A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America West Palm Beach vs. Oahu for Resorts, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Oahu?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a diverse, vibrant, and fun-filled beach area. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife.

Oahu

Oahu is a scenic, historic, and energetic island. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

West Palm Beach and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in West Palm Beach or Oahu?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Oahu. Although West Palm Beach and Oahu are popular destinations, Oahu has more sights and attractions for tourists. Oahu is very popular for its museums, food, music, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while West Palm Beach attracts visitors for its resorts. Oahu is more touristy than West Palm Beach and is known 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. West Palm Beach is famous for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports.

How is West Palm Beach different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in West Palm Beach or Oahu?

Oahu is a great island for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in West Palm Beach or Oahu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Oahu is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Oahu. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is West Palm Beach or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find very good options in both West Palm Beach and Oahu.

The nightlife in West Palm Beach has something for everybody. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

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.

Is West Palm Beach or Oahu Better for Music?

Oahu is adequate for live music. However, West Palm Beach is not a live music destination.

While it's not known for it's music scene, Oahu has some options for casual listeners. There are a few good venues that offer live music on Oahu.

West Palm Beach is not a live music destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Oahu Better for Resorts?

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

West Palm Beach offers an unforgettable resort vacation. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

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 West Palm Beach or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

There's very good scuba diving or snorkeling available in both West Palm Beach and Oahu.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Is West Palm Beach or Oahu Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both West Palm Beach and Oahu are fantastic choices.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in West Palm Beach. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

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 West Palm Beach or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Oahu is very popular for hiking. However, West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

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.

West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Oahu?

Oahu is a great island for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Oahu Better for Families?

Oahu is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area for its family-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.

West Palm Beach is a very kid-friendly beach area. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Is West Palm Beach or Oahu Better for Couples?

Oahu is very popular for romance. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area for its romantic activities.

Oahu makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

West Palm Beach is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

Is West Palm Beach or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oahu is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach has some public transit options. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

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 West Palm Beach or Oahu a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable place. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area 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 West Palm Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or West Palm Beach?

How long in West Palm Beach or Oahu?

Both West Palm Beach and Oahu have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Oahu has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Oahu than West Palm Beach. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Oahu than West Palm Beach. 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 West Palm Beach. 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 West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of West Palm Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The cosmopolitan destination of Oahu offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in West Palm Beach or Oahu?

West Palm Beach is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. 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.

The island of Oahu offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in West Palm Beach or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the fun-filled destination of West Palm Beach. This beach area offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Oahu is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in West Palm Beach or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the fun-filled beach area of West Palm Beach. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

The scenic island of Oahu offers museums and nightlife. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between West Palm Beach and Oahu, we can see that Oahu is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

When is the best time to visit West Palm Beach or Oahu?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Oahu in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Oahu. Many travelers come to West Palm Beach for the beaches, snorkeling, 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 the summer, West Palm Beach is around the same temperature as Oahu. Typically, the summer temperatures in West Palm Beach in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Oahu averages at about 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oahu this time of the year. In West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. West Palm Beach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu during summer. West Palm Beach gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

West Palm Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Oahu. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Oahu in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Oahu. 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.

In October, West Palm Beach is generally around the same temperature as Oahu. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 78°F (25°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oahu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in West Palm Beach this time of the year. In the autumn, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Oahu. West Palm Beach gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 246 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in October than Oahu. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Oahu in the Winter?

Both Oahu and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to West Palm Beach for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Oahu because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

West Palm Beach is cooler than Oahu in the winter. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 65°F (19°C) in January, and Oahu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Oahu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Oahu during winter. West Palm Beach gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, West Palm Beach usually receives less rain than Oahu. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Oahu in the Spring?

Both Oahu and West Palm Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the beaches. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Oahu this time of year.

In the spring, West Palm Beach is around the same temperature as Oahu. Typically, the spring temperatures in West Palm Beach in April average around 74°F (23°C), and Oahu averages at about 76°F (24°C).

In Oahu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. In the spring, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Oahu. West Palm Beach gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 253 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in April than Oahu. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.

Typical Weather for Oahu and West Palm Beach