A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Okinawa vs. Darwin for Beaches, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Okinawa or Darwin?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Okinawa and Darwin. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Okinawa

Okinawa is a tropical, lush, and serene archipelago. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Darwin

Darwin is a tropical, multicultural, and authentic town. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Okinawa and Darwin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Okinawa or Darwin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Okinawa than Darwin, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Okinawa is more touristy than Darwin and is known for its pristine tropical environment, stunning blue water, and impressive marine life. It is also home to the Kerama Islands. Darwin is popular for its outdoor markets and tropical weather.

How is Okinawa different from Darwin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Okinawa or Darwin?

Okinawa is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Okinawa can be an interesting and educational experience. Although most visitors come for the natural beauty and beach setting, there are some nice historic sights and museums in the region. Favorites include Shurijo Castle, Futenma Shrine, and Churaumi Aquarium.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Darwin. You can check out the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, explore the city's Waterfront Precinct, and spend some time at the Darwin Military Museum.

Is the Food Better in Okinawa or Darwin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Okinawa is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Okinawa. Food in the region is truly unique, and sometimes a bit bizarre. There's a surprising amount of international influence on the cuisine because the islands are close to China and Taiwan, and there's a large American presence due to the US military. Despite this, the cuisine has its roots in the area's long history. Local dishes include rafute (pork belly in a stew), goya chanpuru (stir fry with melon, pork, and tofu), and umibudo (sea grapes).

Darwin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are plenty of local restaurants that serve seafood or local twists on international flavors. Many restaurants offer Barramundi that is prepared in unique ways. You can try the Barramundi Bibimbap or the Crispy Baby Barramundi.

Is Okinawa or Darwin Better for Nightlife?

Okinawa is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Okinawa has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The diverse population has impacted the nightlife scene, and you'll see international influences at the bars and clubs in the area. Many locals begin their night out at a izakaya, which is part bar, part restaurant. The cities are also known for their jazz clubs and karaoke scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Darwin. You'll find the most bars along Mitchell Street or in the Waterfront Precinct area. There are also some popular nightclubs and music venues in town.

Is Okinawa or Darwin Better for Resorts?

Okinawa is notable for its resorts. However, Darwin is not a resort destination.

Okinawa is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are large resorts as well as smaller, elegant hotels. If you want to be near the water, check out the coastal areas of Onna, Miyakojima, and Ishigaki.

Darwin is not a resort destination.

Is Okinawa or Darwin Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Okinawa is terrific for its diving and snorkeling. However, Darwin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Okinawa specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The waters around Okinawa are filled with a rich biodiversity of corals and tropical fish. You'll also find sea turtles and other larger marine animals. There are also mangrove forests that form the breeding ground for many types of marine life. The snorkeling and diving in the area is world class, and attracts both beginners and experienced divers.

Darwin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Okinawa or Darwin Better for Beaches?

Okinawa is terrific for the beache. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beach.

The beaches in Okinawa are among the best in the world. The region is filled with white sand beaches and turquoise water. Some of the beaches are accessible and lively while others are more remote and peaceful. Furuzamami Beach is both easy to access but also has a relaxed atmosphere. Nishihama Beach is more remote but well worth the effort and Aharen Beach is a popular day trip by ferry.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Darwin. Most people don't swim at the beaches because of the saltwater crocodiles and jellyfish. You can hang out in the sand though and Mindil Beach is a favorite spot for locals.

Is Okinawa or Darwin Better for Hiking?

Okinawa is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Okinawa draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The island's tropical setting provides hikers with lush jungles and unique geology to explore. One of the most popular areas for hiking is Yambaru National Park. In this park you can walk through the mangroves and spot local wildlife. The region also has many off-the-beaten-path hiking opportunities for those looking for an adventure.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Darwin. In addition to city walks, there are many national parks that make great day trips from town. Litchfield National Park has many hikes as does Mary River National Park. The town is also known as the gateway to Kakadu National Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Okinawa or Darwin?

Both Okinawa and Darwin are good shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Okinawa to go shopping. There are a number of shopping streets in the urban areas. You'll also find large outlet malls near the US military base. A favorite shopping street in Naha is Kokusai-dori Shopping Street, which has local shops and souvenir vendors.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Darwin. There are shopping malls, art galleries, and trendy boutiques around town.

Is Okinawa or Darwin Better for Families?

Okinawa is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Okinawa is an amazing family-friendly archipelago to visit. There are so many kid-friendly activities in the area, that this has long been a favorite family vacation destination. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the snorkeling, beaches, mangroves, boat rides, and adventure activities like ziplining. Kayaking in Yambaru Mangrove Forest is a favorite activity, but also check out the sea turtles at Ikei Island.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Darwin. Kids will enjoy the many outdoor activities in town and in the surrounding areas. There are wildlife parks and several national parks in the area like Litchfield National Park. For many families, this is a stop off on there way to Kakadu National Park.

Is Okinawa or Darwin Better for Couples?

Okinawa is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Okinawa has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its stunning beaches, world class snorkeling, and relaxing resorts, couples and honeymooners will love a trip to these beautiful islands. There's a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural activities that will keep any couple entertained.

Darwin is a good archipelago for couples to visit. The beautiful weather means that you can spend most of your time outdoors. Sunset picnics are popular, but for many visitors, it's all about the day trips to nearby parks.

Is Okinawa or Darwin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Okinawa and Darwin are good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Okinawa. Despite being one of the most fascinating places in Japan to visit, it can be challenging as a backpacker. There aren't many hostels in the area and transportation can be a bit tricky.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Darwin. There are a handful of hostels in town that make this an easy place to spend a night or two for backpackers.

Is Okinawa or Darwin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Okinawa and Darwin offer good public transit options.

Okinawa has a few public transit options. Public transit through the area is decent in urban areas but gets more limited outside of the cities. On the main island there are buses, shuttles, and a monorail, but off the main island you'll want your own vehicle.

Darwin has some public transit options. There are public buses around town. There's also a waterfront shuttle.

Is Okinawa or Darwin a more walkable city?

Darwin is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Okinawa is not a good archipelago for its walkability.

Darwin is a somewhat walkable town. There are biking and walking paths around town.

Okinawa is generally not a very walkable archipelago. The islands range from developed to remote, so if you want to efficiently explore, it's helpful to have a car or at least a bicycle.

For even more information, also check out Is Okinawa Worth Visiting? and Is Darwin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Darwin or Okinawa?

How long in Okinawa or Darwin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Okinawa and Darwin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Okinawa than in Darwin. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Okinawa, and 2-3 days is enough time in Darwin.

Families should spend more time in Okinawa than Darwin. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Okinawa, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Okinawa than Darwin 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 Okinawa.

One day in Okinawa or Darwin?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Okinawa. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Darwin, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Okinawa or Darwin?

Okinawa is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Darwin, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Darwin has to offer.

Five days in Okinawa or Darwin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Okinawa. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Darwin is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Okinawa or Darwin?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the serene destination of Okinawa. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Darwin. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Darwin. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Okinawa and Darwin, we can see that Darwin 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. Even though Okinawa is in Asia and Darwin is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Okinawa or Darwin?

Okinawa has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Darwin. When comparing the sizes of Okinawa and Darwin, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Okinawa or Darwin?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Darwin is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Okinawa has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Okinawa or Darwin in the Summer?

Both Darwin and Okinawa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Okinawa in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Darwin for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Okinawa is generally around the same temperature as Darwinin January. Daily temperatures in Okinawa average around 29°C (84°F), and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. Okinawa usually receives more sunshine than Darwin during summer. Okinawa gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Darwin receives 173 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Darwin. It's quite rainy in Okinawa. In July, Okinawa usually receives less rain than Darwinin January. Okinawa gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Okinawa or Darwin in the Autumn?

Both Darwin and Okinawa during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Okinawa for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Darwin because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Okinawa is cooler than Darwin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Okinawa averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in April.

In Darwin, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Okinawa often gets less sunshine than Darwinin April. Okinawa gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Darwin receives 267 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. Okinawa usually gets more rain in October than Darwinin April. Okinawa gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Okinawa or Darwin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Okinawa and Darwin. The winter months attract visitors to Okinawa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Darwin this time of year.

In the winter, Okinawa is much colder than Darwin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Okinawa in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Darwin averages at about 25°C (77°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Darwin this time of the year. Okinawa usually receives less sunshine than Darwin during winter. Okinawa gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Darwin receives 312 hours of full sun in the winter.

Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Okinawa usually receives more rain than Darwinin July. Okinawa gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Okinawa or Darwin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Okinawa as well as Darwin. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Darwin for the beaches.

In April, Okinawa is generally cooler than Darwinin October. Daily temperatures in Okinawa average around 22°C (71°F), and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Darwin. In the spring, Okinawa often gets less sunshine than Darwinin October. Okinawa gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Darwin receives 291 hours of full sun.

Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the spring. Okinawa usually gets more rain in April than Darwinin October. Okinawa gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Darwin and Okinawa