A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hot Springs vs. Big Island of Hawaii for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hot Springs or Big Island of Hawaii?

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

Should I visit Hot Springs 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.

Where Should I go: Hot Springs or Big Island of Hawaii?

Hot Springs

Hot Springs is a popular resort city in central Arkansas. It's location in the Ouachita Mountains make it a convenient base for exploring the area's natural hot springs, from which the city gets its name. The city is also home to Hot Springs National Park, which have long been believed to have healing properties. Today many spas have popped up around the hot springs.

Big Island of Hawaii

What comes to mind when someone says, "Hawaii"? Probably sandy beaches, coconut drinks and lazy days of tanning. It's a dream destination for those who want to get away, but the island of Hawai'i, or the Big Island as it's most commonly called, has so much more to offer than a place to catch up on your latest novel.

At 93 miles across, and a population of 185 thousand, the Big Island was once a large exporter of sugarcane. After its final plantation closed in 1996, tourism became the backbone of Hawai'i Island's economy. More recently, the Big Island has become the focus for sustainable tourism – visiting a place as a tourist and trying to make only a positive impact on your destination.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Big Island of Hawaii or Hot Springs?

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

  • Hot Springs Prices
    USA Prices
    Big Island of Hawaii Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Hot Springs $220
    Big Island of Hawaii $327

The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $220, while the average daily cost in Big Island of Hawaii is $327. 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 Hot Springs and Big Island of Hawaii in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hot Springs $100
    Big Island of Hawaii $112
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hot Springs $200
    Big Island of Hawaii $224
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Big Island of Hawaii

Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs or Big Island of Hawaii? 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 Hot Springs


Hotels in Big Island of Hawaii


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: Hot Springs Hotel Prices and Big Island of Hawaii Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hot Springs $47
    Big Island of Hawaii $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hot Springs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hot Springs:

  • Hot Springs to Little Rock Airport LIT Departure Private Transfer: $126

Is it cheaper to fly into Hot Springs or Big Island of Hawaii?

Prices for flights to both Big Island of Hawaii and Hot Springs 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
    Hot Springs $90
    Big Island of Hawaii $183

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hot Springs $30
    Big Island of Hawaii $35

Tours and Activities in Hot Springs

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hot Springs are as follows:

  • Hot Springs NP Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour: $17
  • Small-Group Zipline Tour in Hot Springs: $67

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hot Springs $22
    Big Island of Hawaii $32


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

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



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

The summer brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Big Island of Hawaii. Also, many visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hot Springs is a little warmer than Big Island of Hawaii in the summer. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hot Springs this time of the year. In the summer, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Hot Springs gets 364 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. Hot Springs usually gets less rain in July than Big Island of Hawaii. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hot Springs 83°F (28°C) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 76°F (24°C)

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

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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.

In the autumn, Hot Springs is cooler than Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hot Springs in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during autumn. Hot Springs gets 254 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, Hot Springs usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hot Springs 64°F (18°C) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 76°F (24°C)

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

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Hot Springs during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Big Island of Hawaii because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hot Springs can be very cold during winter. In January, Hot Springs is generally much colder than Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 40°F (4°C), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Hot Springs. In the winter, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Hot Springs gets 205 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. Hot Springs usually gets less rain in January than Big Island of Hawaii. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hot Springs 40°F (4°C) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 72°F (22°C)

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

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

Hot Springs is cooler than Big Island of Hawaii in the spring. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during spring. Hot Springs gets 304 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. Hot Springs gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hot Springs usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hot Springs 65°F (18°C) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 73°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Big Island of Hawaii and Hot Springs

Hot Springs Big Island of Hawaii
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 72°F (22°C) 8.7 inches (221 mm)
Feb 45°F (7°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 72°F (22°C) 10.8 inches (274 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 72°F (22°C) 13.6 inches (345 mm)
Apr 65°F (18°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 73°F (23°C) 15.6 inches (395 mm)
May 71°F (22°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 74°F (23°C) 10.7 inches (272 mm)
Jun 79°F (26°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 75°F (24°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 76°F (24°C) 9.7 inches (247 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 76°F (25°C) 9.7 inches (247 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 76°F (25°C) 8.5 inches (215 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 76°F (24°C) 9.8 inches (248 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 5.1 inches (130 mm) 74°F (24°C) 14.8 inches (375 mm)
Dec 44°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm) 73°F (23°C) 12.6 inches (321 mm)