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

Should you visit Zagreb or Honolulu?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zagreb and Honolulu. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a authentic, under-rated, and local city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Honolulu

Honolulu is a vibrant, multi-cultural, and energetic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Zagreb and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zagreb or Honolulu?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Honolulu than Zagreb. While Zagreb is larger than Honolulu, Honolulu has more sights and attractions for tourists. Honolulu is very popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Zagreb attracts visitors for its historical sights. Honolulu is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. It is also well known for Pearl Harbor. Zagreb is famous for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options.

How is Zagreb different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Honolulu is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Honolulu are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Zagreb offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are many historical sights around town, particularly in the historic Upper Town. Make sure you visit the Zagreb Cathedral, the Museum of Broken Relationships, Lotrscak Tower, and the historic Stone Gate.

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

Both Zagreb and Honolulu offer a number of very good restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Zagreb. The food is heartier than you might expect with many recipes that involve stew or dumplings. Cheese and meat are common ingredients as well, with far less seafood than you'll find in the coastal cities. Popular dishes include Zagrebački odrezak (a rolled up ham, cheese, and veal sandwich), Štrukli (dough filled with cheese), and Ajngemahtec (vegetarian stew).

Honolulu has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Zagreb or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Zagreb or Honolulu has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Zagreb know how to have a good time. There are a huge number of live music venues, clubs, and bars around town where locals hang out late into the evening. The city's nightlife has a more local vibe than other Croatian cities, so you can party with the students and residents and get a true feel for the Croatian culture.

The nightlife in Honolulu has something for everybody. 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 Zagreb or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Zagreb is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Honolulu for its luxury resorts. 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.

Zagreb is not a resort destination.

Is Zagreb or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Honolulu is a great destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Zagreb is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Honolulu. 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.

Zagreb is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Zagreb or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Honolulu offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Is Zagreb or Honolulu Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb is great for its historic old town. However, Honolulu does not have a historic old town.

Zagreb is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The upper town is filled with charm, cafes, and historical landmarks such as St. Mark Church, Kamenita Vrata (the Stone Gate), and the cathedral.

Honolulu does not have a historic old town.

Is Zagreb or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

Honolulu is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zagreb or Honolulu?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Honolulu and Zagreb.

Zagreb is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has a huge number of shopping centers where you'll find retail shops selling international brands, clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Is Zagreb or Honolulu Better for Families?

Honolulu is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Honolulu is very family-friendly. 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.

Zagreb offers lots of family activities. The city is filled with parks where kids can run around. There are also kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Illusions and markets that are fun for the whole family. While it doesn't have the coastal activities that many Croatian towns offer, this is a unique city in its own way.

Is Zagreb or Honolulu Better for Couples?

Honolulu is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Zagreb is a good city for couples to visit. Filled with history and beautiful parks, this often overlooked Croatian city actually has a lot that couples can enjoy. The historical monuments offer a glimpse into the country's past and the markets let you experience a more authentic side to what has become a very touristy country.

Is Zagreb or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb and Honolulu are very good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Zagreb is a great city to visit for backpackers. Because it's not the most touristy city, prices are reasonable. There are also a wide range of hostels in town where you can meet other backpackers and enjoy the fun environment.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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 Zagreb or Honolulu Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in Zagreb. There's an endless supply of bars and cafes where students hang out. This is a great student city that offers access to many beautiful parts of Croatia and Europe in general.

Honolulu is not popular with students.

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

Zagreb is great 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.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Zagreb. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

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

Is Zagreb or Honolulu a more walkable city?

Zagreb and Honolulu both are very good when exploring on foot.

Zagreb is a very walkable city. It's a city that lives outdoors. It's very walkable with many outdoor cafes and parks where you can take a stroll.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or Zagreb?

How long in Zagreb or Honolulu?

Both Zagreb 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 Zagreb. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Zagreb, and 5-7 days is enough time in Honolulu.

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

The city of Zagreb offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Honolulu is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Zagreb or Honolulu?

Zagreb 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 visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Zagreb, a weekend is sufficent for most. 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 Zagreb or Honolulu?

Zagreb 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.

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 Zagreb or Honolulu?

Zagreb 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 city offers something for everyone.

Honolulu is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, 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 Zagreb and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu is more expensive. And not only is Zagreb much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zagreb 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 Zagreb would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zagreb 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 Zagreb.

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

Which is Bigger, Zagreb or Honolulu?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 88% larger than the population of Honolulu. When comparing the sizes of Zagreb 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 Zagreb 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 Zagreb or Honolulu in the Summer?

Both Honolulu and Zagreb during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Zagreb for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Honolulu because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Zagreb is generally cooler than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Zagreb average around 22°C (72°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zagreb. In the summer, Zagreb often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Zagreb gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun.

Zagreb usually gets more rain in July than Honolulu. Zagreb gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zagreb or Honolulu in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zagreb and Honolulu. The autumn months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.

Zagreb is much colder than Honolulu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zagreb averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. Zagreb usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during autumn. Zagreb gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zagreb usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Zagreb gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zagreb or Honolulu in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zagreb as well as Honolulu. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Honolulu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Zagreb in the winter. In the winter, Zagreb is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zagreb in January average around 1°C (35°F), and Honolulu averages at about 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. In the winter, Zagreb often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Zagreb gets 54 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun.

Zagreb usually gets less rain in January than Honolulu. Zagreb gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zagreb or Honolulu in the Spring?

Both Honolulu and Zagreb are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Zagreb for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Honolulu in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Zagreb is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Zagreb average around 13°C (55°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. Zagreb usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during spring. Zagreb gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zagreb usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Zagreb gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Zagreb