A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Honolulu vs. Halifax for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Honolulu or Halifax?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Honolulu and Halifax 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.

Honolulu

Honolulu is a energetic, vibrant, and multi-cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Honolulu is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Honolulu travel costs.

Halifax

Halifax is a cultural, historical, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Halifax travel costs.

Honolulu and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Honolulu or Halifax?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Honolulu. Although Honolulu and Halifax are about the same size, Honolulu has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Honolulu is more touristy than Halifax and is known for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. It is also home to Pearl Harbor. Halifax is popular for its maritime past.

How is Honolulu different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Honolulu or Halifax?

Honolulu is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Honolulu from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Halifax offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You should head to Pier 21, where you'll find the Canadian Museum of Immigration. The Discovery Center is a great spot for kids, as is the Natural History Museum. Finally, check out the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

Is the Food Better in Honolulu or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Honolulu is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Halifax. You'll find lobster rolls and other seafood around town, but also make sure you try the Halifax donair, which is a shaved beef sandwich wrap that can be found a many pizza restaurants.

Is Honolulu or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Honolulu is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Honolulu has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Halifax has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a laid back atmosphere to the nightlife scene. There are casual bars and pubs where you can meet the locals and a few nightclubs where there's a relaxed but fun atmosphere.

Is Honolulu or Halifax Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Halifax is not a resort destination.

Honolulu offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Halifax is not a resort destination.

Is Honolulu or Halifax Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Honolulu is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Halifax is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Honolulu to enjoy 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.

Halifax is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Honolulu or Halifax Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is renowned for its beaches. However, Halifax is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Honolulu are among the best in the world. 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.

Halifax is not a beach destination.

Is Honolulu or Halifax Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Honolulu draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Honolulu or Halifax?

Honolulu is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Halifax offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.

Is Honolulu or Halifax More Beautiful?

Honolulu is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Honolulu or Halifax Better for Families?

Honolulu is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Honolulu is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Halifax. There are a handful of kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Natural History. Kids will also appreciate a visit to the Discovery Center or stretching their legs at Point Pleasant Park. History lovers should go see the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

Is Honolulu or Halifax Better for Couples?

Honolulu is renowned for romance. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Honolulu has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Halifax makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can wander down the waterfront or take a stroll through Point Pleasant Park. The city also has number of romantic restaurants and hotels.

Is Honolulu or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Honolulu is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Honolulu is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Halifax is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's actually a decent number of hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Honolulu or Halifax Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Honolulu and Halifax both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Honolulu offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. TheBus is the public bus system through the city and elsewhere on Oahu.

Halifax has a few public transit options. There are buses around town as well as a ferry to Dartmouth.

Is Honolulu or Halifax a more walkable city?

Honolulu is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Halifax is a somewhat walkable place. It's a compact town that's relatively easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Honolulu Worth Visiting? and Is Halifax Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Honolulu?

How long in Honolulu or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Honolulu and Halifax. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Honolulu than in Halifax. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Honolulu, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halifax.

Families should spend more time in Honolulu than Halifax. 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 Halifax. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Honolulu that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Honolulu than Halifax 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 Honolulu or Halifax?

Because Honolulu is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Halifax offers food and shopping. 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 Honolulu or Halifax?

Because Honolulu is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Halifax is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Halifax, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Honolulu or Halifax?

Honolulu is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Honolulu has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Halifax 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.

A week in Honolulu or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Honolulu. Because Honolulu is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Halifax is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Honolulu or Halifax?

Honolulu has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Halifax. When comparing the sizes of Honolulu and Halifax, 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 Honolulu or Halifax?

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 Honolulu or Halifax in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Honolulu and Halifax. Most visitors come to Honolulu for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Halifax because of the family-friendly experiences.

Honolulu is much warmer than Halifax in the summer. The daily temperature in Honolulu averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Halifax fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Halifax this time of the year. In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Honolulu usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during summer. Honolulu gets 303 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Honolulu usually receives less rain than Halifax. Honolulu gets 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Honolulu or Halifax in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Honolulu as well as Halifax. The autumn months attract visitors to Honolulu because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene are the main draw to Halifax this time of year.

In the autumn, Honolulu is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Honolulu in October average around 80°F (26°C), and Halifax averages at about 10°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. In the autumn, Honolulu often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Honolulu gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Honolulu usually gets less rain in October than Halifax. Honolulu gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Honolulu or Halifax in the Winter?

Both Halifax and Honolulu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Halifax for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Halifax. In January, Honolulu is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Honolulu average around 73°F (23°C), and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. Honolulu usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during winter. Honolulu gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. In January, Honolulu usually receives less rain than Halifax. Honolulu gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Honolulu or Halifax in the Spring?

Both Halifax and Honolulu during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Honolulu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Halifax can get quite cold in the spring. Honolulu is much warmer than Halifax in the spring. The daily temperature in Honolulu averages around 76°F (24°C) in April, and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. In the spring, Honolulu often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Honolulu gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.

Halifax gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Honolulu usually gets less rain in April than Halifax. Honolulu gets 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Halifax and Honolulu