I haven’t explored my own country nearly as much as you’d expect, given how prolific my travels abroad have been. I’ve been to most of the “big” destinations (and through plenty of flyover country, given where I’m from), but my US travel map is surprisingly full of holes.
Perhaps surprisingly, I have been to America’s two newest states—Hawaii and Alaska—which are of course also the two that are physically disconnected from the mainland. Actually, that likely won’t surprise you: It’s literally why you’re here, I’d imagine.
At any over, I’ll be spending the next few paragraphs litigating the Alaska vs Hawaii as best I can. You may or may not be surprised where I end up once I finish it.
Why I Generally Prefer Hawaii Over Alaska
On the fundamentals, deciding between Alaska or Hawaii is not really hard for me. I’m more like a lizard than a human being when it comes to temperature; I can tolerate cold weather, but I thrive in heat and humidity. For that fact alone, Hawaii is simply an easier place for me to exist in. In Alaska, even during the summer, I need to prepare a lot simply to be able to enjoy myself outdoors.
Now with this being said, many aspects of both of these states are not compatible with my travel style or personality. For starters, both are extraordinarily poor value—high prices, which isn’t surprising; the low quality of service and amenities is often shocking. Likewise, I don’t enjoy how much time is required (in Alaska due to long distances you need to traverse; in Hawaii due to traffic and…the ocean) in order simply to enjoy and explore each place.
Ways to Compare Alaska with Hawaii
Getting there and around
Not surprisingly, both Alaska and Hawaii require extremely long flights from the continental US—though, as a bonus, since you’ll by flying west, you won’t lose much time on your way there. Once you’re on the ground, getting around both states is tedious. You’ll definitely need rental cars in both; and if you wish to explore multiple islands (in Hawaii) or anywhere outside the Anchorage-Fairbanks corridor (in Alaska), you’ll need take intrastate flights as well.
Size
Both Alaska and Hawaii are “big” in their own way—Alaska because it’s by far the largest US state, and is bigger than every European country except Russia; and Hawaii because although each individual island is small, there are dozens, which stretch a length of ~1,500 miles. The only way you could really consider either of these places small is if you only plan to visit one city in Alaska, or 1-2 islands in Hawaii.
Attractions and experiences
As you might imagine, nature predominates in both Alaska and Hawaii, whether you’re taking a wildlife cruise in Alaska’s Kenai Fjords National Park, or trekking Hawaii’s rainforests in search of waterfalls and rainbows. Both states definitely have culture as well, though Hawaii’s (from the luau, to lei ceremonies, to North Shore surf culture) is both more widespread and easier to access than Alaska’s, which can seem elusive when you aren’t looking for it.
Weather
For me, it’s no question which state wins this round of the Hawaii vs Alaska match. Hawaii has pleasant weather year-round; while it can be rainy, temperatures never get too hot or too cold. It’s always beach weather! Alaska’s weather, meanwhile, can definitely appear to some in summer; the winter weather here is obviously a necessary evil of experiences like the Northern Lights and the Iditarod race. But to me, Hawaii is the clear winner.
Cost
Both Alaska and Hawaii are among the most expensive destinations not only in the US, but in the entire world. You’ll need to pay a minimum of 200 USD per person, per day in each simply to exist, although in both cases, this can stretch much higher. I’d probably say Hawaii offers a slightly better value proposition—parts of it feel dated and even run down; but many places in Alaska feel downright third-world, especially if you spend any time in the city of Anchorage.
Can You Visit Hawaii and Alaska on the Same Trip?
This might sound like a strange question, given how many thousands of miles separate Alaska from Hawaii, the fundamental differences between these plaves notwithstanding. But yes, nonstop flights between Anchorage and Hawaii do exist, which means that you can absolute visit both states as part of the same trip. The real question, with the issue of feasibility out of the way, is whether you’d want to.
For starters, given the daily expenditure whether you’re in Hawaii or Alaska, this trip would end up being prohibitively expensive. Even a week split between the states would cost you double what a similar trip in Europe (split between, say, Norway and the Greek Islands or the Azores) would run you. Then, of course, there’s the complexity of a packing list for these two very different climates. And really, that’s only the start of it.
Other FAQ About Hawaii and Alaska
Which is more expensive, Alaska or Hawaii?
Alaska and Hawaii are both prohibitively expensive—you’ll need to spend a minimum of 200 USD per person, per day simply to exist in either state. However, I’d say that Hawaii is a slightly better value; housing and infrastructure feels less run-down, and food is generally much better. In Alaska, you’re paying first-world prices for a third-world experience.
Which is more beautiful, Alaska or Hawaii?
Much of this will come down to personal preference—if you prefer warm temperatures and tropical landscapes, Hawaii will win out; Alaska will suit you better if you prioritize dramatic, snow-capped mountains and the Northern Lights or the Midnight Sun. On the whole, however, both of these places are among the most beautiful in the world.
Which should I visit, Alaska or Hawaii?
If you’re on the fence about whether to visit Alaska or Hawaii, I’d advise you not to overcomplicate things. When you think of each state (at least, what you know of it), which one makes you smile bigger inside? Vibes can’t plan a trip for you, but they’re great at pointing you in the direction or where you should—and shouldn’t—go.
The Bottom Line
Alaska vs Hawaii—which is the better destination for you? For me, I’d say the answer is pretty clearly Hawaii, which is anti-climactic: I’m much more of a warm weather person than a cold weather one, and tend to prefer tropical landscapes over tundras. I also resent having to pay first-world prices for third-world experiences, and while certain aspects of travel in Hawaii present a questionable value proposition, the quality of life in Alaska is completely disconnected from the cost of being there. Need personalized help deciding which of America’s last frontiers you should visit? Consider hiring me as your Travel Coach.
