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

Should you visit Saint John's or Big Island of Hawaii?

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

Should I visit Saint John's 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 John's or Big Island of Hawaii?

Saint John's

If you've been to St. John's, Antigua, you were likely on a cruise - which means you likely did not have enough time to truly experience the magic of this tiny island getaway.

St. Johns is the capital of the tiny islands of Antigua and Barbuda. Located on Antigua, this tropical city lives up to its status as a tropical paradise. With 365 beaches on the island, you can enjoy the luxury of lounging in the sand every day of the year.

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 John's?

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 Saint John's is $272, 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 John's and Big Island of Hawaii in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint John's $120
    Big Island of Hawaii $112
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint John's $240
    Big Island of Hawaii $224
Compare Hotels in Saint John's and Big Island of Hawaii

Looking for a hotel in Saint John's 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 Johns


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: Big Island of Hawaii Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint John's $17
    Big Island of Hawaii $38
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint John's

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint John's:


  • Local Bus
    $1.52
  • Taxi From Airport
    $6.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint John's

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint John's:

  • Private Roundtrip Airport Transfers & Tour in Antigua & Barbuda: $200
  • Biggvee Premium Airport One Way Transfer: $200
  • JTAT Private Transfers & Tours, Saint John's, Antigua and Barbuda: $160
  • 3-Hours Eye-Opening Stingray City Antigua - Transfer R/T included: $133
  • Private Transfer from Antigua & Barbuda V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) to island: $123
  • Antigua - VIP Fast Track On Arrival ONLY And Round Trip Transfer : $109
  • Crystal Kayak & Snorkel Eco Tour (with transfer): $99
  • Antigua V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) to Island - Round-Trip Transfer : $93
  • Private Antigua Airport Roundtrip Transfer to Hammock Cove: $90
  • Private Round Trip Transfer From Antigua Airport To NonSuch Bay: $84
  • VIP Meet and Greet Fast Track on Arrival at Antigua Airport - without Transfers : $77
  • Biggvee Airport Roundtrip Transfer: $70

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint John's or Big Island of Hawaii?

Prices for flights to both Big Island of Hawaii and Saint John's 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 John's $117
    Big Island of Hawaii $183

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint John's

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

  • City Lime Food Tour: Taste our culture on Antigua's only food tour in the city!: $105
  • Discover the Flavors of St. Johns Food Tour: $125
  • Private Art Tour or Food Tour: $150
  • Nicole's Table - Cooking with Rum: $165

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint John's $103
    Big Island of Hawaii $35
Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint John's

Here are a few typical costs in Saint John's for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entrance to the Museum of Antigua & Barbu
    $3.00

Tours and Activities in Saint John's

Here are a few actual costs in Saint John's for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Island Flava Discovery Tour: $150
  • 6-Hours Tour East Coast of Antigua: Stingray City, Lunch & Beach: $195
  • Adventure Antigua - Eli's Original Eco Tour: $143
  • Adventure Antigua - The Xtreme Circumnavigation: $221
  • Antigua Eco Island Tour (City, Country, Beach, & Heritage Sites): $199
  • Antigua Historical Sites Island Tour: $110
  • Antigua Reef Riders Self-Drive Boat and Snorkeling Tour: $180
  • Antigua Round Island Tour: $85
  • Antigua Seafood Lunch Cruise From St. John's: $172
  • Antigua Shore Excursion: Round Island Tour: $110
  • Antigua VIP Tours - Private Platinum Tour: $170
  • Antigua VIP Tours - Semi-Private Gold Tour: $135

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint John's $18
    Big Island of Hawaii $32


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

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



When is the best time to visit Saint John's or Big Island of Hawaii?

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

Should I visit Saint John's or Big Island of Hawaii in the Summer?

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Saint John's during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John's because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, 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 John's is generally a little warmer than Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 27°C (81°F), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint John's. In the summer, Saint John's often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Saint John's gets 245 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 John's. Saint John's usually gets less rain in July than Big Island of Hawaii. Saint John's gets 150 mm (5.9 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 John's 27°C (81°F) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Saint John's or Big Island of Hawaii in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint John's and Big Island of Hawaii. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John's year-round. 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 John's is around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint John's averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Saint John's, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint John's usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during autumn. Saint John's gets 217 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. Saint John's gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Saint John's usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Saint John's gets 228 mm (9 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 John's 27°C (80°F) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Saint John's or Big Island of Hawaii in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint John's as well as Big Island of Hawaii. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. 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 John's is around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint John's in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 72°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint John's this time of the year. In the winter, Saint John's often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Saint John's gets 236 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 John's usually gets less rain in January than Big Island of Hawaii. Saint John's gets 84 mm (3.3 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 John's 24°C (76°F) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 72°F (22°C)

Should I visit Saint John's or Big Island of Hawaii in the Spring?

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Saint John's are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John's throughout the year. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Big Island of Hawaii this time of year.

In April, Saint John's is generally a little warmer than Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 26°C (78°F), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. Saint John's usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during spring. Saint John's gets 240 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. It's quite rainy in Saint John's. In April, Saint John's usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Saint John's gets 123 mm (4.8 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 John's 26°C (78°F) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 73°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Big Island of Hawaii and Saint John's

Saint John's Big Island of Hawaii
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 72°F (22°C) 8.7 inches (221 mm)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 72°F (22°C) 10.8 inches (274 mm)
Mar 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 72°F (22°C) 13.6 inches (345 mm)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 73°F (23°C) 15.6 inches (395 mm)
May 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 74°F (23°C) 10.7 inches (272 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 75°F (24°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 76°F (24°C) 9.7 inches (247 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 76°F (25°C) 9.7 inches (247 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 76°F (25°C) 8.5 inches (215 mm)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 76°F (24°C) 9.8 inches (248 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in) 74°F (24°C) 14.8 inches (375 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 73°F (23°C) 12.6 inches (321 mm)