A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Orleans vs. Oahu for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Families

Should you visit New Orleans or Oahu?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between New Orleans and Oahu can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a energetic, fun-filled, and festive city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the live music, food, and nightlife.

Oahu

Oahu is a vibrant, cosmopolitan, and scenic island. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

New Orleans and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Orleans or Oahu?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Oahu. Although New Orleans and Oahu are popular destinations, Oahu has more sights and attractions for tourists. Oahu is very popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while New Orleans attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere. New Orleans is famous for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. 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 New Orleans different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New Orleans or Oahu?

Oahu is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans 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, New Orleans is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It has rapidly grown into one of the United State's most well known foodie destinations. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. While there are a number of celebrity chefs from New Orleans, you'll also find many local restaurants that aren't as well known but are equally worth visiting.

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 New Orleans or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans 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 New Orleans just to party. The nightlife scene is at its best during Mardi Gras. But year-round you'll find Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, spring breakers, and anyone who wants to enjoy a crazy time heads to New Orleans. New Orleans is a destination that attracts partiers any time of the year, and the French Quarter is the place to be if you're looking for a party.

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 New Orleans or Oahu Better for Music?

New Orleans 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 New Orleans. The city is known for its music festivals that feature jazz, blues, and many other types of live music. The Jazz Festival is a great time to visit.

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

Is New Orleans or Oahu Better for Resorts?

Oahu is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, New Orleans is not a resort destination.

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.

New Orleans is not a resort destination.

Is New Orleans or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is an excellent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, New Orleans is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Oahu is an extremely popular place to visit for 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.

New Orleans is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is New Orleans or Oahu Better for Beaches?

Oahu is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Oahu is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Is New Orleans or Oahu Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to New Orleans to see the historical old town. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Oahu does not have a historic old town.

Is New Orleans or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Oahu is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Around Oahu visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Oahu?

Oahu is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, New Orleans has some nice offerings. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

Is New Orleans or Oahu Better for Families?

Oahu is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Oahu is an extremely popular island to visit for families. 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.

New Orleans doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. While there are some family-friendly activities in New Orleans like a zoo and several great parks, the city is more known for its parties and nightlife scene. Particularly during certain seasons, most people choose to visit New Orleans without kids.

Is New Orleans or Oahu Better for Couples?

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

Oahu is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

New Orleans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy a lively evening, fun festivals, and exploring absolutely amazing restaurants will enjoy a visit to New Orleans. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.

Is New Orleans or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oahu is a island with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for backpackers.

Oahu is a good island to visit for backpackers. 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.

New Orleans is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a handful of hostels in New Orleans that are good options for backpackers who want to meet other travelers.

Is New Orleans or Oahu Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit New Orleans. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Oahu is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both New Orleans and Oahu.

Public transit is mostly limited in New Orleans. The city has streetcar lines and bus lines that you can use, but you'll want to have a car if you want to venture outside of these main areas.

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 New Orleans or Oahu a more walkable city?

New Orleans 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.

New Orleans is a somewhat walkable place. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

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 New Orleans Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Oahu?

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

Families should spend more time in Oahu than New Orleans. 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 New Orleans. 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of New Orleans. 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.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the energetic 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 New Orleans or Oahu?

New Orleans is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 historic 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 New Orleans or Oahu?

You'll find live music and food around the vibrant destination of New Orleans. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 New Orleans or Oahu?

The festive city of New Orleans offers food and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

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

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

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

Both Oahu and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Oahu because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, New Orleans is around the same temperature as Oahu. Typically, the summer temperatures in New Orleans in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Oahu averages at about 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Oahu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually receives less sunshine than Oahu during summer. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In July, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Oahu. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit New Orleans or Oahu in the Autumn?

Both Oahu and New Orleans during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Oahu this time of year.

In October, New Orleans is generally cooler than Oahu. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 69°F (21°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

In Oahu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in New Orleans. In the autumn, New Orleans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 246 hours of full sun.

New Orleans usually gets more rain in October than Oahu. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Orleans or Oahu in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Oahu. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Oahu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

New Orleans is much colder than Oahu in the winter. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Oahu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oahu this time of the year. New Orleans usually receives less sunshine than Oahu during winter. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Oahu. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit New Orleans or Oahu in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Oahu. Many travelers come to New Orleans for the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Oahu in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, New Orleans is cooler than Oahu. Typically, the spring temperatures in New Orleans in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Oahu averages at about 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 New Orleans this time of the year. In the spring, New Orleans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu. New Orleans gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 253 hours of full sun.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the spring. New Orleans usually gets more rain in April than Oahu. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Oahu and New Orleans