A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Nantucket vs. Honolulu for Attractions, Food, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Nantucket or Honolulu?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Nantucket and Honolulu can help you decide which place is right for you.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a upscale, charming, and serene island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Nantucket is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Nantucket 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Honolulu travel costs.

Nantucket and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nantucket or Honolulu?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Honolulu. Although Nantucket and Honolulu are both popular with visitors, Honolulu has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Honolulu is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Nantucket is known for its food, historical sights, and small town charm. Honolulu is more touristy than Nantucket and is known for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. It is also home to Pearl Harbor. Nantucket is popular for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling.

How is Nantucket different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nantucket or Honolulu?

Honolulu is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

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.

Nantucket offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

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

Nantucket is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Nantucket have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Is Nantucket or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

Honolulu is a great city for nightlife. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Honolulu has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Nantucket. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

Is Nantucket or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Honolulu is a perfect 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.

Nantucket is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Is Nantucket or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Honolulu is a great city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Nantucket is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Nantucket is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nantucket or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is renowned for its beaches. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the beach.

With world-famous beaches, Honolulu is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Nantucket. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Is Nantucket or Honolulu Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket is great for its historic old town. However, Honolulu does not have a historic old town.

Nantucket is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Honolulu does not have a historic old town.

Is Nantucket or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is renowned for hiking. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby hiking options.

Many people visit Honolulu specifically for its hiking. 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.

Nantucket is a popular spot for hiking. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Is the Shopping Better in Nantucket or Honolulu?

If you're looking to go shopping, Nantucket and Honolulu both offer plenty of superb spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

Honolulu is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Nantucket or Honolulu More Beautiful?

Nantucket and Honolulu both are comparable with their superb scenery and beauty.

Nantucket is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Natural beauty and charming character make this a picturesque destination.

The beauty of Honolulu is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's beautiful beaches and scenic viewpoints make this a beautiful city. It also has a mix of cultures and dynamic neighborhoods.

Is Nantucket or Honolulu Better for Families?

Honolulu is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Honolulu is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Nantucket is a very kid-friendly island. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

Is Nantucket or Honolulu Better for Couples?

Both Nantucket and Honolulu are amazing destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Nantucket has plenty to offer. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

Honolulu has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Is Nantucket or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Honolulu is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantucket is not known 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.

Nantucket is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's known for its upscale atmosphere that isn't particularly accommodating for backpackers.

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

Nantucket and Honolulu both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Nantucket offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

Honolulu has a few public transit options. TheBus is the public bus system through the city and elsewhere on Oahu.

Is Nantucket or Honolulu a more walkable city?

Nantucket and Honolulu are superb when it comes to walkability.

Nantucket is very walkable. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or Nantucket?

How long in Nantucket or Honolulu?

Both Nantucket and Honolulu have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Honolulu than in Nantucket. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Nantucket, and 5-7 days is enough time in Honolulu.

Families should spend more time in Honolulu than Nantucket. 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 Nantucket. 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 Nantucket 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 Nantucket or Honolulu?

Nantucket is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Nantucket or Honolulu?

Nantucket is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nantucket, a weekend is sufficent for most. 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 Nantucket or Honolulu?

Nantucket is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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.

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 Nantucket or Honolulu?

Nantucket is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island 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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nantucket and Honolulu, we can see that Nantucket is more expensive. And not only is Honolulu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Honolulu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Honolulu 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 Nantucket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nantucket than you might in Honolulu.

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

Which is Bigger, Nantucket or Honolulu?

Honolulu has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Nantucket 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 Nantucket 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 Nantucket or Honolulu in the Summer?

Both Honolulu and Nantucket are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nantucket for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Honolulu in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Nantucket is cooler than Honolulu in the summer. The daily temperature in Nantucket averages around 68°F (20°C) in July, and Honolulu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

In July, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Nantucket gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nantucket or Honolulu in the Autumn?

Both Honolulu and Nantucket during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nantucket in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Honolulu for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Nantucket is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nantucket in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Honolulu averages at about 80°F (26°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. Nantucket usually gets more rain in October than Honolulu. Nantucket gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantucket or Honolulu in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantucket and Honolulu. Most visitors come to Nantucket for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Honolulu because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nantucket can be very cold during winter. In January, Nantucket is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 31°F (-0°C), and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nantucket usually receives around the same amount of rain as Honolulu. Nantucket gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nantucket or Honolulu in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nantucket as well as Honolulu. The spring months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.

Nantucket is much colder than Honolulu in the spring. The daily temperature in Nantucket averages around 45°F (7°C) in April, and Honolulu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nantucket usually gets more rain in April than Honolulu. Nantucket gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Nantucket