A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Okinawa vs. Hobart for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Okinawa or Hobart?

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 Hobart. 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 idyllic, tropical, and lush archipelago. Many visitors also come to Okinawa because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Okinawa travel costs.

Hobart

Hobart is a quaint, historical, and charming city. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Hobart travel costs.

Okinawa and Hobart: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Okinawa or Hobart?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Okinawa. Although Okinawa and Hobart are both popular with visitors, Okinawa has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Okinawa is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hobart is known for its shopping. Okinawa is popular for its pristine tropical environment, stunning blue water, and impressive marine life. It is also home to the Kerama Islands. Hobart is popular for its quaint historical center, fresh seafood, and nearby hiking and biking trails.

How is Okinawa different from Hobart?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hobart 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 Hobart?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Okinawa or Hobart.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Okinawa. 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.

Hobart offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town has many landmarks and museums such as Port Arthur, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Mawson's Huts Replica Museum, and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. A highlight of the city is Battery Point, which is like an open-air museum. Make sure you explore the Battery Point Sculpture Trail.

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

Both Okinawa and Hobart offer a number of very good restaurants to choose from.

Dining out in Okinawa is an experience not to be missed. 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).

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Hobart. The town has seen a surge in its culinary scene in recent years. Local chefs like to highlight the regional flavors and ingredients such as octopus, kingfish, abalone, and leatherwood honey.

Is Okinawa or Hobart Better for Nightlife?

Okinawa is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Okinawa for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Hobart. While it's a smaller city, there is still a good mix of local bars, trendy lounges, and elegant wine bars. you'll also find some great venues for live music.

Is Okinawa or Hobart Better for Resorts?

Okinawa is great for its luxury resorts. However, Hobart is not a resort destination.

In Okinawa, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Hobart is not a resort destination.

Is Okinawa or Hobart Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Okinawa is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Hobart is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Okinawa is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Hobart is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Okinawa or Hobart Better for Beaches?

Okinawa is renowned for the beach. However, Hobart is not a beach destination.

Okinawa is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Hobart is not a beach destination.

Is Okinawa or Hobart Better for Hiking?

Okinawa is renowned for hiking. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Around Okinawa visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

Hobart is a popular spot for hiking. The city is surrounded by bushland reserves as well as nearby Mount Wellington. The area offers many diverse hiking and walking trails and there are a wide range to choose from so whatever your hiking level, you'll find something of interest.

Is the Shopping Better in Okinawa or Hobart?

Hobart is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Hobart. It has some of the best shopping in Tasmania. You'll find a great shopping experience along Elizabeth Street, which is lined with boutiques and quirky shops. The city also has a couple of outdoor flea markets that offers a unique shopping experience.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Okinawa. 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.

Is Okinawa or Hobart More Beautiful?

Okinawa is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Hobart is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Okinawa because of it's amazing beauty. The islands are filled with beautiful natural environments that range from white sand beaches to mangrove forests. The water is turquoise and the setting is idyllic for vacationers.

Hobart is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Okinawa or Hobart Better for Families?

Okinawa is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Okinawa is an extremely popular archipelago to visit for families. 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.

Hobart is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. There are also fruit farms to visit and vineyards to explore in the area, as well as great hiking. For an interactive museum, head to the Tasmanian Transport Museum and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery has some toddler-friendly displays.

Is Okinawa or Hobart Better for Couples?

Okinawa is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Okinawa is a great archipelago for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Hobart is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy exploring the waterfront and Sullivans Cove. There are also outdoor markets and breweries around town. Botanical gardens and quaint neighborhoods also make this a lovely town to visit.

Is Okinawa or Hobart Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Okinawa and Hobart 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 Hobart. There are a handful of hostels around town and many great hiking trails.

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

Both Okinawa and Hobart 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.

Hobart has some public transit options. There's a public bus system and many of the buses leave from Elizabeth Street (between Macquarie and Collins Streets) or Franklin Square.

Is Okinawa or Hobart a more walkable city?

Hobart is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Okinawa is not a good archipelago for its walkability.

Hobart is a very walkable destination. It has a compact city center that many people enjoy exploring on foot.

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 Hobart Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hobart or Okinawa?

How long in Okinawa or Hobart?

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

Families should spend more time in Okinawa than Hobart. 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 Hobart. 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 Hobart 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 Hobart?

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 Hobart, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city 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 Hobart?

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 Hobart, 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 Hobart has to offer.

Five days in Okinawa or Hobart?

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.

Hobart 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 Hobart?

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 Hobart. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hobart. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Okinawa and Hobart, we can see that Hobart is more expensive. And not only is Okinawa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Okinawa is in Asia and Hobart is in Pacific, 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 Okinawa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Okinawa 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 Hobart would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hobart than you might in Okinawa.

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

Which is Bigger, Okinawa or Hobart?

Okinawa has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Hobart. When comparing the sizes of Okinawa and Hobart, 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 Hobart?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Hobart 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 Hobart in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Okinawa as well as Hobart. Most visitors come to Okinawa for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hobart because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Okinawa is generally much warmer than Hobartin January. Daily temperatures in Okinawa average around 29°C (84°F), and Hobart fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hobart. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Okinawa this time of the year. In the summer, Okinawa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hobartin January. Okinawa gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hobart receives 259 hours of full sun.

Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the summer. Okinawa usually gets more rain in July than Hobartin January. Okinawa gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Okinawa or Hobart in the Autumn?

Both Hobart and Okinawa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Okinawa because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Hobart this time of year.

Okinawa is much warmer than Hobart in the autumn. The daily temperature in Okinawa averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Hobart fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in April.

Okinawa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hobart during autumn. Okinawa gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Hobart receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Okinawa. In October, Okinawa usually receives more rain than Hobartin April. Okinawa gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Okinawa or Hobart in the Winter?

Both Hobart and Okinawa during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hobart for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Okinawa is much warmer than Hobart. Typically, the winter temperatures in Okinawa in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Hobart averages at about 9°C (47°F)in July.

In the winter, Okinawa often gets less sunshine than Hobartin July. Okinawa gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hobart receives 152 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. Okinawa usually gets more rain in January than Hobartin July. Okinawa gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Okinawa or Hobart in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Okinawa and Hobart. Many travelers come to Okinawa for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Okinawa is generally much warmer than Hobartin October. Daily temperatures in Okinawa average around 22°C (71°F), and Hobart fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hobart this time of the year. Okinawa usually receives less sunshine than Hobart during spring. Okinawa gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Hobart receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Okinawa usually receives more rain than Hobartin October. Okinawa gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hobart and Okinawa