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

Should you visit Honolulu or Ottawa?

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 Ottawa 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 multi-cultural, energetic, and vibrant city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, Honolulu attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Honolulu travel costs.

Ottawa

Ottawa is a cultural, friendly, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Ottawa travel costs.

Honolulu and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Honolulu or Ottawa?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Honolulu than Ottawa. While Ottawa is larger than Honolulu, Honolulu has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Honolulu is more touristy than Ottawa and is known for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. Also, Honolulu is famous for Pearl Harbor. Ottawa is well known for its history, politics, and green space.

How is Honolulu different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ottawa 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 Ottawa?

Honolulu is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Honolulu has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Many visitors head to Ottawa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As the country's capital, there are a large number of museums to explore. There are summer national museums in town which include the National Gallery of Canada, the Museum of History, the Science and Technology Museum, the Aviation and Space Museum, the Agriculture and Food Museum, the Museum of Nature, and the War Museum.

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

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

Honolulu has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Ottawa offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The culinary scene highlights many Canadian classics like poutine and maple donuts (and, of course, the classic Tim Horton's), but you'll also find plenty of international options like shawarma.

Is Honolulu or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

Honolulu is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Ottawa is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Ottawa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's not the first place that comes to mind when you think about partying, but there are live music venues and a some great bars around town.

Is Honolulu or Ottawa Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Ottawa is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Honolulu is a great choice. 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.

Ottawa is not a resort destination.

Is Honolulu or Ottawa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Honolulu. 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.

Ottawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Honolulu or Ottawa Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Ottawa is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Honolulu. 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.

Ottawa is not a beach destination.

Is Honolulu or Ottawa Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Ottawa is not a hiking destination.

People visit Honolulu specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Ottawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Honolulu or Ottawa?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Ottawa is a great destination for shopping. You'll find large malls, outlets, and shopping streets that are fun to browse. Some of the favorite shopping areas include ByWard Market, Sparks Street, and CF Rideau Centre.

Is Honolulu or Ottawa More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Honolulu attracts visitors from all around. It's beautiful beaches and scenic viewpoints make this a beautiful city. It also has a mix of cultures and dynamic neighborhoods.

Ottawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Honolulu or Ottawa Better for Families?

Honolulu is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Honolulu is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Ottawa. As the country's capital, you'll find a number of museums that will keep a kid's attention. In particular, check out the aviation, science, and nature museums. If you have a car, you can head out to Calypso Water Park, which is fun as well.

Is Honolulu or Ottawa Better for Couples?

Honolulu is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Honolulu makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Ottawa is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with parks and green spaces where you can enjoy flowers or peaceful walks. Commissioners Park is particularly nice and known for its tulips during the spring season. Dow's Lake is a nice place for ice skating in the winter or kayaking in the summer. The city also offers a number of romantic restaurants and charming hotels.

Is Honolulu or Ottawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Honolulu. 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.

Ottawa is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a surprising number of hostels around town.

Is Honolulu or Ottawa Better for Students?

Ottawa is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Honolulu is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Ottawa. It appeals to international and Canadian students alike. It's known for its livability and diverse cultural scene.

Honolulu is not popular with students.

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

Honolulu and Ottawa both offer notable 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.

Ottawa has a few public transit options. There is both a public bus and light rail system.

Is Honolulu or Ottawa a more walkable city?

Honolulu is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Ottawa is somewhat walkable. Many of the urban neighborhoods are very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or Honolulu?

How long in Honolulu or Ottawa?

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

Families should spend more time in Honolulu than Ottawa. 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 Ottawa. 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 Ottawa 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 Ottawa?

Honolulu is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Ottawa 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 Ottawa?

Honolulu is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Ottawa 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 Ottawa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Honolulu or Ottawa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Honolulu. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Ottawa 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 Ottawa?

Honolulu is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Ottawa 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Honolulu or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Honolulu. When comparing the sizes of Honolulu and Ottawa, 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 Ottawa?

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 Ottawa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Honolulu and Ottawa. Many travelers come to Honolulu for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ottawa in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Honolulu is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Honolulu average around 81°F (27°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ottawa this time of the year. In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Honolulu usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during summer. Honolulu gets 303 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Honolulu usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Honolulu gets 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Honolulu or Ottawa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Honolulu as well as Ottawa. Many visitors come to Honolulu in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Ottawa for the shopping scene during these months.

Honolulu is much warmer than Ottawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Honolulu averages around 80°F (26°C) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°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 Ottawa. Honolulu gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.

Honolulu usually gets less rain in October than Ottawa. Honolulu gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Honolulu or Ottawa in the Winter?

Both Ottawa and Honolulu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Honolulu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Ottawa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ottawa can be very cold. In the winter, Honolulu is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Honolulu in January average around 73°F (23°C), and Ottawa averages at about -10°C (14°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. Honolulu usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Honolulu gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Honolulu usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Honolulu gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Honolulu or Ottawa in the Spring?

Both Ottawa and Honolulu during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Honolulu because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Honolulu is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Honolulu average around 76°F (24°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. In the spring, Honolulu often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Honolulu gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.

Honolulu usually gets less rain in April than Ottawa. Honolulu gets 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Honolulu