A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oslo vs. Honolulu for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Oslo or Honolulu?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oslo or Honolulu, 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.

Oslo

Oslo is a progressive, park-filled, and green city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and museums.

Honolulu

Honolulu is a energetic, vibrant, and multi-cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Oslo and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oslo or Honolulu?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Honolulu than Oslo. While Oslo is larger than Honolulu, Honolulu has more sights and attractions for tourists. Honolulu is more touristy than Oslo and is popular for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. It is also home to Pearl Harbor. Oslo is popular for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports.

How is Oslo different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Oslo or Honolulu?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Honolulu that are not to be missed. For many visitors, a trip to Pearl Harbor is one of the most memorable experiences while they're in Hawaii. It's still an active naval base, but it's also a National Historic Landmark that memorializes that historic day in 1941. There are many sights that reflect on the past and you can also pick up tours to the USS Arizona at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Other cultural sights around Honolulu include the Polynesian Cultural Center, the Shangri-La Museum, and Iolani Palace.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Oslo. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

Is the Food Better in Oslo or Honolulu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Honolulu is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Honolulu makes for a great culinary experience. The city offers a mix of internationally recognized chain restaurants as well as local mom and pop shops. You'll find a mix of cuisines that reflect the city's multicultural personality. There is plenty of Japanese food around town as well as local Hawaiian dishes. Spam is incorporated into many dishes, but you'll also find seafood and tropical fruits.

Oslo has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has a reputation of serving a lot of cured meats and potato dishes, but there is actually a good amount of variation available. Local favorites include smoked salmon, meatballs, and meat stews.

Is Oslo or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

Honolulu is notable for nightlife. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Honolulu has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has the most active nightlife scene on all of the Hawaiian islands. If you're looking for a party, then this is the place to stay. You'll find many bars, clubs, and entertainment options around town, as well as beach parties and festivals. For tourists, the highest concentration of nightlife venues is around Waikiki, which is also where you'll find the most hotels.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Oslo. The city's high alcohol prices mean that many locals enjoy their drinks at home during pre-parties before heading out on the town. The atmosphere is usually laid-back and chill, with a diversity of entertainment venues that you can choose between.

Is Oslo or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for its resorts. However, Oslo is not a resort destination.

Honolulu offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The highest concentration of resorts are around Waikiki where you'll find all of the major names such as the Hilton, Marriott, and the Hyatt.

Oslo is not a resort destination.

Is Oslo or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Honolulu is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Oslo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Honolulu to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There are great beaches around the island and near the city where you can enjoy diving and snorkeling. You'll find coral and tropical fish that make for a wonderful experience.

Oslo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Oslo or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for its beaches. However, Oslo is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Honolulu are among the best in the world. Nearby there are countless beach destinations such as the famed Waikiki Beach. There are also more local and lesser known stretches of sand where you can escape the tourist crowds. Other great beaches in the area include Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Magic Island, and Lanikai Beach.

Oslo is not a beach destination.

Is Oslo or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Honolulu draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Both in the city and nearby you'll find world famous hiking trails that offer spectacular views and breathtaking landscapes. There are many natural landmarks and dramatic mountains. Moanalua Valley Trail, also known as the Stairway to Heaven, is one of the top hiking trails in the area. Other popular options include Kuliouou Ridge Trail and Diamond Head Crater Hike.

Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oslo or Honolulu?

Honolulu is notable for shopping. However, Oslo is a mediocre city for its shopping opportunities.

Honolulu is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has some of the best shopping opportunities in the Hawaiian islands. There are brand name fashion outlets, large shopping malls, and boutique local vendors. Many of the malls are open air and let you enjoy the Hawaiian climate while you browse. Downtown Honolulu and Waikiki both have many shopping opportunities.

If you're looking to go shopping, Oslo has some nice offerings. The shopping that is available includes shopping malls and local boutique shops.

Is Oslo or Honolulu Better for Families?

Oslo and Honolulu are both first-rate destinations for the whole family.

Oslo is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city goes out of its way to integrate kid-friendly activities into everyday life. From playgrounds and parks to interactive museums and nearby amusement parks, this city is among the most kid-friendly around.

Honolulu is an extremely popular city to visit for families. There are many kid-friendly beaches, hiking trails, and activities that appeal to families. While Waikiki Beach can get crowded, it is also a great option for kids. Kids will also enjoy snorkeling with sea turtles, swimming with dolphins, or taking surfing lessons. For a cold treat, everyone can enjoy shave ice and the perfect way to wrap up a day is a fun luau.

Is Oslo or Honolulu Better for Couples?

Honolulu is an amazing city to visit for romance. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Honolulu has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Romantic resorts, beautiful beaches, and stunning hikes make this a top honeymoon destination for couples. The city has an energy that is unlike anywhere else on the Hawaiian islands, but there are also nature trails and outdoor adventures nearby. There are a diversity of restaurants that highlight both local and international cuisines, and a nightlife scene that will keep you entertained.

Oslo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You can explore castles, go on forest hikes, or enjoy a couple's massage.

Is Oslo or Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Honolulu is notable for backpackers. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Honolulu. This is one of the easier places to stay in Hawaii as a backpacker. There are a handful of hostels, and public transit is available so having a car isn't as crucial as it is everywhere else.

Oslo is a good city to visit for backpackers. Notoriously expensive, this city does have some hostels, but it can be a bit challenging for those on a budget. Because many backpackers avoid the area due to the costs, it can be challenging to meet other backpackers.

Is Oslo or Honolulu Better for Students?

Oslo is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Honolulu is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Oslo. The University of Oslo has an excellent reputation and welcomes many foreign students every year. The school does a lot to make sure international students feel at home here.

Honolulu is not popular with students.

Is Oslo or Honolulu Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Oslo is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Visitors in Oslo can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

Honolulu has a few public transit options. TheBus is the public bus system through the city and elsewhere on Oahu.

Is Oslo or Honolulu a more walkable city?

Oslo and Honolulu both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Oslo is very walkable. The city has a number of traffic-free areas so it's fun to explore on foot.

Honolulu is a very walkable city. The most walkable areas are around downtown Honolulu and in Waikiki.

For even more information, also check out Is Oslo Worth Visiting? and Is Honolulu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or Oslo?

How long in Oslo or Honolulu?

Both Oslo and Honolulu have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Honolulu than in Oslo. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Oslo, and 5-7 days is enough time in Honolulu.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Honolulu than Oslo 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 Honolulu.

One day in Oslo or Honolulu?

Oslo is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Honolulu. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Oslo or Honolulu?

Oslo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oslo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Honolulu is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Oslo or Honolulu?

Oslo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oslo, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the energetic big city of Honolulu. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Oslo or Honolulu?

Oslo is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the energetic city of Honolulu. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Oslo and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu is more expensive. And not only is Oslo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Oslo is in Europe and Honolulu 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 Oslo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Oslo 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 Honolulu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Honolulu than you might in Oslo.

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

Which is Bigger, Oslo or Honolulu?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Honolulu. When comparing the sizes of Oslo and Honolulu, 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 Oslo or Honolulu?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Oslo or Honolulu in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Oslo as well as Honolulu. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oslo this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Honolulu for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Oslo is much colder than Honolulu in the summer. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Honolulu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oslo this time of the year. In the summer, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Oslo gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun.

Oslo usually gets more rain in July than Honolulu. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Honolulu in the Autumn?

Both Honolulu and Oslo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Oslo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Honolulu in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Oslo is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Oslo in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Honolulu averages at about 80°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. Oslo usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during autumn. Oslo gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Oslo usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oslo or Honolulu in the Winter?

Both Honolulu and Oslo during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Oslo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Honolulu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Oslo can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Oslo is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around -4°C (25°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Oslo gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun.

Oslo usually gets less rain in January than Honolulu. Oslo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Honolulu in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Oslo and Honolulu. Most visitors come to Oslo for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Honolulu because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Oslo is much colder than Honolulu in the spring. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around 6°C (42°F) in April, and Honolulu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. Oslo usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during spring. Oslo gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oslo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Honolulu. Oslo gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Oslo