A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Big Island of Hawaii vs. Calgary for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Big Island of Hawaii or Calgary?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Big Island of Hawaii or Calgary, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

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.

Calgary

Calgary is a western, local, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Calgary travel costs.

Big Island of Hawaii and Calgary: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Big Island of Hawaii. Although Big Island of Hawaii and Calgary are popular destinations, Big Island of Hawaii has more sights and attractions for tourists. Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Calgary attracts visitors for its nightlife. Big Island of Hawaii is more touristy than Calgary and is popular for its active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and majestic manta rays. It is also well known for the Waipio Valley Overlook. Calgary is famous for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.

How is Big Island of Hawaii different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Big Island of Hawaii or Calgary.

Big Island of Hawaii is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Calgary offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is a island with good options for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Calgary may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The food scene is constantly evolving and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants. The city is known for its beef, so you should definitely sample a local steak.

Is Big Island of Hawaii or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

Calgary is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Calgary has a few options to choose from. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.

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 Big Island of Hawaii or Calgary Better for Resorts?

Big Island of Hawaii is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Calgary is not a resort destination.

Big Island of Hawaii is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Calgary is not a resort destination.

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

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

Big Island of Hawaii is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Calgary is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Big Island of Hawaii or Calgary Better for Beaches?

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

Big Island of Hawaii is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Calgary is not a beach destination.

Is Big Island of Hawaii or Calgary Better for Hiking?

Big Island of Hawaii is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Calgary is not a hiking destination.

Around Big Island of Hawaii visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Calgary is not a hiking destination.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Big Island of Hawaii is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Calgary has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of independent shops around town as well as some great shopping neighborhoods. Make sure you check out Fourth Street and 17th Avenue. There are also large shopping malls.

Is Big Island of Hawaii or Calgary More Beautiful?

Big Island of Hawaii is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Calgary is not a destination known for its 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.

Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Big Island of Hawaii or Calgary Better for Families?

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

Big Island of Hawaii is an extremely popular island to visit for families. 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.

Calgary offers lots of family activities. There are a surprising number of things around town to do with kids such as petting zoos, museums, and even amusement parks. The Calgary Zoo is worth a visit, but also make sure you check out Calaway Park Amusement Park and the Telus Spark science center.

Is Big Island of Hawaii or Calgary Better for Couples?

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

Big Island of Hawaii is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Calgary is a good island for couples to visit. You'll find outdoor sports, boat tours, and plenty of great restaurants around town. If you're looking for a low key destination with a great vibe, then this is a great city for a weekend trip.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is well known for backpackers. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Big Island of Hawaii is a great island to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Calgary. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.

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

Calgary is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for its public transit.

While Calgary offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.

Public transit is generally 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 Big Island of Hawaii or Calgary a more walkable city?

Calgary is adequate for its walkability. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for its high level of walkability.

Calgary is generally not a very walkable city. While there are a couple of walkable neighborhood's around town, it's definitely not the most walkable city.

Big Island of Hawaii is not a walkable island. 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 Big Island of Hawaii Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Big Island of Hawaii or Calgary?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Big Island of Hawaii or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Big Island of Hawaii than Calgary because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-14 days is a good amount of time for Big Island of Hawaii, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.

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

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

One day in Big Island of Hawaii or Calgary?

In Big Island of Hawaii, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the destination of Calgary. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Calgary has to offer.

A weekend in Big Island of Hawaii or Calgary?

In Big Island of Hawaii, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Calgary is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Big Island of Hawaii or Calgary?

Big Island of Hawaii is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Big Island of Hawaii has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Many people visit Calgary for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Calgary. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Big Island of Hawaii or Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Island of Hawaii. In Big Island of Hawaii, you'll find museums and food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

The authentic destination of Calgary offers nightlife and shopping. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.

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

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