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

Should you visit Memphis or Oahu?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis or Oahu, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Memphis

Memphis is a creative, laid-back, and soulful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the live music, food, and museums.

Oahu

Oahu is a energetic, vibrant, and cosmopolitan 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 food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Memphis and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Memphis or Oahu?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oahu. Although Memphis and Oahu are both popular with visitors, Oahu has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Oahu is more popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Memphis is known for its music. Oahu is more touristy than Memphis 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. Memphis is popular for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue.

How is Memphis different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Oahu can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Memphis is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many attractions in town are related to the city's history in music. There is the famed Graceland as well as the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The city also has several art museums that are worth checking out.

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

Foodies will find both Memphis and Oahu both to be good destinations.

Memphis is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The town has grown into a foodie destination with excellent barbecue and ribs. There are many award winning barbecue joints, but you'll also find casual bars that serve nachos, pizza, and other quick bites.

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.

Is Memphis or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find superb options in both Memphis and Oahu.

The nightlife in Memphis has something for everybody. Music is at the heart of the nightlife scene. Head to Beale Street in Memphis's downtown for the most active nightlife that usually stays open the latest. You'll also find a lot of bars and clubs in Midtown around Overton Square.

Oahu offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Memphis or Oahu Better for Music?

Memphis 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 Memphis. There are plenty of live music venues in the downtown area that you can explore. Several of the most famous include B.B. King's Blues Club, Handy Park Pavilion, and Blues City Cafe. The city is known for its influential role in several music genres including the blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. There are also many music related museums and attractions in town like Graceland, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

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

Is Memphis or Oahu Better for Resorts?

Oahu is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Memphis is not a resort destination.

Oahu is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Memphis is not a resort destination.

Is Memphis or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is a great island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Memphis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Oahu to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Memphis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Memphis or Oahu Better for Beaches?

Oahu is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Memphis is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Oahu are among the best in 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.

Memphis is not a beach destination.

Is Memphis or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Oahu is a world-class destination for hiking. However, Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Oahu draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Oahu?

Oahu is a great island for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known 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.

Memphis is a good destination for shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

Is Memphis or Oahu Better for Families?

Oahu is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Oahu is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. 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.

Memphis is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.

Is Memphis or Oahu Better for Couples?

Oahu is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Oahu has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Memphis is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy good music and southern food will enjoy a weekend here. There are many music related landmarks including Graceland and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Live music is very popular as well.

Is Memphis or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oahu is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Memphis is not known for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Memphis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and plenty of live music that make this a popular stop off for young travelers.

Is Memphis or Oahu Better for Students?

Memphis is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Oahu is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Memphis. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Oahu is not popular with students.

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

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates, but a car is really helpful for getting around.

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 Memphis or Oahu a more walkable city?

Memphis 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.

Memphis is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need a car.

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 Memphis Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Oahu?

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

Families should spend more time in Oahu than Memphis. 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 Memphis. 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 Memphis 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 Memphis or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Memphis. 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 Memphis or Oahu?

Memphis is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the live music. 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.

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 Memphis or Oahu?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the creative destination of Memphis. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Memphis or Oahu?

The soulful city of Memphis offers nightlife and live music. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Memphis or Oahu?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Memphis or Oahu in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Memphis and Oahu. The summer months attract visitors to Memphis because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oahu this time of year.

In July, Memphis is generally around the same temperature as Oahu. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 83°F (29°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oahu this time of the year. In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Memphis usually receives more sunshine than Oahu during summer. Memphis gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Memphis usually receives more rain than Oahu. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Memphis or Oahu in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Memphis as well as Oahu. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Memphis this time of year. Also, many travelers 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.

Memphis is cooler than Oahu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Oahu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oahu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. In the autumn, Memphis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu. Memphis gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 246 hours of full sun.

Memphis usually gets less rain in October than Oahu. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Memphis or Oahu in the Winter?

Both Oahu and Memphis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Memphis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Oahu in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Memphis. In the winter, Memphis is much colder than Oahu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Memphis in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Oahu averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Oahu. Memphis usually receives less sunshine than Oahu during winter. Memphis gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Memphis usually receives less rain than Oahu. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Memphis or Oahu in the Spring?

Both Oahu and Memphis during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Memphis in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Oahu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Memphis is generally cooler than Oahu. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 64°F (18°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Oahu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Memphis. In the spring, Memphis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu. Memphis gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 253 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Memphis. Memphis usually gets more rain in April than Oahu. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Oahu and Memphis