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

Should you visit Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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.

Clearwater

Clearwater is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled coastal city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

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 food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Clearwater and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Oahu?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Oahu. Although Clearwater and Oahu are popular destinations, Oahu has more sights and attractions for tourists. Oahu is very popular for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Clearwater attracts visitors for its food. Oahu is more touristy than Clearwater 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. Clearwater is famous for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports.

How is Clearwater different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Clearwater and Oahu have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Clearwater. Perhaps most well known is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, but there are also a surprising number of museums nearby such as the Dalí Museum, the impressive Chihuly Glass Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Oahu offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Clearwater or Oahu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Clearwater has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Head to the waterfront for some of the best seafood. Unfortunately this is also where you'll find the highest prices. Shrimp, crab, and a fresh catch of the day are common on many menus.

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 Clearwater or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

Oahu is notable for nightlife. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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 Clearwater. You'll find laid back beach clubs, glitzy wine bars, and relaxed bars where you can spend a nice night out.

Is Clearwater or Oahu Better for Music?

Oahu is a moderate island for live music. However, Clearwater 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.

Clearwater is not a live music destination.

Is Clearwater or Oahu Better for Resorts?

There are great resorts to choose from in both Clearwater and Oahu.

There are plenty of resorts in Clearwater to choose from. You'll find a number of nice resorts along the coastline. Some of the most popular are the Sandpearl Resort, the Opal Sands Resort, and the Clearwater Beach Marriott.

Oahu is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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 Clearwater or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its diving and snorkeling.

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.

Clearwater has a few good snorkeling spots. There's both snorkeling and diving nearby. Some of the best dive spots are within and hour of the shore and you'll find diving shops that offer trips.

Is Clearwater or Oahu Better for Beaches?

Clearwater and Oahu both offer world-class beaches.

Clearwater offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Clearwater Beach is on many lists as one of the best beaches in America. It's the most popular beach in the area and it spreads out over 2.5 miles. Sand Key Beach is another popular destination as is the pristine Caladesi Island State Park.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Oahu. 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 Clearwater or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Oahu is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Clearwater 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.

Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Oahu?

Oahu is notable for shopping. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal 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 Clearwater. You'll find all of the standard shopping options in the area such as malls, shopping centers, and outlets. Westfield Countryside Mall is a popular destination as is the Cleveland Street District.

Is Clearwater or Oahu Better for Families?

Oahu is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its kid-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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Clearwater is very family-friendly. Check out the playground and activities around Pier 60. Less crowded and family-friendly Sand Key Park is another favorite spot and the playgrounds at New Coachman Park and Crest Lake Park are also fun. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is another popular attraction for visitors with kids.

Is Clearwater or Oahu Better for Couples?

Oahu is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal 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.

Clearwater makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are beautiful parks and beaches as well as romantic activities like sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. Couples will also enjoy dining on local seafood and shopping at the local venues.

Is Clearwater or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oahu is a good destination for backpackers. However, Clearwater is a mediocre coastal city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Clearwater is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, and you'll find more affordable prices than in some nearby beach destinations.

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

Both Clearwater and Oahu offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Clearwater. The Clearwater Jolley Trolley connects some of the area's highlights. There are also public buses that run several routes through town.

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 Clearwater or Oahu a more walkable city?

Clearwater 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.

Clearwater is a somewhat walkable place. The waterfront and downtown areas are surprisingly 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 Clearwater Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Oahu?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Clearwater. 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.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the vibrant 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 Clearwater or Oahu?

Clearwater is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. 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.

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 Clearwater or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Clearwater. This coastal 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.

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 Clearwater or Oahu?

The outdoorsy coastal city of Clearwater offers shopping and museums. 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 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Clearwater and Oahu, we can see that Oahu is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

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

Both Oahu and Clearwater during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, 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, Clearwater is around the same temperature as Oahu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Clearwater in July average around 82°F (28°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 Clearwater. In the summer, Clearwater often gets less sunshine than Oahu. Clearwater gets 265 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 Clearwater. Clearwater usually gets more rain in July than Oahu. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Clearwater or Oahu in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Oahu. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the shopping scene 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, Clearwater is generally cooler than Oahu. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 75°F (24°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oahu this time of the year. In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu during autumn. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Oahu. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.

Should I visit Clearwater or Oahu in the Winter?

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

Clearwater is cooler than Oahu in the winter. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Oahu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oahu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the winter, Clearwater often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 212 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in January than Oahu. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Clearwater or Oahu in the Spring?

Both Oahu and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Clearwater 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, Clearwater is cooler than Oahu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Clearwater in April average around 71°F (22°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 Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Oahu during spring. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Oahu. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Oahu and Clearwater