A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Columbia River Gorge vs. Big Island of Hawaii for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Columbia River Gorge or Big Island of Hawaii?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Columbia River Gorge or Big Island of Hawaii, 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.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a scenic, natural, and beautiful region. Columbia River Gorge is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food. See Columbia River Gorge travel costs.

Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii is a laid back, relaxing, and adventure-filled island. You'll find world class beauty in Big Island of Hawaii as well. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Big Island of Hawaii travel costs.

Columbia River Gorge and Big Island of Hawaii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbia River Gorge or Big Island of Hawaii?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Big Island of Hawaii. Although Columbia River Gorge and Big Island of Hawaii are both popular with visitors, Big Island of Hawaii has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Big Island of Hawaii is more popular for its museums and attractions, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Columbia River Gorge is known for its food and nightlife. Big Island of Hawaii is more touristy than Columbia River Gorge and is popular for its active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and majestic manta rays. It is also home to the Waipio Valley Overlook. Columbia River Gorge is popular for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls.

How is Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Columbia River Gorge or Big Island of Hawaii?

Big Island of Hawaii is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Columbia River Gorge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

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

Columbia River Gorge is a great region 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 Columbia River Gorge. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

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 Columbia River Gorge or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Nightlife?

Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge has a few options to choose from. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

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 Columbia River Gorge or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Resorts?

Big Island of Hawaii is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Big Island of Hawaii offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Is Columbia River Gorge or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Big Island of Hawaii is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Big Island of Hawaii specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. 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.

Columbia River Gorge is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Columbia River Gorge or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Beaches?

Big Island of Hawaii is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Big Island of Hawaii are among the best in 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.

Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

Is Columbia River Gorge or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Hiking?

Big Island of Hawaii is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Big Island of Hawaii draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Columbia River Gorge. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbia River Gorge or Big Island of Hawaii?

Big Island of Hawaii is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Big Island of Hawaii is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Columbia River Gorge. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

Is Columbia River Gorge or Big Island of Hawaii More Beautiful?

Big Island of Hawaii is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Big Island of Hawaii as well. 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.

The beauty of Columbia River Gorge is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Impressive waterfalls and breathtaking mountain vistas make this a truly beautiful place to visit.

Is Columbia River Gorge or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Families?

Big Island of Hawaii is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Big Island of Hawaii is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Columbia River Gorge is very family-friendly. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

Is Columbia River Gorge or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Couples?

Big Island of Hawaii is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its romantic activities.

Big Island of Hawaii has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Columbia River Gorge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

Is Columbia River Gorge or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Big Island of Hawaii are superb destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Columbia River Gorge. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Many 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 Columbia River Gorge or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Big Island of Hawaii offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

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 Columbia River Gorge or Big Island of Hawaii a more walkable city?

Neither Columbia River Gorge or Big Island of Hawaii are walkable places.

Columbia River Gorge is not a walkable region. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

Big Island of Hawaii is not a very walkable region. 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 Columbia River Gorge Worth Visiting? and Is Big Island of Hawaii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Island of Hawaii or Columbia River Gorge?

How long in Columbia River Gorge or Big Island of Hawaii?

Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Columbia River Gorge, and 5-14 days is enough time in Big Island of Hawaii.

Families should spend more time in Big Island of Hawaii than Columbia River Gorge. 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 Columbia River Gorge. 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 Big Island of Hawaii than Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Columbia River Gorge. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Big Island of Hawaii. 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.

A weekend in Columbia River Gorge or Big Island of Hawaii?

Columbia River Gorge 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 region has to offer. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Big Island of Hawaii is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Columbia River Gorge or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many people visit Columbia River Gorge for five days. You'll find shopping and nightlife around the beautiful region of Columbia River Gorge. 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.

Many people visit Big Island of Hawaii for five days. Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the beautiful island of Big Island of Hawaii. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

A week in Columbia River Gorge or Big Island of Hawaii?

The scenic destination of Columbia River Gorge offers nightlife and food. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the relaxing destination of Big Island of Hawaii. Many people spend one week here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Big Island of Hawaii, one week is sufficent for most.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge or Big Island of Hawaii in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Columbia River Gorge as well as Big Island of Hawaii. The summer months attract visitors to Columbia River Gorge because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Big Island of Hawaii this time of year.

Columbia River Gorge is cooler than Big Island of Hawaii in the summer. The daily temperature in Columbia River Gorge averages around 68°F (20°C) in July, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia River Gorge this time of the year. In the summer, Columbia River Gorge often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Columbia River Gorge gets 338 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Big Island of Hawaii. Columbia River Gorge usually gets less rain in July than Big Island of Hawaii. Columbia River Gorge gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia River Gorge or Big Island of Hawaii in the Autumn?

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Columbia River Gorge are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Columbia River Gorge this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Big Island of Hawaii for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Columbia River Gorge is much colder than Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Columbia River Gorge in October average around 55°F (13°C), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 76°F (24°C).

Columbia River Gorge usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during autumn. Columbia River Gorge gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Big Island of Hawaii. In October, Columbia River Gorge usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Columbia River Gorge gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Columbia River Gorge or Big Island of Hawaii in the Winter?

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Columbia River Gorge during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Columbia River Gorge. In January, Columbia River Gorge is generally much colder than Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Columbia River Gorge average around 40°F (4°C), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In the winter, Columbia River Gorge often gets less sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Columbia River Gorge gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 158 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 Columbia River Gorge. Columbia River Gorge usually gets less rain in January than Big Island of Hawaii. Columbia River Gorge gets 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia River Gorge or Big Island of Hawaii in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia River Gorge and Big Island of Hawaii. Many visitors come to Columbia River Gorge in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Columbia River Gorge is much colder than Big Island of Hawaii in the spring. The daily temperature in Columbia River Gorge averages around 51°F (11°C) in April, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Columbia River Gorge, it's very sunny this time of the year. Columbia River Gorge usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during spring. Columbia River Gorge gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

Big Island of Hawaii receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Columbia River Gorge usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Columbia River Gorge gets 2.4 inches (61 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 Columbia River Gorge