A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Big Pine Key vs. Big Island of Hawaii for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Big Pine Key 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 Big Pine Key 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.

Where Should I go: Big Pine Key or Big Island of Hawaii?

Big Pine Key

If you are yearning for a slice of paradise without the hustle and bustle of an ever-growing tourist population, the calm, turquoise waters and the untouched sands of Big Pine Key will surely do. Located 100 miles south of Miami and 30 miles north of Key West, this small community huddled in the family of Florida keys is often overlooked by many. However, Big Pine Key is truly a gem for all who seek a tropical vacation as activities like boating, fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling are found throughout the town. Besides its oceanic wonders, Big Pine Key also boasts in containing some of the United States' best seafood restaurants. Enjoy the aquatic wonders of the Keys and stop at Big Pine Key!

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 Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

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

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

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

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 Big Pine Key or Big Island of Hawaii in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Pine Key and Big Island of Hawaii. 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, Big Pine Key is generally a little warmer than Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 84°F (29°C), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Big Pine Key, it's very sunny this time of the year. Big Pine Key usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during summer. Big Pine Key gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

Big Island of Hawaii receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Big Pine Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as Big Island of Hawaii. Additionally, 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.

Big Pine Key is around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii in the autumn. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Big Pine Key this time of the year. In the autumn, Big Pine Key often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Big Pine Key gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 138 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Big Island of Hawaii. Big Pine Key receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in October than Big Island of Hawaii. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Big Pine Key are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Big Island of Hawaii this time of year.

In the winter, Big Pine Key is around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the winter temperatures in Big Pine Key in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 72°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Big Pine Key. Big Pine Key usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during winter. Big Pine Key gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Big Island of Hawaii. In January, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Big Pine Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Big Pine Key during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Big Island of Hawaii for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Big Pine Key is generally around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 77°F (25°C), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Big Pine Key. In the spring, Big Pine Key often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Big Pine Key gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 134 hours of full sun.

Big Island of Hawaii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in April than Big Island of Hawaii. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Big Island of Hawaii and Big Pine Key