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

Should you visit Columbus or Big Island of Hawaii?

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

Should I visit Columbus 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.

Columbus

Columbus is a down-to-earth, authentic, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Columbus travel costs.

Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii is a laid back, relaxing, and adventure-filled island. Big Island of Hawaii is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Big Island of Hawaii travel costs.

Columbus and Big Island of Hawaii: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Big Island of Hawaii. Although Columbus 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 food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Columbus is known for its nightlife. Big Island of Hawaii is more touristy than Columbus and is known for its active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and majestic manta rays. It is also home to the Waipio Valley Overlook. Columbus is popular for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

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

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

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Columbus or Big Island of Hawaii.

Columbus is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

Big Island of Hawaii offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Columbus or Big Island of Hawaii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Big Island of Hawaii is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Columbus or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Nightlife?

Columbus 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 Columbus has a few options to choose from. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries 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 Columbus or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Resorts?

Big Island of Hawaii is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not a resort destination.

Is Columbus 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, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Columbus or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Beaches?

Big Island of Hawaii is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not a beach destination.

Is Columbus or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Hiking?

Big Island of Hawaii is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not a hiking destination.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Big Island of Hawaii. 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.

Columbus offers some nice shopping areas. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Is Columbus or Big Island of Hawaii More Beautiful?

Big Island of Hawaii is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Columbus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Big Island of Hawaii is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

Columbus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Columbus or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Families?

Big Island of Hawaii is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

Columbus is a very kid-friendly city. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

Is Columbus or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Couples?

Big Island of Hawaii is a world-class destination for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Columbus is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there is a hostel in town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Columbus and Big Island of Hawaii.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

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 Columbus or Big Island of Hawaii a more walkable city?

Columbus is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for its high level of walkability.

Columbus is somewhat walkable. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

Big Island of Hawaii is not a 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 Columbus Worth Visiting? and Is Big Island of Hawaii Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Columbus or Big Island of Hawaii?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the destination of Columbus. 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 Columbus 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 Columbus or Big Island of Hawaii?

Columbus 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 Columbus or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many people visit Columbus for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Columbus. 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 Columbus or Big Island of Hawaii?

The welcoming destination of Columbus 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

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

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Big Island of Hawaii. Many travelers come to Columbus for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Columbus is around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii in the summer. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Columbus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Columbus usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during summer. Columbus gets 254 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. Columbus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Columbus usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Big Island of Hawaii. Many visitors come to Columbus in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, 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.

In the autumn, Columbus is much colder than Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Columbus in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 76°F (24°C).

In the autumn, Columbus often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Columbus gets 179 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. Columbus usually gets less rain in October than Big Island of Hawaii. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Columbus 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.

Columbus can be very cold during winter. In January, Columbus is generally much colder than Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 30°F (-1°C), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during winter. Columbus gets 105 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, Columbus usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Columbus during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Big Island of Hawaii this time of year.

Columbus is much colder than Big Island of Hawaii in the spring. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In the spring, Columbus often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Columbus gets 200 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. Columbus usually gets less rain in April than Big Island of Hawaii. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 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 Columbus