A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Washington vs. Honolulu for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Washington or Honolulu?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Washington and Honolulu can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Washington or Honolulu?

Washington

Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.

Honolulu

Hawaii's capital city of Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is the state's center for government, finance, and transportation. It's also the home of Waikiki Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the state of Hawaii. Nearly one million people live in this Honolulu metropolitan area. This is almost 80% of the state's population. The city is not the relaxed Hawaiian destination that you might be searching for, but is instead a fast paced, cosmopolitan city. In addition to attracting many tourists every year, you'll also find international businesses, military defense and a diverse culture and population.

Which city is cheaper, Honolulu or Washington?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $155, while the average daily cost in Honolulu is $227. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Washington and Honolulu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Washington $91
    Honolulu $146
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Washington $182
    Honolulu $292
Compare Hotels in Washington and Honolulu

Looking for a hotel in Washington or Honolulu? 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 Washington


Hotels in Honolulu


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: Washington Hotel Prices and Honolulu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Washington $37
    Honolulu $21
Typical Local Transportation prices in Washington

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:


  • Metro Day Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington

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

  • Washington to New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) - Departure Private Transfer: $535
  • Washington to New York J.F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) - Departure Private Transfer: $535
  • Washington City to New York City - Private Car Transfer: $516
  • Washington to Newark International Airport (EWR) - Departure Private Transfer: $491
  • Washington City to Philadelphia City - Private Car Transfer: $392
  • Washington, DC: Potomac Mills Outlet Private Transfer: $357
  • Private transfer from or to IAD , DCA , PHL , MDT airports , VA and Philadelphia: $320
  • Washington Airport Transfers: Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury Car: $218
  • BWI Airport: Transfer to Baltimore or Washington DC: $200
  • Washington, DC: Private Airport Transfer(SUV): To or From: (DCA) Reagan National: $180
  • Washington City to Baltimore City - Private Car Transfer: $168
  • Airport Transfer to and from Dulles International IAD Airport: $160

Typical Local Transportation prices in Honolulu

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Honolulu are as follows:


  • Rental Car for One Day
    $35
  • Airport Shuttle for Two
    $30
  • Hilton Parking
    $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Honolulu

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

  • Private Transfer from Honolulu (HLN) Airport to Pupukea: $231
  • Private Transfer from Honolulu (HLN) Airport to Kawela: $231
  • Private Transfer from Honolulu (HLN) Airport to North Shore: $231
  • Honolulu Airport (HNL) to Honolulu / Waikiki - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $231
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer: Honolulu International Airport to Hotel or Cruise Terminal: $230
  • Arrival Private Transfer Honolulu Airport HNL to Beach Resorts by Executive SUV: $164
  • Private Transfer: Honolulu - Waikiki to Honolulu Airport HNL by Luxury Sedan: $164
  • Private Transfer Honolulu Airport HNL to Honolulu - Waikiki by Luxury Sedan: $164
  • Honolulu Airport Transfer - Private Sedan: $140
  • Arrival Private Transfer Honolulu Airport HNL to Beach Resorts by Executive Car: $138
  • Private Honolulu Transfer: Hotel to Airport or Cruise Port: $128
  • Private Honolulu Transfer: Airport to Hotel or Cruise Port: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Washington or Honolulu?

Prices for flights to both Honolulu and Washington 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
    Washington $30
    Honolulu $42
Typical Food prices in Washington

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:


  • Water
    $2.00
  • Snacks on Monuments Tour
    $6.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington

For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Seattle: Pike Place Market Plant-Based Food Tour: $64
  • Washington D.C.: 3.5-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $65
  • Washington DC: 3-Hour Italian Food Tour: $65
  • Washington DC Food Tour: Italian Cuisine in Dupont Circle: $65
  • Washington, DC: The Original Brew Tour with Tasting & Dinner: $70
  • Adams Morgan Food Tour: $76
  • Washington DC: Private Food Tour Experience: $79
  • Capitol Hill Walking Food Tour: $79
  • U Street Neighborhood Food Tour: $99
  • Washington DC Odyssey Dinner Cruise: $100
  • Private French Cooking Class with an Expert in the Heart of Washington DC: $108
  • Washington, DC 3-Hour Dinner Buffet Cruise: $122

Typical Food prices in Honolulu

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Honolulu:


  • Dinner for Two
    $73
  • Lapperts Hawaii Ice Cream
    $5.55
  • Chai's Island Bistro (for 2)
    $53
  • Cheeseburger Waikiki (for 2)
    $34
  • Matsumoto Shave Ice (for 2)
    $7.50
  • Hot Dog with the Fixins'
    $8.30
  • Sushi Dinner for Two
    $73

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Honolulu

For Honolulu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • After Dinner Tour along the Famous Waikiki Beach Strip: $68
  • Majestic Sunset Dinner and Cocktail Cruise with Live Entertainment: $97
  • Hawaii Food Tour - Off The Beaten Path: $110
  • Hawaiian Style Cooking Classes in Honolulu: $125
  • Da Local's Food Tour: $130
  • Three Star Deluxe Sunset Dinner & Show: $151
  • Private Hawaiian Food Tour by Bike in Oahu: $159
  • Oahu Fireworks Dinner Cruise: $162
  • 4th of July Sunset Dinner and Fireworks Cruise: $170
  • Oahu Food Tour with Emmy-Winning 'Cooking Hawaiian Style' Host: $177
  • Aloha Plate Food Tour: $177

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Washington $19
    Honolulu $32

Tours and Activities in Washington

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

  • "HEROES OF FREEDOM" PRIVATE TOUR (4 Hour Military Tribute): $658
  • "SHINING CITY" PRIVATE TOUR (3 Hour Evening Tour): $658
  • 2 Day Grand Tour with George Washington's Mount Vernon: $95
  • 2-Day Colonial Williamsburg Guided Tour from Washington DC: $330
  • 24/48-Hour Washington, D.C. Hop-on Hop-off Tour: $49
  • 3-Hour "DC After Dark" Night-Time Guided Bus Tour with Stops at Top Attractions: $35
  • 3-Hour Private Jeep Tour of Washington D.C.: $495
  • 3-Hour Washington DC "Monuments By Night" Guided Night-Time Sightseeing Bus Tour: $49
  • 3-Hour Washington DC "Morning Monuments" Guided Sightseeing Walking & Bus Tour: $64
  • 3-Hour Washington, D.C Urban Adventure Scavenger Hunt: $44
  • 30-Minutes Supercar Driving Pilot Experience in Washington DC: $275
  • Advance Tickets to Washington, D.C.'s Newseum: $24

Typical Entertainment prices in Honolulu

For Honolulu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Parking for Hike
    $5.00
  • Pearl Harbor Audio Tour for Two
    $12
  • 2 hr Dinner Cruise
    $85
  • 1 Day Kayak Rental
    $36

Tours and Activities in Honolulu

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

  • "Tour de Honolulu" Foodie Bike Tour: $129
  • 'Lost' and Movie Tour: $159
  • 12pm Turtle Canyon Snorkel Adventure: $87
  • 3A 6:00 AM Pearl Harbor Arizona Memorial & Historic Downtown Honolulu City Tour: $53
  • 3B 9:00 AM Pearl Harbor Arizona Memorial & Historic Downtown Honolulu City Tour: $53
  • 4 Hour Half Day Island Jeep Tour: $144
  • 5-Hour Private Customized Luxury Convertible Tour of Oahu's South Shore: $355
  • 6 Hour Local Food Plate Jeep Tour: $188
  • 6 Hour Romantic Hawaii Jeep Tour: $213
  • 6 Hour Waterfall Jeep Tour: $212
  • 6 Hour West Side Jeep Tour: $213
  • 6-Hour Private Customized Luxury Convertible Tour of Oahu's North Shore: $431

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Washington $15
    Honolulu $5.18

Sample the Local Flavors in Washington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:

  • Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Haunted Washington D.C. Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Washington DC: Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $34
  • DC: 'New York Times Journeys' Walking Tour with Beer, Cheese and Wine Tasting: $120
  • Seattle All-Inclusive: Hike Mt. Rainier and Wine Tasting: $278
  • NOVA Private Custom Wine Tours & Tasting from DMV: $645
  • 6 Hours Northern VA Wine Tour: $920

Sample the Local Flavors in Honolulu

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Honolulu:

  • Shaxi Dive Bar Tour: $68

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Washington or Honolulu?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Washington or Honolulu in the Summer?

Both Honolulu and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Washington for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Washington is around the same temperature as Honolulu in the summer. The temperature in Washington is usually 79°F (26°C) in July, and Honolulu stays around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Washington. Washington usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during summer. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Washington usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Washington 79°F (26°C) 
    Honolulu 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Washington or Honolulu in the Autumn?

Both Honolulu and Washington during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Washington in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Washington is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Washington in October are around 60°F (15°C), and Honolulu is about 80°F (26°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Washington often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets more rain in October than Honolulu. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Washington 60°F (15°C) 
    Honolulu 80°F (26°C)

Should I visit Washington or Honolulu in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Honolulu. Most visitors come to Washington for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Washington can be very cold during winter. In January, Washington is generally much colder than Honolulu. Temperatures in Washington average around 35°F (1°C), and Honolulu stays around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. Washington usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during winter. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Washington usually receives less rain than Honolulu. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Washington 35°F (1°C) 
    Honolulu 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Washington or Honolulu in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Washington as well as Honolulu. The spring months attract visitors to Washington because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Washington is much colder than Honolulu in the spring. The temperature in Washington is usually 56°F (14°C) in April, and Honolulu stays around 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Washington this time of the year. In the spring, Washington often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets more rain in April than Honolulu. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Washington 56°F (14°C) 
    Honolulu 76°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Washington

Washington Honolulu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 74°F (24°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 76°F (24°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 78°F (25°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 80°F (26°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 81°F (27°C) 0.6 inches (15 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 81°F (27°C) 0.4 inches (11 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 81°F (27°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 80°F (26°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)


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Washington vs. Honolulu Travel Comparison

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