Hawaii. Also, many visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Phoenix is around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the spring temperatures in Phoenix in April average around 74°F (23°C), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In the spring, Phoenix often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Phoenix gets 355 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. Phoenix usually gets less rain in April than Big Island of Hawaii. Phoenix gets 0.2 inches (6 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 Phoenix