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

Should you visit Pasadena 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 Pasadena 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.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a charming, picturesque, and quaint city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Pasadena travel costs.

Honolulu

Honolulu is a multi-cultural, energetic, and vibrant city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, Honolulu attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food. See Honolulu travel costs.

Pasadena and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pasadena or Honolulu?

You'll generally find more things to do in Honolulu than Pasadena. Honolulu is bigger than Pasadena, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Honolulu is more touristy than Pasadena and is popular for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. Also, Honolulu is famous for Pearl Harbor. Pasadena is well known for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Pasadena different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pasadena or Honolulu?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Honolulu on the map. 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.

Pasadena offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a good number of museums around town that include kids' museums, art museums, and local museums. Popular museums include the USC Pacific Asia Museum, the Norton Simon Museum, and the Pasadena Museum of History. Many people also enjoy touring the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Pasadena and Honolulu can be difficult as they are each very good in their own way.

Dining out in Pasadena is an experience not to be missed. Local restaurants feature southern California cuisine as well as international flavors. Dishes often use local ingredients that are fresh and seasonal. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Is Pasadena or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are very good in both Pasadena and Honolulu.

Pasadena has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Much of the nightlife scene is concentrated around Old Pasadena. You'll find clubs, bars, and lounges that begin the evening with Happy Hours and then become more party-focused as the evening progresses.

Honolulu has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Is Pasadena or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for its resorts. However, Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Honolulu for its luxury resorts. 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.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is Pasadena or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Honolulu is notable for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Pasadena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Pasadena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pasadena or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for the beach. However, Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Honolulu offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Is Pasadena or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Honolulu is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pasadena or Honolulu?

Both Pasadena and Honolulu are very good shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Pasadena. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Honolulu. 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.

Is Pasadena or Honolulu More Beautiful?

Honolulu is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Pasadena is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

Pasadena is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Pasadena or Honolulu Better for Families?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Honolulu is very family-friendly. 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.

Pasadena is a family-friendly city. There are a number of kid-friendly museums around town including Kidspace Children's Museum. There are also nature centers, playgrounds, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

Is Pasadena or Honolulu Better for Couples?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Honolulu is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Pasadena is a nice destination for couples. It's a charming town with a bit of a European vibe and plenty of outdoor activities. Fine dining and interesting shopping make this a nice weekend destination.

Is Pasadena or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Honolulu is notable for backpackers. However, Pasadena is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Honolulu is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Pasadena is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

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

Both Pasadena and Honolulu offer notable public transit options.

Pasadena has a few public transit options. Buses and light rail offer local transit and connect the city to nearby Los Angeles.

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

Is Pasadena or Honolulu a more walkable city?

Honolulu is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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

Pasadena is somewhat walkable. Most people head to Old Pasadena, which is the most concentrated and walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or Pasadena?

How long in Pasadena or Honolulu?

Both Pasadena 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 Pasadena. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Pasadena, and 5-7 days is enough time in Honolulu.

Families should spend more time in Honolulu than Pasadena. 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 Pasadena. 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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena or Honolulu?

The city of Pasadena offers 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 Pasadena or Honolulu?

Pasadena is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pasadena, 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 Pasadena or Honolulu?

Pasadena 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 Pasadena or Honolulu?

Pasadena 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 city 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Pasadena or Honolulu?

Honolulu has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Pasadena. When comparing the sizes of Pasadena 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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena or Honolulu in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pasadena as well as Honolulu. Most visitors come to Pasadena for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Honolulu because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Pasadena is cooler than Honolulu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pasadena in July average around 73°F (23°C), and Honolulu averages at about 81°F (27°C).

Pasadena usually gets less rain in July than Honolulu. Pasadena gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pasadena or Honolulu in the Autumn?

Both Honolulu and Pasadena are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Pasadena because of the shopping scene. 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.

In October, Pasadena is generally cooler than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Pasadena average around 68°F (20°C), and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

In October, Pasadena usually receives less rain than Honolulu. Pasadena gets 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Pasadena or Honolulu in the Winter?

Both Honolulu and Pasadena during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pasadena this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Honolulu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Pasadena is much colder than Honolulu in the winter. The daily temperature in Pasadena averages around 56°F (13°C) in January, and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Pasadena usually gets less rain in January than Honolulu. Pasadena gets 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pasadena or Honolulu in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pasadena and Honolulu. Also, many visitors come to Honolulu in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Pasadena is cooler than Honolulu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pasadena in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Honolulu averages at about 76°F (24°C).

In April, Pasadena usually receives less rain than Honolulu. Pasadena gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Pasadena