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

Should you visit Minneapolis or Oahu?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a innovative, diverse, and dynamic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Oahu

Oahu is a energetic, vibrant, and cosmopolitan island. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Minneapolis and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Minneapolis or Oahu?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Oahu than Minneapolis, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Oahu is better known for its music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Minneapolis is more popular for its shopping. Oahu is more touristy than Minneapolis and is 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. Minneapolis is well known for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people.

How is Minneapolis different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Minneapolis and Oahu.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Minneapolis can be an interesting and educational experience. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Oahu. 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 the Food Better in Minneapolis or Oahu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Minneapolis and Oahu both to be notable destinations.

Minneapolis has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

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 Minneapolis or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Minneapolis and Oahu.

Minneapolis has a large number of nightlife venues. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

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 Minneapolis or Oahu Better for Music?

Oahu is a decent place to visit for its live music scene. However, Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is not a live music destination.

Is Minneapolis or Oahu Better for Resorts?

Oahu is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is not a resort destination.

Is Minneapolis or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Minneapolis or Oahu Better for Beaches?

Oahu is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

Is Minneapolis or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Oahu is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Minneapolis or Oahu?

Minneapolis 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, Minneapolis draws large crowds to its stores. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

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 Minneapolis or Oahu Better for Families?

Oahu is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Minneapolis is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Is Minneapolis or Oahu Better for Couples?

Oahu is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Minneapolis is a good city for couples to visit. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

Is Minneapolis or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oahu is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Minneapolis is lacking in good options 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.

Minneapolis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a popular destination for backpackers, there is at least one hostel in town.

Is Minneapolis or Oahu Better for Students?

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

Minneapolis is a great city to visit as a student. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

Oahu is not popular with students.

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

Minneapolis is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Oahu is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Minneapolis has some public transit options. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

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 Minneapolis or Oahu a more walkable city?

Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is a somewhat walkable place. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

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 Minneapolis Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Minneapolis?

How long in Minneapolis or Oahu?

Both Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Minneapolis, and 3-7 days is enough time in Oahu.

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Minneapolis. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the scenic island of Oahu. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Minneapolis or Oahu?

Minneapolis is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the shopping. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the energetic destination of Oahu. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Minneapolis or Oahu?

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

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the cosmopolitan island of Oahu. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Minneapolis or Oahu?

The diverse city of Minneapolis offers nightlife and food. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Oahu. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

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

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

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

Both Oahu and Minneapolis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the city activities 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.

Minneapolis is around the same temperature as Oahu in the summer. The daily temperature in Minneapolis averages around 76°F (25°C) in July, and Oahu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Oahu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Minneapolis. Minneapolis usually receives more sunshine than Oahu during summer. Minneapolis gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Minneapolis usually receives more rain than Oahu. Minneapolis gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Oahu in the Autumn?

Both Oahu and Minneapolis during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Minneapolis 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.

In the autumn, Minneapolis is much colder than Oahu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Minneapolis in October average around 52°F (11°C), and Oahu averages at about 80°F (26°C).

In Oahu, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Minneapolis often gets less sunshine than Oahu. Minneapolis gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 246 hours of full sun.

Minneapolis usually gets less rain in October than Oahu. Minneapolis gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Oahu in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Minneapolis and Oahu. Many travelers come to Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis. In January, Minneapolis is generally much colder than Oahu. Daily temperatures in Minneapolis average around 15°F (-10°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oahu this time of the year. Minneapolis usually receives less sunshine than Oahu during winter. Minneapolis gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Minneapolis usually receives less rain than Oahu. Minneapolis gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Oahu in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Minneapolis as well as Oahu. Many visitors come to Minneapolis in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Oahu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Minneapolis is much colder than Oahu in the spring. The daily temperature in Minneapolis averages around 49°F (10°C) in April, and Oahu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oahu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minneapolis this time of the year. In the spring, Minneapolis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu. Minneapolis gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 253 hours of full sun.

Minneapolis usually gets more rain in April than Oahu. Minneapolis gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Oahu and Minneapolis