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

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

Greenville

Greenville is a welcoming, hospitable, and southern city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Oahu

Oahu is a historic, energetic, and vibrant island. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Greenville and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial


Is there more to do in Greenville or Oahu?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oahu. Although Greenville and Oahu are both popular with visitors, Oahu has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Oahu is more touristy than Greenville 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. Greenville is popular for its outdoor spaces and its growing arts scene.

How is Greenville different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Greenville
Oahu

Oahu is a great island for its historical sights. Also, Greenville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Oahu specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Greenville is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Museums focus on art, history, and science. Notable museums in town include the Greenville County Museum of Art, the Upcountry History Museum, and the Sigal Music Museum.


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

Greenville
Oahu

Oahu is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Greenville is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Oahu is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Greenville offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The food scene is growing and the farm-to-table movement is apparent here, but the city is still often overlooked by foodies in the area.

Is Greenville or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

Greenville
Oahu

Oahu is a great island for its evening party scene. Also, Greenville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Greenville. Bars, breweries, and low key clubs are what drive the city's nightlife scene. There are both piano bars and live music venues that often lean towards the local country classics.

Is Greenville or Oahu Better for Music?

Greenville
Oahu

Oahu is adequate for its music scene. However, Greenville 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.

Greenville is not a live music destination.


Is Greenville or Oahu Better for Resorts?

Greenville
Oahu

Oahu is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Greenville 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.

Greenville is not a resort destination.

Is Greenville or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Greenville
Oahu

Oahu is a great island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Greenville 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.

Greenville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Greenville or Oahu Better for Beaches?

Greenville
Oahu

Oahu is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Greenville 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.

Greenville is not a beach destination.


Is Greenville or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Greenville
Oahu

Oahu is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Greenville 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.

Greenville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Greenville or Oahu?

Greenville
Oahu

Oahu is a great island for its shopping areas. Also, Greenville is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Greenville is a great destination for shopping. You'll find upscale shopping in the city's downtown and sprawling shopping malls in other neighborhoods. There are plenty of name brand stores where you can pick up the latest style.

Is Greenville or Oahu Better for Families?

Greenville
Oahu

Oahu is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Greenville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-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.

Greenville is a family-friendly place to visit. There are many local families in town, so you'll find all kinds of kid-friendly activities to enjoy. Paris Mountain State Park is a popular place where everyone can run around. Falls Park on the Reedy River also has walking trails and is in the city's historic district. There's also a children's theater and plenty of playgrounds around town.


Is Greenville or Oahu Better for Couples?

Greenville
Oahu

Oahu is an unbeatable place for couples. However, Greenville is not known for romance.

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.

Greenville is not the best destination for a couple to visit. You can take the free trolley down Main Street and then enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants.

Is Greenville or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Greenville
Oahu

Oahu is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Greenville is not known for backpackers.

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.

Greenville is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. While there are students in the area, there is little else to bring backpackers to town.

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

Greenville
Oahu

Greenville and Oahu both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Greenville. There are free trolleys that make their way around the downtown neighborhoods.

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 Greenville or Oahu a more walkable city?

Greenville
Oahu

Greenville and Oahu are decent when it comes to walkability.

Greenville is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is surprisingly walkable, but like most cities in the area, you need a car to make the most of your visit.

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 Greenville Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Greenville?

How long in Greenville or Oahu?

Both Greenville 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 Greenville. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Greenville, and 3-7 days is enough time in Oahu.

Families should spend more time in Oahu than Greenville. 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 Greenville. 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 Greenville 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.


  • How many days in Greenville or Oahu? Ideal Length of Stay
    Greenville 1-2 
    Oahu 3-7

One day in Greenville or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Greenville. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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 Greenville or Oahu?

Greenville 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.

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 Greenville or Oahu?

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

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 Greenville or Oahu?

The welcoming city of Greenville offers museums and nightlife. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.


Which place is cheaper, Oahu or Greenville?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Greenville is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Oahu is $333. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Greenville and Oahu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Greenville -
    Oahu $237
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Greenville $0.00
    Oahu $474
Compare Hotels in Greenville and Oahu

Looking for a hotel in Greenville or Oahu? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Greenville


Hotels in Oahu


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Greenville Hotel Prices and Oahu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Greenville $158
    Oahu $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Greenville

Also for Greenville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) to Greenville - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $74
  • Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) to Greenville - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
  • Greenville to Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) - Departure Private Transfer: $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oahu

Also for Oahu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Luxury Transfer Between Ko Olina and Honolulu Airport, Vice Versa: $240
  • Private Transfer from Honolulu (HLN) Airport to North Shore : $203
  • Private Transfer from Honolulu (HLN) Airport to Pupukea: $203
  • Honolulu Airport & Ko Olina Hotels Private Transfer by Passenger Van(14 ppl): $170
  • Private Transfer from Beach Resorts to Honolulu Airport HNL by Executive Sedan: $157
  • Private Transfer Waikiki to Honolulu Airport HNL by Executive SUV: $148
  • Full-Day Island Highlights Tour with Transfer: $136
  • Private Transfer from Honolulu (HLN) Airport to Ko Olina: $127
  • Private Transfer: Honolulu to Honolulu Airport HNL in Sedan Car: $108
  • Honolulu Harbor Cruise Terminal Transfer: $105
  • Ko Olina or Kapolei to Airport Private Transfer: $100
  • Manoa Falls Waterfall Hike with Lunch and Transfers: $98

Is it cheaper to fly into Greenville or Oahu?

Prices for flights to both Oahu and Greenville change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Greenville $21
    Oahu $52
Typical Food Prices in Greenville

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Greenville:


  • Marble Slab Creamery (for 2)
    $9.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Oahu

For Oahu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 2-Hour Dinner Cruise in Honolulu: $97
  • Moonlight Dinner Cruise in Honolulu: $106
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise in Honolulu: $125
  • Honolulu Sunset & Fireworks Dinner Cruise: $129
  • Ka Moana Luau Dinner and Show at Aloha Tower: $129
  • Hawaii Semisub Classic Friday Fireworks Dinner Cruise: $170
  • Hawaiian Food Tour by Bike in Oahu: $179
  • Germaine's Traditional Luau Show & Buffet Dinner: $191
  • Nova Five Star Sunset Dinner and Jazz: $225
  • Traditional Canoe Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $250

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Greenville $25
    Oahu $27

Tours and Activities in Greenville

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Greenville.

  • Caesars Head & Wildcat Falls Driving Tour: $129
  • Greenville City Segway Tour: $75
  • Greenville Craft Cocktail Tour: $95
  • Greenville Haunted Segway Tour: $76
  • Greenville Scavenger Hunt: Greenville Adventure: $12
  • Guided E-Bike Tour in Greenville South Carolina with Brunch: $105
  • Just Desserts Tour In Greenville: $72
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Greenville, SC: $15
  • Paranormal Walking Tour in Greenville : $32
  • Pedego Electric Bike Tour at Greenville: $105
  • Small-Group Walking Tour in Greenville with Breakfast: $72
  • Thirsty Thursdays Tour (cocktails and appetizers): $89

Tours and Activities in Oahu

For Oahu, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • "Tour de Honolulu" Foodie Bike Tour: $189
  • New Year’s Eve Midnight Cruise: $246
  • 1.5 -Hour Guided Whale and Marine Life Tour: $89
  • 18 Minutes PRIVATE Helicopter Tour in Honolulu: $248
  • 2-Hour Private Botanical Facial with Hand Dip Experience: $175
  • 3 Hour Waikiki Waterslide, Snorkel and Wild Life Cruise: $109
  • 3-Hour Honolulu Bottom Fishing Adventure : $87
  • 30 Minutes SHARED Helicopter Tour in Honolulu: $284
  • 4 Hour Guided Scuba Diving Adventures in Waikiki: $249
  • 5:00PM Sunset Cruise & Whale Watch from Oahu (Wahine Koa): $57
  • ATV Adventure in Hawaii by Da Mongoose EzRaider: $139
  • Afternoon Waikiki Glass Bottom Boat Cruise: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Greenville -
    Oahu $6.47

Sample the Local Flavors in Greenville

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Greenville:

  • Spooky & Haunted Paranormal Bar Crawl Downtown Greenville: $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Oahu

Also in Oahu, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Whiskey Tour - Koʻolau Distillery - Kailua, Hawai'i 96734: $25
  • History Tour Pub Crawl in Waikiki: $45
  • Waikiki History Tour Pub Crawl: $45


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

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