A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Okinawa vs. Surfers Paradise for Nightlife, Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Okinawa or Surfers Paradise?

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 Surfers Paradise. 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 lush, serene, and idyllic archipelago. Okinawa is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Okinawa travel costs.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a thrilling, active, and ritzy city. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Surfers Paradise travel costs.

Okinawa and Surfers Paradise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Okinawa or Surfers Paradise?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Surfers Paradise. Although Okinawa and Surfers Paradise are popular destinations, Surfers Paradise has more sights and attractions for tourists. Surfers Paradise is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Okinawa attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Okinawa and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. It is also well known for the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Okinawa is famous for its pristine tropical environment, stunning blue water, and impressive marine life.

How is Okinawa different from Surfers Paradise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Surfers Paradise offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

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

Both Okinawa and Surfers Paradise offer a number of great 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 Surfers Paradise. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

Is Okinawa or Surfers Paradise Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for nightlife.

Surfers Paradise is a world class party destination. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

Okinawa has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Is Okinawa or Surfers Paradise Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise is a must-visit destination for its resorts. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its luxury resorts.

Vacationers flock to Surfers Paradise for its luxury resorts. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

Okinawa is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Is Okinawa or Surfers Paradise Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Okinawa is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

Surfers Paradise is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

Is Okinawa or Surfers Paradise Better for Beaches?

Okinawa and Surfers Paradise both offer world-class beaches.

Okinawa offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Surfers Paradise. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

Is Okinawa or Surfers Paradise Better for Hiking?

Okinawa is terrific for its hiking trails. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Surfers Paradise. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Is the Shopping Better in Okinawa or Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for shopping.

Surfers Paradise is a world class destination for shoppers. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

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 Surfers Paradise More Beautiful?

Okinawa is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Surfers Paradise is not a destination known for its beauty.

Okinawa is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

Surfers Paradise is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Okinawa or Surfers Paradise Better for Families?

Both Okinawa and Surfers Paradise are world-class family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Okinawa is very family-friendly. 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.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Surfers Paradise is a very family-friendly destination. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

Is Okinawa or Surfers Paradise Better for Couples?

Okinawa is terrific for couples. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Couples visit Surfers Paradise frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

Is Okinawa or Surfers Paradise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Surfers Paradise is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

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

Both Okinawa and Surfers Paradise offer nice 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.

Surfers Paradise has some public transit options. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

Is Okinawa or Surfers Paradise a more walkable city?

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

Surfers Paradise is a somewhat walkable city. There are walking and bike 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 Surfers Paradise Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Surfers Paradise or Okinawa?

How long in Okinawa or Surfers Paradise?

Both Okinawa and Surfers Paradise have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Surfers Paradise has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Surfers Paradise than Okinawa. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Okinawa than Surfers Paradise. 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 Surfers Paradise than Okinawa 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 Surfers Paradise.

One day in Okinawa or Surfers Paradise?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the idyllic destination of Okinawa. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Surfers Paradise, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Surfers Paradise?

You'll find shopping and museums around the serene archipelago of Okinawa. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

In Surfers Paradise, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Okinawa or Surfers Paradise?

Okinawa is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Surfers Paradise is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Surfers Paradise has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Okinawa or Surfers Paradise?

Okinawa is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Surfers Paradise. In Surfers Paradise, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Okinawa and Surfers Paradise, we can see that Okinawa 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 Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Okinawa or Surfers Paradise?

Okinawa has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Okinawa and Surfers Paradise, 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 Surfers Paradise?

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

Both Surfers Paradise and Okinawa during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Okinawa in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Okinawa is a little warmer than Surfers Paradise in the summer. The daily temperature in Okinawa averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.

In Surfers Paradise, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Okinawa. In the summer, Okinawa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Surfers Paradisein January. Okinawa gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 256 hours of full sun.

Surfers Paradise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. Okinawa usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Surfers Paradisein January. Okinawa gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Okinawa or Surfers Paradise in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Okinawa and Surfers Paradise. Most visitors come to Okinawa for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Okinawa is a little warmer than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Okinawa in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 22°C (71°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Surfers Paradise this time of the year. Okinawa usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during autumn. Okinawa gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Okinawa usually receives more rain than Surfers Paradisein April. Okinawa gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Okinawa or Surfers Paradise in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Okinawa as well as Surfers Paradise. The winter months attract visitors to Okinawa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year.

In January, Okinawa is generally around the same temperature as Surfers Paradisein July. Daily temperatures in Okinawa average around 16°C (61°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. In the winter, Okinawa often gets less sunshine than Surfers Paradisein July. Okinawa gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 226 hours of full sun.

Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the winter. Okinawa usually gets more rain in January than Surfers Paradisein July. Okinawa gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Okinawa or Surfers Paradise in the Spring?

Both Surfers Paradise and Okinawa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches.

Okinawa is around the same temperature as Surfers Paradise in the spring. The daily temperature in Okinawa averages around 22°C (71°F) in April, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 21°C (69°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Surfers Paradise. Okinawa usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during spring. Okinawa gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. It's quite rainy in Okinawa. In April, Okinawa usually receives more rain than Surfers Paradisein October. Okinawa gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Surfers Paradise and Okinawa