A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key West vs. Oahu for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Key West or Oahu?

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

Should I visit Key West 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.

Key West

Key West is a active, lively, and quaint town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Oahu

Oahu is a scenic, historic, and energetic 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.

Key West and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Oahu?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Oahu than Key West, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Oahu is better known for its museums, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Key West is more popular for its historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Key West is well known for its festive nightlife, quirky town center, colorful personality, adrenaline-filled watersports, stunning beaches, turquoise water, and location at the southernmost point of the continental U.S. Oahu is well known 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.

How is Key West different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Key West or Oahu?

Oahu is notable for its sights and museums. However, Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Key West and Oahu.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Key West. Head to town for local restaurants with quirky atmospheres. There are many local dishes to sample, be the town is most known for its stone crabs, conch fritters, and Mahi Mahi sandwiches. You'll also find cold drinks and waterfront dining areas.

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.

Is Key West or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are very good in both Key West and Oahu.

Key West has plenty to do after the sun goes down. This area has some of the most lively nightlife in the Florida Keys. There are quirky bars and fun hangouts where you can spend the evening. The party starts at Mallory Square around sunset and many bars stay open well into the early hours. You can also enjoy sunset cruises or pass your time at one of the many tiki bars.

Oahu has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Key West or Oahu Better for Music?

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

Key West is not a live music destination.

Is Key West or Oahu Better for Resorts?

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

Key West is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of high end resorts around the island, many with recognizable names such as the Hyatt and Hilton. Prices can be high, but these resorts often come with reliable luxury.

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 Key West or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is notable for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving.

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.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Key West. There are a number of dive shops and snorkeling excursions that leave from Key West. Like many tourist areas these days, the coral shows its damage from the crowds, but you'll likely see some barracuda or a Grouper.

Is Key West or Oahu Better for Beaches?

Oahu is renowned for the beache. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beach.

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.

Key West is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. One of the best beaches in the area is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. The beach has soft sand and stunning turquoise water. As is typical in the Keys, the water stays shallow for great distances.

Is Key West or Oahu Better for its Old Town?

Key West is a very popular place for its old town. However, Oahu does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Key West to see the historical old town. The town has the most charming Old Town areas in the Florida Keys. Head to Mallory Square for the sunset street performers and explore the historic streets around Duval Street.

Oahu does not have a historic old town.

Is Key West or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Oahu is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Key West 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.

Key West is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Oahu?

Oahu is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, Key West is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

Oahu is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Key West has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. While it definitely has its share of gimmicky souvenir shops and t-shirt stores, there are still a number of art galleries and local shops around Key West where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Key West or Oahu Better for Families?

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

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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Key West. Families that enjoy snorkeling, aquariums, water sports, and exploring new places will enjoy visiting this part of the Florida Keys. There are many ways to get out on the water from kayaking and snorkeling to glass bottom boat tours and sunset cruises. There are also many kid-friendly beaches in the area. The town can have a party atmosphere, but it's not hard to find a more family-friendly area where everyone can have fun.

Is Key West or Oahu Better for Couples?

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

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.

Key West makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. From Mallory Square to the beautiful nearby parks, Key West makes a wonderful, romantic destination. Whether it's your honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply a couples' retreat, Key West is a great option. You can sip wine on a sunset cruise or dine at one of the many character-filled restaurants in town. If you are looking for a party, it's not hard to find, but if you want a more laid back holiday, that's also possible.

Is Key West or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oahu is a popular place for backpackers. However, Key West is a mediocre town 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.

Key West is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Key West is a pretty expensive destination, but there are Airbnbs and even a hostel or two that cater to budget backpackers.

Is Key West or Oahu Better for Students?

Key West is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Oahu is not popular with students.

Key West is a great town to visit as a student. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

Oahu is not popular with students.

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

Oahu is a moderate island for its public transit. However, Key West is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Key West. Public transportation in Key West is limited to a few buses.

Is Key West or Oahu a more walkable city?

Key West 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.

Key West is a somewhat walkable place. The town is the most walkable part of the Florida Keys. The area around Mallory Square and Duval Street is the most pedestrian friendly.

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 Key West Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Key West?

How long in Key West or Oahu?

Both Key West 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 Key West. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key West, and 3-7 days is enough time in Oahu.

Families should spend more time in Oahu than Key West. 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 Key West. 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 Key West 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 Key West or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of Key West. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 beautiful island of Oahu offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Key West or Oahu?

Key West is a fun place to experience. 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.

Oahu is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Key West or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the lively destination of Key West. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Oahu is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oahu, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Key West or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the eclectic town of Key West. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Oahu is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oahu has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

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 Key West and Oahu, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Oahu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Oahu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Oahu 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 Key West would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key West than you might in Oahu.

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

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

Both Oahu and Key West during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Key West for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, 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.

Key West is around the same temperature as Oahu in the summer. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 84°F (29°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 Key West. In the summer, Key West often gets more sunshine than Oahu. Key West gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 303 hours of full sun.

Key West usually gets more rain in July than Oahu. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key West or Oahu in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and Oahu. Many visitors come to Key West in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, 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 the autumn, Key West is around the same temperature as Oahu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Key West in October average around 80°F (27°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 Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key West usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu during autumn. Key West gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Key West gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Key West usually receives more rain than Oahu. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Key West or Oahu in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Key West as well as Oahu. Most visitors come to Key West for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Oahu because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Key West is generally around the same temperature as Oahu. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 70°F (21°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oahu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In the winter, Key West often gets more sunshine than Oahu. Key West gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 212 hours of full sun.

Key West usually gets less rain in January than Oahu. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key West or Oahu in the Spring?

Both Oahu and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Key West because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Oahu this time of year.

Key West is around the same temperature as Oahu in the spring. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 77°F (25°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 Key West. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Oahu during spring. Key West gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Key West usually receives less rain than Oahu. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Key West is June to November.

Typical Weather for Oahu and Key West