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

Should you visit Charleston or Oahu?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Charleston or Oahu, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Charleston

Charleston is a southern, quaint, and historic coastal town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the live music, food, and beaches.

Oahu

Oahu is a energetic, vibrant, and cosmopolitan 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Charleston and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charleston or Oahu?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oahu. Although Charleston and Oahu are both popular with visitors, Oahu has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Oahu is more popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Charleston is known for its food, music, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere. Oahu is more touristy than Charleston 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. Charleston is popular for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses.

How is Charleston different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Oahu is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Charleston is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. This city is famous for its many historic churches and plantations. The plantations are open to visit and will educate you on the city's past, which is heavily involved in slavery. You can also visit Fort Sumter National Monument by boat or take a tour of the USS Yorktown.

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

Charleston is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Oahu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Charleston is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Food lovers will enjoy the city's low country classics. There are many local restaurants in town that serve southern specialties. You can also head a bit out of the town center if you want a waterfront restaurant. Local favorites include she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, cornbread, and fried green tomatoes.

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 Charleston or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

Oahu is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for nightlife.

Oahu has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Charleston. As a college town, there are plenty of bars and nightclubs around town. There's also a lively music scene. Head to the areas near the college for the most affordable and active nightlife. Popular clubs in town include Cure Night Club, Deco Nightclub, and Mynt.

Is Charleston or Oahu Better for Music?

Charleston 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 Charleston active and fun. You can hear a number of local bands or enjoy a more widely known group at larger venues in the area.

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

Is Charleston or Oahu Better for Resorts?

Oahu is notable for its resorts. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its luxury resorts.

Oahu is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Charleston has a handful of resorts to choose from. The town has mostly hotels and bed and breakfasts in the downtown area, but nearby Kiawah Island has a number of nice resorts to choose from. Kiawah Island is particularly kid-friendly if you're looking for a family beach vacation. If you have a bit more money to spend and want something more residential, check out nearby Seabrook Island.

Is Charleston or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is notable for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Charleston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Oahu to enjoy 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.

Charleston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Charleston or Oahu Better for Beaches?

Oahu is an amazing island to visit for the beach. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its beaches.

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.

The beaches at Charleston attract visitors from all over. The area has a number of beautiful and fun nearby beaches including Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island. Folly Beach is an active and quirky beach area, while Kiawah is more family-friendly. Seabrook is more residential and more expensive.

Is Charleston or Oahu Better for its Old Town?

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

The historic old town of Charleston is revered around the world. Charleston's downtown is one of the most charming and well preserved Old Town's in the United States. It's easy to see why it's become a world class destination.

Oahu does not have a historic old town.

Is Charleston or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Oahu is an amazing island to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Charleston is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Oahu draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Charleston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charleston or Oahu?

Charleston is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Oahu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Charleston draws large crowds to its stores. The city is famous for its historic market in the center of town. Local goods, foods, and crafts are sold daily here. There are also many clothing and local shops throughout town, particularly along King Street, which has boutiques and high end outlets. Outside of town, stop by Tanger Outlet Mall if you want name brands at a discount price.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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 Charleston or Oahu Better for Christmas?

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

Since it has plenty to do, Charleston is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. During the Christmas season there are a number of festivals, light shows, and even a boat parade that everyone can enjoy.

Oahu does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Charleston or Oahu Better for Christmas Markets?

Charleston is a nice place to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Oahu does not offer Christmas markets.

Charleston has Christmas markets worth visiting. Marion Square hosts Christmas Markets on weekends throughout the holiday season.

Oahu does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Charleston or Oahu Better for Families?

Oahu is an amazing island to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Oahu is an amazing family-friendly island 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.

Charleston is a family-friendly coastal town. The city has a number of family-friendly activities like carriage rides and boat rides. There's also an aquarium, a waterfront park, and many kid-friendly museums. The nearby beaches also make it a wonderful place to visit with kids.

Is Charleston or Oahu Better for Couples?

Charleston and Oahu are both amazing to visit as a couple.

Charleston has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This beautiful city is one of the most popular wedding destinations in America. It's a very romantic setting with beautiful hotels and bed and breakfasts that are perfect for couples on their honeymoon or looking for a romantic setting.

Oahu is a great coastal town 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.

Is Charleston or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oahu is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Charleston is a mediocre coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Charleston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Hotels in the old town tend to be pricey and there isn't the backpacker community that you find in many other destinations. Still, there are a couple of hostels.

Is Charleston or Oahu Better for Students?

Charleston is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Oahu is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Charleston. The city is a college town with a young vibe that is perfect for students. There's a nice university area where you'll find cheaper places to eat and a good nightlife scene.

Oahu is not popular with students.

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

Both Charleston and Oahu offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Charleston. While there are some buses, you really must have a car to fully experience the entire area.

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 Charleston or Oahu a more walkable city?

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

Charleston is a very walkable coastal town. The downtown area is very walkable, but once you leave the historic heart, it's best to have a car.

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 Charleston Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Charleston?

How long in Charleston or Oahu?

Both Charleston and Oahu have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Charleston, and 3-7 days is enough time in Oahu.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Oahu than Charleston 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 Charleston or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Charleston. 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.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the scenic island of Oahu, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Charleston or Oahu?

Charleston 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 scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Oahu, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Charleston or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the classic destination of Charleston. This coastal town 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.

Oahu, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Charleston or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the classic coastal town of Charleston. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Oahu is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this island makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

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

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

Both Oahu and Charleston during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Charleston because of the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oahu this time of year.

In July, Charleston is generally around the same temperature as Oahu. Daily temperatures in Charleston average around 82°F (28°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

In Oahu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Charleston. In the summer, Charleston often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu. Charleston gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 303 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Charleston. Charleston usually gets more rain in July than Oahu. Charleston gets 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charleston or Oahu in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Charleston and Oahu. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Charleston this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Oahu for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Charleston is cooler than Oahu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Charleston averages around 67°F (19°C) in October, and Oahu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oahu this time of the year. Charleston usually receives less sunshine than Oahu during autumn. Charleston gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Charleston usually receives more rain than Oahu. Charleston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Charleston or Oahu in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Charleston as well as Oahu. Many travelers come to Charleston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Oahu in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Charleston is much colder than Oahu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Charleston in January average around 47°F (9°C), and Oahu averages at about 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oahu. In the winter, Charleston often gets less sunshine than Oahu. Charleston gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 212 hours of full sun.

Charleston usually gets less rain in January than Oahu. Charleston gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charleston or Oahu in the Spring?

Both Oahu and Charleston are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Charleston in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Oahu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Charleston is generally cooler than Oahu. Daily temperatures in Charleston average around 64°F (18°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Oahu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charleston. Charleston usually receives more sunshine than Oahu during spring. Charleston gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Charleston usually receives more rain than Oahu. Charleston gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oahu and Charleston