A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cancun vs. Oahu for Nightlife, Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Cancun 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 Cancun and Oahu can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cancun

Cancun is a active, adventurous, and wild city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Oahu

Oahu is a historic, energetic, and vibrant island. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cancun and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cancun or Oahu?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Oahu than Cancun, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Oahu is better known for its music, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cancun is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling. Cancun is well known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. Oahu is well 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.

How is Cancun different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Cancun and Oahu.

Many visitors head to Cancun specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Oahu can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Cancun or Oahu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Cancun and Oahu.

Cancun has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

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 Cancun or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

Cancun 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 Cancun just to party. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

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 Cancun or Oahu Better for Music?

Oahu is a decent place to visit for its live music scene. However, Cancun 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.

Cancun is not a live music destination.

Is Cancun or Oahu Better for Resorts?

Cancun is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Oahu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Cancun offers an unforgettable resort vacation. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

In Oahu, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Is Cancun or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cancun is a world-class destination for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Oahu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for snorkeling and scuba diving.

People travel to Cancun specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

Oahu is an extremely popular place to visit for 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.

Is Cancun or Oahu Better for Beaches?

Cancun and Oahu are terrific choices for a beach vacation.

With world-famous beaches, Cancun is a very popular vacation destination. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

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.

Is Cancun or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Oahu is renowned for its hiking trails. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

Cancun has hiking trails worth exploring. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Cancun or Oahu?

Oahu is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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 Cancun to go shopping. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

Is Cancun or Oahu Better for Families?

You'll find terrific kid-friendly activities in either Cancun or Oahu.

Cancun is one of the most popular family destinations. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

Oahu is an amazing family-friendly city 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.

Is Cancun or Oahu Better for Couples?

Both Cancun and Oahu are terrific destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Cancun has plenty to offer. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.

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.

Is Cancun or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cancun 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 Cancun. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.

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

Cancun is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Oahu is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Cancun has some public transit options. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

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 Cancun or Oahu a more walkable city?

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

Cancun is a very walkable city. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.

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 Cancun Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Cancun?

How long in Cancun or Oahu?

Both Cancun and Oahu have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Cancun has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cancun than Oahu. In general, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Cancun, and 3-7 days is enough time in Oahu.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cancun than Oahu. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cancun that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

One day in Cancun or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Cancun. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Cancun or Oahu?

Cancun is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Cancun or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the party-hard destination of Cancun. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Cancun or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the wild city of Cancun. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cosmopolitan 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 Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

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

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