A Travel Price Comparison for Hawaii Oahu vs. Big Island of Hawaii for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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.

Where Should I go: Oahu or Big Island of Hawaii?

Oahu

Hawaii is the epitome of paradise, and at the heart of paradise is the island of O'ahu (or Oahu). While it's only the third largest of the Hawaiian islands, O'ahu, or "the gathering place," is the most populous in the state with approximately 976,000 people calling O'ahu home, many of which live in the capital city of Honolulu.

Big Island of Hawaii

What comes to mind when someone says, "Hawaii"? Probably sandy beaches, coconut drinks and lazy days of tanning. It's a dream destination for those who want to get away, but the island of Hawai'i, or the Big Island as it's most commonly called, has so much more to offer than a place to catch up on your latest novel.

At 93 miles across, and a population of 185 thousand, the Big Island was once a large exporter of sugarcane. After its final plantation closed in 1996, tourism became the backbone of Hawai'i Island's economy. More recently, the Big Island has become the focus for sustainable tourism – visiting a place as a tourist and trying to make only a positive impact on your destination.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Big Island of Hawaii or Oahu?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Oahu is $333, while the average daily cost in Big Island of Hawaii is $250. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Oahu and Big Island of Hawaii in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oahu $237
    Big Island of Hawaii $112
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oahu $474
    Big Island of Hawaii $224
Compare Hotels in Oahu and Big Island of Hawaii

Looking for a hotel in Oahu or Big Island of Hawaii? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Oahu


Hotels in Big Island of Hawaii


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Oahu Hotel Prices and Big Island of Hawaii Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oahu $21
    Big Island of Hawaii $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oahu

Also for Oahu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Beach Resorts to Honolulu Airport by SUV: $211
  • Private Transfer from Honolulu (HLN) Airport to North Shore : $205
  • Private Transfer from Honolulu (HLN) Airport to Kawela : $205
  • Private Transfer from Honolulu (HLN) Airport to Pupukea: $205
  • Private Transfer from Kawela to Honolulu (HLN) Airport: $205
  • Honolulu Airport & Ko Olina Hotels Private Transfer by Passenger Van(14 ppl): $170
  • Private Transfer Waikiki to Honolulu Airport HNL by Executive SUV: $148
  • Waikiki: 5-in-1 Turtle Snorkeling Trip with Transfer: $139
  • Private Transfer from Honolulu (HLN) Airport to Ko Olina: $128
  • Private Transfer from Ko Olina to Honolulu (HLN) Airport : $128
  • Full-Day Island Highlights Tour with Transfer: $123
  • Private Transfer: Honolulu to Honolulu Airport HNL in Sedan Car: $109

Is it cheaper to fly into Oahu or Big Island of Hawaii?

Prices for flights to both Big Island of Hawaii and Oahu change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Oahu $52
    Big Island of Hawaii $106

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Oahu

For Oahu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sunset Dinner Cruise in Honolulu: $107
  • Honolulu Sunset & Fireworks Dinner Cruise: $107
  • Ka Moana Luau Dinner and Show at Aloha Tower: $129
  • Honolulu Food Tour & Beautiful Sights: $170
  • Hawaii Semisub Classic Friday Fireworks Dinner Cruise: $170
  • Three Star Deluxe Sunset Dinner and Show: $184
  • 2-Hour Island Survival Cooking Adventure in Hawaii: $190
  • Germaine's Traditional Luau Show & Buffet Dinner: $191
  • Nova Five Star Sunset Dinner and Jazz: $225
  • Traditional Canoe Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $250

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oahu $27
    Big Island of Hawaii $35

Tours and Activities in Oahu

For Oahu, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1 Hour Guided Whale Watching Cruise Experience in Waikiki : $47
  • 1.5 -Hour Guided Whale and Marine Life Tour: $89
  • 1.5 Hour Whale Watching Cruise With pick-up and drop-off: $47
  • 12pm Turtle Canyon Snorkel Adventure: $95
  • 18 Minutes PRIVATE Helicopter Tour in Honolulu: $248
  • 3 Hour Waikiki Waterslide, Snorkel and Diamond Head Cruise: $111
  • 3-Hour Honolulu Bottom Fishing Adventure : $87
  • 4:30PM Sunset Cruise & Whale Watch from Oahu (Wahine Koa): $48
  • 9am Turtle Canyon Snorkel Adventure : $95
  • Adventure Tower Experience: $105
  • Adventurers Ready To Jump Into The Void Aloha Style Wanted: $35
  • Afternoon Waikiki Glass Bottom Boat Cruise: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oahu $6.47
    Big Island of Hawaii $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Oahu

Also in Oahu, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Whiskey Tour - Koʻolau Distillery - Kailua, Hawai'i 96734: $25
  • WINERY OENO Island Style Wine Tasting: $39
  • Waikiki History Tour Pub Crawl: $45


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

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.

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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Oahu 81°F (27°C) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 76°F (24°C)

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.

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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Oahu 80°F (26°C) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 76°F (24°C)

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.

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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Oahu 73°F (23°C) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 72°F (22°C)

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.

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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Oahu 76°F (24°C) 
    Big Island of Hawaii 73°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Big Island of Hawaii and Oahu

Oahu Big Island of Hawaii
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 73°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 72°F (22°C) 8.7 inches (221 mm)
Feb 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 72°F (22°C) 10.8 inches (274 mm)
Mar 74°F (24°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 72°F (22°C) 13.6 inches (345 mm)
Apr 76°F (24°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 73°F (23°C) 15.6 inches (395 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 74°F (23°C) 10.7 inches (272 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm) 75°F (24°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 0.6 inches (15 mm) 76°F (24°C) 9.7 inches (247 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 0.4 inches (11 mm) 76°F (25°C) 9.7 inches (247 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm) 76°F (25°C) 8.5 inches (215 mm)
Oct 80°F (26°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm) 76°F (24°C) 9.8 inches (248 mm)
Nov 77°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 74°F (24°C) 14.8 inches (375 mm)
Dec 74°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 73°F (23°C) 12.6 inches (321 mm)