A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sao Paulo vs. Honolulu for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Sao Paulo or Honolulu?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Honolulu, 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.

Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is a colorful, cultural, and dynamic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Sao Paulo 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. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Honolulu travel costs.

Sao Paulo and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sao Paulo or Honolulu?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Honolulu than Sao Paulo. While Sao Paulo is larger than Honolulu, Honolulu has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Honolulu is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Sao Paulo is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Honolulu is more touristy than Sao Paulo and is known for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. Also, Honolulu is famous for Pearl Harbor. Sao Paulo is well known for its large size, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class nightlife scene.

How is Sao Paulo different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sao Paulo or Honolulu?

You'll find a number of first-rate museums and attractions in both Honolulu and Sao Paulo.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Sao Paulo has many famous sights for visitors. While many visitors overlook Sao Paulo for other destinations in Brazil, those that do visit will be rewarded with a large number of museums and sights. It's the largest city in South America, and there's plenty to do. Highlights include Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte Contemporânea, and the cathedral

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Honolulu that are not to be missed. 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.

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

Foodies will find both Sao Paulo and Honolulu both to be high quality destinations.

Sao Paulo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city offers a huge mix of fine dining restaurants, street food vendors, family-friendly restaurants, and large local markets. The cuisine has many influences such as the Portuguese, West Africa, and even the Middle East. Popular dishes include the street food coxinha, feijoada (black bean and beef stew), and cachooro-quente (local hot dogs).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Honolulu makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Sao Paulo or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

Sao Paulo is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Sao Paulo is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. As the economic hub for Brazil, you'll find tons of bars, clubs, and venues throughout the city. The best neighborhood for a party is Vila Madalena, which is filled with restaurants and bars. For live music and food trucks, check out Rua Augusta. There are also many different neighborhoods in this megacity, and many have a lively energy and plenty to do at night. Every night you should be able to find something different to do.

Honolulu has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Sao Paulo or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Sao Paulo is not a resort destination.

Honolulu offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Sao Paulo is not a resort destination.

Is Sao Paulo or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Honolulu is a great city for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sao Paulo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Honolulu to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Sao Paulo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sao Paulo or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Sao Paulo is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Honolulu are among the best in 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.

Sao Paulo is not a beach destination.

Is Sao Paulo or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is a world-class destination for hiking. However, Sao Paulo is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Honolulu draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Sao Paulo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sao Paulo or Honolulu?

Sao Paulo is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Sao Paulo. The shopping opportunities are diverse, from megamalls to local markets, and international boutiques. There are many great neighborhoods for shopping, like Jardins, where you'll find high end stores. The main shopping street is Rua Oscar Freire. Downtown Sao Paulo has a mix of retail stores and market stalls that sell everything from cheap fashion to inexpensive odds and ins.

Honolulu is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 Sao Paulo or Honolulu More Beautiful?

Honolulu is a great city for its scenery and beauty. However, Sao Paulo 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.

Sao Paulo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sao Paulo or Honolulu Better for Families?

Honolulu is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Honolulu is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Sao Paulo is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy a visit to the zoo or one of the kid-friendly museums around town. There are also a number of parks, some kid-friendly restaurants, and even an amusement park.

Is Sao Paulo or Honolulu Better for Couples?

Honolulu is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Honolulu has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Sao Paulo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many great activities that will make for an exciting couples trip. There are parks and museums, bars and restaurants, and theaters where you can see a show. Many couples enjoy a visit to the Botanical Garden of Sao Paulo or a stroll through Ibirapuera Park. You can watch the sunset with a view of the city from one of the many rooftop bars and then enjoy some samba dancing on the town.

Is Sao Paulo or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Honolulu is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Honolulu. 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.

Sao Paulo is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's overlooked by many travelers, backpackers who linger for awhile will enjoy the city's authenticity and cultural scene. There are also a number of hostels around town.

Is Sao Paulo or Honolulu Better for Students?

Sao Paulo is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Honolulu is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Sao Paulo. The city is large with a diverse population and plenty to offer students. There are good educational institutions and a great international vibe as well.

Honolulu is not popular with students.

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

Sao Paulo is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Visitors in Sao Paulo can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. It's a huge city, so you'll likely make use of the metro during your trip. There are six lines to the metro system and they provide convenient access to many of the city's top attractions. The city also has many bus routes as well.

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

Is Sao Paulo or Honolulu a more walkable city?

Sao Paulo and Honolulu are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Sao Paulo is a very walkable destination. It's a megacity that has a wide range of neighborhoods. The city center is generally very walkable, but because of its size, you'll want to have an itinerary planned out for each day.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or Sao Paulo?

How long in Sao Paulo or Honolulu?

Both Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sao Paulo, and 5-7 days is enough time in Honolulu.

Families should spend more time in Honolulu than Sao Paulo. 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 Sao Paulo. 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 Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo or Honolulu?

Sao Paulo is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Honolulu. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Sao Paulo or Honolulu?

Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the multi-cultural big city of Honolulu. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Sao Paulo or Honolulu?

Sao Paulo 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the energetic city of Honolulu. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Sao Paulo or Honolulu?

Sao Paulo 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 popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Honolulu, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Honolulu?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Honolulu. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo or Honolulu?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sao Paulo is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Honolulu has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Honolulu in the Summer?

Both Honolulu and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Honolulu for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sao Paulo is around the same temperature as Honolulu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sao Paulo in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Honolulu averages at about 81°F (27°C)in July.

It's quite rainy in Sao Paulo. In January, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than Honoluluin July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Sao Paulo is October to March.

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Honolulu in the Autumn?

Both Honolulu and Sao Paulo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Honolulu in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In April, Sao Paulo is generally cooler than Honoluluin October. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 22°C (72°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in April than Honoluluin October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Sao Paulo.

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Honolulu in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Honolulu. Many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Honolulu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Sao Paulo is cooler than Honolulu in the winter. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C)in January.

In July, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Honoluluin January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter. June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Honolulu in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Honolulu. Most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Honolulu because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Sao Paulo is cooler than Honolulu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sao Paulo in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Honolulu averages at about 76°F (24°C)in April.

Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in October than Honoluluin April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Sao Paulo is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Sao Paulo