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

Should you visit Boston 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 Boston 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.

Boston

Boston is a loyal, historic, and traditional city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Oahu

Oahu is a cosmopolitan, scenic, and historic island. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Boston and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boston or Oahu?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Oahu. Although Boston 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, and impressive beauty, while Boston attracts visitors for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, historical sights, christmas markets, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere. Oahu is more touristy than Boston 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. Boston is famous for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities.

How is Boston different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Boston is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Oahu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Boston are world-renowned. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

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 Boston or Oahu Better for Theater?

Boston is a very popular place for its theatre productions. However, Oahu is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Boston. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Oahu is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Boston has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

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 Boston or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are great in both Boston and Oahu.

Boston has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

Oahu has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Boston or Oahu Better for Music?

Boston is a nice place to visit for its live music scene. However, Oahu is lacking in good options for its music scene.

The music scene helps keep Boston active and fun. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

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

Is Boston or Oahu Better for Resorts?

Oahu is notable for its resorts. However, Boston is not a resort destination.

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.

Boston is not a resort destination.

Is Boston or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Boston 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.

Boston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boston or Oahu Better for Beaches?

Oahu is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Boston is a mediocre city for the beache.

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.

You can check out the beach in Boston. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Is Boston or Oahu Better for its Old Town?

Boston is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Oahu does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Boston is revered around the world. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Oahu does not have a historic old town.

Is Boston or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Oahu is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Boston is not a hiking destination.

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.

Boston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Boston or Oahu?

Oahu is notable for shopping. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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 Boston. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Is Boston or Oahu Better for Christmas?

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

Since it has plenty to do, Boston is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. Christmas comes to life in the city with its Christmas Trees, holiday shows, and festivals.

Oahu does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Boston or Oahu Better for Christmas Markets?

Boston is a very popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Oahu does not offer Christmas markets.

Boston offers plenty of Christmas markets. There are a number of European style Christmas markets that pop up during the holiday season around town.

Oahu does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Boston or Oahu Better for Families?

Both Boston and Oahu are world-class family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Boston is very family-friendly. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Oahu is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Is Boston or Oahu Better for Couples?

Oahu is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Boston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

Is Boston or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Boston and Oahu are nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Boston. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

Plenty of budget travelers 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 Boston or Oahu Better for Students?

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

Boston is a great destination for students. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

Oahu is not popular with students.

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

Boston 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 Boston can get you around easily. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

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 Boston or Oahu a more walkable city?

Boston is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. However, Oahu is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Boston. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

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 Boston Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Boston?

How long in Boston or Oahu?

Both Boston 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 Boston. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boston, and 3-7 days is enough time in Oahu.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boston 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 Boston.

One day in Boston or Oahu?

Boston is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Boston or Oahu?

Boston is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. 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 Boston or Oahu?

Boston is a classic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Boston or Oahu?

The proud city of Boston offers food and shopping. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 vibrant 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 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 Boston and Oahu, we can see that Oahu is more expensive. And not only is Boston much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Boston would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Boston 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 Boston.

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

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

Both Oahu and Boston during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Boston in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, 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.

In the summer, Boston is cooler than Oahu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Boston in July average around 73°F (23°C), and Oahu averages at about 81°F (27°C).

In Oahu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Boston. In the summer, Boston often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu. Boston gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 303 hours of full sun.

Boston usually gets more rain in July than Oahu. Boston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Boston or Oahu in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Boston and Oahu. Most visitors come to Boston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, 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 October, Boston is generally much colder than Oahu. Daily temperatures in Boston average around 54°F (12°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oahu this time of the year. Boston usually receives less sunshine than Oahu during autumn. Boston gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Boston usually receives more rain than Oahu. Boston gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Boston or Oahu in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Boston as well as Oahu. The winter months attract visitors to Boston because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oahu this time of year.

The weather in Boston can be very cold. Boston is much colder than Oahu in the winter. The daily temperature in Boston averages around 29°F (-2°C) in January, and Oahu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oahu. In the winter, Boston often gets less sunshine than Oahu. Boston gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 212 hours of full sun.

Boston usually gets less rain in January than Oahu. Boston gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Boston or Oahu in the Spring?

Both Oahu and Boston are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Boston this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Oahu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Boston is much colder than Oahu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Boston in April average around 48°F (9°C), and Oahu averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Oahu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boston. Boston usually receives less sunshine than Oahu during spring. Boston gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Boston usually receives more rain than Oahu. Boston 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 Boston