A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Bern vs. Honolulu for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit New Bern or Honolulu?

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

Should I visit New Bern 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.

New Bern

New Bern is a laid back, quaint, and charming town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See New Bern 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. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Honolulu travel costs.

New Bern and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Bern or Honolulu?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Honolulu. Although New Bern 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, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while New Bern is known for its small town charm. Honolulu is more touristy than New Bern and is popular for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. It is also home to Pearl Harbor. New Bern is popular for being the birthplace of Pepsi.

How is New Bern different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New Bern or Honolulu?

Honolulu is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Honolulu that are not to be missed. 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.

New Bern offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many visitors check out the Tryon Palace while they're in town. Other museums include the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Gallery, and the New Bern Academy Museum.

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

Honolulu is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Honolulu makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

New Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of local eateries, bistros, and cafes in town. You can sample southern favorites or something international. Popular dishes include fresh caught fish, crab cakes, and even tacos.

Is New Bern or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

Honolulu is well known for nightlife. However, New Bern is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Honolulu is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

New Bern doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.

Is New Bern or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, New Bern 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.

New Bern is not a resort destination.

Is New Bern or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Honolulu is well known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, New Bern 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.

New Bern is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is New Bern or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, New Bern 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.

New Bern is not a beach destination.

Is New Bern or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, New Bern 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.

New Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New Bern or Honolulu?

Honolulu is well known for shopping. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Honolulu is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting New Bern. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.

Is New Bern or Honolulu More Beautiful?

Honolulu is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, New Bern 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.

New Bern is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is New Bern or Honolulu Better for Families?

Honolulu is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, New Bern is not particularly known for its kid-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.

For families, New Bern is not always the best place to visit. Stand up paddle boarding and other outdoor activities are a fun way to experience the area with kids. You could also visit the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Tryon Palace, or one of the parks around town.

Is New Bern or Honolulu Better for Couples?

Honolulu is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

New Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town's charm and quaint parks make this a nice weekend getaway. There are outdoor activities and the Tryon Palace which is nice to visit. There are also local restaurants around town.

Is New Bern or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Honolulu is well known for backpackers. However, New Bern is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Honolulu. 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.

New Bern is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not popular with backpackers in part because it's a small town that most people breeze through on their way to the beach.

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

Honolulu is a popular place for its public transit. However, New Bern is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Honolulu, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. TheBus is the public bus system through the city and elsewhere on Oahu.

Public transit is quite limited in New Bern. There's no real public transit in the area.

Is New Bern or Honolulu a more walkable city?

Honolulu is well known for its walkability. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

New Bern is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable and nice to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or New Bern?

How long in New Bern or Honolulu?

Both New Bern 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 New Bern. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for New Bern, and 5-7 days is enough time in Honolulu.

Families should spend more time in Honolulu than New Bern. 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 New Bern. 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 New Bern 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 New Bern or Honolulu?

New Bern is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Honolulu is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

A weekend in New Bern or Honolulu?

New Bern is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New Bern, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Honolulu is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Five days in New Bern or Honolulu?

New Bern is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

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

A week in New Bern or Honolulu?

New Bern is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Honolulu is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Honolulu has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, New Bern or Honolulu?

Honolulu has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of New Bern. When comparing the sizes of New Bern 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 New Bern or Honolulu?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit New Bern or Honolulu in the Summer?

Both Honolulu and New Bern during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to New Bern in the summer for the small town charm and 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.

New Bern is around the same temperature as Honolulu in the summer. The daily temperature in New Bern averages around 80°F (27°C) in July, and Honolulu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Bern. New Bern usually gets more rain in July than Honolulu. New Bern gets 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Bern or Honolulu in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both New Bern and Honolulu. Most visitors come to New Bern for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. 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, New Bern is cooler than Honolulu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New Bern in October average around 65°F (18°C), and Honolulu averages at about 80°F (26°C).

In October, New Bern usually receives more rain than Honolulu. New Bern gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit New Bern or Honolulu in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to New Bern as well as Honolulu. The winter months attract visitors to New Bern because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.

In January, New Bern is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in New Bern average around 44°F (7°C), and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

New Bern receives a lot of rain in the winter. New Bern usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Honolulu. New Bern gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Bern or Honolulu in the Spring?

Both Honolulu and New Bern are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm are the main draw to New Bern this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Honolulu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

New Bern is cooler than Honolulu in the spring. The daily temperature in New Bern averages around 62°F (16°C) in April, and Honolulu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In April, New Bern usually receives more rain than Honolulu. New Bern gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and New Bern