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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach 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.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is a relaxing, adventurous, and fun-filled beach town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Oahu

Oahu is a cosmopolitan, scenic, and historic island. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Cocoa Beach and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Oahu?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oahu. Although Cocoa Beach and Oahu are both popular with visitors, Oahu has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Oahu is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cocoa Beach is known for its food. Oahu is more touristy than Cocoa Beach and is known 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. Cocoa Beach is popular for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cocoa Beach or Oahu?

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Oahu and Cocoa Beach.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Cocoa Beach. The town's proximity to the Kennedy Space Center is a big appeal for space enthusiasts. It's easy to take advantage of the great beaches and then spend a day exploring the space center. Also in town is the Florida Surf Museum.

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 Cocoa Beach or Oahu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Cocoa Beach has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this beach town. Head to Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier for some great restaurants. In addition to seafood options, you'll find steakhouses, bistros, and pizza shops.

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 Cocoa Beach or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

Oahu is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Oahu has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Cocoa Beach has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a number of casual pubs, bars, and grills around town where you can grab a drink in a relaxed setting.

Is Cocoa Beach or Oahu Better for Music?

Oahu is a decent place to visit for its music scene. However, Cocoa Beach 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.

Cocoa Beach is not a live music destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Oahu Better for Resorts?

Oahu is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

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.

Cocoa Beach has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are casual and family-friendly resorts in the area that make for a nice beach vacation.

Is Cocoa Beach or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cocoa Beach 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.

Cocoa Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Oahu Better for Beaches?

Oahu is very popular for the beach. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

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.

Cocoa Beach is considered a top beach destination. There are long stretches of sand that are great for swimming, surfing, water sports, or just relaxing in the sun. The most popular area is around Cocoa Beach Pier. For family-friendly, head to James H. Nance Park which also has a playground. If you have a dog, Canova Beach Park is your best option.

Is Cocoa Beach or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Oahu is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Cocoa Beach 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.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Oahu?

Oahu is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Cocoa Beach is a great destination for shopping. You'll find lots of great local shops as well as malls and beach stores where you can pick up everything you need.

Is Cocoa Beach or Oahu Better for Families?

Both Cocoa Beach and Oahu are world-class family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Cocoa Beach is very family-friendly. It's right by the Kennedy Space Center, which is a great excursion for kids and adults alike. There's also the Brevard Zoo, amazing beaches, and great parks where the kids can run around.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Oahu is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Cocoa Beach or Oahu Better for Couples?

Oahu is very popular for couples. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Couples visit Cocoa Beach frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Beautiful beaches, fun outdoor activities, and great date night activities make this a wonderful couples destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oahu is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cocoa Beach is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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.

Cocoa Beach is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there aren't any hostels in the area, there are some affordable hotels away from the beach.

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

Cocoa Beach 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.

Cocoa Beach has some public transit options. You can hop on the Cocoa Beach Trolley to access many sights in the area. It's a service provided by the Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT).

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 Cocoa Beach or Oahu a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach 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.

Cocoa Beach is a somewhat walkable place. For the most walkable areas stay near the town center. In general, you'll want to have a car to access most of what the area has to offer though.

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 Cocoa Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Oahu?

Both Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cocoa Beach, and 3-7 days is enough time in Oahu.

Families should spend more time in Oahu than Cocoa Beach. 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 Cocoa Beach. 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 Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Cocoa Beach. 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.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the cosmopolitan island of Oahu. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Cocoa Beach or Oahu?

Cocoa Beach 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Oahu. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Cocoa Beach or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the relaxing destination of Cocoa Beach. This beach town 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the historic island of Oahu. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Cocoa Beach or Oahu?

The fun-filled beach town of Cocoa Beach offers nightlife and food. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Oahu. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Cocoa Beach or Oahu?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Oahu in the Summer?

Both Oahu and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, 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 July, Cocoa Beach is generally around the same temperature as Oahu. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite rainy in Cocoa Beach. In July, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Oahu. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Oahu in the Autumn?

Both Oahu and Cocoa Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the shopping scene during these months. Also, 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.

Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Oahu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 77°F (25°C) in October, and Oahu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in October than Oahu. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Oahu in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Oahu. The winter months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oahu this time of year.

In the winter, Cocoa Beach is cooler than Oahu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cocoa Beach in January average around 63°F (17°C), and Oahu averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In January, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Oahu. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Oahu in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Oahu. The beaches are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Oahu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Cocoa Beach is generally around the same temperature as Oahu. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 73°F (23°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in April than Oahu. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Oahu and Cocoa Beach