A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Asheville vs. Oahu for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Asheville or Oahu?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Asheville and Oahu. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Asheville

Asheville is a outdoorsy, progressive, and open-minded mountain town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Oahu

Oahu is a cosmopolitan, scenic, and historic island. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Asheville and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Asheville or Oahu?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Oahu than Asheville, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Oahu is better known for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Asheville is more popular for its music, historical sights, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere. Oahu is more touristy than Asheville and is popular for its unique blend of cultures, stunning beaches, vibrant energy, and world class water sports (including surfing). Also, Oahu is famous for Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. Asheville is well known for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, local North Carolina barbecue, and being home to the Biltmore Estate.

How is Asheville different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Oahu is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Asheville and Oahu can be an enjoyable experience.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Asheville. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Oahu is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Asheville or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Asheville and Oahu.

Asheville is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

Many people head to Oahu for the nightlife scene. 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 Asheville or Oahu Better for Music?

Asheville is a very popular place for its live music scene. However, Oahu is lacking in good options for its music scene.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Asheville while you're in town. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

For those who seek it out, Oahu has several music venues. There are a few good venues that offer live music on Oahu.

Is Asheville or Oahu Better for Resorts?

Oahu is well known for its resorts. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

There are plenty of resorts in Oahu to choose from. 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.

Asheville has a few great resort options. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Is Asheville or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Asheville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Oahu. 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.

Asheville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Asheville or Oahu Better for Beaches?

Oahu is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Asheville is not a beach destination.

Oahu offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Asheville is not a beach destination.

Is Asheville or Oahu Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is a decent place to visit for its old town. However, Oahu does not have a historic old town.

You can check out the historic old town in Asheville. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Oahu does not have a historic old town.

Is Asheville or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Oahu is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Oahu is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Many visitors go to Asheville for the hiking trails. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Oahu?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Oahu and Asheville.

Asheville is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

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.

Is Asheville or Oahu Better for Christmas?

Asheville is a very popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Oahu does not offer Christmas activities.

Since it has plenty to do, Asheville is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. Head to the Biltmore Estate to see it fully decorated for the Christmas season. It's also worth going to see the winning Gingerbread Houses on display at the Grove Park Inn.

Oahu does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Asheville or Oahu Better for Christmas Markets?

Asheville is a decent place to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Oahu does not offer Christmas markets.

Asheville has some Christmas markets worth visiting during the holidays. There are a handful of local Christmas shops around town where you can buy personalized gifts.

Oahu does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Asheville or Oahu Better for Families?

Oahu is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Oahu is very family-friendly. 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 family-friendly things to do in Asheville. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

Is Asheville or Oahu Better for Couples?

Oahu is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Oahu is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Asheville is a great mountain town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Is Asheville or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville 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 Asheville. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Oahu is a good mountain town 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 Asheville or Oahu Better for Students?

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

Asheville is a great mountain town to visit as a student. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Oahu is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Asheville and Oahu.

Public transit is generally limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around town with their own vehicle.

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

Is Asheville or Oahu a more walkable city?

Asheville is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Oahu is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable place. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to walk around town. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

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 Asheville Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Oahu?

Both Asheville 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 Asheville. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Asheville, and 3-7 days is enough time in Oahu.

Families should spend more time in Oahu than Asheville. 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 Asheville. 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 Asheville 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 Asheville.

One day in Asheville or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Asheville. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Asheville or Oahu?

Asheville is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 vibrant 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 Asheville or Oahu?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Asheville. This mountain town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 cosmopolitan 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 Asheville or Oahu?

The open-minded mountain town of Asheville offers nightlife and live music. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Asheville and Oahu, we can see that Oahu is more expensive. And not only is Asheville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Asheville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Asheville 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 Asheville.

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

When is the best time to visit Asheville or Oahu?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Asheville or Oahu in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Asheville as well as Oahu. Many visitors come to Asheville in the summer for the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Oahu for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Asheville is around the same temperature as Oahu in the summer. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Oahu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oahu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Asheville this time of the year. In the summer, Asheville often gets less sunshine than Oahu. Asheville gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 303 hours of full sun.

Asheville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Asheville usually gets more rain in July than Oahu. Asheville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Oahu in the Autumn?

Both Oahu and Asheville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Asheville for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Oahu because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Asheville is cooler than Oahu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Asheville in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Oahu averages at about 80°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Oahu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu during autumn. Asheville gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Asheville usually receives more rain than Oahu. Asheville gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Asheville or Oahu in the Winter?

Both Oahu and Asheville during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Asheville because of the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oahu this time of year.

In January, Asheville is generally much colder than Oahu. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 44°F (7°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Oahu, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Asheville often gets less sunshine than Oahu. Asheville gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 212 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Oahu. Asheville gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Oahu in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Asheville and Oahu. The natural beauty are the main draw to Asheville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Oahu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Asheville is cooler than Oahu in the spring. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 64°F (18°C) in April, and Oahu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oahu this time of the year. In Asheville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Asheville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu during spring. Asheville gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

Asheville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Asheville usually receives more rain than Oahu. Asheville gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oahu and Asheville