A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Olympic National Park vs. Honolulu for Attractions, Resorts, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Olympic National Park or Honolulu?

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

Should I visit Olympic National Park 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.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a vast, pristine, and stunning park. Olympic National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking and museums. See Olympic National Park travel costs.

Honolulu

Honolulu is a vibrant, multi-cultural, and energetic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of Honolulu is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Honolulu travel costs.

Olympic National Park and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Olympic National Park or Honolulu?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Honolulu. Although Olympic National Park and Honolulu are popular destinations, Honolulu has more sights and attractions for tourists. Honolulu is more touristy than Olympic National Park and is popular for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. It is also well known for Pearl Harbor. Olympic National Park is famous for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall.

How is Olympic National Park different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Olympic National Park or Honolulu?

Honolulu is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Honolulu are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Olympic National Park. There are several museums near the park that highlight the region's history, culture, and geology. These include the Makah Cultural & Research Center Museum, Forks Timber Museum, Sequim Museum, and Squaxin Island Museum, Library and Research Center.

Is the Food Better in Olympic National Park or Honolulu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Honolulu is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its restaurants.

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.

Olympic National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Most of the lodges have restaurants within the park, but they can be overpriced. There are also restaurants just outside of the park's border.

Is Olympic National Park or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

Honolulu is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its evening party scene.

Honolulu offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Olympic National Park doesn't offer many options. You can enjoy a peaceful natural setting after the sun sets.

Is Olympic National Park or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is a must-visit destination for its resorts. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its luxury resorts.

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.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Olympic National Park. There are several lodges within the park as well as cabins and inns. Some have a historic atmosphere while others are more rustic. It's best to book well in advance, particularly if you're visiting during the peak summer months.

Is Olympic National Park or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Honolulu is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Olympic National Park 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.

Olympic National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Olympic National Park or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Olympic National Park 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.

Olympic National Park is not a beach destination. The park has a rugged coastline with sandy beaches. Many people enjoy exploring the tidal pools or watching the sun set. Some of the best beaches include Kalaloch Beach, Beach 4, and Ruby Beach.

Is Olympic National Park or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Olympic National Park and Honolulu both have terrific trails.

People visit Olympic National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hiking trails will take you through the diverse range of landscapes. There are mountain climbs, coastal trails, and routes that wander through old growth forests. You'll also find a mix of day hikes and backcountry wilderness hikes. Mount Storm King, Marymere Falls, and the High Divide are favorite hikes in the park, but there are countless others.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Olympic National Park or Honolulu?

Honolulu is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its shopping areas.

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.

Olympic National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There's a park store where you can pick up books, informational resources, and souvenirs.

Is Olympic National Park or Honolulu More Beautiful?

Olympic National Park and Honolulu are somewhat similar when it comes to the excellent scenery.

The beauty of Olympic National Park is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The diversity of landscapes give the park a unique beauty. You can explore old growth rainforests, wander down pristine beaches, or take in the stunning mountain views.

With stunning beauty, Honolulu attracts visitors from all around. It's beautiful beaches and scenic viewpoints make this a beautiful city. It also has a mix of cultures and dynamic neighborhoods.

Is Olympic National Park or Honolulu Better for Families?

Honolulu is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Olympic National Park. Kids will enjoy exploring the tidal pools and running around the beach. It's also fun to lose yourself in the old growth rainforests and spend some time kayaking or canoeing at Lake Crescent.

Is Olympic National Park or Honolulu Better for Couples?

Honolulu is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for couples.

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.

Olympic National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy hiking, camping, and natural beauty will love exploring this park together. There are a diversity of ecosystems and landscapes where you can enjoy a couples retreat together.

Is Olympic National Park or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Olympic National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Olympic National Park. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Honolulu is a great park to visit for backpackers. 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.

Is Olympic National Park 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, Olympic National Park is not a good park for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Olympic National Park. There are buses and ferries to the park, but the park is large and requires a private vehicle to fully access it.

Is Olympic National Park or Honolulu a more walkable city?

Honolulu is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its ease of walking around.

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

Olympic National Park is not a very walkable park. The park is large and you'll need a car to reach most of the trailheads.

For even more information, also check out Is Olympic National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Honolulu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or Olympic National Park?

How long in Olympic National Park or Honolulu?

Both Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Olympic National Park, and 5-7 days is enough time in Honolulu.

Families should spend more time in Honolulu than Olympic National Park. 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 Olympic National Park. 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 Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park or Honolulu?

The beautiful park of Olympic National Park offers museums. 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.

Because Honolulu is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Olympic National Park or Honolulu?

Olympic National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this park makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Olympic National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Honolulu. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It offers something for everyone.

Five days in Olympic National Park or Honolulu?

Olympic National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Olympic National Park, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Honolulu is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Olympic National Park or Honolulu?

Olympic National Park is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking 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 park offers something for everyone.

Because Honolulu is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, 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 Olympic National Park and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu is more expensive. And not only is Olympic National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Olympic National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park.

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

When is the best time to visit Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park or Honolulu in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Olympic National Park as well as Honolulu. Many visitors come to Olympic National Park in the summer for the hiking 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.

In July, Olympic National Park is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Olympic National Park average around 60°F (15°C), and Honolulu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Olympic National Park this time of the year. In the summer, Olympic National Park often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Olympic National Park gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun.

Olympic National Park usually gets more rain in July than Honolulu. Olympic National Park gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Olympic National Park or Honolulu in the Autumn?

Both Honolulu and Olympic National Park are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Olympic National Park for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area 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.

Olympic National Park is much colder than Honolulu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Olympic National Park averages around 51°F (10°C) in October, and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. Olympic National Park usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during autumn. Olympic National Park gets 113 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Olympic National Park. In October, Olympic National Park usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Olympic National Park gets 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Olympic National Park or Honolulu in the Winter?

Both Honolulu and Olympic National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Olympic National Park because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.

The weather in Olympic National Park can be very cold. In the winter, Olympic National Park is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Olympic National Park in January average around 41°F (5°C), and Honolulu averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Olympic National Park often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Olympic National Park gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Olympic National Park. Olympic National Park usually gets more rain in January than Honolulu. Olympic National Park gets 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Olympic National Park or Honolulu in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Olympic National Park and Honolulu. The natural beauty are the main draw to Olympic National Park this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Honolulu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Olympic National Park is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Olympic National Park average around 47°F (8°C), and Honolulu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. Olympic National Park usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during spring. Olympic National Park gets 148 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

Olympic National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Olympic National Park usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Olympic National Park gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Olympic National Park