A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Redwood National Park vs. Oahu for Beaches, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Redwood National Park 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 Redwood National Park 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.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a impressive, monumental, and grand park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the beaches and hiking.

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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Redwood National Park and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Redwood National Park or Oahu?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oahu. Although Redwood National Park and Oahu are both popular with visitors, Oahu has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Oahu is more touristy than Redwood National Park 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. Redwood National Park is popular for being the home of the world's tallest trees.

How is Redwood National Park different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Redwood National Park or Oahu?

Oahu is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

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

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Redwood National Park. There is little in the form of museums, but you can visit the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center on the south side of the park and see exhibits about Yurok culture and the area's ecology.

Is the Food Better in Redwood National Park or Oahu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Oahu is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

While Redwood National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are no dining or grocery options within the park but there are some options just outside the park.

Is Redwood National Park or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

Oahu is well known for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Oahu is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Redwood National Park The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.

Is Redwood National Park or Oahu Better for Music?

Oahu is a island with a few options for its music scene. However, Redwood National Park 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.

Redwood National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Redwood National Park or Oahu Better for Resorts?

Oahu is well known for its resorts. However, Redwood National Park 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.

Redwood National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Redwood National Park or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Redwood National Park 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.

Redwood National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Redwood National Park or Oahu Better for Beaches?

Oahu is an amazing island to visit for the beach. Also, Redwood National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

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.

Redwood National Park is a good option for a beach vacation. The park runs along the Pacific coastline and there are 70 miles of coastal trail in the park. Beaches are rugged and sandy and favorite sections include Gold Bluff Beach, Crescent Beach, and Enderts Beach, which has great tidal pools.

Is Redwood National Park or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Redwood National Park and Oahu, and they are world-class.

Redwood National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hikes range from coastal trails to world-renowned hikes through the redwoods. You'll feel humbled in the presence of these grand and majestic trees. Several of the most well-known hikes include Fern Canyon, the Cathedral Trees Trail, and Redwood Creek Trail.

People visit Oahu specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Redwood National Park or Oahu?

Oahu is well known for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Shopping in Redwood National Park can be found for those interested. You'll find park stores at the visitor centers if you want to pick up a small gift or souvenir.

Is Redwood National Park or Oahu Better for Families?

Oahu is an amazing island to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Redwood National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Redwood National Park is a very family-friendly destination. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in the park and the kids will love exploring the varied landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Less than a mile long, Fern Canyon is the perfect hike for little kids and it's not-to-be-missed. Cathedral Trees Trail is three miles, and also a highlight of any trip to the park.

Is Redwood National Park or Oahu Better for Couples?

Oahu is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Redwood National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Redwood National Park is a great park if you're traveling as a couple. There are historic lodges that make for a romantic getaway. You can fill your days with hikes through magical landscapes and breathtaking settings surrounded by the impressive redwoods.

Is Redwood National Park or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Redwood National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Oahu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Redwood National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. There are miles of backcountry trails that let you can explore the park in relative peace and solitude. This is an amazing way to experience the park, but do make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Oahu is a good park to visit for backpackers. 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.

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

Oahu is a island with a few options for its public transit. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Redwood National Park or Oahu a more walkable city?

Oahu is a island with a few options for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

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.

Redwood National Park is not a very walkable park. The park is large and spread out, so you'll need a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Redwood National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Redwood National Park?

How long in Redwood National Park or Oahu?

Both Redwood National Park 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 Redwood National Park. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Redwood National Park, and 3-7 days is enough time in Oahu.

Families should spend more time in Oahu than Redwood National Park. 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 Redwood National Park. 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 Redwood National Park 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 Redwood National Park or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Redwood National Park. 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.

In Oahu, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Redwood National Park or Oahu?

Redwood National Park is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oahu. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It offers something for everyone.

Five days in Redwood National Park or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the impressive destination of Redwood National Park. This park 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.

Oahu is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Redwood National Park or Oahu?

The monumental park of Redwood National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

In Oahu, you'll find nightlife and food. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Redwood National Park 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 Redwood National Park or Oahu in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Redwood National Park as well as Oahu. Many visitors come to Redwood National Park in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, 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, Redwood National Park is generally much colder than Oahu. Daily temperatures in Redwood National Park average around 57°F (14°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oahu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Redwood National Park this time of the year. In the summer, Redwood National Park often gets less sunshine than Oahu. Redwood National Park gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 303 hours of full sun.

Redwood National Park usually gets less rain in July than Oahu. Redwood National Park gets 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Redwood National Park or Oahu in the Autumn?

Both Oahu and Redwood National Park are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Redwood National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, 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.

Redwood National Park is much colder than Oahu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Redwood National Park averages around 55°F (13°C) in October, and Oahu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Oahu. Redwood National Park usually receives less sunshine than Oahu during autumn. Redwood National Park gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Redwood National Park usually receives more rain than Oahu. Redwood National Park gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Redwood National Park or Oahu in the Winter?

Both Oahu and Redwood National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oahu this time of year.

In the winter, Redwood National Park is much colder than Oahu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Redwood National Park in January average around 48°F (9°C), and Oahu averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In Oahu, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Redwood National Park often gets less sunshine than Oahu. Redwood National Park gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 212 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Redwood National Park. Redwood National Park usually gets more rain in January than Oahu. Redwood National Park gets 6 inches (152 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Redwood National Park or Oahu in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Redwood National Park and Oahu. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Redwood National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Oahu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Redwood National Park is generally much colder than Oahu. Daily temperatures in Redwood National Park average around 50°F (10°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oahu this time of the year. In Redwood National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. Redwood National Park usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu during spring. Redwood National Park gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Redwood National Park usually receives more rain than Oahu. Redwood National Park gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oahu and Redwood National Park