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

Should you visit San Jose or Honolulu?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Jose 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 Jose

San Jose is a traditional, colorful, and bustling city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See San Jose travel costs.

Honolulu

Honolulu is a energetic, vibrant, and multi-cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Honolulu is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Honolulu travel costs.

San Jose and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Jose or Honolulu?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Honolulu. Although San Jose and Honolulu are about the same size, Honolulu has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Honolulu is more touristy than San Jose and is known for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. It is also home to Pearl Harbor. San Jose is popular for its colorful markets and vibrant nightlife, as well as its easy access to the rest of the country.

How is San Jose different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Jose or Honolulu?

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

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.

San Jose offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Despite most people rushing through town, there are a number of museums, plazas, and interesting buildings that are worth checking out.

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

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in San Jose. Most people miss out on local cuisine during their time in Costa Rica, but the capital city offers the best opportunities to eat like a local. You can sample favorite local dishes such as chifrijo, gallo pinto, rondón, and casado. You should also wander through the Central Market and dine at one of the many local restaurants.

Is San Jose or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in San Jose and Honolulu.

San Jose has a large number of nightlife venues. This city has the best nightlife in all of Costa Rica. You'll find a diversity of clubs and bars that are fun to explore. Check out the reggae bars, dance clubs, and sports bars (where you can enjoy a soccer game) while you're in town.

Honolulu is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 San Jose or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

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

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

Honolulu is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, San Jose 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 Jose is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is San Jose or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is very popular for its beaches. However, San Jose 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.

San Jose is not a beach destination.

Is San Jose or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is very popular for its hiking trails. However, San Jose 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.

San Jose is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Jose or Honolulu?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both San Jose and Honolulu.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting San Jose. There are a number of unique things you can buy in the city including jewelry, handbags, and wood workings. Make sure you check out the Central Market.

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 Jose or Honolulu More Beautiful?

Honolulu is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, San Jose is not a destination known for its beauty.

Honolulu is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's beautiful beaches and scenic viewpoints make this a beautiful city. It also has a mix of cultures and dynamic neighborhoods.

San Jose is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is San Jose or Honolulu Better for Families?

Honolulu is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. However, San Jose is lacking in good options 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.

San Jose doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Most people pass through the city quickly, but if you have a day or two to explore, you can visit the Children's Museum (Museo de los Niños), Spirogyra Butterfly Gardens, or explore the Central Market.

Is San Jose or Honolulu Better for Couples?

Honolulu is very popular for romance. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of San Jose as a couple's destination. While Costa Rica is a popular honeymoon destination, the capital city is often overlooked for the beaches and rainforests around the country.

Is San Jose or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Jose and Honolulu are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

San Jose is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Backpackers appreciate the affordability of the city and the wide range of hostels that you can choose from. The city also offers an authentic glimpse of life in Costa Rica.

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 San Jose or Honolulu Better for Students?

San Jose is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Honolulu is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit San Jose. Many students come to Costa Rica to study the country's amazing environment and unique ecological systems. San Jose makes a good base as its easy to travel to other parts of this small country.

Honolulu is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both San Jose and Honolulu.

San Jose has some public transit options. There are local buses that travel through the city during the daytime hours.

You'll find some public transit in Honolulu, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. TheBus is the public bus system through the city and elsewhere on Oahu.

Is San Jose or Honolulu a more walkable city?

Honolulu is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

San Jose is a somewhat walkable place. It can feel a bit chaotic, but it's relatively easy to get around on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or San Jose?

How long in San Jose or Honolulu?

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

Families should spend more time in Honolulu than San Jose. 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 Jose. 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 San Jose 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 San Jose or Honolulu?

The city of San Jose 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.

Honolulu 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.

A weekend in San Jose or Honolulu?

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

Honolulu is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Five days in San Jose or Honolulu?

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

A week in San Jose or Honolulu?

San Jose 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 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 Honolulu has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.

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

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

Which is Bigger, San Jose or Honolulu?

Honolulu has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of San Jose 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 Jose or Honolulu?

Honolulu has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Jose experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit San Jose or Honolulu in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both San Jose and Honolulu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round. Also, many travelers come to Honolulu for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

San Jose is around the same temperature as Honolulu in the summer. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Honolulu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. San Jose usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during summer. San Jose gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

San Jose gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, San Jose usually receives more rain than Honolulu. San Jose gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit San Jose or Honolulu in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to San Jose as well as Honolulu. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. 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.

In the autumn, San Jose is around the same temperature as Honolulu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Jose in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Honolulu averages at about 80°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. In the autumn, San Jose often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. San Jose gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun.

San Jose receives a lot of rain in the autumn. San Jose usually gets more rain in October than Honolulu. San Jose gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in San Jose is the dry season. Also, the hurricane season in San Jose is May to November.

Should I visit San Jose or Honolulu in the Winter?

Both Honolulu and San Jose are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Honolulu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, San Jose is generally a little warmer than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 27°C (81°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Jose. San Jose usually receives more sunshine than Honolulu during winter. San Jose gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, San Jose usually receives less rain than Honolulu. San Jose gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit San Jose or Honolulu in the Spring?

Both Honolulu and San Jose during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Honolulu because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

San Jose is a little warmer than Honolulu in the spring. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Honolulu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in San Jose. In the spring, San Jose often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Honolulu. San Jose gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun.

San Jose usually gets less rain in April than Honolulu. San Jose gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in San Jose. Keep in mind that May to November is the hurricane season in San Jose.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and San Jose