A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Valletta vs. Honolulu for Attractions, Food, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Valletta or Honolulu?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Valletta and Honolulu can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Valletta

Valletta is a waterfront, historic, and charming town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

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 hiking, shopping, and museums.

Valletta and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Honolulu?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Honolulu than Valletta, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Honolulu is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Valletta is more popular for its food and historical sights. Honolulu is more touristy than Valletta and is known for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. Also, Honolulu is famous for Pearl Harbor. Valletta is well known for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

How is Valletta different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of world-class museums and attractions in both Honolulu and Valletta.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Valletta has many famous sights for visitors. With its rich culture and compact old town, there are countless museums, sights, and monuments that are worth visiting. Some options include Saint John's Co-Cathedral, the Grandmaster's Palace and Armory, the National Museum of Archaeology, Manoel Theater, and the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

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

Valletta 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 Valletta have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The town's culinary scene has a long history with many traditional flavors. You really must experience a meal in one of the traditional stone cellar restaurants, which often serve local meze. Head to Republic Street for a stretch of longstanding restaurants in town. Local dishes include stuffat tal-fenek (rabbit stew), bragioli (rolled meat covered in sauce), and lampuki pie (fish pie).

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 Valletta or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

Honolulu is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Honolulu has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Valletta has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It wasn't long ago that the town went quiet in the evenings, but recent years have brought a surge in bars and clubs around town. You'll find the liveliest nightlife in areas around Strait Street and the Valletta Waterfront. If you're looking for a true clubbing scene, you'll want to head north out of town to Paceville.

Is Valletta or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Valletta is not a resort destination.

Honolulu is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Valletta is not a resort destination.

Is Valletta or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Honolulu is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Valletta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Honolulu is an extremely popular place to visit for 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.

Valletta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Valletta or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is terrific for the beach. However, Valletta is lacking in good options for its beaches.

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.

Valletta is a good spot to see the beach. There aren't any beaches in town, but if you head north to St. George’s Bay you'll find some nice beaches with a variety of resorts to choose from.

Is Valletta or Honolulu Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Honolulu does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Valletta offers plenty to see. The old town is laid out with a uniform grid and the streets are lined with hundreds of historic buildings. At the heart of old town is Republic Street, which divides the area in half and is where you'll find a large concentration of restaurants.

Honolulu does not have a historic old town.

Is Valletta or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Valletta is not a hiking destination.

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.

Valletta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Honolulu?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Valletta and Honolulu.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Valletta. For the best shopping head to Republic Street and Merchants Street where you'll find craft shops, boutiques, and other local souvenirs. Many visitors enjoy picking up blown glass, a locally made miniature, or cactus liquor. Lace is also a common local item that you'll find around town.

Honolulu is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Valletta or Honolulu Better for Families?

Honolulu is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Valletta. This charming town has nearby beaches as well as a few museums that kids will enjoy, including a toy museum. There are also several multi-media shows that educate visitors on the area's history. Make sure you check out Malta 5D and the Malta Experience.

Is Valletta or Honolulu Better for Couples?

Both Valletta and Honolulu are world-class destinations for a couple's getaway.

Valletta is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The town offers beautiful walks, luxury spa experiences, and evening sunset cruises that are seeped in romance. During the evening you can enjoy a cocktail hour and then dine in one of the town's many unique restaurants.

Honolulu is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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 Valletta or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta and Honolulu are both great destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Valletta. The island has grown in popularity with backpackers, particularly those coming from Europe, as there are affordable flights and easy accessibility. You'll also find some nice hostels around town where you can stay on a budget.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Valletta and Honolulu.

Valletta has some public transit options. If you're not up for walking up and down the hills, there are some buses around town.

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 Valletta or Honolulu a more walkable city?

Valletta is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Valletta is a very easy town to get around on foot. The town is compact and easy to walk around with many sights within a short distance of each other. There's also very little street traffic.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Honolulu?

Both Valletta 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 Valletta. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Valletta, and 5-7 days is enough time in Honolulu.

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

The beautiful town of Valletta offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Valletta or Honolulu?

Valletta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Valletta, 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 Valletta or Honolulu?

Valletta 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 Valletta or Honolulu?

Valletta is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town 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 Historical Tours in Malta, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Malta, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Honolulu?

Honolulu has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Valletta 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 Valletta or Honolulu?

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

Should I visit Valletta or Honolulu in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Honolulu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.

In the summer, Valletta is around the same temperature as Honolulu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valletta in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Honolulu averages at about 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Honolulu during summer. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Valletta usually receives less rain than Honolulu. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Valletta or Honolulu in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Honolulu. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Honolulu for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Valletta is generally cooler than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 21°C (70°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. In the autumn, Valletta often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets more rain in October than Honolulu. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Honolulu in the Winter?

Both Honolulu and Valletta are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Honolulu in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Valletta is much colder than Honolulu in the winter. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. Valletta usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during winter. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Valletta usually receives less rain than Honolulu. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Valletta or Honolulu in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Valletta is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valletta in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Honolulu averages at about 76°F (24°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Valletta. In the spring, Valletta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Honolulu. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in April than Honolulu. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Valletta