A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Carmel-by-the-Sea vs. Honolulu for Attractions, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Honolulu?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Honolulu can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming, picturesque, and quaint town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Carmel-by-the-Sea is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and beaches. See Carmel-by-the-Sea travel costs.

Honolulu

Honolulu is a multi-cultural, energetic, and vibrant city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, Honolulu attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Honolulu travel costs.

Carmel-by-the-Sea and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Honolulu?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Honolulu than Carmel-by-the-Sea, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Honolulu is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Carmel-by-the-Sea is more popular for its small town charm. Honolulu is more touristy than Carmel-by-the-Sea and is popular for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. Also, Honolulu is famous for Pearl Harbor. Carmel-by-the-Sea is well known for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts.

How is Carmel-by-the-Sea different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Honolulu?

Honolulu is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Honolulu on the map. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.

Is the Food Better in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Honolulu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Honolulu.

Dining out in Carmel-by-the-Sea is an experience not to be missed. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more casual eateries.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Honolulu. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

Honolulu is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for nightlife.

Honolulu offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is renowned for its resorts. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

Honolulu is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Honolulu is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Honolulu is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is renowned for the beach. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its beaches.

Honolulu is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Many people visit Carmel-by-the-Sea for it's beautiful beaches. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

Around Honolulu visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Honolulu?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Honolulu are great shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Honolulu More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of great scenery and beauty in both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Honolulu.

With stunning beauty, Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts visitors from all around. It's a beautiful town with nice beaches and a European atmosphere.

Honolulu is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's beautiful beaches and scenic viewpoints make this a beautiful city. It also has a mix of cultures and dynamic neighborhoods.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Honolulu Better for Families?

Honolulu is renowned for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

Honolulu is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not always a place people visit with their families. Carmel is a good place to let the kids stretch their legs. There are also some good kid-friendly walks in the area.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Honolulu Better for Couples?

Honolulu is renowned for couples. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Honolulu is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a charming town with a beautiful coastline and plenty of cute hotels that makes for a great romantic getaway. There's wonderful shopping and many great restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Honolulu is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Honolulu is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any real hostels or accommodation options that appeal to backpackers.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Honolulu Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Honolulu is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Honolulu a more walkable city?

Carmel-by-the-Sea and Honolulu both are great when exploring on foot.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very walkable destination. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting? and Is Honolulu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

How long in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Honolulu?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Carmel-by-the-Sea, and 5-7 days is enough time in Honolulu.

Families should spend more time in Honolulu than Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Honolulu?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

When visiting Honolulu, people usually allow for lots of time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Honolulu?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

When visiting Honolulu, people usually allow for lots of time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Honolulu?

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

When visiting Honolulu, people usually allow for lots of time. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

A week in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Honolulu?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Honolulu is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Carmel-by-the-Sea or Honolulu?

Honolulu has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Honolulu in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Carmel-by-the-Sea as well as Honolulu. The summer months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.

In the summer, Carmel-by-the-Sea is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea in July average around 63°F (17°C), and Honolulu averages at about 81°F (27°C).

Carmel-by-the-Sea usually gets less rain in July than Honolulu. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Honolulu in the Autumn?

Both Honolulu and Carmel-by-the-Sea are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Honolulu for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Carmel-by-the-Sea is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea average around 62°F (17°C), and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

In October, Carmel-by-the-Sea usually receives less rain than Honolulu. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Honolulu in the Winter?

Both Honolulu and Carmel-by-the-Sea during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Honolulu in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is much colder than Honolulu in the winter. The daily temperature in Carmel-by-the-Sea averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Carmel-by-the-Sea usually gets less rain in January than Honolulu. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Honolulu in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Honolulu. Many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Honolulu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Carmel-by-the-Sea is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea in April average around 56°F (13°C), and Honolulu averages at about 76°F (24°C).

In April, Carmel-by-the-Sea usually receives less rain than Honolulu. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Carmel-by-the-Sea