Koloa vs. Honolulu: A Hawaii Travel Guide

Hawaii is a very popular travel destination. With beautiful beaches, incredible nature views, and a myriad of activities it is no wonder that so many people flock here for vacation. However, when deciding to take a trip to the Hawaiian Islands, you have a lot of options. The state recognizes 137 islands, although out of that 137, there are eight major islands that people know of. With eight islands to choose from, it can be difficult to decide where to spend your well-earned vacation time. In this article, we will be discussing all things Koloa vs Honolulu. Buckle up as we provide you with a travel guide that compares these two beautiful destinations in Hawaii and which is right for your family.

Koloa vs. Honolulu: Location

Koloa

The first difference to keep in mind when choosing between these destinations is their location. Koloa is a town located in the southern part of the island of Kauai. Koloa is known as Hawaii's oldest plantation town because it was the first place in Hawaii where a thriving sugar plantation was established. When visiting now, people can see a ton of eucalyptus trees, shops, and restaurants. Koloa is about a 21-minute drive from the Lihue Airport on Kauai.

Honolulu

Honolulu is located on an entirely different island. As the capital of O'ahu, Honolulu is situated on the south shore of the island and takes up a large portion of it. O'ahu is the most visited of all of the Hawaiian Islands due partially to the amount of nonstop flights available. Furthermore, Honolulu is a popular destination on the island because of its connection to Pearl Harbor. Additionally, it is a highly frequented area for its shopping, nightlife, and various activities.

Koloa vs. Honolulu: Landscape

Koloa

This community is located on the island of Kauai. Kauai is nicknamed the “Garden Island” because of its stunning landscapes. You can find waterfalls, canyons, and beautiful beaches on this island. Koloa is located on the South Shore of this island, which is considered the sunny side of the island. When visiting, you can expect to see stunning beaches and also sugar plantations. The area of Koloa stretches from the Kamualii Highway to Old Koloa Town, which is north of historic Koloa. Additionally, you have access to the Coconut Coast and are only 30 minutes away from Kauai's biggest town Kappa.

Honolulu

Although Honolulu is well known for its stunning beaches, its landscape has more to offer than that. In the Hawaiian language, Honolulu means “sheltered bay” or “place of shelter.” It extends along the southeastern coast of O'ahu and offers access to beaches, the foothills of the Koolau Range, and volcanoes. Additionally, there is access to city and city views as well.

Koloa vs. Honolulu: Cost

Koloa

Out of the most popular islands, Kauai is one of the more expensive ones to visit. Since Koloa is located on the island of Kauai, that means that its prices will reflect that of the island. You don't get stunning tropical views for nothing! The average price of a generic hotel room in this area will be between $230-$400 a night. If you choose to stay in a more luxurious destination you are looking at $500 and more a night.

Honolulu

If you are looking to travel to Hawaii on a budget, Honolulu may be the better choice. Honolulu is located on the island of O'ahu, which is one of the more affordable Hawaiian Islands to visit. Although prices of hotels can still reach between $200 and $360 a night, there are a lot more options in Honolulu. Being a more often traveled destination means that there are a lot of options. A lot of options means more luck at finding budget hotels to choose from.

Koloa vs. Honolulu: Weather

Koloa

Since Koloa is located on the island of Kauai, and Kauai is located in the tropics, the weather is very warm and humid all year round. Summer months are seen as the dry season, with long sunny days, low humidity, and little rainfall. Winter months are the wet season, with heavier rain and moisture. The wet season is what helps Kauai maintain its lush greenery. The average temperatures are between 65 °F at night and 80-85°F during the day. Additionally, Kauai has many microclimates. It can get much colder in the areas where there are rainforests and cliffs. Because Koloa is located on the south side of the island the weather is typically sunny and warm.

Honolulu

On average, Honolulu gets more rain than Kauai. However, Honolulu also sees more sunny days. Honolulu averages about four and a half days of rain per month, with the least amount of rain in September. The temperature is similar to Kauai's, with lows in the 60s at night and highs in the upper 80s during the day. The coldest month in Honolulu is in January. Many travelers recommend visiting during May, September, or October.

Koloa vs. Honolulu: Food

Koloa

While there are a variety of traditional Hawaiian dishes that bring tourists to Koloa, one of the main attractions here is the poke bowls. A poke bowl is a traditional Hawaiian meal that has raw fish, that is often cubed, with soy sauce, and sesame oil. Tuna and salmon are often the fish that are featured in this dish. One of the reasons that this dish is so popular is because The Koloa Fish Market is widely recognized as Kauai's top purveyor of Ahi poke. In addition, you can expect to find great seafood and even a variety of cuisines like Mexican and Italian dishes.

Honolulu

When in Honolulu, you have to try the various local dishes. Dishes such as Acai bowls, Poi donuts, Kona coffee, Loco moco, and more are readily available in Honolulu. Honolulu is a great place for good eats as it mixes traditional Hawaiian food with inspiration from other cultures. If you are looking for some great local restaurants, people rave about Fresh Catch, One Seafood, Sweet E's Cafe, Tempura Kiki, and Ramen Akatsuki.

Koloa vs. Honolulu: Water and Beaches

Koloa

Known to have beautiful beaches, this is an area that is often visited for snorkeling. Some beaches are crowded while others are rarely visited, but all feature beautiful sand and waters. Most of the beaches here offer the chance for fabulous snorkeling, surfing, and sunbathing. By far one of the most popular beaches in the area is Poipu Beach. Not only does this beach offer beautiful sand and waters but it also has a fair amount of amenities. It has lifeguards, showers, and the occasional wildlife visit from monk seals. Mix that with its incredible snorkeling opportunities and it is no wonder that this beach was named one of the best beaches in America. In addition to this beach, other great beaches in Koloa include Shipwreck Beach and Baby Beach.

Honolulu

Honolulu is one of the world's greatest beach destinations. Perhaps its most famous beach is Waikiki Baech. Waikiki Beach is one of the most recognizable beaches and is where a lot of tourism in Hawaii started. With beautiful white sand, gentle waves, and plenty of lifeguard stations, this beach has it all. Also, it is close to a lot of other exciting events such as Luaus, shops, restaurants, and more. Another incredible beach in Honolulu is Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. This secluded cove is an amazing spot for snorkeling and its beauty attracts tourists year round.

Koloa vs. Honolulu: Activities

Koloa

In Koloa, there are a lot of opportunities to see the beautiful nature that the Hawaiian Islands have to offer. You can enjoy some of the beautiful beaches mentioned above or you can visit some lovely gardens. A popular garden in Koloa is the National Tropical Botanical Garden. Enjoy this formerly-owned private estate and see incredible plants, massive trees, and stunning natural beauty. You can also explore Old Koloa Town for a couple of hours and enjoy all of the scenic shops and restaurants.

Honolulu

Besides its incredible beaches, Honolulu offers a wide range of activities. Some of the most popular activities include the Diamond Head State Monument, the Pearl Harbor National Museum, and Manoa Falls. Diamond Head is one of the most well-known activities in Honolulu. As a volcanic tuff cone, this landmark is easily recognized and a favorite hike among tourists. Additionally, the Pearl Harbor National Museum is a popular choice because of its rich history. Furthermore, Honolulu offers beautiful waterfall hikes like the one to Manoa Falls. Hike to the 150-foot waterfall and take in the incredible sights.

Koloa vs. Honolulu: A Side-by-Side Comparison

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