A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Reno vs. Honolulu for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Reno or Honolulu?

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

Should I visit Reno or Honolulu? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Reno

Reno is a growing, vibrant, and energetic city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Honolulu

Honolulu is a multi-cultural, energetic, and vibrant city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Reno and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Reno or Honolulu?

You'll generally find more things to do in Honolulu than Reno. Honolulu is bigger than Reno, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Honolulu is more touristy than Reno and is known for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. Also, Honolulu is famous for Pearl Harbor. Reno is well known for its casinos and nightlife scene.

How is Reno different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Honolulu is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Honolulu has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Reno is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Museums in town range from art and history to local or quirky. The National Automobile Museum, the Nevada Museum of Art, Fleischmann Planetarium, and the Anthropology Museum are some of the favorites.

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

Honolulu is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Honolulu has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Reno offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food scene has been growing in recent years and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants that serve hearty and filling comfort foods.

Is Reno or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

Both Reno and Honolulu have excellent vibes after the sun sets.

Reno has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There's a big nightlife scene with a huge number of bars and entertainment options. There are also a growing number of breweries in town.

The people in Honolulu know how to have a good time. 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 Reno or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Reno is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Honolulu is a great choice. 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.

Reno is not a resort destination.

Is Reno or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Honolulu is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Reno is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Honolulu. 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.

Reno is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Reno or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is renowned for the beach. However, Reno is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Honolulu. 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.

Reno is not a beach destination.

Is Reno or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Reno is not a hiking destination.

People visit Honolulu specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Reno is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Reno or Honolulu?

Honolulu is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

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.

Reno is a great destination for shopping. In addition to your standard suburban shopping malls and strip malls, there's the Midtown District, which has local retail shops and an eclectic and alternative vibe. The area has thrift shops, music vendors, and more.

Is Reno or Honolulu Better for Families?

Honolulu is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Honolulu is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Reno. You'll find some arcades and entertainment options for kids in some of the casinos. There's also the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, which has kid-friendly, hands-on exhibits, and the largest zoo in Nevado, the Sierra Nevada Zoological Park.

Is Reno or Honolulu Better for Couples?

Honolulu is renowned for couples. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Honolulu makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Reno is a nice destination for couples. There are outdoor parks and scenic walks like the Truckee River Walk or the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. There's also several great museums and some interesting restaurants.

Is Reno or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Honolulu is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Reno is lacking in options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Honolulu. 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.

Reno is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really on the backpacker circuit so you won't find any real hostels in town.

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

Honolulu is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Reno is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Reno. There's a public bus system with routes around town.

Is Reno or Honolulu a more walkable city?

Honolulu is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Reno is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Reno is generally not very walkable. While there are some reasonably walkable neighborhoods, you really need a car to get around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or Reno?

How long in Reno or Honolulu?

Both Reno 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 Reno. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Reno, and 5-7 days is enough time in Honolulu.

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

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

The city of Reno offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. 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 Reno or Honolulu?

Reno is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Reno, a weekend is sufficent for most. 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 Reno or Honolulu?

Reno is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Honolulu is a multi-cultural 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 Reno or Honolulu?

Reno is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Honolulu is a energetic 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 Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Reno or Honolulu?

Honolulu has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Reno. When comparing the sizes of Reno 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.