A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Tampa vs. Big Island of Hawaii for Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Tampa or Big Island of Hawaii?

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

Should I visit Tampa 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.

Tampa

Tampa is a low-key, laid-back, and easy-going city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food and beaches. See Tampa travel costs.

Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii is a adventure-filled, laid back, and relaxing island. Big Island of Hawaii is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Big Island of Hawaii travel costs.

Tampa and Big Island of Hawaii: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Big Island of Hawaii than Tampa, 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, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Tampa is more popular for its big city activities. Big Island of Hawaii is more touristy than Tampa and is known for its active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and majestic manta rays. Also, Big Island of Hawaii is famous for the Waipio Valley Overlook. Tampa is well known for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port.

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

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

Big Island of Hawaii is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Tampa and Big Island of Hawaii can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Tampa is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

Big Island of Hawaii offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Tampa or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Nightlife?

Both Tampa and Big Island of Hawaii have respectable vibes after the sun sets.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Tampa. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Big Island of Hawaii is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. 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 Tampa or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Resorts?

Big Island of Hawaii is an amazing island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Tampa 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.

Tampa is not a resort destination.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is an amazing island to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Tampa is lacking in options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

Tampa has a few snorkeling spots. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Is Tampa or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Beaches?

Big Island of Hawaii is an amazing island to visit for the beach. Also, Tampa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Big Island of Hawaii. 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.

Tampa is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Is Tampa or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Hiking?

Big Island of Hawaii is an amazing island to visit for its hiking trails. However, Tampa 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.

Tampa is not a hiking destination.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tampa or Big Island of Hawaii More Beautiful?

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

Big Island of Hawaii is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

Tampa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tampa or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Families?

Big Island of Hawaii is an amazing island to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tampa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Big Island of Hawaii is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Tampa is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

Is Tampa or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Couples?

Big Island of Hawaii is an amazing island to visit for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options for romance.

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.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Big Island of Hawaii is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in options 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 Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

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

Tampa is adequate for its walkability. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for its high level of walkability.

Tampa is generally not a very walkable city. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

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

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

How long in Tampa or Big Island of Hawaii?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Tampa. Most people come for the beaches. 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, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this laid back destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tampa or Big Island of Hawaii?

Tampa 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Island of Hawaii. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tampa or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many people visit Tampa for five days. You'll find food around the city of Tampa. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Big Island of Hawaii is a fun place to experience. In Big Island of Hawaii, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tampa or Big Island of Hawaii?

The low-key destination of Tampa offers food. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

In Big Island of Hawaii, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this relaxing destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Tampa and Big Island of Hawaii, we can see that Big Island of Hawaii is more expensive. And not only is Tampa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tampa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tampa 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 Tampa.

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

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Big Island of Hawaii. Many travelers come to Tampa for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, 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 the summer, Tampa is a little warmer than Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tampa in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 76°F (24°C).

In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during summer. Tampa gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

Big Island of Hawaii receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tampa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tampa usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Big Island of Hawaii. Many visitors come to Tampa in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions. 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.

In October, Tampa is generally around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 75°F (24°C), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In the autumn, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Tampa gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 138 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Big Island of Hawaii. Tampa usually gets less rain in October than Big Island of Hawaii. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tampa for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Big Island of Hawaii because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Tampa is cooler than Big Island of Hawaii in the winter. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during winter. Tampa gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Big Island of Hawaii. In January, Tampa usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Tampa during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Tampa because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Big Island of Hawaii this time of year.

In the spring, Tampa is around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tampa in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Tampa. In the spring, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Tampa gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 134 hours of full sun.

Big Island of Hawaii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tampa usually gets less rain in April than Big Island of Hawaii. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 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 Tampa