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

Should you visit Hershey or Oahu?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Hershey or Oahu? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Hershey

Hershey is a fun-filled, playful, and lighthearted town. Visitors also love the shopping and museums.

Oahu

Oahu is a scenic, historic, and energetic 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 nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Hershey and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • 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 Hershey or Oahu?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Oahu. Although Hershey and Oahu are popular destinations, Oahu has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hershey is famous for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. 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 Hershey different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hershey
Oahu

Oahu is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Hershey offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to Hershey's Chocolate World, there's the Hershey Story Museum, the Hershey Historic Center, and the Pennsylvania State Police Museum. There's also the AACA Museum (a car museum).


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

Hershey
Oahu

Oahu is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Oahu offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Hershey. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining, and many have a very family-friendly atmosphere.

Is Hershey or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

Hershey
Oahu

Oahu is a great destination for nightlife. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The people in Oahu know how to have a good time. 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.

Hershey doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Head to downtown Harrisburg for the best nightlife. You'll find some bars and casino's in the area.

Is Hershey or Oahu Better for Music?

Hershey
Oahu

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

Hershey is not a live music destination.


Is Hershey or Oahu Better for Resorts?

Hershey
Oahu

Hershey and Oahu offer a relatively similar set of very good luxury resort options.

Hershey is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

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.

Is Hershey or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hershey
Oahu

Oahu is a great destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Hershey is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Hershey is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hershey or Oahu Better for Beaches?

Hershey
Oahu

Oahu is very popular for its beaches. However, Hershey is not a beach destination.

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.

Hershey is not a beach destination.


Is Hershey or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Hershey
Oahu

Oahu is very popular for its hiking experiences. However, Hershey is not a hiking destination.

People visit Oahu specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hershey or Oahu?

Hershey
Oahu

Oahu is a great destination for shopping. Also, Hershey 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 Hershey. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

Is Hershey or Oahu Better for Families?

Hershey
Oahu

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hershey or Oahu.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Hershey is a very family-friendly destination. Hersheypark offers family-friendly resorts and camping. There's also the themed amusement park and even a zoo. When the weather's warm there's a water park and, of course, there's the famous Hershey's Chocolate World.

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.


Is Hershey or Oahu Better for Couples?

Hershey
Oahu

Oahu is very popular for romance. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Hershey is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. If you don't take yourself too seriously, couples can enjoy a fun and active few days exploring the activities in the area.

Is Hershey or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hershey
Oahu

Oahu is a popular place for backpackers. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Hershey is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not the most popular destination for backpackers, but there are some fun activities in the area.

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

Hershey
Oahu

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

Public transit is generally limited in Hershey. While there is a bus system, it's very limited and most visitors do not rely on it.

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 Hershey or Oahu a more walkable city?

Hershey
Oahu

Hershey and Oahu both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

Hershey is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get to the area's attractions.

Oahu is generally not a very walkable town. 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 Hershey Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Hershey?

How long in Hershey or Oahu?

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

Families should spend more time in Oahu than Hershey. 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 Hershey. 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 Hershey 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 Hershey or Oahu? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hershey 2-3 
    Oahu 3-7

One day in Hershey or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting the destination of Hershey. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Oahu, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Hershey or Oahu?

Hershey is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

In Oahu, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.


Five days in Hershey or Oahu?

You'll find museums and shopping around the lighthearted destination of Hershey. This town offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Oahu is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oahu has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Hershey or Oahu?

The playful town of Hershey offers shopping and museums. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oahu. In Oahu, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Oahu or Hershey?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hershey is $212, 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 Hershey and Oahu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hershey $114
    Oahu $237
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hershey $228
    Oahu $474
Compare Hotels in Hershey and Oahu

Looking for a hotel in Hershey 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 Hershey


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: Hershey Hotel Prices and Oahu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hershey $49
    Oahu $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hershey

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hershey:

  • Private transfer from MDT airport to Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, Hershey: $150

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oahu

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

  • Departure Transfer: Airport Shuttle From Ko'olina To Honolulu Airport: $53
  • Honolulu / Waikiki to Honolulu Airport (HNL) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
  • Honolulu Airport (HNL) to Honolulu / Waikiki - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $92
  • Luxury Private Airport Transfers to Waikiki Honolulu - Up to 4 Seats : $62
  • Luxury Transfer Between Ko Olina and Honolulu Airport, Vice Versa: $192
  • Airport 1-Way Transfer to Honolulu: $60
  • Full-Day Island Highlights Tour with Transfer: $136
  • Honolulu Airport Private Transfer: $70
  • Honolulu Harbor Cruise Terminal Transfer: $105
  • Ko Olina or Kapolei to Airport Private Transfer: $100
  • Manoa Falls Waterfall Hike with Lunch and Transfers: $98
  • Private Transfer from Beach Resorts to Honolulu Airport HNL by Executive Sedan: $157

Is it cheaper to fly into Hershey or Oahu?

Prices for flights to both Oahu and Hershey 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
    Hershey $61
    Oahu $52
Typical Food Prices in Hershey

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hershey:


  • Frozen Hot Chocolate
    $4.19
  • Plain and Fancy Farm
    $46
  • Homemade Apple Butter
    $7.98

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Oahu

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

  • Lunchtime Walking Food Tour in Honolulu: $99
  • Moonlight Dinner Cruise in Honolulu: $106
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise in Honolulu: $107
  • 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
  • Friday Fireworks Dinner Sail from the Hilton Hawaiian Village : $211
  • Nova Five Star Sunset Dinner and Jazz: $225
  • Traditional Canoe Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $250
  • Private Sunset Dinner Horseback Ride: $251

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hershey $53
    Oahu $27
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hershey

Here are a few typical costs in Hershey for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Hershey Chocolate World (for 3)
    $75

Tours and Activities in Hershey

Here are a few actual costs in Hershey for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Skip the Line: AACA Museum Admission Ticket: $25

Tours and Activities in Oahu

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

  • Diamond Head Hiking Narrated Tour: $5.00
  • Honolulu Downtown Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Walk The Deck of The USS Arizona Virtual Reality Tour: $5.99
  • Pearl Harbor Virtual Reality Center Tour: $6.99
  • Historic Honolulu Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.30
  • GPS-Guided Waikiki Walking Tour Part 1: Hawaiian Royalty: $7.99
  • Waikiki Military and Entertainment History GPS-Led Walking Tour: $7.99
  • Historic Downtown Honolulu GPS-Led Self-Guided Walking Tour: $7.99
  • Official USS Arizona Memorial Narrated Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Honolulu Historic District a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.99
  • USS Arizona Memorial Narrated Chief'sTour: $7.99
  • Honolulu's Backyard Rainforest Driving Tour: $9.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hershey $27
    Oahu $6.47

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
  • Honolulu Haunts Ghost Tours And Pub Crawls: $30
  • History Tour Pub Crawl in Waikiki: $45
  • Waikiki History Tour Pub Crawl: $45


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

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



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

The summer brings many poeple to Hershey as well as Oahu. Many travelers come to Hershey for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Oahu in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hershey is around the same temperature as Oahu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hershey in July average around 77°F (25°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 Hershey this time of the year. In the summer, Hershey often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu. Hershey gets 310 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 303 hours of full sun.

Hershey usually gets more rain in July than Oahu. Hershey gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hershey 77°F (25°C) 
    Oahu 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Hershey or Oahu in the Autumn?

Both Oahu and Hershey are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Hershey in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Oahu for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Hershey is generally much colder than Oahu. Daily temperatures in Hershey average around 56°F (13°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Oahu. Hershey usually receives less sunshine than Oahu during autumn. Hershey gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hershey usually receives more rain than Oahu. Hershey gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hershey 56°F (13°C) 
    Oahu 80°F (26°C)

Should I visit Hershey or Oahu in the Winter?

Both Oahu and Hershey during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Hershey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Oahu because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hershey can be very cold during winter. Hershey is much colder than Oahu in the winter. The daily temperature in Hershey averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Oahu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Oahu, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Hershey often gets less sunshine than Oahu. Hershey gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 212 hours of full sun.

Hershey usually gets less rain in January than Oahu. Hershey gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hershey 30°F (-1°C) 
    Oahu 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Hershey or Oahu in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Hershey is much colder than Oahu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hershey in April average around 53°F (12°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 Hershey, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hershey usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu during spring. Hershey gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hershey usually receives more rain than Oahu. Hershey gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hershey 53°F (12°C) 
    Oahu 76°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Oahu and Hershey

Hershey Oahu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Feb 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 74°F (24°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Apr 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 76°F (24°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
May 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 78°F (25°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)
Jun 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 80°F (26°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 81°F (27°C) 0.6 inches (15 mm)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 81°F (27°C) 0.4 inches (11 mm)
Sep 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 81°F (27°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 80°F (26°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)