A Travel Price Comparison for Hawaii Oahu vs. Big Island of Hawaii for Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, and Hiking

Should you visit Oahu or Big Island of Hawaii?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oahu or Big Island of Hawaii, 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 energetic, vibrant, and cosmopolitan island. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Many visitors also come to Oahu because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Oahu travel costs.

Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii is a relaxing, adventure-filled, and laid back island. Big Island of Hawaii is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Big Island of Hawaii travel costs.

Oahu and Big Island of Hawaii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oahu or Big Island of Hawaii?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Oahu. Although Oahu and Big Island of Hawaii are popular destinations, Oahu has more sights and attractions for tourists. Oahu is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Big Island of Hawaii attracts visitors for its resorts and scuba diving & snorkeling. 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. Big Island of Hawaii is famous for its active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and majestic manta rays.

How is Oahu different from Big Island of Hawaii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Big Island of Hawaii 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 Big Island of Hawaii?

Oahu is a great island for its historical sights. Also, Big Island of Hawaii is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Big Island of Hawaii offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several local museums around the island such as the Hulihe'e Palace and 'Imiloa Astronomy Center. There's also the Hawaii Plantation Museum and the Lyman House Museum.

Is the Food Better in Oahu or Big Island of Hawaii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Oahu and Big Island of Hawaii 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 Big Island of Hawaii area. It can be challenging to find local restaurants that aren't catering to the tourist crowd, but when you do you'll be rewarded with great local dishes. Seafood, poke bowls, and shave ice are all popular.

Is Oahu or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Nightlife?

Oahu is a great island for nightlife. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Oahu has something for everybody. 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.

Most people don't head to Big Island of Hawaii specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The nightlife scene is very chill with many local places that have live music and drinks. You won't find any major nightclubs, but there are karaoke bars and laid back breweries. The most options are found in Hilo and Kailua-Kona.

Is Oahu or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Music?

Oahu is adequate for live music. However, Big Island of Hawaii 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.

Big Island of Hawaii is not a live music destination.

Is Oahu or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Resorts?

Big Island of Hawaii is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Oahu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Big Island of Hawaii offers an unforgettable resort vacation. There are a number of beautiful luxury resorts on the island like the Hilton Waikoloa Village, the Four Seasons Resort, and Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort.

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 Oahu or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Big Island of Hawaii is a world-class destination for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Oahu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for snorkeling and scuba diving.

People travel to Big Island of Hawaii specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. There are a number of beautiful snorkeling spots where you'll see beautiful fish and sometimes even sea turtles. A bucket list experience is also diving or snorkeling with the manta rays, which will take your breath away.

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.

Is Oahu or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Beaches?

Both Oahu and Big Island of Hawaii have amazing beaches worth visiting.

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.

Big Island of Hawaii is considered to be a world-class beach destination. This is a younger island than most in Hawaii, so the beaches are varied and diverse. You'll find white sand beaches, black volcanic sand beaches, and even green sand. There are also areas where the lava rock reaches the ocean. Hapuna Beach is a favorite as is Honl's Beach.

Is Oahu or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Hiking?

Oahu and Big Island of Hawaii are both places where visitors can find amazing 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 Big Island of Hawaii visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The island is filled with miles of spectacular hiking trails. They'll take you to iconic waterfalls, world-renowned viewpoints, and through fields of lava rocks. Many people spend days hiking in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, but there are also impressive hikes along the Kona Coast.

Is the Shopping Better in Oahu or Big Island of Hawaii?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Oahu and Big Island of Hawaii.

Oahu is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Big Island of Hawaii. There are many local artisan shops on the island, particular in Hilo, Historic Kailua Village and along the Kohala Coast. You'll find handmade quilts, wooden carved products, and handcrafted jewelry.

Is Oahu or Big Island of Hawaii More Beautiful?

Oahu and Big Island of Hawaii are somewhat similar when it comes to the amazing scenery.

Oahu is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The island has striking beaches and stunning mountains, making it a beautiful Hawaiian Island.

The famous beauty of Big Island of Hawaii is one of the main draws. Kilauea is the dramatic volcano that often offers a show to visitors. The island also has spectacular viewpoints like Waipi'o Valley Lookout, dramatic waterfalls, and picturesque bays.

Is Oahu or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Families?

Oahu and Big Island of Hawaii are both amazing destinations for the whole family.

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.

Big Island of Hawaii is an extremely popular island to visit for families. Families will enjoy the laid back island vibe. You can spend some time on the beach and then head inland to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. If your kids are adventurous, the island is a great place to dive or snorkel with manta rays. There are also great hikes, helicopter rides, and luaus.

Is Oahu or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Couples?

Oahu and Big Island of Hawaii are both amazing to visit as a couple.

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.

Big Island of Hawaii is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Couples who enjoy a relaxed beach vibe will love a visit to this laid back island. There are upscale resorts as well as independent hotels that have a more personal style. The island also has stunning views, impressive hikes, and countless opportunities for romance.

Is Oahu or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Big Island of Hawaii is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Oahu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Big Island of Hawaii. This is one of the most popular islands for backpackers. It has a mellow atmosphere that appeals to young travelers. There are also hostels on the island, but transportation can be challenging.

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.

Is Oahu or Big Island of Hawaii Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Oahu and Big Island of Hawaii.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Big Island of Hawaii. There is a bus service that connects Kona and Hilo. It's called the Hele-On and there are both north and south routes.

Is Oahu or Big Island of Hawaii a more walkable city?

Oahu is adequate for its walkability. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for its high level of 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.

Big Island of Hawaii is not a walkable island. It's the largest of the Hawaiian islands and a car is necessary if you want to see the whole thing.

For even more information, also check out Is Oahu Worth Visiting? and Is Big Island of Hawaii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Island of Hawaii or Oahu?

How long in Oahu or Big Island of Hawaii?

Oahu and Big Island of Hawaii both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Big Island of Hawaii than Oahu because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Oahu, and 5-14 days is enough time in Big Island of Hawaii.

Couples should spend more time in Oahu than Big Island of Hawaii. 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 Big Island of Hawaii than Oahu 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 Big Island of Hawaii.

One day in Oahu or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful destination of Oahu. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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 destination of Big Island of Hawaii. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Oahu or Big Island of Hawaii?

Oahu is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Big Island of Hawaii is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Oahu or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many people visit Oahu for five days. Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful island of Oahu. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Big Island of Hawaii. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Oahu or Big Island of Hawaii?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the vibrant destination of Oahu. Many people spend one week here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oahu, one week is sufficent for most.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the laid back island of Big Island of Hawaii. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When comparing the travel costs between Oahu and Big Island of Hawaii, 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 Oahu Expensive? and Is Big Island of Hawaii Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Oahu or Big Island of Hawaii?

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 Oahu or Big Island of Hawaii in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Oahu and Big Island of Hawaii. 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. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Big Island of Hawaii this time of year.

In July, Oahu is generally a little warmer than Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Oahu average around 81°F (27°C), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Oahu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Oahu usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during summer. Oahu gets 303 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

Big Island of Hawaii receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Oahu usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Oahu gets 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Oahu or Big Island of Hawaii in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Oahu as well as Big Island of Hawaii. 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. Additionally, many travelers come to Big Island of Hawaii for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Oahu is around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii in the autumn. The daily temperature in Oahu averages around 80°F (26°C) in October, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oahu this time of the year. In the autumn, Oahu often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Oahu gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 138 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Big Island of Hawaii. Oahu usually gets less rain in October than Big Island of Hawaii. Oahu gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oahu or Big Island of Hawaii in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Oahu is around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oahu in January average around 73°F (23°C), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 72°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oahu. Oahu usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during winter. Oahu gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Big Island of Hawaii. In January, Oahu usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Oahu gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Oahu or Big Island of Hawaii in the Spring?

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Oahu during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Oahu in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Oahu is generally around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Oahu average around 76°F (24°C), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Oahu. In the spring, Oahu often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Oahu gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 134 hours of full sun.

Big Island of Hawaii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Oahu usually gets less rain in April than Big Island of Hawaii. Oahu gets 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Big Island of Hawaii and Oahu