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

Should you visit Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam 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.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a modern, trendy, and high energy port city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Rotterdam and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Honolulu?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Honolulu than Rotterdam. While Rotterdam is larger than Honolulu, Honolulu has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Honolulu is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. Also, Honolulu is famous for Pearl Harbor. Rotterdam is well known for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Rotterdam different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

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.

Rotterdam is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although many of the historic buildings around town were destroyed during World War II, there are still a number of sights worth checking out. Head to the Old Harbor and Marine Museums, the Museum Boijmans-van Beuningen, or the Wereldmuseum to see some interesting places.

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

Honolulu is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Rotterdam offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains.

Is Rotterdam or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is very good in both Rotterdam and Honolulu.

Many people head to Rotterdam for the nightlife scene. It is a trendy city with an active nightlife. You can relax with a beer or hit up one of the clubs around town. Popular options are Club Vibes, Toffler, and Club Vie.

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 Rotterdam or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Rotterdam is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Honolulu for its luxury resorts. 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.

Rotterdam is not a resort destination.

Is Rotterdam or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rotterdam or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for the beach. However, Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Honolulu offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Rotterdam or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for hiking. However, Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Honolulu is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Honolulu?

If you're looking to go shopping, Rotterdam and Honolulu both offer plenty of very good spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Rotterdam. You'll find fashion and clothing shops in the area around Lijnbaan and Beurstraverse. This is also where you'll find the shopping mall of Bijenkorf.

Honolulu is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Rotterdam or Honolulu Better for Families?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Honolulu is very family-friendly. 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.

Rotterdam is a very family-friendly place to visit. Fun activities for kids include Miniworld Rotterdam, the Kids Marina, and Fun Forest, which has ziplines and a ropes course.

Is Rotterdam or Honolulu Better for Couples?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Honolulu is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Rotterdam is a nice destination for couples. It is a modern city with good restaurants and some fun activities.

Is Rotterdam or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Honolulu is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Rotterdam. There are a number of hostels around town as well as a good nightlife that appeals to backpackers.

Is Rotterdam or Honolulu Better for Students?

Rotterdam is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Honolulu is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Rotterdam. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

Honolulu is not popular with students.

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

Rotterdam is great 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.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Rotterdam. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

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

Is Rotterdam or Honolulu a more walkable city?

Rotterdam and Honolulu are very good when it comes to walkability.

Rotterdam is a very walkable destination. There are broad streets with wide sidewalks that are pedestrian friendly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Honolulu?

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

Families should spend more time in Honolulu than Rotterdam. 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 Rotterdam. 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 Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam or Honolulu?

Rotterdam is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Honolulu. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Rotterdam or Honolulu?

Rotterdam is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rotterdam, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the vibrant big city of Honolulu. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Rotterdam or Honolulu?

Rotterdam 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the vibrant city of Honolulu. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Rotterdam or Honolulu?

Rotterdam 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 port city offers something for everyone.

Honolulu is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Honolulu, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands, 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 Rotterdam and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu is more expensive. And not only is Rotterdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam.

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

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Honolulu?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Honolulu. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam or Honolulu in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Rotterdam is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rotterdam in July average around 17°C (62°F), 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 Rotterdam. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Honolulu in the Autumn?

Both Honolulu and Rotterdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.

In October, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 11°C (51°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in October than Honolulu. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Honolulu in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Rotterdam in the winter. Rotterdam is much colder than Honolulu in the winter. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 2°C (36°F) 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. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Honolulu. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Honolulu in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Honolulu. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Honolulu in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Rotterdam is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rotterdam in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Honolulu averages at about 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. In the spring, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in April than Honolulu. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Rotterdam