A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Sonoma vs. Big Island of Hawaii for Food, Resorts, Beaches, and Hiking

Should you visit Sonoma or Big Island of Hawaii?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Sonoma and Big Island of Hawaii can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Sonoma

Sonoma is a serene, relaxing, and scenic county. Many visitors also come to Sonoma because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food. See Sonoma travel costs.

Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii is a adventure-filled, laid back, and relaxing island. Many visitors also come to Big Island of Hawaii because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Big Island of Hawaii travel costs.

Sonoma and Big Island of Hawaii: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Big Island of Hawaii than Sonoma, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Big Island of Hawaii is better known for its museums and attractions, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Sonoma is more popular for its food and nightlife. Sonoma is well known for its world-class winemaking and sustainable agriculture. Big Island of Hawaii is well known for its active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and majestic manta rays. Also, Big Island of Hawaii is famous for the Waipio Valley Overlook.

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

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

Big Island of Hawaii is a island with good options for its historical sights. However, Sonoma is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Sonoma offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people don't think of museums when they think of Sonoma, there are actually some interesting local options. The California Indian Museum, the Cotati Museum, and the Depot Park Museum are also local are fascinating.

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

Sonoma is renowned 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.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Sonoma is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Although wine may be the first thing you think about, the region is also filled with farm-to-table restaurants and award-winning dining options. The food is almost always fresh and local. You can sample many local ingredients such as vegetables, cheeses, olive oils, and fish.

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 Sonoma or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Sonoma has something for everybody. Lounges, wine bars, and live music venues offer a variety of activities for visitors during the evening hours.

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 Sonoma or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Resorts?

Big Island of Hawaii is terrific for its luxury resorts. Also, Sonoma is not as popular, but is still a nice county for its resorts.

Big Island of Hawaii is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

There are plenty of resorts in Sonoma to choose from. Spa hotels, charming inns, and beautiful resorts all offer a variety of options for visitors.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sonoma is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Big Island of Hawaii is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Sonoma is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sonoma or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Beaches?

Big Island of Hawaii is terrific for the beach. Also, Sonoma is not as popular, but is still a nice county for its beaches.

Big Island of Hawaii is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Many people visit Sonoma for it's beautiful beaches. The county has a coastline that includes several great beaches as well as rocky shoreline. The beaches include secluded coves and picturesque cliffs as well as sand dunes and sandy beaches.

Is Sonoma or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Hiking?

Big Island of Hawaii is terrific for hiking. Also, Sonoma is not as popular, but is still a nice county for the nearby hiking options.

Around Big Island of Hawaii visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

Sonoma is a popular spot for hiking. In between wine tastings you can explore the area's stunning natural beauty. There are hikes through the vineyards, along the coast, or through forested parks. Some of the best hikes are found in Jack London State Historic Park, Sugarloaf State Park, and Armstrong Woods State Park.

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

If you're looking to go shopping, Sonoma and Big Island of Hawaii both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Sonoma. You'll find a range of local vendors in the area, selling everything from jewelry to art, home decor, and olive oil.

Big Island of Hawaii is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Sonoma or Big Island of Hawaii More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of first-rate scenery and beauty in both Sonoma and Big Island of Hawaii.

Many visitors also come to Sonoma because of it's amazing beauty. The lined vineyards are strikingly beautiful and the setting offers stunning viewpoints and a serene 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.

Is Sonoma or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Families?

Big Island of Hawaii is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sonoma is not as popular, but is still a nice county for its family-friendly activities.

Big Island of Hawaii is an extremely popular island to visit for families. 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.

Sonoma is a family-friendly place to visit. While most people think immediately of wine tours, there's actually a lot more to Sonoma County. Kids will enjoy the many outdoor activities in the area, which include beaches, parks, wildlife viewing, and more. There's also horseback riding and even ziplining opportunities.

Is Sonoma or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Couples?

Both Sonoma and Big Island of Hawaii are first-rate destinations for a couple's getaway.

Sonoma is a great county for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination for couples who come for the vineyards and wine tours. There are also charming hotels, award winning restaurants, and beautiful beaches.

Big Island of Hawaii is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is a great island for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sonoma is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Big Island of Hawaii. 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.

Sonoma is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a few budget hotel options in the area, but not much in the form of hostels.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Sonoma is not known for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Sonoma. While there are buses, they are almost never used by tourists. There is the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley which you should purchase tickets for in advance.

Is Sonoma or Big Island of Hawaii a more walkable city?

Neither Sonoma or Big Island of Hawaii are walkable places.

Sonoma is not a very walkable county. You really must have a car to get around the area and explore it efficiently.

Big Island of Hawaii is not a walkable county. 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 Sonoma Worth Visiting? and Is Big Island of Hawaii Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Sonoma or Big Island of Hawaii?

Sonoma 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 Sonoma because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Sonoma, and 5-14 days is enough time in Big Island of Hawaii.

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

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Sonoma. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Big Island of Hawaii. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Sonoma or Big Island of Hawaii?

Sonoma is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this county has to offer. This county offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Big Island of Hawaii is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Sonoma or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many people visit Sonoma for five days. You'll find shopping and nightlife around the beautiful county of Sonoma. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Island of Hawaii. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Sonoma or Big Island of Hawaii?

The relaxing destination of Sonoma offers nightlife and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing destination of Big Island of Hawaii. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

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

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

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

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

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Sonoma are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Sonoma for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Big Island of Hawaii because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sonoma is around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sonoma in July average around 73°F (23°C), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Big Island of Hawaii. In July, Sonoma usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Sonoma gets 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Sonoma during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Sonoma because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Big Island of Hawaii this time of year.

In October, Sonoma is generally cooler than Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Sonoma average around 62°F (17°C), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

Big Island of Hawaii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sonoma usually gets less rain in October than Big Island of Hawaii. Sonoma gets 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sonoma and Big Island of Hawaii. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sonoma this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Big Island of Hawaii for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sonoma is much colder than Big Island of Hawaii in the winter. The daily temperature in Sonoma averages around 46°F (8°C) in January, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Big Island of Hawaii receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Sonoma usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Sonoma gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Sonoma as well as Big Island of Hawaii. Many travelers come to Sonoma for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Sonoma is much colder than Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sonoma in April average around 56°F (13°C), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite rainy in Big Island of Hawaii. Sonoma usually gets less rain in April than Big Island of Hawaii. Sonoma gets 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Big Island of Hawaii and Sonoma