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

Should you visit San Francisco or Honolulu?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Francisco 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.

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 beaches, hiking, and shopping.

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.

San Francisco and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Francisco or Honolulu?

You'll generally find more things to do in San Francisco than Honolulu. San Francisco is bigger than Honolulu, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. San Francisco is better known for its theatre productions, food, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Honolulu is more popular for its nightlife, 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. Honolulu is well known for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes.

How is San Francisco different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Honolulu 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 Honolulu?

You'll find a number of first-rate museums and attractions in both Honolulu and San Francisco.

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

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Honolulu that are not to be missed. 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 San Francisco or Honolulu Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a coastal city with good options for theatre. However, Honolulu 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.

Honolulu is not a theatre destination.

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

San Francisco 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 San Francisco have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

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 San Francisco or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

Honolulu is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Honolulu has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in San Francisco. 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.

Is San Francisco or Honolulu Better for Music?

San Francisco is a coastal city with good options for live music. However, Honolulu is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Honolulu is not a live music destination.

Is San Francisco or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, San Francisco 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.

San Francisco is not a resort destination.

Is San Francisco or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Honolulu is a great city for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, San Francisco 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.

San Francisco is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is San Francisco or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is an amazing city 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 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.

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 Honolulu Better for Hiking?

San Francisco and Honolulu are both places where visitors can find first-rate 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 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.

Is the Shopping Better in San Francisco or Honolulu?

San Francisco 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 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.

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 San Francisco or Honolulu Better for Families?

San Francisco and Honolulu are both first-rate 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.

Honolulu is an extremely popular coastal 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.

Is San Francisco or Honolulu Better for Couples?

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

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.

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 Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both San Francisco and Honolulu are high quality 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 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.

Is San Francisco or Honolulu Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in San Francisco. 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.

Honolulu is not popular with students.

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

San Francisco 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 San Francisco can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

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

Is San Francisco or Honolulu a more walkable city?

San Francisco and Honolulu are high quality when it comes to walkability.

San Francisco is a very walkable destination. 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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or San Francisco?

How long in San Francisco or Honolulu?

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

Families should spend more time in Honolulu than San Francisco. 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 San Francisco. 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco.

One day in San Francisco or Honolulu?

San Francisco is a big city with plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the vibrant big city of Honolulu. 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 Honolulu?

San Francisco is a popular place that is full of things to see and 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Honolulu. 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 Honolulu?

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the multi-cultural big city of Honolulu. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city 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 Honolulu?

San Francisco is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Francisco has to offer. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful city of Honolulu. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Francisco and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu is more expensive. And not only is San Francisco much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Francisco would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Francisco 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 San Francisco.

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 Honolulu Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, San Francisco or Honolulu?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 97% larger than the population of Honolulu. When comparing the sizes of San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco or Honolulu in the Summer?

Both Honolulu and San Francisco are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Francisco 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 the summer, San Francisco is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Francisco in July average around 63°F (17°C), and Honolulu averages at about 81°F (27°C).

In July, San Francisco usually receives less rain than Honolulu. San Francisco gets 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit San Francisco or Honolulu in the Autumn?

Both Honolulu and San Francisco during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to San Francisco for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, 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.

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

San Francisco usually gets less rain in October than Honolulu. San Francisco gets 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Francisco or Honolulu in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Francisco and Honolulu. Many visitors come to San Francisco in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Honolulu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

San Francisco is much colder than Honolulu in the winter. The daily temperature in San Francisco averages around 50°F (10°C) in January, and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In January, San Francisco usually receives around the same amount of rain as Honolulu. San Francisco gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit San Francisco or Honolulu in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to San Francisco as well as Honolulu. Most visitors come to San Francisco for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Honolulu because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, San Francisco is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Francisco in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Honolulu averages at about 76°F (24°C).

San Francisco usually gets less rain in April than Honolulu. San Francisco gets 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and San Francisco