A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Big Island of Hawaii for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a historic, notable, and colonial city. Saint Augustine is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Saint Augustine travel costs.

Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii is a laid back, relaxing, and adventure-filled island. The famous beauty of Big Island of Hawaii is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Big Island of Hawaii travel costs.

Saint Augustine and Big Island of Hawaii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Big Island of Hawaii?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Big Island of Hawaii. Although Saint Augustine 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 resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Saint Augustine is known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and historical sights. Big Island of Hawaii is more touristy than Saint Augustine and is popular for its active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and majestic manta rays. It is also home to the Waipio Valley Overlook. Saint Augustine is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States.

How is Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or Big Island of Hawaii?

Saint Augustine is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Big Island of Hawaii is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Saint Augustine can be an interesting and educational experience. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

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.

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

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

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.

Is Saint Augustine or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine has a few options to choose from. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

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 Saint Augustine or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Resorts?

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for its resorts. However, Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

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.

Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Beaches?

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for its beaches. Also, Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine attract visitors from all over. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Is Saint Augustine or Big Island of Hawaii Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is renowned for its historic old town. However, Big Island of Hawaii does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Saint Augustine is one of the most recognized in the world. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Big Island of Hawaii does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Augustine or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Hiking?

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Big Island of Hawaii?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Big Island of Hawaii and Saint Augustine.

Saint Augustine is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

Big Island of Hawaii is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Big Island of Hawaii More Beautiful?

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for its scenery and beauty. Also, Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is a beautiful place to visit, too. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

Is Saint Augustine or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Families?

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Big Island of Hawaii is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Saint Augustine is very family-friendly. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

Is Saint Augustine or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Couples?

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for romance. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Saint Augustine is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

Is Saint Augustine or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Big Island of Hawaii is a great destination for backpackers. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Big Island of Hawaii. 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.

Saint Augustine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as a couple of affordable inns.

Is Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine and Big Island of Hawaii.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

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 Saint Augustine or Big Island of Hawaii a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine is a great city for its walkability. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for its high level of walkability.

Saint Augustine is very walkable. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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 Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Big Island of Hawaii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Island of Hawaii or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Big Island of Hawaii?

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 5-14 days is enough time in Big Island of Hawaii.

Families should spend more time in Big Island of Hawaii than Saint Augustine. 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 Saint Augustine. 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 Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Saint Augustine. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

The relaxing destination of Big Island of Hawaii offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or Big Island of Hawaii?

Saint Augustine 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 city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The island of Big Island of Hawaii offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Saint Augustine or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many people visit Saint Augustine for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Saint Augustine. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Big Island of Hawaii is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Saint Augustine or Big Island of Hawaii?

The colonial destination of Saint Augustine offers nightlife and food. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

The relaxing island of Big Island of Hawaii offers museums and food. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine or Big Island of Hawaii in the Summer?

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Saint Augustine during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the beaches 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.

Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Big Island of Hawaii in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Augustine. In the summer, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Saint Augustine gets 286 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 Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in July than Big Island of Hawaii. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Big Island of Hawaii in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Big Island of Hawaii. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint Augustine 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.

In the autumn, Saint Augustine is cooler than Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Augustine in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 76°F (24°C).

In Saint Augustine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during autumn. Saint Augustine gets 214 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, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Big Island of Hawaii in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Big Island of Hawaii. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the museums, 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 January, Saint Augustine is generally much colder than Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 53°F (12°C), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In the winter, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Saint Augustine gets 191 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. Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in January than Big Island of Hawaii. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Big Island of Hawaii in the Spring?

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is cooler than Big Island of Hawaii in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during spring. Saint Augustine gets 285 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, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.

Typical Weather for Big Island of Hawaii and Saint Augustine