A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Fort Lauderdale vs. Oahu for Resorts, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a spirited, luxury, and high energy coastal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Oahu

Oahu is a cosmopolitan, scenic, and historic island. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Fort Lauderdale and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Oahu?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Oahu. Although Fort Lauderdale and Oahu are popular destinations, Oahu has more sights and attractions for tourists. Oahu is very popular for its museums, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Fort Lauderdale attracts visitors for its resorts. Fort Lauderdale is famous for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. Oahu is famous 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.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fort Lauderdale or Oahu?

Oahu is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Fort Lauderdale and Oahu offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

Fort Lauderdale offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

Oahu has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Fort Lauderdale or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Fort Lauderdale or Oahu has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Fort Lauderdale know how to have a good time. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

The nightlife in Oahu has something for everybody. 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 Fort Lauderdale or Oahu Better for Music?

Oahu is a island with a few options for live music. However, Fort Lauderdale 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.

Fort Lauderdale is not a live music destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Oahu Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Oahu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Fort Lauderdale offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is a great destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Fort Lauderdale has a few good snorkeling spots. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Oahu Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale and Oahu both offer world-class beaches.

Fort Lauderdale offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Oahu is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Fort Lauderdale 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.

Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Oahu?

Oahu is a great destination for shopping. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Fort Lauderdale. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Oahu Better for Families?

Oahu is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular 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, Fort Lauderdale is very family-friendly. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Oahu Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale and Oahu both world-class destinations for a couple.

Fort Lauderdale is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

Oahu makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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 Fort Lauderdale or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oahu is a good destination for backpackers. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Fort Lauderdale is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Fort Lauderdale and Oahu.

Public transit is generally limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Oahu a more walkable city?

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

Fort Lauderdale is a very walkable coastal city. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

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 Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Oahu?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Oahu have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Oahu has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Oahu than Fort Lauderdale. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Oahu than Fort Lauderdale. 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 Fort Lauderdale. 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Fort Lauderdale. 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.

The energetic destination of Oahu offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Oahu?

Fort Lauderdale 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.

The island of Oahu offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the luxury destination of Fort Lauderdale. 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 is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

The energetic island of Oahu offers museums and nightlife. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

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

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

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

The summer brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Oahu. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, 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 the summer, Fort Lauderdale is around the same temperature as Oahu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in July average around 83°F (28°C), and Oahu averages at about 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oahu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the summer, Fort Lauderdale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 303 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in July than Oahu. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Oahu in the Autumn?

Both Oahu and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area 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.

In October, Fort Lauderdale is generally around the same temperature as Oahu. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 78°F (26°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Oahu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Oahu during autumn. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. In October, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Oahu. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Oahu in the Winter?

Both Oahu and Fort Lauderdale during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oahu this time of year.

Fort Lauderdale is cooler than Oahu in the winter. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 67°F (20°C) in January, and Oahu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Oahu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the winter, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Oahu. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 212 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale usually gets less rain in January than Oahu. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Oahu in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Oahu. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Oahu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Fort Lauderdale is around the same temperature as Oahu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in April average around 75°F (24°C), and Oahu averages at about 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oahu this time of the year. In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Oahu during spring. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Oahu. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oahu and Fort Lauderdale