Which place is cheaper, Big Island of Hawaii or Orlando?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Should I visit Orlando or Big Island of Hawaii? 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.
Orlando is a family-friendly, entertaining, and active city. Other reasons to visit include theater, nightlife, and food. See Orlando travel costs.
Big Island of Hawaii is a laid back, relaxing, and adventure-filled island. Many visitors also come to Big Island of Hawaii because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Big Island of Hawaii travel costs.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Big Island of Hawaii. Although Orlando and Big Island of Hawaii are both popular with visitors, Big Island of Hawaii has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Big Island of Hawaii is more popular for its museums and attractions, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Orlando is known for its theatre productions, food, and nightlife. Orlando is popular for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. Big Island of Hawaii is popular for its active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and majestic manta rays. It is also home to the Waipio Valley Overlook.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Big Island of Hawaii and Orlando. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Big Island of Hawaii is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.
Big Island of Hawaii is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several local museums around the island such as the Hulihe'e Palace and 'Imiloa Astronomy Center. There's also the Hawaii Plantation Museum and the Lyman House Museum.
Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.
Orlando is a nice place to visit for theatre. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not a theatre destination.
If you have some extra time in Orlando, take in a show. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.
Big Island of Hawaii is not a theatre destination.
Orlando is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Big Island of Hawaii is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.
The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Orlando. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.
Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Big Island of Hawaii. It can be challenging to find local restaurants that aren't catering to the tourist crowd, but when you do you'll be rewarded with great local dishes. Seafood, poke bowls, and shave ice are all popular.
Orlando is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for nightlife and partying.
If you're looking for night time activities Orlando has a few options to choose from. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.
Most people don't head to Big Island of Hawaii specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The nightlife scene is very chill with many local places that have live music and drinks. You won't find any major nightclubs, but there are karaoke bars and laid back breweries. The most options are found in Hilo and Kailua-Kona.
Orlando and Big Island of Hawaii offer a relatively similar set of fantastic luxury resort options.
For the ultimate resort vacation, Orlando is a great choice. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.
If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Big Island of Hawaii is a perfect choice. There are a number of beautiful luxury resorts on the island like the Hilton Waikoloa Village, the Four Seasons Resort, and Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort.
Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Orlando is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
The clear water and abundant marine life make Big Island of Hawaii a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. There are a number of beautiful snorkeling spots where you'll see beautiful fish and sometimes even sea turtles. A bucket list experience is also diving or snorkeling with the manta rays, which will take your breath away.
Orlando is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for its beaches. However, Orlando is not a beach destination.
Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Big Island of Hawaii. This is a younger island than most in Hawaii, so the beaches are varied and diverse. You'll find white sand beaches, black volcanic sand beaches, and even green sand. There are also areas where the lava rock reaches the ocean. Hapuna Beach is a favorite as is Honl's Beach.
Orlando is not a beach destination.
Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for hiking. However, Orlando is not a hiking destination.
People visit Big Island of Hawaii specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The island is filled with miles of spectacular hiking trails. They'll take you to iconic waterfalls, world-renowned viewpoints, and through fields of lava rocks. Many people spend days hiking in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, but there are also impressive hikes along the Kona Coast.
Orlando is not a hiking destination.
If you're looking to go shopping, Orlando and Big Island of Hawaii both offer plenty of very good spots.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.
Big Island of Hawaii is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many local artisan shops on the island, particular in Hilo, Historic Kailua Village and along the Kohala Coast. You'll find handmade quilts, wooden carved products, and handcrafted jewelry.
Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Orlando is not a destination known for its beauty.
Many visitors also come to Big Island of Hawaii because of it's amazing beauty. Kilauea is the dramatic volcano that often offers a show to visitors. The island also has spectacular viewpoints like Waipi'o Valley Lookout, dramatic waterfalls, and picturesque bays.
Orlando is not a destination known for its beauty.
Kids will enjoy a visit to either Orlando or Big Island of Hawaii.
As it has a large number of activities for kids, Orlando is a very family-friendly destination. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.
Big Island of Hawaii is one of the most popular family destinations. Families will enjoy the laid back island vibe. You can spend some time on the beach and then head inland to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. If your kids are adventurous, the island is a great place to dive or snorkel with manta rays. There are also great hikes, helicopter rides, and luaus.
Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for romance. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.
Big Island of Hawaii makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy a relaxed beach vibe will love a visit to this laid back island. There are upscale resorts as well as independent hotels that have a more personal style. The island also has stunning views, impressive hikes, and countless opportunities for romance.
Orlando makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.
Big Island of Hawaii is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Orlando is not a good destination for backpackers.
Big Island of Hawaii is very popular with the backpacker crowd. This is one of the most popular islands for backpackers. It has a mellow atmosphere that appeals to young travelers. There are also hostels on the island, but transportation can be challenging.
Orlando is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not exactly a backpacker destination, but there are a surprising number of cheap motels that aren't affiliated with the major parks.
Orlando is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not popular with students.
It's common for students to visit Orlando. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.
Big Island of Hawaii is not popular with students.
Orlando and Big Island of Hawaii both offer decent public transit to get you around.
Public transit is mostly limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.
Public transit is generally limited in Big Island of Hawaii. There is a bus service that connects Kona and Hilo. It's called the Hele-On and there are both north and south routes.
Neither Orlando or Big Island of Hawaii are walkable places.
Orlando is not a very walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.
Big Island of Hawaii is not a walkable city. It's the largest of the Hawaiian islands and a car is necessary if you want to see the whole thing.
For even more information, also check out Is Orlando Worth Visiting? and Is Big Island of Hawaii Worth Visiting?.
Orlando and Big Island of Hawaii both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Orlando than Big Island of Hawaii because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Orlando, and 5-14 days is enough time in Big Island of Hawaii.
Families should spend more time in Big Island of Hawaii than Orlando. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Big Island of Hawaii, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Big Island of Hawaii than Orlando. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Big Island of Hawaii that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Big Island of Hawaii than Orlando 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 Big Island of Hawaii.
Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Orlando. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.
In Big Island of Hawaii, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
Orlando is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
In Big Island of Hawaii, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
Many people visit Orlando for five days. Many travelers enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting the city of Orlando. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than five days exploring.
Big Island of Hawaii is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Big Island of Hawaii has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
The family-friendly destination of Orlando offers nightlife and food. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Island of Hawaii. In Big Island of Hawaii, you'll find museums and food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Orlando is $368, while the average daily cost in Big Island of Hawaii is $327. 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 Orlando and Big Island of Hawaii in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Orlando or Big Island of Hawaii? 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.
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.
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Orlando are as follows:
Also for Orlando, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Big Island of Hawaii and Orlando 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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Orlando:
For Orlando, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Orlando, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Orlando.
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Orlando:
When comparing the travel costs between Orlando and Big Island of Hawaii, we can see that Orlando is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Orlando Expensive? and Is Big Island of Hawaii Expensive?.
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.
Both Big Island of Hawaii and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Orlando for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Orlando is a little warmer than Big Island of Hawaii in the summer. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Big Island of Hawaii. It's quite rainy in Orlando. In July, Orlando usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
Both Big Island of Hawaii and Orlando during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Orlando in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Orlando is around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Orlando in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 76°F (24°C).
Big Island of Hawaii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Orlando. Orlando usually gets less rain in October than Big Island of Hawaii. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Big Island of Hawaii. Most visitors come to Orlando for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Big Island of Hawaii because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Orlando is generally cooler than Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 59°F (15°C), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).
Big Island of Hawaii receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Orlando usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
The spring brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Big Island of Hawaii. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Big Island of Hawaii this time of year.
Orlando is around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii in the spring. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 72°F (22°C) in April, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
It's quite rainy in Big Island of Hawaii. Orlando usually gets less rain in April than Big Island of Hawaii. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Orlando | Big Island of Hawaii | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 59°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 8.7 inches (221 mm) |
Feb | 62°F (16°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 10.8 inches (274 mm) |
Mar | 67°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 13.6 inches (345 mm) |
Apr | 72°F (22°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 15.6 inches (395 mm) |
May | 77°F (25°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 10.7 inches (272 mm) |
Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 7.1 inches (181 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 8.3 inches (211 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 6.7 inches (171 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
Sep | 81°F (27°C) | 7.2 inches (183 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 8.5 inches (215 mm) |
Oct | 75°F (24°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.8 inches (248 mm) |
Nov | 68°F (20°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 14.8 inches (375 mm) |
Dec | 62°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 12.6 inches (321 mm) |