A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Austin vs. Oahu for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Hiking

Should you visit Austin or Oahu?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin 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.

Austin

Austin is a unconventional, lively, and entrepreneurial city. It's a big city with many activities to entertain visitors, too. This is beautiful destination to visit. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Oahu

Oahu is a energetic, vibrant, and cosmopolitan island. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Austin and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Austin or Oahu?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Oahu. Although Austin and Oahu are popular destinations, Oahu has more sights and attractions for tourists. Oahu is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Austin attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, and music. Oahu is more touristy than Austin and is popular for its unique blend of cultures, stunning beaches, vibrant energy, and world class water sports (including surfing). It is also well known for Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. Austin is famous for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population.

How is Austin different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Austin and Oahu have superb landmarks and museums for visitors.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Austin can be an interesting and educational experience. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

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 Austin or Oahu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Austin is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Oahu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Austin is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

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 Austin or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

Austin is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Oahu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

People head to Austin just to party. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

Oahu is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Austin or Oahu Better for Music?

Austin is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Oahu is lacking in good options for its music scene.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Austin. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

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

Is Austin or Oahu Better for Resorts?

Oahu is a great destination for its resorts. However, Austin 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.

Austin is not a resort destination.

Is Austin or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is a great destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Austin 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.

Austin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Austin or Oahu Better for Beaches?

Oahu is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Austin 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.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Austin or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Oahu is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for hiking.

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.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Is the Shopping Better in Austin or Oahu?

Oahu is a great destination for shopping. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Oahu is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Austin or Oahu Better for Families?

Oahu is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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.

Austin offers lots of family activities. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Austin or Oahu Better for Couples?

Oahu is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Austin or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin 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 Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

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 Austin or Oahu Better for Students?

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

Austin is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

Oahu is not popular with students.

Is Austin 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 Austin and Oahu.

Public transit is generally limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

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 Austin or Oahu a more walkable city?

Austin and Oahu both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

Austin is generally not very walkable. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

Oahu is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Austin Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Austin?

How long in Austin or Oahu?

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

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

One day in Austin or Oahu?

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

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Oahu. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Austin or Oahu?

Austin 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.

Oahu is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Austin or Oahu?

You'll find food and shopping around the unconventional destination of Austin. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oahu. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Austin or Oahu?

The entrepreneurial city of Austin offers shopping and museums. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic destination of Oahu. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Austin 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 Austin or Oahu in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Austin as well as Oahu. The summer months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and 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 the summer, Austin is a little warmer than Oahu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Austin in July average around 87°F (30°C), and Oahu averages at about 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 Austin this time of the year. In the summer, Austin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu. Austin gets 318 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 303 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets more rain in July than Oahu. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Austin or Oahu in the Autumn?

Both Oahu and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Austin this time of year. Also, 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.

In October, Austin is generally cooler than Oahu. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 73°F (23°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Oahu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. Austin usually receives less sunshine than Oahu during autumn. Austin gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Austin usually receives more rain than Oahu. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Austin or Oahu in the Winter?

Both Oahu and Austin during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Austin 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.

Austin is much colder than Oahu in the winter. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Oahu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Oahu, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Austin often gets less sunshine than Oahu. Austin gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 212 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets less rain in January than Oahu. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Austin or Oahu in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Oahu. Many visitors come to Austin in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Oahu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Austin is cooler than Oahu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Austin in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Oahu averages at about 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oahu this time of the year. In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Austin usually receives less sunshine than Oahu during spring. Austin gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Austin usually receives more rain than Oahu. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oahu and Austin