A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint Croix vs. Big Island of Hawaii for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Saint Croix or Big Island of Hawaii?

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

Should I visit Saint Croix 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.

Where Should I go: Saint Croix or Big Island of Hawaii?

Saint Croix

Sometimes all you want out of a vacation is the warmth of the sun, the sound of the waves and the taste of a cold drink. No more. No less. That's exactly what you can expect in St. Croix.

The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix is a place of our leisure and relaxation. It's a bit of an expensive lifestyle for its 50,000 residents and daily visitors, but when you're living on island time, money is never a worry. There are no worries on island time.

This once volcanic island is covered in incredible beaches, stunning mountains, palm tress in the wind and historic colonial towns. While they may be a bit old and rundown, the Danish architecture still stands as a unique part of this island's legacy. Don't expect much window-shopping, though. That was not a feature incorporated in this style of architecture. If you want to know if a store is open, just step on in, but remember, shop hours are also running on island time.

Big Island of Hawaii

What comes to mind when someone says, "Hawaii"? Probably sandy beaches, coconut drinks and lazy days of tanning. It's a dream destination for those who want to get away, but the island of Hawai'i, or the Big Island as it's most commonly called, has so much more to offer than a place to catch up on your latest novel.

At 93 miles across, and a population of 185 thousand, the Big Island was once a large exporter of sugarcane. After its final plantation closed in 1996, tourism became the backbone of Hawai'i Island's economy. More recently, the Big Island has become the focus for sustainable tourism – visiting a place as a tourist and trying to make only a positive impact on your destination.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Big Island of Hawaii or Saint Croix?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Saint Croix Prices
    USVI Prices
    Big Island of Hawaii Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Croix $277
    Big Island of Hawaii $327

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Croix is $277, 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 Saint Croix and Big Island of Hawaii in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Croix $149
    Big Island of Hawaii $112
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Croix $298
    Big Island of Hawaii $224
Compare Hotels in Saint Croix and Big Island of Hawaii

Looking for a hotel in Saint Croix 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.

Hotels in Saint Croix


Hotels in Big Island of Hawaii


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Saint Croix Hotel Prices and Big Island of Hawaii Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Croix $35
    Big Island of Hawaii $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Croix

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Croix:

  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St. Croix : $179
  • Private Transfer from St.Croix hotels to St. Croix Cruise Port : $175
  • Private Transfer from St.Croix Cruise Port to St.Croix hotels: $175
  • Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St.Croix - Round-Trip Transfer: $167
  • St. Croix to St. Croix Airport (STX) - Departure Private Transfer: $91
  • St.Croix Airport (STX) to St.Croix - Arrival Private Transfer: $91
  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Airport to St. Croix Cruise Port : $87
  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Port to St. Croix Airport (STX): $87
  • St. Croix to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) - Departure Transfer: $84

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Croix or Big Island of Hawaii?

Prices for flights to both Big Island of Hawaii and Saint Croix 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Saint Croix $97
    Big Island of Hawaii $183

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Croix

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint Croix.

  • A Evening Cultural Experience Through Food Cooking Class St. Croix: $90
  • A Morning Cultural Experience Through Food Cooking Class St. Croix: $90
  • C'sted Sip & Savor Mixology Class with VI Food Tours: $131
  • Taste of Twin City Food Tour with VI Food Tours: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Croix $58
    Big Island of Hawaii $35

Tours and Activities in Saint Croix

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Saint Croix are as follows:

  • Christiansted's Artisan Shopping Tour: $33
  • Frederiksted Moke Tour: $75
  • Guided Kayak Tour of Salt River Bay Ecology and History: $115
  • Horseback Riding Experience: $160
  • Parasail Experience in St Croix: $132
  • Private Sailing Tour of Pirate Waters and Shipwrecks: $175
  • St Croix Island Tour: $118
  • St. Croix Ghost Tour of Historic Christiansted: $45
  • The Frederiksted St. Croix Sea Turtles Snorkeling Tour: $89

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Croix $27
    Big Island of Hawaii $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Croix

Also in Saint Croix, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Farm to Bottle Tour at Prosperity Farm Distillery: $35


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Croix and Big Island of Hawaii, we can see that Big Island of Hawaii is more expensive. And not only is Saint Croix much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint Croix is in Caribbean Islands and Big Island of Hawaii is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Saint Croix would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Croix 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 Croix.

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



When is the best time to visit Saint Croix or Big Island of Hawaii?

Big Island of Hawaii has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint Croix experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Saint Croix or Big Island of Hawaii in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Croix as well as Big Island of Hawaii. Saint Croix attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Croix is generally a little warmer than Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Saint Croix average around 29°C (83°F), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite rainy in Big Island of Hawaii. Saint Croix usually gets less rain in July than Big Island of Hawaii. Saint Croix gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Croix 29°C (83°F) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 76°F (24°C)

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

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Saint Croix are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Croix throughout the year. Also, 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.

Saint Croix is a little warmer than Big Island of Hawaii in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Croix averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, 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 Saint Croix. In October, Saint Croix usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Saint Croix gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Croix 28°C (82°F) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 76°F (24°C)

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

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Saint Croix during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Croix because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Big Island of Hawaii because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Saint Croix is a little warmer than Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Croix in January average around 26°C (78°F), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 72°F (22°C).

Big Island of Hawaii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Croix usually gets less rain in January than Big Island of Hawaii. Saint Croix gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Croix 26°C (78°F) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 72°F (22°C)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Croix and Big Island of Hawaii. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Croix year-round. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Big Island of Hawaii this time of year.

In April, Saint Croix is generally a little warmer than Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Saint Croix average around 27°C (80°F), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Big Island of Hawaii receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Saint Croix usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Saint Croix gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Croix 27°C (80°F) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 73°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Big Island of Hawaii and Saint Croix

Saint Croix Big Island of Hawaii
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 72°F (22°C) 8.7 inches (221 mm)
Feb 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 72°F (22°C) 10.8 inches (274 mm)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 72°F (22°C) 13.6 inches (345 mm)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 73°F (23°C) 15.6 inches (395 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 74°F (23°C) 10.7 inches (272 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 75°F (24°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 76°F (24°C) 9.7 inches (247 mm)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in) 76°F (25°C) 9.7 inches (247 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in) 76°F (25°C) 8.5 inches (215 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 76°F (24°C) 9.8 inches (248 mm)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in) 74°F (24°C) 14.8 inches (375 mm)
Dec 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 73°F (23°C) 12.6 inches (321 mm)