A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Havana vs. Honolulu for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Havana or Honolulu?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Havana and Honolulu can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Havana or Honolulu?

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

Honolulu

Hawaii's capital city of Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is the state's center for government, finance, and transportation. It's also the home of Waikiki Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the state of Hawaii. Nearly one million people live in this Honolulu metropolitan area. This is almost 80% of the state's population. The city is not the relaxed Hawaiian destination that you might be searching for, but is instead a fast paced, cosmopolitan city. In addition to attracting many tourists every year, you'll also find international businesses, military defense and a diverse culture and population.

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


Which place is cheaper, Honolulu or Havana?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Havana Prices
    Cuba Prices
    Honolulu Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Havana $74
    Honolulu $329

The average daily cost (per person) in Havana is $74, while the average daily cost in Honolulu is $329. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Havana and Honolulu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Havana $42
    Honolulu $190
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Havana $84
    Honolulu $380
Compare Hotels in Havana and Honolulu

Looking for a hotel in Havana or Honolulu? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Havana


Hotels in Honolulu


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Honolulu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Havana $19
    Honolulu $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Honolulu

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Honolulu are as follows:


  • Rental Car for One Day
    $35
  • Airport Shuttle for Two
    $30
  • Hilton Parking
    $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Honolulu

Also for Honolulu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Departure - Private Transfer Waikiki Hotel to Airport: $35
  • Honolulu HNL Airport Round-Trip Private Transfer in SUV: $299
  • Arrival - Private Transfer Honolulu Airport to Waikiki Hotel : $40
  • Arrival Lei Greeting -HNL to Waikiki Private Transfer: $60
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport Shuttle Honolulu To Ko'olina: $53
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport Shuttle Honolulu and Waikiki or Cruise Terminal: $18
  • Chief's Luau Admission Including Transfers: $174
  • DEPARTURE-Private Transfer waikiki to HNL airport by minivan: $85
  • HNL Airport & Waikiki Private Transfer by Brand New Mercedes Van: $160
  • Hawaii: Private Airport Transfers from/to Honolulu City: $26
  • Honolulu / Waikiki to Honolulu Airport (HNL) - Departure Private Transfer: $25
  • Honolulu Airport & Ko Olina Hotels Private Transfer by Minivan (up to 5 people): $100

Is it cheaper to fly into Havana or Honolulu?

Prices for flights to both Honolulu and Havana change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Havana $18
    Honolulu $91
Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    $0.03

Typical Food Prices in Honolulu

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Honolulu:


  • Dinner for Two
    $73
  • Lapperts Hawaii Ice Cream
    $5.55
  • Chai's Island Bistro (for 2)
    $53
  • Cheeseburger Waikiki (for 2)
    $34
  • Matsumoto Shave Ice (for 2)
    $7.50
  • Hot Dog with the Fixins'
    $8.30
  • Sushi Dinner for Two
    $73

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Honolulu

For Honolulu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Oʻahu: Nā Lei Aloha Lūʻau & Dinner or Cocktail Show Option: $93
  • Waikiki Food Tour with Local Guide: $100
  • Da Local's Food Tour of Oahu: $150
  • Ka Moana Luau Dinner and Show with Transportation: $166
  • Sunset 5 Course Dinner Cruise with Entertainment: $193
  • Nova Five Star Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Jazz: $236
  • Brewery and Local Food Tour: $600

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Havana $11
    Honolulu $40

Tours and Activities in Havana

Here are a few actual costs in Havana for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private: City Tour with Lunch, Rum, and Chocolate: $2,000

Typical Entertainment Prices in Honolulu

For Honolulu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Parking for Hike
    $5.00
  • Pearl Harbor Audio Tour for Two
    $12
  • 2 hr Dinner Cruise
    $85
  • 1 Day Kayak Rental
    $36

Tours and Activities in Honolulu

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Honolulu.

  • Oahu: USS Arizona Memorial Chief's Narrated Multimedia Tour: $9.99
  • USS Arizona Commander's Narrated Multimedia Tour - 23 Stops: $12
  • Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum Ticket with Audio Tour and Shuttle: $28
  • Downtown Ghostly Night Marchers Walking Tour: $28
  • Ghosts of Old Honolulu Walking Tour: $28
  • BYOB Weekend Sightseeing Sail towards Diamond Head: $33
  • Bishop Museum General Admission Ticket: $34
  • Bishop Museum General Admission Ticket: $34
  • Island of the Gods Daytime Walking Tour: $35
  • Diamond Head Hike Shuttle with Reservation Tickets Included: $40
  • Waikiki: Waikiki Night Marchers Ghostly Walking Tour: $40
  • Oahu's Half-Day Tour Package: $42

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Havana $5.76
    Honolulu $6.47
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15

Sample the Local Flavors in Honolulu

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Honolulu:

  • Waikiki Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $29


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Havana and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Havana is in Caribbean Islands and Honolulu is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Havana.

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


Which is Bigger, Havana or Honolulu?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Honolulu. When comparing the sizes of Havana 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 Havana or Honolulu?

Honolulu has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Havana or Honolulu in the Summer?

Both Honolulu and Havana during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Honolulu in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Havana is around the same temperature as Honolulu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Havana in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Honolulu averages at about 81°F (27°C).

Havana usually gets more rain in July than Honolulu. Havana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Havana 27°C (81°F) 
    Honolulu 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Havana or Honolulu in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Havana and Honolulu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Honolulu for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Havana is generally around the same temperature as Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Havana average around 25°C (77°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

In October, Havana usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Havana gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Havana 25°C (77°F) 
    Honolulu 80°F (26°C)

Should I visit Havana or Honolulu in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Havana as well as Honolulu. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Honolulu because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Havana is around the same temperature as Honolulu in the winter. The daily temperature in Havana averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Havana usually gets less rain in January than Honolulu. Havana gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Havana 21°C (70°F) 
    Honolulu 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Havana or Honolulu in the Spring?

Both Honolulu and Havana are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.

In the spring, Havana is around the same temperature as Honolulu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Havana in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Honolulu averages at about 76°F (24°C).

In April, Havana usually receives less rain than Honolulu. Havana gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Havana 24°C (75°F) 
    Honolulu 76°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Havana

Havana Honolulu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 73°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 74°F (24°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 76°F (24°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
May 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 78°F (25°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 80°F (26°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in) 81°F (27°C) 0.6 inches (15 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 81°F (27°C) 0.4 inches (11 mm)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 81°F (27°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 80°F (26°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 77°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Dec 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 74°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)