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

Should you visit Providence or Honolulu?

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 Providence and Honolulu. 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.

Where Should I go: Providence or Honolulu?

Providence

Providence is the state capital and the largest city in Rhode Island. It's a fascinating city to visit with diverse neighborhoods, beautiful parks, and a rich history. Like much of New England, the winters are cold and snowy with milder summers. It's a great year round destination that has a beautiful setting whether it's covered in snow or in full bloom.

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 Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Honolulu or Providence?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Providence is $210, 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 Providence and Honolulu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Providence $114
    Honolulu $183
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Providence $228
    Honolulu $366
Compare Hotels in Providence and Honolulu

Looking for a hotel in Providence 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 Providence


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: Providence Hotel Prices and Honolulu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Providence $46
    Honolulu $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Providence

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

  • New York’s JFK International Airport to Providence – Departure Private Transfer: $275
  • Providence to Boston’s Logan International Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $172
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $93
  • Private Transfer from Providence City Hotels to Newport Port: $62
  • Private Transfer from Providence Airport (PVD) to Newport Port : $50
  • Providence to Rhode Island Airport PVD Departure Transfer : $46
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $46
  • Private Departure Transfer to Providence TF Green Airport PVD: $36

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 Providence or Honolulu?

Prices for flights to both Honolulu and Providence 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
    Providence $48
    Honolulu $53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Providence

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

  • Downcity Providence Food Tour: $89

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.
    Providence $26
    Honolulu $40

Tours and Activities in Providence

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

  • Boat Tour of Green Jacket Shoal: $58
  • Brews Cruise with Narragansett Beer: $60
  • Creative Capital: Art and Architecture Tour of Providence: $40
  • Discover Providence Guided Sightseeing Tour: $40
  • Downtown Providence Self-Driving Audio Tour: $13
  • Haunted Boat Tours: $49
  • Haunted History Walking Tour of Providence: $30
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Providence, RI: $15
  • Narrated Boat Tours: $38
  • Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour: $30
  • Providence Architecture Boat Tour: $65
  • Providence Ghosts Phantoms and Poltergeists Tour: $30

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
    Providence $13
    Honolulu $6.47

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

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


Which is Bigger, Providence or Honolulu?

Honolulu has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Providence. When comparing the sizes of Providence 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 Providence 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 Providence or Honolulu in the Summer?

Both Honolulu and Providence are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Providence for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Providence is cooler than Honolulu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Providence in July average around 73°F (23°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 Providence. Providence usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Honolulu during summer. Providence gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Providence usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Providence gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Providence 73°F (23°C) 
    Honolulu 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Providence or Honolulu in the Autumn?

Both Honolulu and Providence during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Providence because of the shopping scene.

In October, Providence is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Providence average around 53°F (12°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 Providence. In the autumn, Providence often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Providence gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun.

Providence usually gets more rain in October than Honolulu. Providence gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Providence 53°F (12°C) 
    Honolulu 80°F (26°C)

Should I visit Providence or Honolulu in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Providence and Honolulu. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Providence this time of year.

It's quite cold in Providence in the winter. Providence is much colder than Honolulu in the winter. The daily temperature in Providence averages around 28°F (-2°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. Providence usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during winter. Providence gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Providence usually receives less rain than Honolulu. Providence gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Providence 28°F (-2°C) 
    Honolulu 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Providence or Honolulu in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Providence is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Providence in April average around 48°F (9°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 Providence this time of the year. In the spring, Providence often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Providence gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun.

Providence usually gets more rain in April than Honolulu. Providence gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Providence 48°F (9°C) 
    Honolulu 76°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Providence

Providence Honolulu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 74°F (24°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 76°F (24°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 78°F (25°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 80°F (26°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 81°F (27°C) 0.6 inches (15 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 81°F (27°C) 0.4 inches (11 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 81°F (27°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 80°F (26°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)