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

Should you visit Sacramento or Honolulu?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sacramento or Honolulu, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a laid back, relaxed, and undiscovered city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Honolulu

Honolulu is a vibrant, multi-cultural, and energetic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Sacramento and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sacramento or Honolulu?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Honolulu than Sacramento. While Sacramento is larger than Honolulu, Honolulu has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Honolulu is more touristy than Sacramento and is known for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. It is also well known for Pearl Harbor. Sacramento is famous for its history and state capital.

How is Sacramento different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

The museums and tourist attractions in Honolulu are world-renowned. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Sacramento. As the state capital, you'll find a number of historical and informational museums around town. You should check out the State Capital, as well as the California State Railroad Museum, the Crocker Museum of Art, Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, and the California Automobile Museum.

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

Honolulu is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Honolulu has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Sacramento area. Casual restaurants with laid back atmospheres are what's most common around town. You'll also find a variety of international cuisines that include Korean and Vietnamese.

Is Sacramento or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

Honolulu is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Honolulu has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Sacramento has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There highest concentration of activities are found in Downtown Sacramento. You'll find bars, clubs and live music in the area. You can also head to midtown, which has performing arts and comedy shows.

Is Sacramento or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Sacramento is not a resort destination.

Honolulu offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Sacramento is not a resort destination.

Is Sacramento or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Honolulu is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sacramento is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Honolulu to enjoy 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.

Sacramento is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sacramento or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is very popular for the beache. However, Sacramento is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Honolulu are among the best in 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.

Sacramento is not a beach destination.

Is Sacramento or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Sacramento is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Honolulu draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Sacramento is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sacramento or Honolulu?

Honolulu is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Honolulu is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Sacramento to go shopping. You'll find down-to-earth vendors who have reasonable prices and a great selection. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at the Old Sacramento Waterfront or along Folsom Boulevard.

Is Sacramento or Honolulu Better for Families?

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

Honolulu is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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 Sacramento. With the large number of families that live in the area, you'll a variety of kid-friendly activities. Options include smaller amusement parks like Funderland Amusement Park, museums like the Sacramento Children's Museum, and indoor trampoline parks. There's also Fairytale Town, which is an imagination filled playground.

Is Sacramento or Honolulu Better for Couples?

Honolulu is very popular for its romantic activities. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for couples.

Honolulu has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Sacramento is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Picnics, nice restaurants, and shows make for enjoyable date activities while you're in town.

Is Sacramento or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Honolulu is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many 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.

Sacramento is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although most backpackers skip this town for more popular destinations, there are a couple of hostels in town.

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

Honolulu is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Sacramento is lacking in good 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 Sacramento. There's both light rail and buses around town.

Is Sacramento or Honolulu a more walkable city?

Honolulu is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

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

Sacramento is generally not very walkable. You'll really want a car to get around town, but Midtown is one of the more walkable areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or Sacramento?

How long in Sacramento or Honolulu?

Both Sacramento 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 Sacramento. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Sacramento, and 5-7 days is enough time in Honolulu.

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

The city of Sacramento 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.

When visiting Honolulu, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Sacramento or Honolulu?

Sacramento 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 Sacramento, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

When visiting Honolulu, people usually allow for lots of time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Sacramento or Honolulu?

Sacramento 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Sacramento or Honolulu?

Sacramento 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Sacramento and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Sacramento or Honolulu?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Honolulu. When comparing the sizes of Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento or Honolulu in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sacramento and Honolulu. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sacramento this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Honolulu for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Sacramento is generally cooler than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Sacramento average around 76°F (24°C), and Honolulu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. In Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sacramento usually receives more sunshine than Honolulu during summer. Sacramento gets 439 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Sacramento usually receives less rain than Honolulu. Sacramento gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sacramento or Honolulu in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sacramento as well as Honolulu. Many travelers come to Sacramento for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Honolulu in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Sacramento is cooler than Honolulu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sacramento averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sacramento this time of the year. In the autumn, Sacramento often gets more sunshine than Honolulu. Sacramento gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun.

Sacramento usually gets less rain in October than Honolulu. Sacramento gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sacramento or Honolulu in the Winter?

Both Honolulu and Sacramento are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Sacramento in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Honolulu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Sacramento is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sacramento in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Honolulu averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. Sacramento usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during winter. Sacramento gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Sacramento usually receives around the same amount of rain as Honolulu. Sacramento gets 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sacramento or Honolulu in the Spring?

Both Honolulu and Sacramento during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Honolulu because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Sacramento is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Sacramento average around 58°F (15°C), and Honolulu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sacramento. In the spring, Sacramento often gets more sunshine than Honolulu. Sacramento gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun.

Sacramento usually gets less rain in April than Honolulu. Sacramento gets 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Sacramento