A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Columbia vs. Big Island of Hawaii for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Columbia or Big Island of Hawaii?

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

Should I visit Columbia or Big Island of Hawaii? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Columbia

Columbia is a suburban, friendly, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Columbia travel costs.

Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii is a relaxing, adventure-filled, and laid back island. You'll find world class beauty in Big Island of Hawaii as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Big Island of Hawaii travel costs.

Columbia and Big Island of Hawaii: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Big Island of Hawaii. Although Columbia 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 food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Columbia attracts visitors for its nightlife. Big Island of Hawaii is more touristy than Columbia and is popular for its active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and majestic manta rays. It is also well known for the Waipio Valley Overlook. Columbia is famous for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

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

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

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Columbia and Big Island of Hawaii.

Columbia offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Big Island of Hawaii. 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.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

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.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Columbia or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Nightlife?

Columbia 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 has a few options to choose from. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

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 or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Resorts?

Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for its resorts. However, Columbia is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Big Island of Hawaii is a great choice. 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 is not a resort destination.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Columbia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Big Island of Hawaii a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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 is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Columbia or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Beaches?

Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for the beach. However, Columbia is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Big Island of Hawaii. 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 is not a beach destination.

Is Columbia or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Hiking?

Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Columbia is not a hiking destination.

People visit Big Island of Hawaii specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Columbia is not a hiking destination.

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

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

Columbia has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

Is Columbia or Big Island of Hawaii More Beautiful?

Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Columbia is not a destination known for its 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.

Columbia is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Columbia or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Families?

Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Big Island of Hawaii is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Columbia is a family-friendly city. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

Is Columbia or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Couples?

Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

Big Island of Hawaii makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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 is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Columbia is not a good city 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.

Columbia is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not an expensive place to visit, there is little in the area to attract backpackers.

Is Columbia or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Students?

Columbia is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Columbia. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Big Island of Hawaii is not popular with students.

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

Both Columbia and Big Island of Hawaii offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

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 or Big Island of Hawaii a more walkable city?

Neither Columbia or Big Island of Hawaii are walkable places.

Columbia is not a walkable city. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

Big Island of Hawaii is not a very walkable city. 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 Worth Visiting? and Is Big Island of Hawaii Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Columbia or Big Island of Hawaii?

Columbia 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 because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbia, and 5-14 days is enough time in Big Island of Hawaii.

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

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the destination of Columbia. 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 Columbia has to offer.

The beautiful island of Big Island of Hawaii offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Columbia or Big Island of Hawaii?

Columbia 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.

Big Island of Hawaii is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbia or Big Island of Hawaii?

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

Big Island of Hawaii is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Big Island of Hawaii, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Columbia or Big Island of Hawaii?

The suburban destination of Columbia 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.

Big Island of Hawaii is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Big Island of Hawaii has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

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

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

The summer brings many poeple to Columbia as well as Big Island of Hawaii. Many travelers come to Columbia for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia this time of the year. In the summer, Columbia often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Columbia gets 293 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 receives a lot of rain in the summer. Columbia usually gets less rain in July than Big Island of Hawaii. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 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 or Big Island of Hawaii in the Autumn?

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Columbia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Columbia in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia. Columbia usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during autumn. Columbia gets 230 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 usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 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 or Big Island of Hawaii in the Winter?

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Columbia during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Columbia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Big Island of Hawaii because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Columbia is much colder than Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbia in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 72°F (22°C).

In the winter, Columbia often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Columbia gets 171 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. Columbia usually gets less rain in January than Big Island of Hawaii. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 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 or Big Island of Hawaii in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Big Island of Hawaii. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Big Island of Hawaii this time of year.

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

In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Columbia usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during spring. Columbia gets 273 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 usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 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