A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Pasadena vs. Oahu for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Pasadena or Oahu?

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 Pasadena and Oahu. 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.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a picturesque, quaint, and charming city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Oahu

Oahu is a cosmopolitan, scenic, and historic island. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Pasadena and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pasadena or Oahu?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oahu. Although Pasadena and Oahu are both popular with visitors, Oahu has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Oahu is more popular for its music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Pasadena is known for its food. Oahu is more touristy than Pasadena and is popular for its unique blend of cultures, stunning beaches, vibrant energy, and world class water sports (including surfing). It is also home to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. Pasadena is popular for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Pasadena different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pasadena or Oahu?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Pasadena or Oahu.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Pasadena. There's a good number of museums around town that include kids' museums, art museums, and local museums. Popular museums include the USC Pacific Asia Museum, the Norton Simon Museum, and the Pasadena Museum of History. Many people also enjoy touring the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Oahu offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The USS Arizona Memorial & Pearl Harbor is a moving and special place to visit, but tickets should be purchased in advance. Other landmarks around the island include the Tour Iolani Palace and the Battleship Missouri Memorial.

Is the Food Better in Pasadena or Oahu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pasadena is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Oahu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Pasadena has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local restaurants feature southern California cuisine as well as international flavors. Dishes often use local ingredients that are fresh and seasonal. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Oahu area. Honolulu has a diversity of cuisines and a cosmopolitan vibe, giving it some of the best food in the Hawaiian Islands. The local restaurants are influenced by a number of countries and often incorporate Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Korean, and Portuguese flavors. Dishes are often saucy, sweet, and starchy, but you'll also find fresh tropical fruits such as mango and coconut.

Is Pasadena or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are great in both Pasadena and Oahu.

Pasadena has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Much of the nightlife scene is concentrated around Old Pasadena. You'll find clubs, bars, and lounges that begin the evening with Happy Hours and then become more party-focused as the evening progresses.

Oahu has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Honolulu, and Oahu, have some of the best nightlife in the Hawaiian islands. There are tiki bars and posh nightclubs that keep buzzing late into the night. Head to Waikiki for some of the island's best nightlife. In Honolulu you'll find some local bars and clubs, but many resorts also offer a great nightlife scene and a fun atmosphere that caters specifically to tourists.

Is Pasadena or Oahu Better for Music?

Oahu is a moderate island for its music scene. However, Pasadena is not a live music destination.

For those who seek it out, Oahu has several music venues. There are a few good venues that offer live music on Oahu.

Pasadena is not a live music destination.

Is Pasadena or Oahu Better for Resorts?

Oahu is notable for its resorts. However, Pasadena is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Oahu to choose from. The island has a diversity of resorts, from luxury 5 star accommodation to family-friendly resorts that are fun for all ages. Ko Olina is where you'll find Aulani, the Disney Resort. Waikiki is one of the most famous tourist areas on the island and you'll find high rise hotels and condos along the beach.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is Pasadena or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is notable for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Pasadena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Oahu. Snorkeling and diving on the island is among the best in the world. There are 3 marine life conservation parks and miles of coastline to explore.

Pasadena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pasadena or Oahu Better for Beaches?

Oahu is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Oahu offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. From the energetic Waikiki Beach to the family-friendly Ko Olina, Oahu has some of the most famous beaches in the world. The beaches are lined with sand and some areas offer better swimming conditions than others. You'll also find beaches with snorkeling or sea turtles, and some with world class surfing waves.

Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Is Pasadena or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Oahu is an amazing island to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Oahu is well-known for its hiking and trekking. World famous hikes on the island include Diamond Head and Koko Crater Railroad Trailhead. There are hikes ranging from easy to challenging and views that will take your breath away.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pasadena or Oahu?

Both Pasadena and Oahu are great shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Pasadena. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Oahu. There are shopping centers and malls in Honolulu that have major department stores as well as island favorites. For a local experience head to the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet or wander along the Waikiki Beach Walk with its many boutique shops. Also worth a visit is the Honolulu Chinatown market.

Is Pasadena or Oahu Better for Families?

Oahu is an amazing island to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Oahu is very family-friendly. There are plenty of outdoor activities, places to learn about Hawaiian culture, and world class beaches. The most popular family-friendly area is Ko Olina, which is where you'll find the Disney Resort, Aulani. Kids will also enjoy the area's snorkeling and kayaking. Surfing lessons are a fun activity for the whole family as well.

Pasadena is a family-friendly city. There are a number of kid-friendly museums around town including Kidspace Children's Museum. There are also nature centers, playgrounds, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

Is Pasadena or Oahu Better for Couples?

Oahu is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Oahu is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The island offers a beautiful and adventurous honeymoon destination that is perfect for anniversaries and other romantic getaways. It's an island paradise with world class beaches, stunning vistas, and countless water sports.

Pasadena is a nice destination for couples. It's a charming town with a bit of a European vibe and plenty of outdoor activities. Fine dining and interesting shopping make this a nice weekend destination.

Is Pasadena or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oahu is a good destination for backpackers. However, Pasadena is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Oahu. There are a couple of hostels on the island. Public transportation is also a bit better than the other islands, so it is one of the better Hawaiian islands for backpackers.

Pasadena is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

Is Pasadena or Oahu Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pasadena is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Oahu is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Pasadena has some public transit options. Buses and light rail offer local transit and connect the city to nearby Los Angeles.

Public transit is generally limited in Oahu. Honolulu has a fairly good bus system, but once you're out of the city, public transportation is limited.

Is Pasadena or Oahu a more walkable city?

Pasadena is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Oahu is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Pasadena is a somewhat walkable place. Most people head to Old Pasadena, which is the most concentrated and walkable part of the city.

Oahu is generally not very walkable. There are some walkable neighborhoods in Honolulu, but if you really want to explore the island, you'll want to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Pasadena Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Pasadena?

How long in Pasadena or Oahu?

Both Pasadena and Oahu have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Oahu than in Pasadena. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Pasadena, and 3-7 days is enough time in Oahu.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Oahu than Pasadena 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 Oahu.

One day in Pasadena or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Pasadena. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The beautiful island of Oahu offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Pasadena or Oahu?

Pasadena is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Oahu is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Pasadena or Oahu?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the quaint destination of Pasadena. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

A week in Pasadena or Oahu?

The quaint city of Pasadena offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Oahu is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oahu has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pasadena and Oahu, we can see that Oahu is more expensive. And not only is Pasadena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pasadena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pasadena 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 Pasadena.

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

When is the best time to visit Pasadena or Oahu?

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 Pasadena or Oahu in the Summer?

Both Oahu and Pasadena during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Pasadena in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Oahu for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Pasadena is generally cooler than Oahu. Daily temperatures in Pasadena average around 73°F (23°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

Pasadena usually gets less rain in July than Oahu. Pasadena gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pasadena or Oahu in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pasadena and Oahu. Most visitors come to Pasadena for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Oahu because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Pasadena is cooler than Oahu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pasadena averages around 68°F (20°C) in October, and Oahu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

In October, Pasadena usually receives less rain than Oahu. Pasadena gets 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Pasadena or Oahu in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pasadena as well as Oahu. The winter months attract visitors to Pasadena because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oahu this time of year.

In the winter, Pasadena is much colder than Oahu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pasadena in January average around 56°F (13°C), and Oahu averages at about 73°F (23°C).

Pasadena usually gets less rain in January than Oahu. Pasadena gets 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pasadena or Oahu in the Spring?

Both Oahu and Pasadena are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Oahu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Pasadena is generally cooler than Oahu. Daily temperatures in Pasadena average around 62°F (17°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In April, Pasadena usually receives less rain than Oahu. Pasadena gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oahu and Pasadena