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

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

Dallas

Dallas is a upscale, chic, and active city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

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. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dallas and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dallas or Oahu?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Oahu than Dallas, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Oahu is better known for its music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Dallas is more popular for its food. Oahu is more touristy than Dallas and is popular 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. Dallas is well known for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture.

How is Dallas different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Dallas and Oahu.

Many visitors head to Dallas specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

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 Dallas or Oahu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Dallas has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local 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 Dallas or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

Both Dallas and Oahu are excellent when it comes to partying.

Dallas offers plenty to do in the evening. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

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.

Is Dallas or Oahu Better for Music?

Oahu is a moderate island for its live music scene. However, Dallas 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.

Dallas is not a live music destination.

Is Dallas or Oahu Better for Resorts?

Oahu is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Dallas is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Oahu. 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.

Dallas is not a resort destination.

Is Dallas or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Dallas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Dallas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dallas or Oahu Better for Beaches?

Oahu is renowned for the beache. However, Dallas is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Oahu is a very popular vacation 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.

Dallas is not a beach destination.

Is Dallas or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Oahu is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Dallas is not a hiking destination.

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.

Dallas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dallas or Oahu?

Both Dallas and Oahu are excellent shopping destinations.

Dallas is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

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.

Is Dallas or Oahu Better for Families?

Oahu is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Oahu is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dallas. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

Is Dallas or Oahu Better for Couples?

Oahu is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Oahu 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.

Dallas makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

Is Dallas or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oahu is very good for backpackers. However, Dallas is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Oahu is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Dallas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there are a couple of hostels around town, this isn't a popular destination for the backpacker crowd.

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

Dallas 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.

Dallas has some public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

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 Dallas or Oahu a more walkable city?

Dallas and Oahu both are respectable when exploring on foot.

Dallas is generally not very walkable. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

Oahu is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Dallas Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Dallas?

How long in Dallas or Oahu?

Both Dallas 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 Dallas. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dallas, and 3-7 days is enough time in Oahu.

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Dallas. 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 Dallas or Oahu?

Dallas is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

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 Dallas or Oahu?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the upscale destination of Dallas. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 Dallas or Oahu?

The upscale city of Dallas offers nightlife and food. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

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

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

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

Both Oahu and Dallas during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dallas this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Oahu for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Dallas is a little warmer than Oahu in the summer. The daily temperature in Dallas averages around 88°F (31°C) in July, and Oahu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

In Oahu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dallas. In the summer, Dallas often gets more sunshine than Oahu. Dallas gets 337 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 303 hours of full sun.

Dallas usually gets more rain in July than Oahu. Dallas gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dallas or Oahu in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dallas and Oahu. Many travelers come to Dallas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Oahu in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Dallas is cooler than Oahu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dallas in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Oahu averages at about 80°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oahu this time of the year. In Dallas, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dallas usually receives less sunshine than Oahu during autumn. Dallas gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dallas usually receives more rain than Oahu. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dallas or Oahu in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dallas as well as Oahu. Many visitors come to Dallas in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Oahu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Dallas is generally much colder than Oahu. Daily temperatures in Dallas average around 46°F (8°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oahu. In the winter, Dallas often gets less sunshine than Oahu. Dallas gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 212 hours of full sun.

Dallas usually gets less rain in January than Oahu. Dallas gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dallas or Oahu in the Spring?

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

Dallas is cooler than Oahu in the spring. The daily temperature in Dallas averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, 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 Dallas. Dallas usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu during spring. Dallas gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dallas usually receives more rain than Oahu. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oahu and Dallas