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

Should you visit Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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: Phoenix or Honolulu?

Phoenix

The most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and busiest hub of activity in the general area. Geographically it is located in the Sonoran Desert, making for long hot summers and mild winters. This climate has ensured a thriving tourism industry with plenty of attractions both in and around Phoenix.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.


Which place is cheaper, Honolulu or Phoenix?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Phoenix is $238, 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 Phoenix and Honolulu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Phoenix $144
    Honolulu $183
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Phoenix $288
    Honolulu $366
Compare Hotels in Phoenix and Honolulu

Looking for a hotel in Phoenix 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 Phoenix


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: Phoenix Hotel Prices and Honolulu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Phoenix $39
    Honolulu $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix

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

  • Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury Van: $149
  • Phoenix International Airport (PHX) - Private transfer From/to Hotels: $118
  • Arrival Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix City : $117
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $110
  • Private Transfer from Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $110
  • Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $110
  • Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $110
  • Departure Private Transfer Phoenix City to Phoenix Airport PHX : $110
  • One-Way Transfer Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $104
  • Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Business Car: $96
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Arrival Private Transfer: $59
  • Private Transfer From Hotels To Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport PHX : $41

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
  • Chief's Luau Admission Including Transfers: $181
  • Honolulu Airport & KoOlina Hotels Private Transfer by Luxury SUV(up to 5 People): $180
  • HNL Airport & Waikiki Private Transfer by Brand New Mercedes Van: $160
  • Arrival Private Transfer Honolulu Airport HNL to Beach Resorts by Executive Car: $157
  • Oahu: 3 Ziplines and Coral Crater Tour with Transfer: $147
  • Honolulu Airport & Waikiki Hotels Private Transfer by Passenger Van(up to 14ppl): $140
  • VIP Transfer Between Waikiki & Honolulu Airport, /vice versa: $136
  • Honolulu Private Transfer from/to Airport,Port (1-12 Passengers): $128
  • Honolulu Hawaii Airport Transfer: $115
  • Honolulu Airport (HNL) to Honolulu/ Waikiki - Round-Trip Transfer: $101
  • Honolulu Airport & Waikiki Hotels Private Transfer by SUV(up to 6 people): $100

Is it cheaper to fly into Phoenix or Honolulu?

Prices for flights to both Honolulu and Phoenix 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
    Phoenix $52
    Honolulu $53
Typical Food Prices in Phoenix

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


  • Nice Lunch (for 2)
    $36
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix

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

  • Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $92
  • Downtown Phoenix Food Tour: $92
  • Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
  • Quiche Lorraine French Cooking Class in Scottsdale: $129

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.
    Phoenix $40
    Honolulu $40

Tours and Activities in Phoenix

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

  • 1.5 Hour Stretch Limo Golf Cart Tour, Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $79
  • 1/2 DAY SONORAN DESERT HIKE. Tour, Workout or Challenge Pace.: $115
  • 2 Hour Scottsdale Segway Tours - Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $76
  • 2 Hour Segway Tour - Sunsets, Segways & City Lights: $76
  • 2-Hour Arizona Desert Guided E-Bike Tour: $135
  • 2.5 Hour FAT Tire E-Bike Tour – Scottsdale Greenbelt Adventure: $119
  • 3 Cities & Nature Tour. Shop, Art, History, Food. Scottsdale, Phoenix, & Tempe.: $168
  • 3 Hour Guided TomCar ATV Tour in Sonoran Desert: $219
  • 3 Hour Sonoran Desert Private Guided Mountain Bike Tour: $135
  • Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Van Tour: $160
  • Beautiful Boat Cruise in Lake Pleasant Arizona: $89
  • Black Ops Experience: $259

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
    Phoenix $17
    Honolulu $6.47

Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:

  • Scottsdale Bar Hunt: Scorching Scottsdale Bar Crawl: $12
  • Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $55
  • Verde Valley Wine Tasting From Scottsdale/Phoenix/Tempe: $199
  • Haunted Jerome Wine & Brewery tasting from Scottsdale: $225
  • Custom Arizona Brewery / Vineyard Tour: $245

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 Phoenix and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu is more expensive. And not only is Phoenix much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Phoenix would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Phoenix 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 Phoenix.

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


Which is Bigger, Phoenix or Honolulu?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Honolulu. When comparing the sizes of Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix or Honolulu in the Summer?

Both Honolulu and Phoenix are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Phoenix. In the summer, Phoenix is a little warmer than Honolulu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Phoenix in July average around 98°F (36°C), and Honolulu averages at about 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. Phoenix usually receives more sunshine than Honolulu during summer. Phoenix gets 380 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Phoenix usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Phoenix gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Phoenix 98°F (36°C) 
    Honolulu 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Phoenix or Honolulu in the Autumn?

Both Honolulu and Phoenix during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.

In October, Phoenix is generally around the same temperature as Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Phoenix average around 79°F (26°C), and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Phoenix. In the autumn, Phoenix often gets more sunshine than Honolulu. Phoenix gets 305 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun.

Phoenix usually gets less rain in October than Honolulu. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Phoenix 79°F (26°C) 
    Honolulu 80°F (26°C)

Should I visit Phoenix or Honolulu in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Phoenix and Honolulu. Many travelers come to Phoenix for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Phoenix is much colder than Honolulu in the winter. The daily temperature in Phoenix averages around 58°F (14°C) in January, and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. Phoenix usually receives more sunshine than Honolulu during winter. Phoenix gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Phoenix usually receives less rain than Honolulu. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Phoenix 58°F (14°C) 
    Honolulu 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Phoenix or Honolulu in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Phoenix as well as Honolulu.

In the spring, Phoenix is around the same temperature as Honolulu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Phoenix in April average around 74°F (23°C), and Honolulu averages at about 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In the spring, Phoenix often gets more sunshine than Honolulu. Phoenix gets 355 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun.

Phoenix usually gets less rain in April than Honolulu. Phoenix gets 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Phoenix 74°F (23°C) 
    Honolulu 76°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Phoenix

Phoenix Honolulu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 58°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 66°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm) 74°F (24°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Apr 74°F (23°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm) 76°F (24°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
May 83°F (28°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm) 78°F (25°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)
Jun 92°F (34°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm) 80°F (26°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Jul 98°F (36°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 81°F (27°C) 0.6 inches (15 mm)
Aug 96°F (35°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm) 81°F (27°C) 0.4 inches (11 mm)
Sep 90°F (32°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm) 81°F (27°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Oct 79°F (26°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm) 80°F (26°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Nov 66°F (19°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Dec 58°F (15°C) 1 inches (25 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)