A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Arlington vs. Oahu for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Arlington or Oahu?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington or Oahu, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Arlington

Arlington is a historical, educational, and international city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Oahu

Oahu is a energetic, vibrant, and cosmopolitan island. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Arlington and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arlington or Oahu?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oahu. Although Arlington and Oahu are both popular with visitors, Oahu has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Oahu is more popular for its music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Arlington is known for its food. Oahu is more touristy than Arlington and is known for its unique blend of cultures, stunning beaches, vibrant energy, and world class water sports (including surfing). It is also home to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. Arlington is popular for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon.

How is Arlington different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Oahu and Arlington. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Arlington or Oahu?

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Oahu and Arlington.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Arlington can be an interesting and educational experience. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Oahu. The USS Arizona Memorial & Pearl Harbor is a moving and special place to visit, but tickets should be purchased in advance. Other landmarks around the island include the Tour Iolani Palace and the Battleship Missouri Memorial.

Is the Food Better in Arlington or Oahu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arlington is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Oahu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Arlington has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Oahu area. Honolulu has a diversity of cuisines and a cosmopolitan vibe, giving it some of the best food in the Hawaiian Islands. The local restaurants are influenced by a number of countries and often incorporate Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Korean, and Portuguese flavors. Dishes are often saucy, sweet, and starchy, but you'll also find fresh tropical fruits such as mango and coconut.

Is Arlington or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

Both Arlington and Oahu have superb vibes after the sun sets.

Arlington has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

The people in Oahu know how to have a good time. Honolulu, and Oahu, have some of the best nightlife in the Hawaiian islands. There are tiki bars and posh nightclubs that keep buzzing late into the night. Head to Waikiki for some of the island's best nightlife. In Honolulu you'll find some local bars and clubs, but many resorts also offer a great nightlife scene and a fun atmosphere that caters specifically to tourists.

Is Arlington or Oahu Better for Music?

Oahu is a decent place to visit for its music scene. However, Arlington is not a live music destination.

While it's not known for it's music scene, Oahu has some options for casual listeners. There are a few good venues that offer live music on Oahu.

Arlington is not a live music destination.

Is Arlington or Oahu Better for Resorts?

Oahu is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Arlington is not a resort destination.

Oahu is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The island has a diversity of resorts, from luxury 5 star accommodation to family-friendly resorts that are fun for all ages. Ko Olina is where you'll find Aulani, the Disney Resort. Waikiki is one of the most famous tourist areas on the island and you'll find high rise hotels and condos along the beach.

Arlington is not a resort destination.

Is Arlington or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Arlington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Oahu to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. Snorkeling and diving on the island is among the best in the world. There are 3 marine life conservation parks and miles of coastline to explore.

Arlington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Arlington or Oahu Better for Beaches?

Oahu is terrific for the beach. However, Arlington is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Oahu are among the best in the world. From the energetic Waikiki Beach to the family-friendly Ko Olina, Oahu has some of the most famous beaches in the world. The beaches are lined with sand and some areas offer better swimming conditions than others. You'll also find beaches with snorkeling or sea turtles, and some with world class surfing waves.

Arlington is not a beach destination.

Is Arlington or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Oahu is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Oahu draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. World famous hikes on the island include Diamond Head and Koko Crater Railroad Trailhead. There are hikes ranging from easy to challenging and views that will take your breath away.

Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arlington or Oahu?

Oahu is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Oahu. There are shopping centers and malls in Honolulu that have major department stores as well as island favorites. For a local experience head to the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet or wander along the Waikiki Beach Walk with its many boutique shops. Also worth a visit is the Honolulu Chinatown market.

Arlington is a great destination for shopping. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

Is Arlington or Oahu Better for Families?

Oahu is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Oahu is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. There are plenty of outdoor activities, places to learn about Hawaiian culture, and world class beaches. The most popular family-friendly area is Ko Olina, which is where you'll find the Disney Resort, Aulani. Kids will also enjoy the area's snorkeling and kayaking. Surfing lessons are a fun activity for the whole family as well.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Arlington. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.

Is Arlington or Oahu Better for Couples?

Oahu is terrific for couples. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Oahu has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The island offers a beautiful and adventurous honeymoon destination that is perfect for anniversaries and other romantic getaways. It's an island paradise with world class beaches, stunning vistas, and countless water sports.

Arlington is a nice destination for couples. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.

Is Arlington or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Oahu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Arlington. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

Oahu is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels on the island. Public transportation is also a bit better than the other islands, so it is one of the better Hawaiian islands for backpackers.

Is Arlington or Oahu Better for Students?

Arlington is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Oahu is not popular with students.

Arlington is a great city to visit as a student. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Oahu is not popular with students.

Is Arlington or Oahu Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Arlington is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Oahu is lacking in good options for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Arlington can get you around easily. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

Public transit is generally limited in Oahu. Honolulu has a fairly good bus system, but once you're out of the city, public transportation is limited.

Is Arlington or Oahu a more walkable city?

Arlington is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Oahu is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Arlington is a very walkable city. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

Oahu is generally not very walkable. There are some walkable neighborhoods in Honolulu, but if you really want to explore the island, you'll want to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Arlington Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Arlington?

How long in Arlington or Oahu?

Both Arlington and Oahu have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Oahu than in Arlington. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Arlington, and 3-7 days is enough time in Oahu.

Families should spend more time in Oahu than Arlington. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Oahu, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Oahu than Arlington. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Oahu that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arlington than Oahu 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 Arlington.

One day in Arlington or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Arlington. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the island of Oahu. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Arlington or Oahu?

Arlington is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the cosmopolitan destination of Oahu. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Arlington or Oahu?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the educational destination of Arlington. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the vibrant island of Oahu. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

A week in Arlington or Oahu?

The educational city of Arlington offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Oahu is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oahu, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arlington and Oahu, we can see that Oahu is more expensive. And not only is Arlington much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Arlington would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Arlington 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 Oahu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oahu than you might in Arlington.

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

When is the best time to visit Arlington or Oahu?

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 Arlington or Oahu in the Summer?

Both Oahu and Arlington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Arlington because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oahu this time of year.

In July, Arlington is generally around the same temperature as Oahu. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 79°F (26°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Oahu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arlington. Arlington usually receives less sunshine than Oahu during summer. Arlington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Arlington usually receives more rain than Oahu. Arlington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Arlington or Oahu in the Autumn?

Both Oahu and Arlington during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Arlington this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Oahu for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Arlington is much colder than Oahu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 60°F (15°C) in October, and Oahu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

In Oahu, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Arlington often gets less sunshine than Oahu. Arlington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 246 hours of full sun.

Arlington usually gets more rain in October than Oahu. Arlington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arlington or Oahu in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Arlington and Oahu. Many travelers come to Arlington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Oahu in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Arlington. In the winter, Arlington is much colder than Oahu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Arlington in January average around 35°F (1°C), and Oahu averages at about 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oahu this time of the year. Arlington usually receives less sunshine than Oahu during winter. Arlington gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Arlington usually receives less rain than Oahu. Arlington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Arlington or Oahu in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Arlington as well as Oahu. Additionally, most visitors come to Oahu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Arlington is generally much colder than Oahu. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 56°F (14°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oahu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arlington this time of the year. In the spring, Arlington often gets less sunshine than Oahu. Arlington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 253 hours of full sun.

Arlington usually gets more rain in April than Oahu. Arlington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Oahu and Arlington