A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Carmel-by-the-Sea vs. Oahu for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Oahu?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Oahu can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a picturesque, quaint, and charming town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Oahu

Oahu is a vibrant, cosmopolitan, and scenic island. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Carmel-by-the-Sea and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Oahu?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oahu. Although Carmel-by-the-Sea and Oahu are both popular with visitors, Oahu has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Oahu is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its food and small town charm. Oahu is more touristy than Carmel-by-the-Sea and is popular 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. Carmel-by-the-Sea is popular for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts.

How is Carmel-by-the-Sea different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Oahu?

Oahu is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.

Is the Food Better in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Oahu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Oahu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Carmel-by-the-Sea has a huge number of terrific restaurants. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more casual eateries.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

Oahu is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for nightlife.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Oahu Better for Music?

Oahu is a moderate island for its music scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a live music destination.

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a live music destination.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Oahu Better for Resorts?

Oahu is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Oahu Better for Beaches?

Oahu is renowned for the beach. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its beaches.

Oahu is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Many people visit Carmel-by-the-Sea for it's beautiful beaches. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Oahu is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

Around Oahu visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Oahu?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Oahu are high quality shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Oahu. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Oahu Better for Families?

Oahu is renowned for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

Oahu is an extremely popular island to visit for families. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not always a place people visit with their families. Carmel is a good place to let the kids stretch their legs. There are also some good kid-friendly walks in the area.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Oahu Better for Couples?

Oahu is renowned for couples. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Oahu is a great island for couples, as it 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a charming town with a beautiful coastline and plenty of cute hotels that makes for a great romantic getaway. There's wonderful shopping and many great restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oahu is a island with good options for backpackers. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Oahu is a good island 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any real hostels or accommodation options that appeal to backpackers.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Oahu Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Oahu offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Oahu a more walkable city?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Oahu is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very walkable town. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

How long in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Oahu?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Carmel-by-the-Sea, and 3-7 days is enough time in Oahu.

Families should spend more time in Oahu than Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Oahu?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Oahu, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Oahu?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the scenic island of Oahu, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Oahu?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

With nightlife and food around the cosmopolitan destination of Oahu, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

A week in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Oahu?

Because Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Oahu is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Oahu in the Summer?

Both Oahu and Carmel-by-the-Sea during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Oahu because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Carmel-by-the-Sea is generally much colder than Oahu. Daily temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea average around 63°F (17°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

Carmel-by-the-Sea usually gets less rain in July than Oahu. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Oahu in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Oahu. The autumn months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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 Oahu this time of year.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is much colder than Oahu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Carmel-by-the-Sea averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Oahu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

In October, Carmel-by-the-Sea usually receives less rain than Oahu. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Oahu in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Carmel-by-the-Sea as well as Oahu. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Oahu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Carmel-by-the-Sea is much colder than Oahu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Oahu averages at about 73°F (23°C).

Carmel-by-the-Sea usually gets less rain in January than Oahu. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Oahu in the Spring?

Both Oahu and Carmel-by-the-Sea are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Oahu in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Carmel-by-the-Sea is generally much colder than Oahu. Daily temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea average around 56°F (13°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In April, Carmel-by-the-Sea usually receives less rain than Oahu. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oahu and Carmel-by-the-Sea