A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Oahu for Attractions, Nightlife, Resorts, and Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Should you visit Tulum or Oahu?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Oahu can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tulum

Tulum is a ancient, archeological, and tropical town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Oahu

Oahu is a vibrant, cosmopolitan, and scenic island. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Tulum and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Oahu?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Oahu. Although Tulum and Oahu are popular destinations, Oahu has more sights and attractions for tourists. Oahu is very popular for its music, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Tulum attracts visitors for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling. Tulum is famous for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. Oahu is famous for its unique blend of cultures, stunning beaches, vibrant energy, and world class water sports (including surfing). It is also well known for Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial.

How is Tulum different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tulum is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Oahu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Tulum are world-renowned. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

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

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

Tulum has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

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 Tulum or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Oahu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

People head to Tulum just to party. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

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.

Is Tulum or Oahu Better for Music?

Oahu is a moderate island for live music. However, Tulum 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.

Tulum is not a live music destination.

Is Tulum or Oahu Better for Resorts?

Tulum is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Oahu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Tulum offers an unforgettable resort vacation. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

In Oahu, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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 Tulum or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is a world-class destination for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Oahu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for snorkeling and scuba diving.

People travel to Tulum specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

Oahu is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Is Tulum or Oahu Better for Beaches?

Both Tulum and Oahu are considered to be first-rate beach destinations.

Tulum is considered to be a world-class beach destination. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

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.

Is Tulum or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Oahu is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Around Oahu visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Tulum. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Oahu?

Both Tulum and Oahu are high quality shopping destinations.

Tulum is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

Oahu is well-known for its shopping. 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 Tulum or Oahu Better for Families?

Oahu is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Oahu is an extremely popular island to visit for families. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Tulum is very family-friendly. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

Is Tulum or Oahu Better for Couples?

Both Tulum and Oahu are first-rate destinations for a couple's getaway.

Tulum is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

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.

Is Tulum or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Oahu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Tulum. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

Oahu is a good town 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 Tulum or Oahu Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tulum 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.

Tulum has some public transit options. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

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 Tulum or Oahu a more walkable city?

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

Tulum is a very walkable town. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore 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 Tulum Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Oahu?

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

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

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

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

One day in Tulum or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Tulum. 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, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this vibrant destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tulum or Oahu?

Tulum 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oahu. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the lively destination of Tulum. This town 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. In Oahu, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tulum or Oahu?

The lively town of Tulum offers shopping and museums. 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, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this cosmopolitan destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

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

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

Both Oahu and Tulum during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Oahu because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tulum is around the same temperature as Oahu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tulum in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Oahu averages at about 81°F (27°C).

In Oahu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the summer, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Oahu. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 303 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets more rain in July than Oahu. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Oahu in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Oahu. The autumn months attract visitors to Tulum because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Oahu this time of year.

In October, Tulum is generally around the same temperature as Oahu. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Oahu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oahu this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Oahu during autumn. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tulum usually receives more rain than Oahu. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Should I visit Tulum or Oahu in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Oahu. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Oahu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Tulum is around the same temperature as Oahu in the winter. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Oahu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oahu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the winter, Tulum often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 212 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets less rain in January than Oahu. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Oahu in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Tulum is a little warmer than Oahu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tulum in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Oahu averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Oahu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Oahu during spring. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tulum usually receives around the same amount of rain as Oahu. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Oahu and Tulum