A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Las Vegas vs. Big Island of Hawaii for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Families

Should you visit Las Vegas or Big Island of Hawaii?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Las Vegas and Big Island of Hawaii. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a entertaining, sexy, and glamourous entertainment capital. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater. See Las Vegas travel costs.

Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii is a laid back, relaxing, and adventure-filled island. You'll find world class beauty in Big Island of Hawaii as well. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Big Island of Hawaii travel costs.

Las Vegas and Big Island of Hawaii: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Las Vegas. Although Las Vegas and Big Island of Hawaii are both popular with visitors, Las Vegas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Las Vegas is more popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Big Island of Hawaii is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Las Vegas is popular for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. It is also home to The Strip. Big Island of Hawaii is popular for its active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and majestic manta rays.

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

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

Las Vegas is a great entertainment capital for its historical sights. Also, Big Island of Hawaii is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Las Vegas can be an interesting and educational experience. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon Museum.

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 Las Vegas or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Theater?

Las Vegas is renowned for theatre. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Las Vegas. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.

Big Island of Hawaii is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Las Vegas or Big Island of Hawaii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Las Vegas is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Big Island of Hawaii is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Las Vegas is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Is Las Vegas or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Nightlife?

Las Vegas is renowned for nightlife. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for nightlife and partying.

Las Vegas is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.

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 Las Vegas or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Music?

Las Vegas is renowned for live music. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not a live music destination.

Las Vegas is known as a music capital around the world. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.

Big Island of Hawaii is not a live music destination.

Is Las Vegas or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Resorts?

There are world-class resorts to choose from in both Las Vegas and Big Island of Hawaii.

Vacationers flock to Las Vegas for its luxury resorts. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.

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.

Is Las Vegas or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Las Vegas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Big Island of Hawaii. 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.

Las Vegas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Las Vegas or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Beaches?

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for its beaches. However, Las Vegas is not a beach destination.

Big Island of Hawaii offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Las Vegas is not a beach destination.

Is Las Vegas or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Hiking?

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

Big Island of Hawaii is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Las Vegas or Big Island of Hawaii?

Las Vegas is renowned for shopping. Also, Big Island of Hawaii is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Las Vegas. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.

Big Island of Hawaii is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Las Vegas or Big Island of Hawaii More Beautiful?

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Las Vegas is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Big Island of Hawaii as well. 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.

Las Vegas is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Las Vegas or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Families?

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Big Island of Hawaii is very family-friendly. 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.

Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.

Is Las Vegas or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Couples?

Las Vegas and Big Island of Hawaii both world-class destinations for a couple.

Las Vegas is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.

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.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is notable for backpackers. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Big Island of Hawaii. 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.

Las Vegas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most visitors are not backpackers, but for those who want to experience the hype while sticking to a budget, there are a handful of hostels around town.

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

Both Las Vegas and Big Island of Hawaii offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.

Public transit is mostly 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 Las Vegas or Big Island of Hawaii a more walkable city?

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

Las Vegas is somewhat walkable. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.

Big Island of Hawaii is not a walkable entertainment capital. 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 Las Vegas Worth Visiting? and Is Big Island of Hawaii Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Las Vegas or Big Island of Hawaii?

Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Las Vegas, and 5-14 days is enough time in Big Island of Hawaii.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Big Island of Hawaii than Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas or Big Island of Hawaii?

Las Vegas is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the island of Big Island of Hawaii. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Las Vegas or Big Island of Hawaii?

Las Vegas is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this entertainment capital has to offer. This entertainment capital offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and food around the relaxing destination of Big Island of Hawaii. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Las Vegas or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many people visit Las Vegas for five days. Las Vegas is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this entertainment capital has to offer.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the laid back island of Big Island of Hawaii. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

A week in Las Vegas or Big Island of Hawaii?

Las Vegas is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Many people spend one week here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Las Vegas, one week is sufficent for most.

Big Island of Hawaii is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Big Island of Hawaii, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Las Vegas and Big Island of Hawaii, we can see that Las Vegas is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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