A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Rome vs. Honolulu for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Rome 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 Rome 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.

Rome

Rome is a ancient, archeological, and bustling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, 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. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Rome and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rome or Honolulu?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Honolulu than Rome. While Rome is larger than Honolulu, Honolulu has more sights and attractions for tourists. Honolulu is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Rome is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty. Rome is well known for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. Honolulu is well known for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. Also, Honolulu is famous for Pearl Harbor.

How is Rome different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Rome or Honolulu.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Rome on the map. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

Travelers visit Honolulu from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

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

Rome is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Rome have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Honolulu. 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.

Is Rome or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

Rome is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Rome is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

Honolulu has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Rome or Honolulu Better for Music?

Rome is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Honolulu is not a live music destination.

Rome is known as a music capital around the world. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Honolulu is not a live music destination.

Is Rome or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Rome is not a resort destination.

Honolulu is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Rome is not a resort destination.

Is Rome or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Honolulu is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rome is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Honolulu is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Rome is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rome or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Rome is not a beach destination.

Honolulu is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Rome is not a beach destination.

Is Rome or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Rome is not a hiking destination.

Around Honolulu visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Rome is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rome or Honolulu?

Rome is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Rome. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

Honolulu is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Rome or Honolulu Better for Families?

Honolulu is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Rome is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Honolulu is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Rome is a very family-friendly destination. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

Is Rome or Honolulu Better for Couples?

Honolulu is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Rome is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Honolulu is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Rome is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Is Rome or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Rome. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

Honolulu is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Is Rome or Honolulu Better for Students?

Rome is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Honolulu is not popular with students.

Rome is a very popular city for students. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

Honolulu is not popular with students.

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

Rome is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Visitors in Rome can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

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

Is Rome or Honolulu a more walkable city?

Rome is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Rome is a very easy city to get around on foot. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or Rome?

How long in Rome or Honolulu?

Both Rome and Honolulu have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Rome has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Rome than Honolulu. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Rome, and 5-7 days is enough time in Honolulu.

Families should spend more time in Honolulu than Rome. 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 Rome. 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 Rome than Honolulu 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 Rome.

One day in Rome or Honolulu?

Rome is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Honolulu. 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 Rome or Honolulu?

Rome is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. 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 Rome or Honolulu?

Rome is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rome, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the multi-cultural big city of Honolulu. 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 Rome or Honolulu?

Rome is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rome has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the multi-cultural city of Honolulu. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Rome or Honolulu?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Honolulu. When comparing the sizes of Rome 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 Rome or Honolulu?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Rome or Honolulu in the Summer?

Both Honolulu and Rome during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Rome because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.

In the summer, Rome is around the same temperature as Honolulu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rome in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Honolulu averages at about 81°F (27°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Rome. In the summer, Rome often gets more sunshine than Honolulu. Rome gets 338 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun.

Rome usually gets more rain in July than Honolulu. Rome gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rome or Honolulu in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Rome and Honolulu. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rome this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Honolulu for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Rome is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Rome average around 17°C (63°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. Rome usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during autumn. Rome gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Rome usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Rome gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Rome or Honolulu in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Rome as well as Honolulu. Many travelers come to Rome for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Honolulu in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Rome is much colder than Honolulu in the winter. The daily temperature in Rome averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. In the winter, Rome often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Rome gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun.

Rome usually gets less rain in January than Honolulu. Rome gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rome or Honolulu in the Spring?

Both Honolulu and Rome are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Rome in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Honolulu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Rome is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rome in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Honolulu averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rome. Rome usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during spring. Rome gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rome usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Rome gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Rome