A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sydney vs. Honolulu for Attractions, Nightlife, Beaches, and Hiking

Should you visit Sydney or Honolulu?

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

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

Sydney

Sydney is a diverse, energetic, and outdoorsy city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

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 scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Sydney and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sydney or Honolulu?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Honolulu than Sydney. While Sydney is larger than Honolulu, Honolulu has more sights and attractions for tourists. Honolulu is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and hiking, while Sydney is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Honolulu is more touristy than Sydney and is popular for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. Also, Honolulu is famous for Pearl Harbor. Sydney is well known for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants.

How is Sydney different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Sydney or Honolulu.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Sydney on the map. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

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.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Sydney and Honolulu can be an enjoyable experience.

Dining out in Sydney is an experience not to be missed. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

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 Sydney or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

Sydney is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Sydney is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

Honolulu has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Sydney or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Sydney 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.

Sydney is not a resort destination.

Is Sydney or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Honolulu is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Sydney. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Is Sydney or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Both Sydney and Honolulu have first-rate beaches worth visiting.

The beaches in Sydney are among the best in the world. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Honolulu is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Is Sydney or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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 go to Sydney for the hiking trails. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Sydney or Honolulu?

Sydney 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 Sydney. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

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 Sydney or Honolulu Better for Families?

Sydney and Honolulu are both first-rate destinations for the whole family.

Sydney is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

Honolulu is an extremely popular 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 Sydney or Honolulu Better for Couples?

Sydney and Honolulu are both first-rate to visit as a couple.

Sydney has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

Honolulu is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Is Sydney or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Sydney. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Sydney or Honolulu Better for Students?

Sydney is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Honolulu is not popular with students.

Sydney is a very popular city for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

Honolulu is not popular with students.

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

Sydney 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 Sydney can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

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

Is Sydney or Honolulu a more walkable city?

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

Sydney is a very walkable destination. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or Sydney?

How long in Sydney or Honolulu?

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

Families should spend more time in Honolulu than Sydney. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sydney 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 Sydney.

One day in Sydney or Honolulu?

Sydney 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 scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Honolulu. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Sydney or Honolulu?

Sydney 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.

Honolulu is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Sydney or Honolulu?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Honolulu. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Sydney or Honolulu?

Sydney 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 Sydney has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant big city of Honolulu. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Sydney 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. Even though Sydney is in Pacific and Honolulu is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Sydney or Honolulu?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Honolulu. When comparing the sizes of Sydney 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 Sydney or Honolulu?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sydney is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Honolulu has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Sydney or Honolulu in the Summer?

Both Honolulu and Sydney during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sydney 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, Sydney is cooler than Honolulu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sydney in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Honolulu averages at about 81°F (27°C)in July.

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sydney. In the summer, Sydney often gets less sunshine than Honoluluin July. Sydney gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually gets more rain in January than Honoluluin July. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Honolulu in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Honolulu. Many travelers come to Sydney for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping 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 April, Sydney is generally cooler than Honoluluin October. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 19°C (65°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. Sydney usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during autumn. Sydney gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sydney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Sydney usually receives more rain than Honoluluin October. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sydney or Honolulu in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Honolulu. Many visitors come to Sydney 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.

Sydney is much colder than Honolulu in the winter. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. In the winter, Sydney often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Honoluluin January. Sydney gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun.

Sydney usually gets less rain in July than Honoluluin January. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Honolulu in the Spring?

Both Honolulu and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Sydney 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, Sydney is cooler than Honolulu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sydney in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Honolulu averages at about 76°F (24°C)in April.

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Honolulu during spring. Sydney gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Sydney usually receives more rain than Honoluluin April. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Sydney