Bali vs. Hawaii: Which Is Better for Holidays and Investment?

If you’ve ever found yourself torn between Bali vs. Hawaii, you’re definitely not alone.

Both islands are dream destinations with beautiful beaches, amazing resorts, and that “escape from reality” vibe we all crave.

But depending on what you’re looking for—holiday or property investment—one island might fit your plans much better than the other.

Let’s break it down so you can decide which island is better for you.

Key Takeaways

• Bali offers far better value than Hawaii with cheaper villas, food, experiences, and long-term investment opportunities, while still providing luxury comforts.
• Travel experience differs by preference. Bali is ideal for romance, wellness, culture, and affordability, while Hawaii suits travelers who want structured, Western-style resorts and adventurous nature trips.
• For property investment, Bali is significantly more accessible with lower entry costs, higher rental yields, and more flexible regulations compared to Hawaii’s expensive and highly regulated market.

​​How Big Is Bali Compared to Hawaii?

A lot of people ask about Bali's size compared to Hawaii, and the difference might surprise you:

• Bali: around 5,780 km².
• Hawaii's big island: around 10,430 km²,  so almost double Bali.

And that’s just the Big Island. The Hawaiian chain is made up of several islands.

That's why Bali feels easier to explore. Most of the popular areas (like Canggu, Seminyak, Uluwatu, Sanur, and Ubud) are all within 30–90 minutes of each other.

Hawaii, on the other hand, usually involves island-hopping or longer drives.

Read More: Bali vs. Thailand: Which Offers the Best Property Investment?

Bali vs Hawaii, Which One Is Cheaper?

The answer is instantly clear: Bali is WAY cheaper.

From hotels to food to massages to tours, everything is more affordable in Bali.

In Hawaii, you’d pay around $2,129 per night for a 4-bedroom villa (left image) and $2,101 per night for a 6-bedroom villa (right image).

Meanwhile, luxury villas with private pools in Bali cost far less:

You can own a leasehold villa in Bali for 25–30 years at a total price of around $600K. That’s definitely cheaper than paying $2,000+ per night for a short stay.

“But I’m not going to use the villa for 30 years!” Don’t worry—you can rent out your Bali villa and generate passive income with returns of up to 12% per year. It’s absolutely a double win.

And let’s not even talk about the food; Hawaii restaurant prices can hurt your soul. Bali? You can eat like royalty without feeling guilty.

For example, here’s one local restaurant’s menu: main courses start from IDR 60,000 (around $3).

So if your priority is getting more luxury for less money, Bali is the hands-down winner.

Which One is Better for a Romantic Vacation?

This is where the comparison gets interesting, because both islands offer something special, just in very different ways.

Why couples fall in love with Bali:

• Private pool villas everywhere, even at affordable prices
• Luxury that doesn’t break the bank. There's lot of affordable spa days, sunset dinners, and honeymoon packages
• Dreamy scenery for romantic date: Uluwatu’s cliffs, Ubud’s rice terraces, Nusa Dua’s white-sand beaches
• Easy to arrange romantic experiences like flower baths, floating breakfasts, candlelight dinners, and oceanfront massages

Bali is all about intimate, personalized moments without the premium price tag.

Why couples choose Hawaii:

• The classic American-style resort experience
• Epic nature adventures with volcano hikes, forest trails, waterfalls
• A familiar sense of comfort and convenience, especially for US travelers

Hawaii is perfect if you love rugged outdoor adventures with a touch of resort luxury.

Read More: How to Retire in Bali as Foreigners: Pros, Cons, and Tips to Consider

Bali vs Hawaii for Real Estate Investment

Now let’s talk investment, because many travellers end up falling in love with the island vibe and start thinking, “Hmm… should I buy a villa here?”

Here’s how the two compare:

Category	Bali	Hawaii
Cost to Enter the Market	Much cheaper to build or buy — some properties are available under $150K. Foreigners typically use leasehold or company structures.	One of the most expensive real estate markets in the U.S, with a median sale price of $779,000.
Tourism & Demand	Strong tourism year-round with high demand for private villas.	Stable tourism but varies by season and location.
Rental Income & Profit	Rental returns can reach 7–18% annually, with occupancy rate at 68%. Lower building and operating costs.	Short-term rentals are heavily regulated. Average yields around 4–17%, with occupancy rate at 72%.
Regulations	Flexible rental options; easier for villa operators.	Strict STR rules; limited permitted areas and higher compliance costs.

Lifestyle of Bali and Hawaii

Sometimes the choice comes down to the kind of life you want during your holiday, or even long-term.

Bali is for you if you love:

• Yoga, wellness, cafés, beach clubs
• Affordable comfort
• Cultural experiences and warm local hospitality
• A creative expat and digital nomad community

Hawaii is for you if you prefer:

• Clean, organized, Western-standard infrastructure
• Easy access from the U.S. mainland
• World-class nature and outdoor adventure
• A familiar lifestyle with higher living standards, and higher prices

Explore Top Villa Deals: Bali Villa For Sale - Leasehold and Freehold

Conclusion: Which Is Better Overall?

To wrap it up, if you're looking for a vacation or investment with lower prices but the same luxury feel, Bali is the better choice.

Hawaii is also beautiful and offers amazing villas, but the prices there are significantly higher.

We genuinely think both islands are incredible. But Bali simply gives you more value, making every dollar you spend feel worthwhile.

Thinking About Investing in Bali?

If this comparison makes you lean toward Bali—whether you're interested in a villa, land, or rental investment—Bali Villa Realty guide you through everything from property search to legal steps and ROI expectations.

Whether you're still exploring or ready to take action, our team is here to support you at any stage.

Book your free consultation anytime and discover Bali’s best investment opportunities tailored to your goals!

FAQ