A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Seattle vs. Honolulu for Attractions, Beaches, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Seattle or Honolulu?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Seattle 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.

Seattle

Seattle is a bustling, progressive, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Seattle and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seattle or Honolulu?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Honolulu than Seattle. While Seattle is larger than Honolulu, Honolulu has more sights and attractions for tourists. Honolulu is better known for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Seattle is more popular for its theatre productions and music. Honolulu is more touristy than Seattle and is popular for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. Also, Honolulu is famous for Pearl Harbor. Seattle is well known for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies.

How is Seattle different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Honolulu is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Honolulu on the map. 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 Seattle. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Is Seattle or Honolulu Better for Theater?

Seattle is a city with good options for theatre. However, Honolulu is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Seattle, take in a show. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Honolulu is not a theatre destination.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Seattle and Honolulu.

Dining out in Seattle is an experience not to be missed. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

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.

Is Seattle or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are high quality in both Seattle and Honolulu.

Seattle has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Honolulu has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Seattle or Honolulu Better for Music?

Seattle is great for live music. However, Honolulu is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Seattle draws a good crowd. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Honolulu is not a live music destination.

Is Seattle or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is renowned for its resorts. However, Seattle 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.

Seattle is not a resort destination.

Is Seattle or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Honolulu is notable for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Seattle 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.

Seattle is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Seattle or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is renowned for the beach. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Seattle. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Is Seattle or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is renowned for the nearby hiking options. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Seattle. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Seattle or Honolulu?

Honolulu is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Honolulu. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Seattle or Honolulu Better for Families?

Honolulu is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-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.

Seattle is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Seattle or Honolulu Better for Couples?

Honolulu is renowned for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Seattle or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Honolulu is notable for backpackers. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Honolulu is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Seattle is a good city to visit for backpackers. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Seattle or Honolulu Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in Seattle. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

Honolulu is not popular with students.

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

Both Seattle and Honolulu offer notable public transit options.

Seattle has a few public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

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

Is Seattle or Honolulu a more walkable city?

Seattle and Honolulu both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Seattle is a very walkable destination. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or Seattle?

How long in Seattle or Honolulu?

Both Seattle 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 Seattle. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Seattle, and 5-7 days is enough time in Honolulu.

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

Seattle 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.

In Honolulu, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Seattle or Honolulu?

Seattle 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Seattle, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Honolulu, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Seattle or Honolulu?

Seattle 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Honolulu has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Seattle or Honolulu?

Seattle is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Honolulu. In Honolulu, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Seattle or Honolulu?

Seattle has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Honolulu. When comparing the sizes of Seattle 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 Seattle or Honolulu?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Seattle or Honolulu in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Seattle as well as Honolulu. The beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seattle this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Honolulu for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Seattle is cooler than Honolulu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Seattle in July average around 67°F (19°C), and Honolulu averages at about 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle this time of the year. In the summer, Seattle often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Honolulu. Seattle gets 313 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun.

Seattle usually gets more rain in July than Honolulu. Seattle gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seattle or Honolulu in the Autumn?

Both Honolulu and Seattle are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Seattle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. 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 October, Seattle is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Seattle average around 54°F (12°C), and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. Seattle usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during autumn. Seattle gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Seattle usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Seattle gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seattle or Honolulu in the Winter?

Both Honolulu and Seattle during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Seattle in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Honolulu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Seattle is much colder than Honolulu in the winter. The daily temperature in Seattle averages around 42°F (5°C) in January, and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Seattle often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Seattle gets 67 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Seattle. Seattle usually gets more rain in January than Honolulu. Seattle gets 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seattle or Honolulu in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Seattle and Honolulu. Most visitors come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Honolulu because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Seattle is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Seattle in April average around 51°F (11°C), and Honolulu averages at about 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. In Seattle, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seattle usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during spring. Seattle gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Seattle usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Seattle gets 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Seattle