A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Negril vs. Honolulu for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Negril or Honolulu?

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 Negril and Honolulu. 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.

Where Should I go: Negril or Honolulu?

Negril

Negril is a town in western Jamaica known for its miles of white sand beaches and cliffs. It is certainly one of the more laid back towns on the island yet still attracts a lot of tourists. The hotels are as close to the water as you can get, and the sand gets whiter and whiter the further away from populated areas you get. The water is unbelievably clear and warm in Negril!

Honolulu

Hawaii's capital city of Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is the state's center for government, finance, and transportation. It's also the home of Waikiki Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the state of Hawaii. Nearly one million people live in this Honolulu metropolitan area. This is almost 80% of the state's population. The city is not the relaxed Hawaiian destination that you might be searching for, but is instead a fast paced, cosmopolitan city. In addition to attracting many tourists every year, you'll also find international businesses, military defense and a diverse culture and population.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Honolulu or Negril?

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

  • Negril Prices
    Jamaica Prices
    Honolulu Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Negril $150
    Honolulu $329

The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $150, while the average daily cost in Honolulu is $329. 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 Negril and Honolulu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $102
    Honolulu $190
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $204
    Honolulu $380
Compare Hotels in Negril and Honolulu

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Honolulu? 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 Negril


Hotels in Honolulu


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: Negril Hotel Prices and Honolulu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.39
    Honolulu $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Negril

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Negril:


  • Taxi From Airport
    $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Negril

Also for Negril, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Grand Palladium Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Rountrip): $200
  • Private Airport Transfer Montego Bay and Negril: $200
  • Private Airport Transfer Royalton Negril: $200
  • Private Transfer from Negril to Jamaica (MBJ) Airport: $176
  • Luxury Grand Palladium Transfer: $144
  • Private Customizable Transfer from Sangster Intl Airport - Negril: $140
  • Montego Bay Airport (MBJ) to Negril hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $139
  • Montego Bay Airport Transfers to Negril Hotels: $134
  • Private Airport transfer to/from all hotels in Negril round trip: $130
  • Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Negril/Westmoreland Hotel: $123
  • Club Kingston VIP Lounge & Fast Track with Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $112
  • Private Montego Bay Airport/ Port Transfer To Hotels in Negril: $110

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Honolulu

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Honolulu are as follows:


  • Rental Car for One Day
    $35
  • Airport Shuttle for Two
    $30
  • Hilton Parking
    $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Honolulu

Also for Honolulu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Honolulu HNL Airport Round-Trip Private Transfer in SUV: $298
  • One-Way VIP Transfer: Honolulu Airport, Ko Olina, Port 2/11: $240
  • Airport to Waikiki Transfer with Meet and Greet: $225
  • One-Way VIP Transfer: Honolulu Airport, Waikiki, Cruise Port: $199
  • Honolulu Airport Transfer to Waikiki, Kahala & Cruise Ship Port: $185
  • One-Way VIP Transfer: Honolulu Airport, Waikiki, Cruise Port: $180
  • Honolulu Airport & KoOlina Hotels Private Transfer by Luxury SUV(up to 5 People): $180
  • Private Transfer from HNL Airport to Honolulu / Waikiki : $179
  • Honolulu Hawaii Airport Transfer: $179
  • Private Transfer from Honolulu Airport HNL to Waikiki by SUV: $176
  • Chief's Luau Admission Including Transfers: $174
  • Private Departure Transfer: Oahu Hotels or Honolulu Cruise Terminal to Honolulu International Airport: $164

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Honolulu?

Prices for flights to both Honolulu and Negril 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
    Negril $38
    Honolulu $91

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Negril

For Negril, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Dinner in the Sky Jamaica Round Trip Taxi & Guide only: $42
  • The Jungle Nightclub Experience with Optional Dinner in Negril: $80
  • Zimbali Mountain Cooking Studio: $105
  • Cultural Food Tour & Seven Mile Beach At Negril’s Margaritaville: $150
  • Local food tour and local fields : $164

Typical Food Prices in Honolulu

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Honolulu:


  • Dinner for Two
    $73
  • Lapperts Hawaii Ice Cream
    $5.55
  • Chai's Island Bistro (for 2)
    $53
  • Cheeseburger Waikiki (for 2)
    $34
  • Matsumoto Shave Ice (for 2)
    $7.50
  • Hot Dog with the Fixins'
    $8.30
  • Sushi Dinner for Two
    $73

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Honolulu

For Honolulu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Oʻahu: Nā Lei Aloha Lūʻau & Dinner or Cocktail Show Option: $93
  • Waikiki Food Tour with Local Guide: $100
  • Da Local's Food Tour of Oahu: $150
  • Ka Moana Luau Dinner and Show with Transportation: $166
  • Sunset 5 Course Dinner Cruise with Entertainment: $193
  • Nova Five Star Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Jazz: $236
  • Brewery and Local Food Tour: $600

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Negril $26
    Honolulu $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Negril

For Negril, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • 2 Hr Horseback Ride
    $42

Tours and Activities in Negril

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Negril.

  • Rick's Cafe Sunset Cruise : $60
  • YS Falls and Sightseeing Tour Day Adventure: $138
  • 7Mile Beach/Ricks Cafe Tour with Free Shopping from Montego Bay: $115
  • ATV's, Shopping, Seven Mile Beach,Catamaran Cruise to Ricks Cafe : $130
  • Appleton Estate Rum Tour: $113
  • Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Tasting from Negril: $232
  • Bamboo Rafting and Rick Cafe Negril Private Tour: $156
  • Bambuza ATV, Zipline and Horseback Adventure from Negril: $190
  • Benta River & Falls Private Tour From Montego Bay/Negril: $150
  • Black River Safari & YS Falls Guided Tour with Lunch & Admission from Negril: $145
  • Black River Safari and YS Falls Tour from Negril: $232
  • Blue Hole Secret Falls and Dunns River Falls Adventure: $134

Typical Entertainment Prices in Honolulu

For Honolulu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Parking for Hike
    $5.00
  • Pearl Harbor Audio Tour for Two
    $12
  • 2 hr Dinner Cruise
    $85
  • 1 Day Kayak Rental
    $36

Tours and Activities in Honolulu

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Honolulu.

  • Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial, small group Tour: $100
  • #1 Private VIP USS Arizona Memorial & Historic Honolulu Tour: $799
  • 'Lost' and Movie Tour: $200
  • 18 Minutes PRIVATE Helicopter Tour in Honolulu: $269
  • 3-Hour Honolulu Bottom Fishing Adventure: $87
  • 4 Hour Half Day Island Jeep Tour: $190
  • 5 Hour Romantic Hawaii Jeep Tour: $276
  • 6 Hour Local Food Plate Jeep Tour: $230
  • 7 Day Hawaii Tour!: $8,800
  • Afternoon at McGarret - Hawaii 5-0 TV Tour: $239
  • All Inclusive Ultimate Circle Island Tour, Waimea Falls & Lunch: $156
  • Amazing Circle Island Tour: $139

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $9.74
    Honolulu $6.47

Sample the Local Flavors in Negril

Also in Negril, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Negril One Love Bus Bar Crawl: $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Honolulu

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Honolulu:

  • Waikiki Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $29


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu is more expensive. And not only is Negril much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Negril is in Caribbean Islands and Honolulu is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Negril would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Negril 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 Negril.

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


Which is Bigger, Negril or Honolulu?

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

Honolulu has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Negril experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Negril or Honolulu in the Summer?

Both Honolulu and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Honolulu because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), 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 Negril. Negril usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during summer. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Negril. In July, Negril usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Honolulu 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Negril or Honolulu in the Autumn?

Both Honolulu and Negril during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Negril because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.

Negril is around the same temperature as Honolulu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Negril. In the autumn, Negril often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Honolulu. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in October than Honolulu. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Honolulu 80°F (26°C)

Should I visit Negril or Honolulu in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Honolulu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Also, many travelers come to Honolulu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Negril is a little warmer than Honolulu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Negril in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Honolulu averages at about 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Honolulu during winter. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Negril usually receives less rain than Honolulu. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Honolulu 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Negril or Honolulu in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Negril as well as Honolulu. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Honolulu in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 26°C (79°F), 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 Negril this time of the year. In the spring, Negril often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun.

Negril receives a lot of rain in the spring. Negril usually gets more rain in April than Honolulu. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Honolulu 76°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Negril

Negril Honolulu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 73°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 74°F (24°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 76°F (24°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 78°F (25°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 80°F (26°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 81°F (27°C) 0.6 inches (15 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 81°F (27°C) 0.4 inches (11 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 81°F (27°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 80°F (26°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 77°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 74°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)