A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Santa Monica vs. Big Island of Hawaii for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Santa Monica or Big Island of Hawaii?

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

Should I visit Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a energetic, active, and lively town. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii is a relaxing, adventure-filled, and laid back island. You'll find world class beauty in Big Island of Hawaii as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Big Island of Hawaii travel costs.

Santa Monica and Big Island of Hawaii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Monica or Big Island of Hawaii?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Big Island of Hawaii. Although Santa Monica 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 resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Santa Monica attracts visitors for its food and nightlife. Santa Monica is famous for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. 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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santa Monica or Big Island of Hawaii?

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Santa Monica and Big Island of Hawaii.

Santa Monica offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Big Island of Hawaii. 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 Santa Monica or Big Island of Hawaii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Monica is a great town 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 Santa Monica. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

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 Santa Monica or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is a great town for nightlife. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Santa Monica has something for everybody. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

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 Santa Monica or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Resorts?

Big Island of Hawaii is an amazing island to visit for its resorts. However, Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Big Island of Hawaii is a great choice. 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.

Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

Is Santa Monica 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, Santa Monica is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Big Island of Hawaii a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Santa Monica is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santa Monica or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Santa Monica and Big Island of Hawaii are fantastic choices.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Santa Monica. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

With world-famous beaches, Big Island of Hawaii is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

Is Santa Monica or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Hiking?

Big Island of Hawaii is an amazing island to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

People visit Big Island of Hawaii specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Monica or Big Island of Hawaii?

Both Santa Monica and Big Island of Hawaii are very good shopping destinations.

Santa Monica is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Big Island of Hawaii. 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 Santa Monica or Big Island of Hawaii More Beautiful?

Big Island of Hawaii is an amazing island to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Santa Monica is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Big Island of Hawaii as well. 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.

Santa Monica is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Santa Monica or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Santa Monica or Big Island of Hawaii.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Santa Monica is a very family-friendly destination. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

Big Island of Hawaii is one of the most popular family destinations. 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 Santa Monica or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Couples?

Big Island of Hawaii is an amazing island to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Big Island of Hawaii makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Santa Monica makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

Is Santa Monica or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Big Island of Hawaii is notable for backpackers. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Santa Monica is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

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

Santa Monica is a great town for times when you don't have a car. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Santa Monica. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

Public transit is generally 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 Santa Monica or Big Island of Hawaii a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is a great town for its walkability. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for its high level of walkability.

Santa Monica is very walkable. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

Big Island of Hawaii is not a walkable 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 Santa Monica Worth Visiting? and Is Big Island of Hawaii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Island of Hawaii or Santa Monica?

How long in Santa Monica or Big Island of Hawaii?

Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Santa Monica, and 5-14 days is enough time in Big Island of Hawaii.

Couples should spend more time in Big Island of Hawaii than Santa Monica. 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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Santa Monica. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Monica has to offer.

In Big Island of Hawaii, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this laid back island offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Santa Monica or Big Island of Hawaii?

Santa Monica is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Big Island of Hawaii is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Santa Monica or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many people visit Santa Monica for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the town of Santa Monica. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

In Big Island of Hawaii, many people enjoy the museums and food that this adventure-filled destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Santa Monica or Big Island of Hawaii?

The lively destination of Santa Monica offers nightlife and food. It's also a great beach destination, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Big Island of Hawaii is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica or Big Island of Hawaii in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Santa Monica as well as Big Island of Hawaii. Many travelers come to Santa Monica for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. 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, Santa Monica is generally cooler than Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Santa Monica average around 70°F (21°C), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite rainy in Big Island of Hawaii. Santa Monica usually gets less rain in July than Big Island of Hawaii. Santa Monica gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Big Island of Hawaii in the Autumn?

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Santa Monica are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Santa Monica in the autumn for the shopping scene. 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.

Santa Monica is cooler than Big Island of Hawaii in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santa Monica averages around 67°F (20°C) 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. In October, Santa Monica usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Santa Monica gets 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Big Island of Hawaii in the Winter?

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Santa Monica during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Santa Monica for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Big Island of Hawaii because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Santa Monica is much colder than Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santa Monica in January average around 57°F (14°C), 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. Santa Monica usually gets less rain in January than Big Island of Hawaii. Santa Monica gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Big Island of Hawaii in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Santa Monica and Big Island of Hawaii. The spring months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the beaches. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Big Island of Hawaii this time of year.

In April, Santa Monica is generally cooler than Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Santa Monica average around 61°F (16°C), 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, Santa Monica usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Santa Monica gets 0.2 inches (4 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 Santa Monica