A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ocho Rios vs. Oahu for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ocho Rios or Oahu?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios 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.

Where Should I go: Ocho Rios or Oahu?

Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios, or "Ochi" is a town located on the northeastern shore of Jamaica and is a popular hub for cruise ships. It is a great destination for tourists as it has many resorts and beautiful beaches.

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.

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


Which place is cheaper, Oahu or Ocho Rios?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $77, while the average daily cost in Oahu is $333. 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 Ocho Rios and Oahu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocho Rios $52
    Oahu $237
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocho Rios $104
    Oahu $474
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Oahu

Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or Oahu? 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 Ocho Rios


Hotels in Oahu


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: Ocho Rios Hotel Prices and Oahu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocho Rios $7.60
    Oahu $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios

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

  • Shuttle Transfer From Montego Bay Airport - Runaway Bay: $24
  • Runaway Bay Hotels Private Round Trip Transfers from MBJ: $125
  • Round-Trip or Direct Private Airport Transfers to Runaway Bay: $50
  • Riu Ocho Rios Private Airport Transfer: $80
  • Relaxing Montego Bay To Ducanon and Juwel Runaway Bay Transfer: $27
  • Private Transfer to Mystic Mountain from Ocho Rios: $20
  • Private Transfer to Konoko Falls Botanical Gardens: $27
  • Private Transfer to Hotels in Ocho Rios from Montego Bay Airport: $63
  • Private Transfer to Beach Horse Back Ride and Swim: $40
  • Private Transfer to ATV dirt road Adventures.: $32
  • Private Transfer from Ocho Rios to Sangster Airport MBJ: $60
  • Private Transfer from MBJ Airport to Resorts in Ocho Rios : $160

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oahu

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

  • Luxury Transfer Between Ko Olina and Honolulu Airport, Vice Versa: $240
  • Private Transfer from Honolulu (HLN) Airport to North Shore : $203
  • Private Transfer from Honolulu (HLN) Airport to Pupukea: $203
  • Honolulu Airport & Ko Olina Hotels Private Transfer by Passenger Van(14 ppl): $170
  • Private Transfer from Beach Resorts to Honolulu Airport HNL by Executive Sedan: $157
  • Private Transfer Waikiki to Honolulu Airport HNL by Executive SUV: $148
  • Full-Day Island Highlights Tour with Transfer: $136
  • Private Transfer from Honolulu (HLN) Airport to Ko Olina: $127
  • Private Transfer: Honolulu to Honolulu Airport HNL in Sedan Car: $108
  • Honolulu Harbor Cruise Terminal Transfer: $105
  • Ko Olina or Kapolei to Airport Private Transfer: $100
  • Manoa Falls Waterfall Hike with Lunch and Transfers: $98

Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Oahu?

Prices for flights to both Oahu and Ocho Rios 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
    Ocho Rios $17
    Oahu $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ocho Rios

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

  • From Flavors of Jamaica Guided Food Tour: $89
  • Taste of Jamaica Farm & Food Tour: $98
  • Ocho Ros: Hillside Cooking Class, Jamaican Style: $130
  • Taste of Jamaica Food Tour: $140
  • The Jamaica School of Cooking and Ocho Rios Highlights Tour: $141
  • Ocho Rios Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner: $218

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Oahu

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

  • 2-Hour Dinner Cruise in Honolulu: $97
  • Moonlight Dinner Cruise in Honolulu: $106
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise in Honolulu: $125
  • Honolulu Sunset & Fireworks Dinner Cruise: $129
  • Ka Moana Luau Dinner and Show at Aloha Tower: $129
  • Hawaii Semisub Classic Friday Fireworks Dinner Cruise: $170
  • Hawaiian Food Tour by Bike in Oahu: $179
  • 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.
    Ocho Rios $15
    Oahu $27
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ocho Rios

For Ocho Rios, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Tour of Brimmer Hall Estate
    $11
  • Admission to Coyaba Gardens
    $5.47
  • Tour of Prospect Plantation
    $18

Tours and Activities in Ocho Rios

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ocho Rios.

  • Authentic Jamaican Bamboo Rafting Tour from Runaway Bay: $194
  • Black River Safari & YS Falls Tour from Runaway Bay: $285
  • Blue hole waterfalls + Bamboo river rafting tour from Ocho rios: $109
  • Bob Marley Nine Mile Tour from Ocho Rios: $77
  • Combo Blue Hole and Horseback Riding Tour From Ocho Rios : $160
  • Full-Day Tour to Blue Hole Falls with Horseback Ride from Montego Bay: $220
  • Shopping Tour From Runaway Bay Hotels : $65
  • ATV, Bamboo Rafting, Horseback Ride Guided Tour from Montego Bay: $135
  • All day Tour of Ocho Rios : $200
  • Bamboo Rafting & River Tubing Tour Ocho Rios(Entry Fee Included): $220
  • Bamboo Rafting in Ocho Rios Private Experience: $207
  • Bamboo Rafting on the Lethe great/river(:),tour: $120

Tours and Activities in Oahu

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

  • "Tour de Honolulu" Foodie Bike Tour: $189
  • New Year’s Eve Midnight Cruise: $246
  • 1.5 -Hour Guided Whale and Marine Life Tour: $89
  • 18 Minutes PRIVATE Helicopter Tour in Honolulu: $248
  • 2-Hour Private Botanical Facial with Hand Dip Experience: $175
  • 3 Hour Waikiki Waterslide, Snorkel and Wild Life Cruise: $109
  • 3-Hour Honolulu Bottom Fishing Adventure : $87
  • 30 Minutes SHARED Helicopter Tour in Honolulu: $284
  • 4 Hour Guided Scuba Diving Adventures in Waikiki: $249
  • 5:00PM Sunset Cruise & Whale Watch from Oahu (Wahine Koa): $57
  • ATV Adventure in Hawaii by Da Mongoose EzRaider: $139
  • Afternoon Waikiki Glass Bottom Boat Cruise: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ocho Rios $7.71
    Oahu $6.47

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
  • History Tour Pub Crawl in Waikiki: $45
  • Waikiki History Tour Pub Crawl: $45


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ocho Rios and Oahu, we can see that Oahu is more expensive. And not only is Ocho Rios much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ocho Rios is in Caribbean Islands and Oahu is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Ocho Rios would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios.

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



When is the best time to visit Ocho Rios or Oahu?

Oahu has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Ocho Rios experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Oahu in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Oahu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. 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.

In July, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as Oahu. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 29°C (83°F), and Oahu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oahu this time of the year. In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives less sunshine than Oahu during summer. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ocho Rios usually receives more rain than Oahu. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F) 
    Oahu 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Oahu in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Oahu. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. 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.

Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Oahu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Oahu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oahu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the autumn, Ocho Rios often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 246 hours of full sun.

Ocho Rios receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ocho Rios usually gets more rain in October than Oahu. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F) 
    Oahu 80°F (26°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Oahu in the Winter?

Both Oahu and Ocho Rios are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Oahu in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Oahu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ocho Rios in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Oahu averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Oahu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Oahu during winter. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Oahu. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F) 
    Oahu 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Oahu in the Spring?

Both Oahu and Ocho Rios during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Oahu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as Oahu. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (80°F), and Oahu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Oahu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the spring, Ocho Rios often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 253 hours of full sun.

Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in April than Oahu. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F) 
    Oahu 76°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Oahu and Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios Oahu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 73°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 74°F (24°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 76°F (24°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 78°F (25°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 80°F (26°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 81°F (27°C) 0.6 inches (15 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 81°F (27°C) 0.4 inches (11 mm)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 81°F (27°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 80°F (26°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 77°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 74°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)