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

Should you visit Oahu or Anchorage?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oahu or Anchorage, 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.

Oahu

Oahu is a vibrant, cosmopolitan, and scenic 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 scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a artsy, nature-oriented, and outdoorsy city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Oahu and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oahu or Anchorage?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Oahu. Although Oahu and Anchorage are popular destinations, Oahu has more sights and attractions for tourists. Oahu is more touristy than Anchorage and is popular 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. Anchorage is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture.

How is Oahu different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Oahu is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Anchorage offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

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

Foodies will find both Oahu and Anchorage both to be nice destinations.

Oahu has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Anchorage area. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

Is Oahu or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

Oahu is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city for nightlife and partying.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Anchorage. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Oahu or Anchorage Better for Music?

Oahu is a moderate island for live music. However, Anchorage 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.

Anchorage is not a live music destination.

Is Oahu or Anchorage Better for Resorts?

Oahu is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Anchorage 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.

Anchorage is not a resort destination.

Is Oahu or Anchorage Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is a well-known place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Anchorage 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.

Anchorage is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Oahu or Anchorage Better for Beaches?

Oahu is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Anchorage 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.

Anchorage is not a beach destination.

Is Oahu or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Oahu and Anchorage are both places where visitors can find first-rate hiking trails.

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.

Around Anchorage visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

Is the Shopping Better in Oahu or Anchorage?

Oahu is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Oahu is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Anchorage. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

Is Oahu or Anchorage Better for Families?

Oahu is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-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.

Anchorage is a family-friendly island. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Oahu or Anchorage Better for Couples?

Oahu is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Anchorage makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

Is Oahu or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oahu and Anchorage are both nice destinations 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.

Anchorage is a good island to visit for backpackers. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

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

Oahu is a moderate island for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city 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 Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is Oahu or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Oahu and Anchorage are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Oahu is generally not a very walkable island. There are some walkable neighborhoods in Honolulu, but if you really want to explore the island, you'll want to have a car.

Anchorage is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Oahu Worth Visiting? and Is Anchorage Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Oahu?

How long in Oahu or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Oahu and Anchorage. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Oahu than in Anchorage. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Oahu, and 1-3 days is enough time in Anchorage.

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

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

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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Anchorage. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Oahu or Anchorage?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the energetic 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.

Anchorage is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Five days in Oahu or Anchorage?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the vibrant 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the breathtaking destination of Anchorage. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Oahu or Anchorage?

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.

The cultural city of Anchorage offers museums and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

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 Oahu and Anchorage, we can see that Oahu is more expensive. And not only is Anchorage much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Anchorage would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Anchorage 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 Anchorage.

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

When is the best time to visit Oahu or Anchorage?

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 Oahu or Anchorage in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Oahu as well as Anchorage. 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. Additionally, many travelers come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Oahu is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Oahu average around 81°F (27°C), and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Anchorage. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oahu this time of the year. In the summer, Oahu often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Oahu gets 303 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun.

Oahu usually gets less rain in July than Anchorage. Oahu gets 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oahu or Anchorage in the Autumn?

Both Anchorage and Oahu are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, many visitors come to Anchorage in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Anchorage can get quite cold in the autumn. Oahu is much warmer than Anchorage in the autumn. The daily temperature in Oahu averages around 80°F (26°C) in October, and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oahu. Oahu usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during autumn. Oahu gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Oahu usually receives around the same amount of rain as Anchorage. Oahu gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oahu or Anchorage in the Winter?

Both Anchorage and Oahu during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Oahu in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Anchorage for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Anchorage can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Oahu is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oahu in January average around 73°F (23°C), and Anchorage averages at about 15°F (-9°C).

It's quite sunny in Oahu. In the winter, Oahu often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Oahu gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun.

Oahu usually gets more rain in January than Anchorage. Oahu gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oahu or Anchorage in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Oahu and Anchorage. Most visitors come to Oahu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. In April, Oahu is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Oahu average around 76°F (24°C), and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Anchorage this time of the year. In Oahu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Oahu usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during spring. Oahu gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oahu usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Oahu gets 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Oahu