A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vieques Island vs. Big Island of Hawaii for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Vieques Island or Big Island of Hawaii?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Vieques Island and Big Island of Hawaii 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.

Where Should I go: Vieques Island or Big Island of Hawaii?

Vieques Island

Amidst the melodious chorus of coqui frogs and gentle whispers of palm trees blowing in an evening breeze, you will find that the waters around you glow just as brightly as the stars above. This tropical paradise is none other than Vieques, Puerto Rico. Tropical forests, bioluminescent bays, coral reefs--this island attracts visitors from all around the world who seek to see the wonders and beauties of the tropics. This island suits those from all walks of life, from history buffs seeking to learn about its unique past to nature-lovers wanting to admire its untouched wilderness. Vieques is the place for a perfect vacation!

Big Island of Hawaii

What comes to mind when someone says, "Hawaii"? Probably sandy beaches, coconut drinks and lazy days of tanning. It's a dream destination for those who want to get away, but the island of Hawai'i, or the Big Island as it's most commonly called, has so much more to offer than a place to catch up on your latest novel.

At 93 miles across, and a population of 185 thousand, the Big Island was once a large exporter of sugarcane. After its final plantation closed in 1996, tourism became the backbone of Hawai'i Island's economy. More recently, the Big Island has become the focus for sustainable tourism – visiting a place as a tourist and trying to make only a positive impact on your destination.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Big Island of Hawaii or Vieques Island?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Vieques Island is $170, while the average daily cost in Big Island of Hawaii is $250. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Vieques Island and Big Island of Hawaii in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vieques Island $92
    Big Island of Hawaii $112
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vieques Island $184
    Big Island of Hawaii $224
Compare Hotels in Vieques Island and Big Island of Hawaii

Looking for a hotel in Vieques Island or Big Island of Hawaii? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Vieques Island


Hotels in Big Island of Hawaii


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Big Island of Hawaii Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vieques Island $30
    Big Island of Hawaii $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vieques Island

Also for Vieques Island, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Fajardo or Ceiba to San Juan Airport: $150
  • Taxi Transfer From San Juan Airport to El Conquistador Hotel: $115

Is it cheaper to fly into Vieques Island or Big Island of Hawaii?

Prices for flights to both Big Island of Hawaii and Vieques Island change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Vieques Island $54
    Big Island of Hawaii $106

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vieques Island $34
    Big Island of Hawaii $35

Tours and Activities in Vieques Island

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vieques Island.

  • 1-Hour Bioluminescent Boat Tour in Mosquito Bay, Vieques : $128
  • Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Fajardo: $65
  • Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Fajardo: $72
  • Bioluminescent Bay Night Kayaking Tour in Laguna Grande Fajardo: $65
  • Culebra Island Snorkel with Turtles Adventure - Ferry Tickets Included: $135
  • El Yunque Waterfalls and Waterslide River Tour: $50
  • Fajardo Afternoon Snorkeling Boat Tour: $110
  • Full-Day Snorkeling Tour to Culebra Island with Lunch: $139
  • Half Day Adventure Private Tour in El Yunque Rainforest: $234
  • Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $45
  • Icacos Island All-Inclusive Snorkel and Boat Tour : $125
  • Isla de Vieques Beach Sightseeing Day Tour: $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vieques Island $30
    Big Island of Hawaii $32


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vieques Island and Big Island of Hawaii, we can see that Big Island of Hawaii is more expensive. And not only is Vieques Island much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Vieques Island is in Caribbean Islands and Big Island of Hawaii 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 Vieques Island would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vieques Island 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 Big Island of Hawaii would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Big Island of Hawaii than you might in Vieques Island.

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



When is the best time to visit Vieques Island or Big Island of Hawaii?

Big Island of Hawaii has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Vieques Island experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Vieques Island or Big Island of Hawaii in the Summer?

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Vieques Island are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Big Island of Hawaii because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Vieques Island is generally a little warmer than Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Vieques Island average around 29°C (83°F), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. Vieques Island usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during summer. Vieques Island gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Big Island of Hawaii. In July, Vieques Island usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Vieques Island gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vieques Island 29°C (83°F) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Vieques Island or Big Island of Hawaii in the Autumn?

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Vieques Island during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Big Island of Hawaii this time of year.

Vieques Island is a little warmer than Big Island of Hawaii in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vieques Island averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Vieques Island. In the autumn, Vieques Island often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Vieques Island gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 138 hours of full sun.

Big Island of Hawaii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. Vieques Island usually gets less rain in October than Big Island of Hawaii. Vieques Island gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vieques Island 28°C (82°F) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Vieques Island or Big Island of Hawaii in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vieques Island and Big Island of Hawaii. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round. Also, many travelers come to Big Island of Hawaii for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Vieques Island is a little warmer than Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vieques Island in January average around 26°C (78°F), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 72°F (22°C).

In Vieques Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vieques Island usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during winter. Vieques Island gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

Big Island of Hawaii receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Vieques Island usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Vieques Island gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vieques Island 26°C (78°F) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 72°F (22°C)

Should I visit Vieques Island or Big Island of Hawaii in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vieques Island as well as Big Island of Hawaii. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Vieques Island is generally a little warmer than Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Vieques Island average around 27°C (80°F), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vieques Island this time of the year. In the spring, Vieques Island often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Vieques Island gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 134 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Big Island of Hawaii. Vieques Island usually gets less rain in April than Big Island of Hawaii. Vieques Island gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vieques Island 27°C (80°F) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 73°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Big Island of Hawaii and Vieques Island

Vieques Island Big Island of Hawaii
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 72°F (22°C) 8.7 inches (221 mm)
Feb 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 72°F (22°C) 10.8 inches (274 mm)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 72°F (22°C) 13.6 inches (345 mm)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 73°F (23°C) 15.6 inches (395 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 74°F (23°C) 10.7 inches (272 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 75°F (24°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 76°F (24°C) 9.7 inches (247 mm)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in) 76°F (25°C) 9.7 inches (247 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in) 76°F (25°C) 8.5 inches (215 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 76°F (24°C) 9.8 inches (248 mm)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in) 74°F (24°C) 14.8 inches (375 mm)
Dec 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 73°F (23°C) 12.6 inches (321 mm)