A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Asheville vs. Big Island of Hawaii for Resorts, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Asheville or Big Island of Hawaii?

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 Asheville and Big Island of Hawaii. 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.

Asheville

Asheville is a open-minded, eclectic, and outdoorsy mountain town. Asheville is a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and live music. See Asheville travel costs.

Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii is a relaxing, adventure-filled, and laid back island. The famous beauty of Big Island of Hawaii is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Big Island of Hawaii travel costs.

Asheville and Big Island of Hawaii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Asheville or Big Island of Hawaii?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Big Island of Hawaii. Although Asheville and Big Island of Hawaii are popular destinations, Big Island of Hawaii has more sights and attractions for tourists. Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for its museums and attractions, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Asheville attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere. Big Island of Hawaii is more touristy than Asheville and is popular for its active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and majestic manta rays. It is also well known for the Waipio Valley Overlook. Asheville is famous for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, and local North Carolina barbecue.

How is Asheville different from Big Island of Hawaii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Big Island of Hawaii and Asheville. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Asheville or Big Island of Hawaii?

Big Island of Hawaii is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Big Island of Hawaii offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several local museums around the island such as the Hulihe'e Palace and 'Imiloa Astronomy Center. There's also the Hawaii Plantation Museum and the Lyman House Museum.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Asheville or Big Island of Hawaii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Asheville is a great mountain town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Big Island of Hawaii is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Asheville. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Big Island of Hawaii. It can be challenging to find local restaurants that aren't catering to the tourist crowd, but when you do you'll be rewarded with great local dishes. Seafood, poke bowls, and shave ice are all popular.

Is Asheville or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Nightlife?

Asheville is a great mountain town for nightlife. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Asheville has something for everybody. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

Most people don't head to Big Island of Hawaii specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The nightlife scene is very chill with many local places that have live music and drinks. You won't find any major nightclubs, but there are karaoke bars and laid back breweries. The most options are found in Hilo and Kailua-Kona.

Is Asheville or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Music?

Asheville is a great mountain town for live music. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not a live music destination.

Asheville has a thriving music scene. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Big Island of Hawaii is not a live music destination.

Is Asheville or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Resorts?

Big Island of Hawaii is an unbeatable place for its resorts. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Vacationers flock to Big Island of Hawaii for its luxury resorts. There are a number of beautiful luxury resorts on the island like the Hilton Waikoloa Village, the Four Seasons Resort, and Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort.

Asheville has a few great resort options. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Is Asheville or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Big Island of Hawaii is an unbeatable place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Asheville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Big Island of Hawaii. There are a number of beautiful snorkeling spots where you'll see beautiful fish and sometimes even sea turtles. A bucket list experience is also diving or snorkeling with the manta rays, which will take your breath away.

Asheville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Asheville or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Beaches?

Big Island of Hawaii is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Asheville is not a beach destination.

Big Island of Hawaii offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. This is a younger island than most in Hawaii, so the beaches are varied and diverse. You'll find white sand beaches, black volcanic sand beaches, and even green sand. There are also areas where the lava rock reaches the ocean. Hapuna Beach is a favorite as is Honl's Beach.

Asheville is not a beach destination.

Is Asheville or Big Island of Hawaii Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is adequate for its historic old town. However, Big Island of Hawaii does not have a historic old town.

Asheville is a good place to visit the old town. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Big Island of Hawaii does not have a historic old town.

Is Asheville or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Hiking?

Big Island of Hawaii is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Big Island of Hawaii is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The island is filled with miles of spectacular hiking trails. They'll take you to iconic waterfalls, world-renowned viewpoints, and through fields of lava rocks. Many people spend days hiking in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, but there are also impressive hikes along the Kona Coast.

Many visitors go to Asheville for the hiking trails. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Big Island of Hawaii?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Big Island of Hawaii and Asheville.

Asheville is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Big Island of Hawaii. There are many local artisan shops on the island, particular in Hilo, Historic Kailua Village and along the Kohala Coast. You'll find handmade quilts, wooden carved products, and handcrafted jewelry.

Is Asheville or Big Island of Hawaii More Beautiful?

Big Island of Hawaii is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Big Island of Hawaii is one of the main draws. Kilauea is the dramatic volcano that often offers a show to visitors. The island also has spectacular viewpoints like Waipi'o Valley Lookout, dramatic waterfalls, and picturesque bays.

Asheville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With the surrounding mountains and the charming town, the area is filled with natural beauty.

Is Asheville or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Families?

Big Island of Hawaii is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Big Island of Hawaii is very family-friendly. Families will enjoy the laid back island vibe. You can spend some time on the beach and then head inland to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. If your kids are adventurous, the island is a great place to dive or snorkel with manta rays. There are also great hikes, helicopter rides, and luaus.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Asheville. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

Is Asheville or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Couples?

Big Island of Hawaii is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Big Island of Hawaii is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who enjoy a relaxed beach vibe will love a visit to this laid back island. There are upscale resorts as well as independent hotels that have a more personal style. The island also has stunning views, impressive hikes, and countless opportunities for romance.

Asheville is a great mountain town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Is Asheville or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville and Big Island of Hawaii are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Asheville is a great mountain town to visit for backpackers. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Big Island of Hawaii. This is one of the most popular islands for backpackers. It has a mellow atmosphere that appeals to young travelers. There are also hostels on the island, but transportation can be challenging.

Is Asheville or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Students?

Asheville is a great mountain town for its student-friendly activities. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not popular with students.

Asheville is a great mountain town to visit as a student. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Big Island of Hawaii is not popular with students.

Is Asheville or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Asheville and Big Island of Hawaii.

Public transit is generally limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around by using their own vehicle. In particular, if you plan to hike or explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll need a car. Many of the downtown hotels offer shuttle buses to the Biltmore area.

Public transit is mostly limited in Big Island of Hawaii. There is a bus service that connects Kona and Hilo. It's called the Hele-On and there are both north and south routes.

Is Asheville or Big Island of Hawaii a more walkable city?

Asheville is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for its high level of walkability.

Asheville is somewhat walkable. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to reach restaurants and shops on foot. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

Big Island of Hawaii is not a walkable mountain town. It's the largest of the Hawaiian islands and a car is necessary if you want to see the whole thing.

For even more information, also check out Is Asheville Worth Visiting? and Is Big Island of Hawaii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Island of Hawaii or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Big Island of Hawaii?

Asheville and Big Island of Hawaii both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Big Island of Hawaii than Asheville because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Asheville, and 5-14 days is enough time in Big Island of Hawaii.

Families should spend more time in Big Island of Hawaii than Asheville. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Big Island of Hawaii, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Big Island of Hawaii than Asheville. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Big Island of Hawaii that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Asheville than Big Island of Hawaii 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 Asheville.

One day in Asheville or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Asheville. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the island of Big Island of Hawaii. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Asheville or Big Island of Hawaii?

Asheville is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this mountain town has to offer. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and food around the laid back destination of Big Island of Hawaii. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Asheville or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many people visit Asheville for five days. You'll find shopping and nightlife around the mountain town of Asheville. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the relaxing island of Big Island of Hawaii. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

A week in Asheville or Big Island of Hawaii?

The eclectic destination of Asheville offers nightlife and live music. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Big Island of Hawaii is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Big Island of Hawaii, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

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

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

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

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 Asheville or Big Island of Hawaii in the Summer?

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Asheville during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Asheville in the summer for the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Asheville is generally a little warmer than Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 82°F (28°C), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Asheville. In the summer, Asheville often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Asheville gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 169 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 Asheville. Asheville usually gets less rain in July than Big Island of Hawaii. Asheville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Asheville and Big Island of Hawaii. Most visitors come to Asheville for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Big Island of Hawaii because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Asheville is cooler than Big Island of Hawaii in the autumn. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Asheville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Asheville usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during autumn. Asheville gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Big Island of Hawaii receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Asheville usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Asheville gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Asheville as well as Big Island of Hawaii. The winter months attract visitors to Asheville because of the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Big Island of Hawaii this time of year.

In the winter, Asheville is much colder than Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the winter temperatures in Asheville in January average around 44°F (7°C), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 72°F (22°C).

In the winter, Asheville often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Asheville gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 158 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Big Island of Hawaii. Asheville receives a lot of rain in the winter. Asheville usually gets less rain in January than Big Island of Hawaii. Asheville gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Asheville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Asheville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Big Island of Hawaii for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Asheville is generally cooler than Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 64°F (18°C), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during spring. Asheville gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Big Island of Hawaii. It's quite rainy in Asheville. In April, Asheville usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Asheville gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Big Island of Hawaii and Asheville