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

Should you visit Boone or Oahu?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Boone and Oahu can help you decide which place is right for you.

Boone

Boone is a relaxing, quaint, and picturesque town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of Boone is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Boone travel costs.

Oahu

Oahu is a historic, energetic, and vibrant island. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Many visitors also come to Oahu because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Oahu travel costs.

Boone and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boone or Oahu?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oahu. Although Boone and Oahu are both popular with visitors, Oahu has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Oahu is more popular for its museums and attractions, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Boone is known for its skiing and small town charm. Oahu is more touristy than Boone 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. Boone is popular for its proximity to great hiking, skiing, and small town charm.

How is Boone different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Boone or Oahu Better for Skiing?

Boone is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Oahu is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Boone. It's a very popular ski destination in North Carolina. There are family-friendly slopes as well as more challenging options. Head to the popular Appalachian Ski Mountain, nearby Beech Mountain, or Sugar Mountain for some of the area's best skiing.

Oahu is not a skiing destination.

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

Oahu is a great island for its historical sights. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Oahu specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Boone is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most people spend the majority of their time exploring the natural beauty, but there are also several small local museums such as the Banner House Museum.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Boone and Oahu can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Boone is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find farm to table restaurants, local cafes, and all of the standard chain restaurants nearby. Check for a High Country Grown certification if you want to prioritize locally sourced ingredients.

Oahu offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Boone or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find excellent options in both Boone and Oahu.

The nightlife in Boone has something for everybody. It's a small town, but there are local breweries and a great nightlife scene that is, in large part, influenced by the large student population.

Oahu offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Boone or Oahu Better for Music?

Oahu is adequate for its music scene. However, Boone 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.

Boone is not a live music destination.

Is Boone or Oahu Better for Resorts?

Oahu is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Boone is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Oahu. 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.

Boone is not a resort destination.

Is Boone or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is a great island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Boone is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Boone is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boone or Oahu Better for Beaches?

Oahu is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Boone is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Oahu is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

Boone is not a beach destination.

Is Boone or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Oahu is an amazing island to visit for hiking. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Many people visit Oahu specifically for its hiking. 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.

Boone is a popular spot for hiking. The area is filled with wonderful hikes, particularly around Grandfather Mountain and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The famed Appalachian Trail passes through the area as well. Many hikes take you through beautiful forests, passed dramatic waterfalls, and to breathtaking viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Boone or Oahu?

If you're looking to go shopping, Boone and Oahu both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Boone. Wander along King Street for some of the town's best shopping. There are independent vendors and antique shops that are fun to pop into. The town is also known for its farmer's markets.

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.

Is Boone or Oahu More Beautiful?

Oahu is an amazing island to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Oahu because of it's amazing beauty. The island has striking beaches and stunning mountains, making it a beautiful Hawaiian Island.

Boone is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The surrounding area is filled with great natural beauty and wonderful hikes.

Is Boone or Oahu Better for Families?

Oahu is an amazing island to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Oahu is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Boone is a very family-friendly place to visit. Near town you'll find kid-friendly hikes, such as Linville Falls. There are also several places where kids can go ziplining or rock climbing. Parks and outdoor activities are abundant and the whole family will enjoy the setting.

Is Boone or Oahu Better for Couples?

Oahu is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Oahu has plenty to offer. 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.

Boone is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming town has a romantic setting with local restaurants, beautiful hikes, and plenty of shopping. Couples enjoy staying at bed and breakfasts and enjoying the quaint atmosphere.

Is Boone or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Boone and Oahu are good places to visit.

Boone is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While there aren't many hostels in the area, there are plenty of campgrounds. The nearby Appalachian State University also ensures that there are plenty of fun activities for young visitors.

It's common for backpackers to visit Oahu. 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 Boone or Oahu Better for Students?

Boone is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Oahu is not popular with students.

Boone is a great destination for students. This mountain town offers a great setting for students who enjoy hiking and skiing. Appalachian State University is a fun college with plenty of activities going on.

Oahu is not popular with students.

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

Boone and Oahu both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Boone. You really need a car to make the most of your time.

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 Boone or Oahu a more walkable city?

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

Boone is a very walkable town. Head to King Street for the best shopping and the most pedestrian-friendly part of town.

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 Boone Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Boone?

How long in Boone or Oahu?

Both Boone 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 Boone. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Boone, and 3-7 days is enough time in Oahu.

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

One day in Boone or Oahu?

Boone is a small town where visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife. 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.

In Oahu, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this historic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Boone or Oahu?

Boone 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oahu. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Boone or Oahu?

Boone is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This 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.

Oahu is a fun place to experience. In Oahu, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Boone or Oahu?

Because Boone is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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.

In Oahu, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this historic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

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

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