A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Merida vs. Big Island of Hawaii for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Merida or Big Island of Hawaii?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Big Island of Hawaii, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Merida

Merida is a colonial, historical, and traditional city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Merida travel costs.

Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii is a adventure-filled, laid back, and relaxing island. Big Island of Hawaii is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Big Island of Hawaii travel costs.

Merida and Big Island of Hawaii: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Big Island of Hawaii than Merida, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Big Island of Hawaii is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Merida is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities. Big Island of Hawaii is more touristy than Merida and is known for its active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and majestic manta rays. Also, Big Island of Hawaii is famous for the Waipio Valley Overlook. Merida is well known for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture.

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

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

Merida is a great city 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 Merida can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with culture and traditional heritage, and there are many museums and architectural landmarks that will educate and inform visitors on the area. Gran Museo del Mundo Maya is a highlight for many visitors. It's also worth visiting Museo Casa Montejo and Museo Palacio Canton. If you want to visit ruins, then the Dzibilchaltun Mayan Ruins are about 45 minutes outside of town.

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 the Food Better in Merida or Big Island of Hawaii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Merida is a great city 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Merida. It's a top foodie destination in the Yucatan region and visitors will enjoy the many local restaurants and diverse local dishes that are influenced by the Mayan, Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. The most well known local dish is cochinita pibil, which is marinated pork shoulder. Other popular dishes include sopa de lima (lime soup), papadzules (enchiladas with pumpkin seed sauce), and relleno negro (a local stew).

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 Merida or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Nightlife?

Merida is a great city for nightlife. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Merida has something for everybody. Most tourists take advantage of the nightlife scene in the city's downtown area, while locals congregate in the northern part of town. The city has bars, theaters, night clubs, and live music that keeps the energy high late into the night.

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 Merida or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Resorts?

Big Island of Hawaii is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Merida is not a resort destination.

Big Island of Hawaii offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Merida is not a resort destination.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Merida is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Big Island of Hawaii specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. 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.

Merida is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Merida or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Beaches?

Big Island of Hawaii is terrific for the beach. However, Merida is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Big Island of Hawaii are among the best in 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.

Merida is not a beach destination.

Is Merida or Big Island of Hawaii Better for its Old Town?

Merida is a great city for its historic old town. However, Big Island of Hawaii does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Merida to see the historical old town. Centered around the city's Grand Plaza, the old town is filled with colonial architecture and colorful buildings. The Catedral de San Ildefonso was the first cathedral built in the Americas. There are also monuments and examples of Mayan art and culture.

Big Island of Hawaii does not have a historic old town.

Is Merida or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Hiking?

Big Island of Hawaii is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Merida is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Big Island of Hawaii draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Big Island of Hawaii?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Merida and Big Island of Hawaii.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Merida. There are colorful markets that are filled with artisan crafts and traditional clothing. Visitors enjoy discovering the unique vendors and picking up souvenirs that are unique to the area.

Big Island of Hawaii is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Merida or Big Island of Hawaii More Beautiful?

Big Island of Hawaii is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

Big Island of Hawaii is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Merida or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Families?

Big Island of Hawaii is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Big Island of Hawaii is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Merida. The weekend is the best time to visit the city, as this is when there are the most activities. There are live performances that educate visitors on Mayan traditions. There are also historic museums, bike-friendly streets, and a vibrant central market.

Is Merida or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Couples?

Big Island of Hawaii is terrific for couples. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Big Island of Hawaii has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Merida is a nice destination for couples. If you're interested in Mayan culture and history, then this is a wonderful destination. There are also romantic hotels, excellent restaurants, and plenty of fascinating activities that couples will enjoy.

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

Merida and Big Island of Hawaii are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Merida. It's a relatively large city with a number of hostels and budget hotels, so backpackers will have no problem finding a place to stay.

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.

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

Merida is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for its public transit.

While Merida offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While there are local bus routes, they can be a bit challenging to figure out when you first arrive.

Public transit is generally 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 Merida or Big Island of Hawaii a more walkable city?

Merida is a great city for its walkability. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for its high level of walkability.

Merida is very walkable. It's a very walkable city and most visitors don't have a car.

Big Island of Hawaii is not a walkable city. 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 Merida Worth Visiting? and Is Big Island of Hawaii Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Merida or Big Island of Hawaii?

Merida 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 Merida because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Merida, and 5-14 days is enough time in Big Island of Hawaii.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Merida than Big Island of Hawaii 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 Merida.

One day in Merida or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Merida. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Merida has to offer.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Big Island of Hawaii. 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.

A weekend in Merida or Big Island of Hawaii?

Merida is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Big Island of Hawaii 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.

Five days in Merida or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many people visit Merida for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Merida. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Island of Hawaii. 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.

A week in Merida or Big Island of Hawaii?

The historical destination of Merida offers nightlife and food. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Big Island of Hawaii. This island 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Merida or Big Island of Hawaii?

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 Merida or Big Island of Hawaii in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Big Island of Hawaii. The summer months attract visitors to Merida because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Big Island of Hawaii this time of year.

In the summer, Merida is cooler than Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the summer temperatures in Merida in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 76°F (24°C).

In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during summer. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

Big Island of Hawaii receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Merida usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Merida as well as Big Island of Hawaii. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Big Island of Hawaii for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Merida is generally cooler than Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the autumn, Merida often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 138 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Big Island of Hawaii. Merida receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Merida usually gets less rain in October than Big Island of Hawaii. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Merida is cooler than Big Island of Hawaii in the winter. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during winter. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Big Island of Hawaii. In January, Merida usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Merida during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Merida in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Merida is around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the spring temperatures in Merida in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Merida. In the spring, Merida often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 134 hours of full sun.

Big Island of Hawaii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually gets less rain in April than Big Island of Hawaii. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Big Island of Hawaii and Merida