A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Panama City vs. Big Island of Hawaii for Resorts, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Panama City or Big Island of Hawaii?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Big Island of Hawaii, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Panama City

Panama City is a fun-filled, active, and cosmopolitan beach town. Panama City is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and live music. See Panama City travel costs.

Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii is a relaxing, adventure-filled, and laid back island. The famous beauty of Big Island of Hawaii is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Big Island of Hawaii travel costs.

Panama City and Big Island of Hawaii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Big Island of Hawaii?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Big Island of Hawaii. Although Panama City and Big Island of Hawaii are popular destinations, Big Island of Hawaii has more sights and attractions for tourists. Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for its museums and attractions, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Panama City attracts visitors for its nightlife and music. Panama City is famous for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Big Island of Hawaii is famous for its active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and majestic manta rays. It is also well known for the Waipio Valley Overlook.

How is Panama City different from Big Island of Hawaii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Big Island of Hawaii and Panama City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Panama City or Big Island of Hawaii?

Big Island of Hawaii is a nice place to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

Big Island of Hawaii offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Panama City or Big Island of Hawaii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Panama City and Big Island of Hawaii can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Panama City. There are many waterfront restaurants that serve freshly caught seafood. Head to town for a charming atmosphere or grab a bite at a casual eatery. Fried seafood is popular when eating out but you'll also find plenty of options for land-lovers. Most restaurants also have kid-friendly menus.

Big Island of Hawaii is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Is Panama City or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Nightlife?

Panama City is a great beach town for nightlife. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Panama City has something for everybody. The nightlife is particular crazy during spring break, when the town fills with students. Head to the famous Club La Vela or Spinnaker for music and fun at night.

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.

Is Panama City or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Music?

Panama City is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Panama City active and fun. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Big Island of Hawaii is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Resorts?

Big Island of Hawaii is an amazing island to visit for its resorts. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Big Island of Hawaii offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Panama City has a few great resort options. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

Is Panama City or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Big Island of Hawaii is an amazing island to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Panama City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Big Island of Hawaii specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. 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.

Panama City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Panama City or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Beaches?

Big Island of Hawaii is an amazing island to visit for the beach. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

The beaches in Big Island of Hawaii are among the best in the world. 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.

The beaches at Panama City attract visitors from all over. With miles of long white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, this area's beaches offer a beautiful escape. Head to the area's state parks for the most natural experience. These include St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park. A day trip to Shell Island is also popular.

Is Panama City or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Hiking?

Big Island of Hawaii is an amazing island to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Big Island of Hawaii draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Big Island of Hawaii?

Big Island of Hawaii is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

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.

Panama City has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

Is Panama City or Big Island of Hawaii More Beautiful?

Big Island of Hawaii is an amazing island to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Big Island of Hawaii is one of the main draws. 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.

Panama City offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With beautiful sand and blue water, Panama City is a beautiful spot for people who enjoy city beaches.

Is Panama City or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Families?

Panama City and Big Island of Hawaii are both amazing destinations for the whole family.

Panama City is an amazing family-friendly beach town to visit. This area has large sandy beaches, waterparks, amusement parks, and marine parks. Kids will enjoy playing around at WonderWorks, cooling off at Shipwreck Island Waterpark, and learning about marine life at Gulf World Marine Park. There are also many watersports and water activities that are fun for the whole family.

Big Island of Hawaii is an extremely popular beach town to visit for families. 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.

Is Panama City or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Couples?

Big Island of Hawaii is an amazing island to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Big Island of Hawaii has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Panama City is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. The beautiful beaches and romantic restaurants make for a great romantic getaway. This is the perfect place to take sunset walks along the beach and sample freshly caught local seafood.

Is Panama City or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Big Island of Hawaii is a great destination for backpackers. However, Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Big Island of Hawaii is a great island to visit for backpackers. 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.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Panama City or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Students?

Panama City is a great beach town for its student-friendly activities. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not popular with students.

Panama City is a great beach town to visit as a student. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

Big Island of Hawaii is not popular with students.

Is Panama City or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Panama City and Big Island of Hawaii.

Public transit is generally limited in Panama City. Most people need a car in Panama City but there is a trolley service that connects major tourist areas.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Is Panama City or Big Island of Hawaii a more walkable city?

Neither Panama City or Big Island of Hawaii are walkable places.

Panama City is not a walkable beach town. There's often construction and the streets aren't designed for pedestrians.

Big Island of Hawaii is not a very walkable beach town. 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 Panama City Worth Visiting? and Is Big Island of Hawaii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Island of Hawaii or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Big Island of Hawaii?

Panama City and Big Island of Hawaii both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Big Island of Hawaii than Panama City because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Panama City, and 5-14 days is enough time in Big Island of Hawaii.

Families should spend more time in Big Island of Hawaii than Panama City. 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 Panama City. 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 Panama City 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.

One day in Panama City or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Panama City. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the laid back island of Big Island of Hawaii. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Panama City or Big Island of Hawaii?

Panama City is a fun place to experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the relaxing destination of Big Island of Hawaii. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Panama City or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many people visit Panama City for five days. Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the beach town of Panama City. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid back island of Big Island of Hawaii. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Panama City or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the active destination of Panama City. Many people spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Panama City, one week is sufficent for most.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Big Island of Hawaii. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Panama City Expensive? and Is Big Island of Hawaii Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Panama City or Big Island of Hawaii?

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 Panama City or Big Island of Hawaii in the Summer?

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Panama City during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Panama City because of the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Big Island of Hawaii this time of year.

In July, Panama City is generally a little warmer than Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 82°F (28°C), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Panama City. In the summer, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 169 hours of full sun.

Big Island of Hawaii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually gets less rain in July than Big Island of Hawaii. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Big Island of Hawaii in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Big Island of Hawaii. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Panama City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Big Island of Hawaii for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Panama City is cooler than Big Island of Hawaii in the autumn. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during autumn. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Big Island of Hawaii receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Panama City usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Panama City or Big Island of Hawaii in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Big Island of Hawaii. Many travelers come to Panama City for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Panama City is much colder than Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the winter temperatures in Panama City in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 72°F (22°C).

In the winter, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 158 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Big Island of Hawaii. Panama City usually gets less rain in January than Big Island of Hawaii. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Big Island of Hawaii in the Spring?

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Panama City in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Panama City is generally cooler than Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 68°F (20°C), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during spring. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Big Island of Hawaii. In April, Panama City usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Big Island of Hawaii and Panama City