A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Santa Barbara vs. Oahu for Beaches, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Santa Barbara or Oahu?

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

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Oahu? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a opulent, pristine, and affluent coastal town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Santa Barbara is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Santa Barbara travel costs.

Oahu

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

Santa Barbara and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Barbara or Oahu?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oahu. Although Santa Barbara and Oahu are both popular with visitors, Oahu has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Oahu is more popular for its nightlife, music, and scuba diving & snorkeling, while Santa Barbara is known for its food, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Oahu is more touristy than Santa Barbara 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. Santa Barbara is popular for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views.

How is Santa Barbara different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santa Barbara or Oahu?

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

Santa Barbara offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is famous for its missions, with Mission Santa Barbara being the most iconic. Also visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center.

Many visitors head to Oahu specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Santa Barbara or Oahu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Santa Barbara has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city is best known for its fine dining, particularly if you enjoy seafood. The scallops, oysters, clam chowder, and sea urchin (when available) are all world class. Head for a waterfront setting for the best views and some of the freshest seafood.

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 Santa Barbara or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

Oahu is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Santa Barbara is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for nightlife.

Oahu offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Santa Barbara. For the best nightlife in the city, head downtown to State Street. This is where you'll find the most active bars and biggest crowds. There's a large student population in town, so you'll find much of the nightlife scene is focused on the younger population.

Is Santa Barbara or Oahu Better for Music?

Oahu is a moderate island for its music scene. However, Santa Barbara 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.

Santa Barbara is not a live music destination.

Is Santa Barbara or Oahu Better for Resorts?

Santa Barbara and Oahu offer a relatively similar set of very good luxury resort options.

Santa Barbara is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Many people enjoy the luxurious vacation rentals around Santa Barbara, but there are also a number of high end resorts including the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hotel Californian.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Oahu. 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.

Is Santa Barbara or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Santa Barbara is not a good coastal town for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Santa Barbara. Snorkeling areas not far from town include Refugio State Beach and Tajiguas. You'll see a few fish, beautiful rocks, and anemones that are unique and impressive.

Is Santa Barbara or Oahu Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Santa Barbara and Oahu are fantastic choices.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Santa Barbara. The city is famous for its pristine, sandy beaches. Whether you want to enjoy world class surfing or enjoy a gentle ocean setting, Santa Barbara has many options.

With world-famous beaches, Oahu is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

Is Santa Barbara or Oahu Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Oahu does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Santa Barbara. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Oahu does not have a historic old town.

Is Santa Barbara or Oahu Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Santa Barbara and Oahu both have fantastic trails.

People visit Santa Barbara specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Just outside of town are countless hiking opportunities that offer spectacular ocean views. Popular hikes include Inspiration Point, San Ysidro Trail, and Cold Spring East Fork.

Many people visit Oahu specifically for its hiking. 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 Santa Barbara or Oahu?

Santa Barbara is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Oahu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Santa Barbara draws large crowds to its stores. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

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.

Is Santa Barbara or Oahu More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of fantastic scenery and beauty in both Santa Barbara and Oahu.

You'll find world class beauty in Santa Barbara as well. The city is beautifully situated right by the ocean and offers stunning views and and an amazing setting. It is also filled with opulent houses and grand estates, giving it an air of grandeur.

Oahu is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The island has striking beaches and stunning mountains, making it a beautiful Hawaiian Island.

Is Santa Barbara or Oahu Better for Families?

Oahu is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Santa Barbara is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Oahu is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Santa Barbara is a very family-friendly destination. The city has some nice family-friendly activities including a zoo, some cool museums, and even whale watching. There are also many beautiful beaches where everyone can run around and play, as well as parks and other outdoor settings. For animal-lovers, there are wildlife centers and sea life opportunities.

Is Santa Barbara or Oahu Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Santa Barbara and Oahu make for a fantastic place to visit.

Santa Barbara makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

For those traveling as a couple, Oahu has plenty to offer. 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.

Is Santa Barbara or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oahu is a popular place for backpackers. However, Santa Barbara is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Santa Barbara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city isn't really known as a budget friendly destination, but there are a couple of hostels in the area. There's also a large student population with a fun nightlife scene.

Is Santa Barbara or Oahu Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Oahu is not popular with students.

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town to visit as a student. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

Oahu is not popular with students.

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

Santa Barbara 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.

Santa Barbara has some public transit options. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

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 Santa Barbara or Oahu a more walkable city?

Santa Barbara is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Oahu is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Santa Barbara is a very walkable coastal town. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot.

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 Santa Barbara Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Santa Barbara?

How long in Santa Barbara or Oahu?

Both Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Santa Barbara, and 3-7 days is enough time in Oahu.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Oahu than Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Santa Barbara. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the energetic destination of Oahu. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Santa Barbara or Oahu?

Santa Barbara is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oahu. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Santa Barbara or Oahu?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the opulent destination of Santa Barbara. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the scenic destination of Oahu. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Santa Barbara or Oahu?

The pristine coastal town of Santa Barbara offers nightlife and food. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful island of Oahu. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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 Santa Barbara and Oahu, we can see that Oahu is more expensive. And not only is Santa Barbara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santa Barbara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara.

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

When is the best time to visit Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara or Oahu in the Summer?

Both Oahu and Santa Barbara during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Oahu in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Santa Barbara is generally cooler than Oahu. Daily temperatures in Santa Barbara average around 65°F (19°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

Santa Barbara usually gets less rain in July than Oahu. Santa Barbara gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Oahu in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Santa Barbara and Oahu. Many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Oahu for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Santa Barbara is much colder than Oahu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santa Barbara averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Oahu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

In October, Santa Barbara usually receives less rain than Oahu. Santa Barbara gets 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Oahu in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Santa Barbara as well as Oahu. Most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Oahu because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Santa Barbara is much colder than Oahu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santa Barbara in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Oahu averages at about 73°F (23°C).

Santa Barbara usually gets less rain in January than Oahu. Santa Barbara gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Oahu in the Spring?

Both Oahu and Santa Barbara are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Oahu this time of year.

In April, Santa Barbara is generally much colder than Oahu. Daily temperatures in Santa Barbara average around 57°F (14°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In April, Santa Barbara usually receives less rain than Oahu. Santa Barbara gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oahu and Santa Barbara