A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Seattle vs. Big Island of Hawaii for Beaches, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Seattle 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 Seattle 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.

Seattle

Seattle is a laid-back, bustling, and progressive city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Seattle is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include theater, nightlife, and live music. See Seattle travel costs.

Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii is a adventure-filled, laid back, and relaxing island. You'll find world class beauty in Big Island of Hawaii as well. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Big Island of Hawaii travel costs.

Seattle and Big Island of Hawaii: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Seattle than Big Island of Hawaii, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Seattle is better known for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Big Island of Hawaii is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Big Island of Hawaii is more touristy than Seattle and is popular for its active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and majestic manta rays. Seattle is well known for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. Also, Seattle is famous for The Space Needle.

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

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

Seattle 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 Seattle can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art 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 Seattle or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Theater?

Seattle is a nice place to visit for theatre. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Seattle, take in a show. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Big Island of Hawaii is not a theatre destination.

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

Seattle 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 Seattle. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

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 Seattle or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Nightlife?

Seattle is a great city for nightlife. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Seattle has something for everybody. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

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 Seattle or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Music?

Seattle is a great city for live music. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not a live music destination.

Seattle has a thriving music scene. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Big Island of Hawaii is not a live music destination.

Is Seattle or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Resorts?

Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for its resorts. However, Seattle 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.

Seattle is not a resort destination.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Seattle 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.

Seattle is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Seattle or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Beaches?

Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for the beach. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its beaches.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Seattle. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Is Seattle or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Hiking?

Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for the nearby hiking options. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Seattle. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Seattle or Big Island of Hawaii?

Big Island of Hawaii is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Seattle or Big Island of Hawaii More Beautiful?

Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and 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.

Seattle is a gorgeous place to visit. Set against the backdrop of Mt. Rainier, the city has both natural and architectural beauty. It's also beautifully situated on the water with lots of parks and vegetation throughout.

Is Seattle or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Families?

Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Seattle is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Seattle or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Couples?

Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

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

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

Big Island of Hawaii is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Seattle is a good city to visit for backpackers. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Seattle or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Students?

Seattle is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not popular with students.

Seattle is a great city to visit as a student. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

Big Island of Hawaii is not popular with students.

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

Seattle is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for its public transit.

While Seattle offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

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 Seattle or Big Island of Hawaii a more walkable city?

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

Seattle is very walkable. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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 Seattle Worth Visiting? and Is Big Island of Hawaii Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Seattle or Big Island of Hawaii?

Seattle 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 Seattle because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Seattle, and 5-14 days is enough time in Big Island of Hawaii.

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

Seattle is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

In Big Island of Hawaii, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Seattle or Big Island of Hawaii?

Seattle is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Big Island of Hawaii, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Seattle or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many people visit Seattle for five days. You'll find theater and nightlife around the city of Seattle. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Big Island of Hawaii is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Big Island of Hawaii has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Seattle or Big Island of Hawaii?

The outdoorsy big city of Seattle offers nightlife and live music. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Island of Hawaii. In Big Island of Hawaii, you'll find museums and food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

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

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

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

The summer brings many poeple to Seattle as well as Big Island of Hawaii. The summer months attract visitors to Seattle because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, 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.

In the summer, Seattle is cooler than Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the summer temperatures in Seattle in July average around 67°F (19°C), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle this time of the year. In the summer, Seattle often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Seattle gets 313 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Big Island of Hawaii. Seattle usually gets less rain in July than Big Island of Hawaii. Seattle gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Seattle are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Seattle 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 October, Seattle is generally much colder than Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Seattle average around 54°F (12°C), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

Seattle usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Big Island of Hawaii during autumn. Seattle gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Big Island of Hawaii. In October, Seattle usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Seattle gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Seattle during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Seattle for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Seattle is much colder than Big Island of Hawaii in the winter. The daily temperature in Seattle averages around 42°F (5°C) in January, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In the winter, Seattle often gets less sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Seattle gets 67 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 158 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 Seattle. Seattle usually gets less rain in January than Big Island of Hawaii. Seattle gets 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Seattle and Big Island of Hawaii. Many visitors come to Seattle in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Seattle is much colder than Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the spring temperatures in Seattle in April average around 51°F (11°C), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In Seattle, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seattle usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during spring. Seattle gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

Big Island of Hawaii receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Seattle usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Seattle gets 2.5 inches (64 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 Seattle