A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Nags Head vs. Honolulu for Families, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Nags Head or Honolulu?

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

Should I visit Nags Head or Honolulu? 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.

Nags Head

Other reasons to visit include nightlife and food. See Nags Head travel costs.

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 museums, nightlife, and food. See Honolulu travel costs.

Nags Head and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nags Head or Honolulu?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Honolulu. Although Nags Head and Honolulu are both popular with visitors, Honolulu has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Honolulu is more touristy than Nags Head and is known for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. It is also home to Pearl Harbor. Nags Head is popular for

How is Nags Head different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nags Head or Honolulu?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. However, Nags Head does not have 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.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Honolulu is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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 Nags Head. There are a wide variety of seafood restaurants that serve locally caught fish, shrimp, and crabs. Cajon flavors are popular and you'll also find cheese grits at many places.

Is Nags Head or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is excellent in both Nags Head and Honolulu.

Many people head to Nags Head for the nightlife scene. You'll find the widest variety of nightlife options in the Outer Banks here. There are a number of bars and clubs around town where you can enjoy a drink or dance late into the night. During the peak summer months there's often live music at many places.

Honolulu has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Is Nags Head or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Nags Head 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.

Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Is Nags Head or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Honolulu is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Nags Head 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.

Nags Head is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nags Head or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for its beaches. However, Nags Head 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.

Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Is Nags Head or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for hiking. However, Nags Head 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.

Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nags Head or Honolulu?

Honolulu is great for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nags Head or Honolulu More Beautiful?

Honolulu is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Nags Head 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.

Nags Head is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nags Head or Honolulu Better for Families?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

Nags Head is a very kid-friendly . It makes a wonderful base for the many family-friendly activities in the area. Jockey's Ridge is a fun place to visit with kids. There are also wonderful beaches and many kids enjoying flying kites.

Is Nags Head or Honolulu Better for Couples?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for romance. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its romantic activities.

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.

Nags Head makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are great seafood restaurants and a number of activities in the area that are fun for couples.

Is Nags Head or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Honolulu is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

Nags Head is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This is one of the more affordable places to stay in the Outer Banks, so it appeals to more budget-oriented travelers.

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

Honolulu is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Nags Head. There's no real public transit around town, so you'll need to have your own car.

Is Nags Head or Honolulu a more walkable city?

Honolulu is great for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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

Nags Head is generally not very walkable. This is one of the least walkable towns in the Outer Banks. You'll need a car to reach most restaurants and other activities in the area.

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Honolulu?

Both Nags Head and Honolulu have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Honolulu has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Honolulu than Nags Head. In general, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Nags Head, and 5-7 days is enough time in Honolulu.

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

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

The of Nags Head offers food and nightlife. 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.

People visit Honolulu because there is so much to do. 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 Nags Head or Honolulu?

Nags Head is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

People visit Honolulu because there is so much to do. 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 city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nags Head or Honolulu?

Nags Head is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nags Head, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

People visit Honolulu because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Nags Head or Honolulu?

Nags Head is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nags Head has to offer. This offers something for everyone.

Honolulu 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 Honolulu, 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nags Head or Honolulu?

Honolulu has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head and Honolulu, 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 Nags Head or Honolulu?

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 Nags Head or Honolulu in the Summer?

Both Honolulu and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nags Head in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Honolulu for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Nags Head is around the same temperature as Honolulu in the summer. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Honolulu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. Nags Head usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during summer. Nags Head gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Nags Head. In July, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Nags Head gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nags Head or Honolulu in the Autumn?

Both Honolulu and Nags Head during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, 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.

In the autumn, Nags Head is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nags Head in October average around 62°F (16°C), and Honolulu averages at about 80°F (26°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nags Head. In the autumn, Nags Head often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Nags Head gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun.

Nags Head usually gets more rain in October than Honolulu. Nags Head gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nags Head or Honolulu in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and Honolulu. The winter months attract visitors to Nags Head because of the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.

The weather in Nags Head can be very cold. In January, Nags Head is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 41°F (5°C), and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. Nags Head usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during winter. Nags Head gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

Nags Head gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nags Head usually receives around the same amount of rain as Honolulu. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nags Head or Honolulu in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as Honolulu. Also, many travelers come to Honolulu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Nags Head is much colder than Honolulu in the spring. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 59°F (15°C) in April, and Honolulu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nags Head this time of the year. In the spring, Nags Head often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Honolulu. Nags Head gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun.

Nags Head usually gets more rain in April than Honolulu. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Nags Head