A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Las Vegas vs. Oahu for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Resorts

Should you visit Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas 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.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a ritzy, colorful, and sinful entertainment capital. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Oahu

Oahu is a cosmopolitan, scenic, and historic island. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Las Vegas and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Las Vegas or Oahu?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Las Vegas. Although Las Vegas and Oahu are popular destinations, Las Vegas has more sights and attractions for tourists. Las Vegas is very popular for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Oahu attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Las Vegas is famous for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. It is also well known for The Strip. Oahu is famous for its unique blend of cultures, stunning beaches, vibrant energy, and world class water sports (including surfing).

How is Las Vegas different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Las Vegas or Oahu?

Both Las Vegas and Oahu have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Las Vegas. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon Museum.

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.

Is Las Vegas or Oahu Better for Theater?

Las Vegas is a world-class destination for its theatre productions. However, Oahu is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Las Vegas. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.

Oahu is not a theatre destination.

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

Las Vegas is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Oahu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Las Vegas is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.

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 Las Vegas or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

Las Vegas is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Oahu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

People head to Las Vegas just to party. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.

Oahu is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Las Vegas or Oahu Better for Music?

Las Vegas is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Oahu is lacking in good options for its music scene.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Las Vegas. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.

For those who seek it out, Oahu has several music venues. There are a few good venues that offer live music on Oahu.

Is Las Vegas or Oahu Better for Resorts?

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

Las Vegas offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.

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 Las Vegas or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Las Vegas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Las Vegas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Las Vegas or Oahu Better for Beaches?

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

Oahu offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Las Vegas is not a beach destination.

Is Las Vegas or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Oahu is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, Las Vegas 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.

Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Las Vegas or Oahu?

Las Vegas is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Oahu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Las Vegas draws large crowds to its stores. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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 Las Vegas or Oahu Better for Families?

Oahu is very popular for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital 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.

Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.

Is Las Vegas or Oahu Better for Couples?

Las Vegas and Oahu both world-class destinations for a couple.

Las Vegas is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.

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 Las Vegas or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oahu is a good destination for backpackers. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Las Vegas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most visitors are not backpackers, but for those who want to experience the hype while sticking to a budget, there are a handful of hostels around town.

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

Both Las Vegas and Oahu offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.

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 Las Vegas or Oahu a more walkable city?

Las Vegas 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.

Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable place. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.

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 Las Vegas Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Las Vegas?

How long in Las Vegas or Oahu?

Both Las Vegas and Oahu have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Las Vegas has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Las Vegas than Oahu. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Las Vegas, and 3-7 days is enough time in Oahu.

Families should spend more time in Oahu than Las Vegas. 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 Las Vegas than Oahu. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Las Vegas that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Oahu than Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas or Oahu?

Las Vegas is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the island of Oahu. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Las Vegas or Oahu?

Las Vegas 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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the cosmopolitan destination of Oahu. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Las Vegas or Oahu?

Las Vegas is a colorful big city where you can fill many days. This entertainment capital offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the scenic island of Oahu. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

A week in Las Vegas or Oahu?

Las Vegas is a sinful entertainment capital where you can fill many days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oahu, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When comparing the travel costs between Las Vegas and Oahu, we can see that Oahu is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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