A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America San Francisco vs. Big Island of Hawaii for Attractions, Food, Beaches, and Hiking

Should you visit San Francisco or Big Island of Hawaii?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Francisco or Big Island of Hawaii, 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.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a scenic, beautiful, and outdoorsy coastal 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 theater, nightlife, and live music.

Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii is a adventure-filled, laid back, and relaxing island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

San Francisco and Big Island of Hawaii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Francisco or Big Island of Hawaii?

Visitors will usually find more to do in San Francisco than Big Island of Hawaii, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. San Francisco is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Big Island of Hawaii is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. San Francisco is well known for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. Also, San Francisco is famous for The Golden Gate Bridge. Big Island of Hawaii is well known for its active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and majestic manta rays.

How is San Francisco different from Big Island of Hawaii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Big Island of Hawaii and San Francisco. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Francisco or Big Island of Hawaii?

San Francisco is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Big Island of Hawaii is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit San Francisco from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

Big Island of Hawaii offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several local museums around the island such as the Hulihe'e Palace and 'Imiloa Astronomy Center. There's also the Hawaii Plantation Museum and the Lyman House Museum.

Is San Francisco or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a nice place to visit for theatre. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in San Francisco, take in a show. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Big Island of Hawaii is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in San Francisco or Big Island of Hawaii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Francisco is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Big Island of Hawaii is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, San Francisco is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Big Island of Hawaii. It can be challenging to find local restaurants that aren't catering to the tourist crowd, but when you do you'll be rewarded with great local dishes. Seafood, poke bowls, and shave ice are all popular.

Is San Francisco or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Nightlife?

San Francisco is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities San Francisco has a few options to choose from. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Most people don't head to Big Island of Hawaii specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The nightlife scene is very chill with many local places that have live music and drinks. You won't find any major nightclubs, but there are karaoke bars and laid back breweries. The most options are found in Hilo and Kailua-Kona.

Is San Francisco or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Music?

San Francisco is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep San Francisco active and fun. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Big Island of Hawaii is not a live music destination.

Is San Francisco or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Resorts?

Big Island of Hawaii is an amazing island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, San Francisco is not a resort destination.

Big Island of Hawaii offers an unforgettable resort vacation. There are a number of beautiful luxury resorts on the island like the Hilton Waikoloa Village, the Four Seasons Resort, and Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort.

San Francisco is not a resort destination.

Is San Francisco or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Big Island of Hawaii is an amazing island to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, San Francisco is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Big Island of Hawaii specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. There are a number of beautiful snorkeling spots where you'll see beautiful fish and sometimes even sea turtles. A bucket list experience is also diving or snorkeling with the manta rays, which will take your breath away.

San Francisco is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is San Francisco or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Beaches?

Big Island of Hawaii is an amazing island to visit for the beach. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its beaches.

The beaches in Big Island of Hawaii are among the best in the world. This is a younger island than most in Hawaii, so the beaches are varied and diverse. You'll find white sand beaches, black volcanic sand beaches, and even green sand. There are also areas where the lava rock reaches the ocean. Hapuna Beach is a favorite as is Honl's Beach.

The beaches at San Francisco attract visitors from all over. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Is San Francisco or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Hiking?

San Francisco and Big Island of Hawaii are both places where visitors can find amazing hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, San Francisco draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Around Big Island of Hawaii visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The island is filled with miles of spectacular hiking trails. They'll take you to iconic waterfalls, world-renowned viewpoints, and through fields of lava rocks. Many people spend days hiking in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, but there are also impressive hikes along the Kona Coast.

Is the Shopping Better in San Francisco or Big Island of Hawaii?

San Francisco is renowned for shopping. Also, Big Island of Hawaii is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in San Francisco. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

Big Island of Hawaii is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many local artisan shops on the island, particular in Hilo, Historic Kailua Village and along the Kohala Coast. You'll find handmade quilts, wooden carved products, and handcrafted jewelry.

Is San Francisco or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Families?

San Francisco and Big Island of Hawaii are both amazing destinations for the whole family.

San Francisco is an amazing family-friendly coastal city to visit. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

Big Island of Hawaii is an extremely popular coastal city to visit for families. Families will enjoy the laid back island vibe. You can spend some time on the beach and then head inland to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. If your kids are adventurous, the island is a great place to dive or snorkel with manta rays. There are also great hikes, helicopter rides, and luaus.

Is San Francisco or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Couples?

Big Island of Hawaii is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

Big Island of Hawaii has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples who enjoy a relaxed beach vibe will love a visit to this laid back island. There are upscale resorts as well as independent hotels that have a more personal style. The island also has stunning views, impressive hikes, and countless opportunities for romance.

San Francisco is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

Is San Francisco or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both San Francisco and Big Island of Hawaii are superb places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit San Francisco. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Big Island of Hawaii. This is one of the most popular islands for backpackers. It has a mellow atmosphere that appeals to young travelers. There are also hostels on the island, but transportation can be challenging.

Is San Francisco or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Students?

San Francisco is a great coastal city for its student-friendly activities. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not popular with students.

San Francisco is a great coastal city to visit as a student. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

Big Island of Hawaii is not popular with students.

Is San Francisco or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

San Francisco is renowned for times when you don't have a car. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for its public transit.

San Francisco has a great public transit system. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

Public transit is generally limited in Big Island of Hawaii. There is a bus service that connects Kona and Hilo. It's called the Hele-On and there are both north and south routes.

Is San Francisco or Big Island of Hawaii a more walkable city?

San Francisco is a great coastal city for its walkability. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for its high level of walkability.

San Francisco is very walkable. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

Big Island of Hawaii is not a walkable coastal city. It's the largest of the Hawaiian islands and a car is necessary if you want to see the whole thing.

For even more information, also check out Is San Francisco Worth Visiting? and Is Big Island of Hawaii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Island of Hawaii or San Francisco?

How long in San Francisco or Big Island of Hawaii?

San Francisco and Big Island of Hawaii both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Big Island of Hawaii than San Francisco because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for San Francisco, and 5-14 days is enough time in Big Island of Hawaii.

Couples should spend more time in San Francisco than Big Island of Hawaii. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in San Francisco that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco than Big Island of Hawaii 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 San Francisco.

One day in San Francisco or Big Island of Hawaii?

San Francisco is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Big Island of Hawaii. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in San Francisco or Big Island of Hawaii?

San Francisco is a fun place to experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Island of Hawaii. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in San Francisco or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many people visit San Francisco for five days. San Francisco is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the laid back destination of Big Island of Hawaii. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in San Francisco or Big Island of Hawaii?

San Francisco is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Many people spend one week here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Francisco, one week is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful island of Big Island of Hawaii. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between San Francisco and Big Island of Hawaii, we can see that Big Island of Hawaii 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 San Francisco Expensive? and Is Big Island of Hawaii Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit San Francisco or Big Island of Hawaii?

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 San Francisco or Big Island of Hawaii in the Summer?

Both Big Island of Hawaii and San Francisco are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Big Island of Hawaii this time of year.

In the summer, San Francisco is cooler than Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Francisco in July average around 63°F (17°C), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Big Island of Hawaii. In July, San Francisco usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. San Francisco gets 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit San Francisco or Big Island of Hawaii in the Autumn?

Both Big Island of Hawaii and San Francisco during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Big Island of Hawaii for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, San Francisco is generally cooler than Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in San Francisco average around 63°F (17°C), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

Big Island of Hawaii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. San Francisco usually gets less rain in October than Big Island of Hawaii. San Francisco gets 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Francisco or Big Island of Hawaii in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Francisco and Big Island of Hawaii. Many travelers come to San Francisco for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

San Francisco is much colder than Big Island of Hawaii in the winter. The daily temperature in San Francisco averages around 50°F (10°C) in January, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Big Island of Hawaii receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, San Francisco usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. San Francisco gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit San Francisco or Big Island of Hawaii in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to San Francisco as well as Big Island of Hawaii. Many visitors come to San Francisco in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, San Francisco is much colder than Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Francisco in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite rainy in Big Island of Hawaii. San Francisco usually gets less rain in April than Big Island of Hawaii. San Francisco gets 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Big Island of Hawaii and San Francisco