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

Should you visit Boulder 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 Boulder 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.

Boulder

Boulder is a outdoorsy, nature-filled, and biker-friendly city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Boulder and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boulder or Oahu?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Oahu than Boulder, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Oahu is better known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Boulder is more popular for its skiing and music. Oahu is more touristy than Boulder and is known 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. Boulder is well known for its outdoor sports, biker-friendly downtown, vibrant downtown, and many local breweries.

How is Boulder different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Boulder or Oahu Better for Skiing?

Boulder is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Oahu is not a skiing destination.

Boulder is a fun local destination for snow skiers. The town offers access within an hour or two to several great ski resorts including Eldora Mountain, Vail, and Breckenridge.

Oahu is not a skiing destination.

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

Oahu is a great island for its historical sights. However, Boulder is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Boulder offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit Boulder for the outdoor activities more than the museums and sights. If have the time you can wander around the University of Colorado Boulder campus, visit the Museum of Boulder, or see the Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art.

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

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

Boulder has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. This is an often overlooked foodie town, with great farmer's markets and restaurants to try. There are many casual places to eat as well as vegetarian and vegan friendly options everywhere.

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 Boulder or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

Oahu is a great island for nightlife and partying. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Oahu has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Boulder. The town has breweries, craft beer, and plenty to do in the evening. Live music is popular and many venues are smaller with a more personal atmosphere. Check out The Bitter Bar or License No. 1 for a local vibe.

Is Boulder or Oahu Better for Music?

Boulder 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 Boulder active and fun. During the summer months there are often outdoor concerts. Head to Pearl Street for open air stages or see a concert at Boulder Theater.

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

Is Boulder or Oahu Better for Resorts?

Oahu is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Boulder 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.

Boulder is not a resort destination.

Is Boulder or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is a great island for its diving and snorkeling. However, Boulder 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.

Boulder is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boulder or Oahu Better for Beaches?

Oahu is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Boulder 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.

Boulder is not a beach destination.

Is Boulder or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Oahu is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Boulder is a popular spot for hiking. There are many accessible hikes in the area that take you through the mountains, by wildflowers, or up mountain peaks. Popular hikes that are nearby include the Bear Peak Summit Hike, the trails in Eldorado Canyon State Park, and Boulder Falls.

Is the Shopping Better in Boulder or Oahu?

Oahu is a great island for its shopping opportunities. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Oahu is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Boulder to go shopping. The downtown area has many local retailers where you can shop for clothing, art, or home goods. You can also pick up outdoor gear, camping equipment, and any other items you may need in town. Make sure you wander down the pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall.

Is Boulder or Oahu Better for Families?

Oahu is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-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.

Boulder is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has parks, playgrounds, a planetarium, and climbing gyms that are fun for kids of all ages. There are plenty places to get outdoors with hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor recreational activities. Eldorado Canyon State Park is a great place to explore as well.

Is Boulder or Oahu Better for Couples?

Oahu is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Boulder is a good city for couples to visit. This is a great city for couples who love outdoor adventures, hiking, rock climbing, and cycling. You can wander down Pearl Street or go for a bike ride. There are also great restaurants where you can enjoy a meal and then head to Panorama Point to take in the view.

Is Boulder or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Boulder and Oahu are notable places to visit.

Plenty of backpackers visit Boulder. There are a number of backcountry areas in the region that are perfect for backpackers. The city also has a young population and several affordable places to stay.

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 Boulder or Oahu Better for Students?

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

Boulder is a great city to visit as a student. With the University of Colorado, Boulder in town, this city is a popular spot for students. It's an outdoor enthusiast's perfect base with many outdoor recreational activities in the area.

Oahu is not popular with students.

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

Boulder and Oahu both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Boulder. There are buses that run around town, but you really need a car to fully experience everything that the city has to offer.

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 Boulder or Oahu a more walkable city?

Boulder 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.

Boulder is a somewhat walkable place. The city has some nice walkable areas and it is very bike-friendly.

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 Boulder Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Boulder?

How long in Boulder or Oahu?

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

Families should spend more time in Oahu than Boulder. 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 Boulder. 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 Boulder 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 Boulder or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Boulder. 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, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Boulder or Oahu?

Boulder 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.

In Oahu, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Boulder or Oahu?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Boulder. This city 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oahu has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Boulder or Oahu?

The biker-friendly city of Boulder 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oahu. In Oahu, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

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

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