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

Should you visit Wilmington or Oahu?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Wilmington or Oahu, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a historic, welcoming, and charming city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Oahu

Oahu is a energetic, vibrant, and cosmopolitan 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 beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Wilmington and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wilmington or Oahu?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Oahu. Although Wilmington and Oahu are popular destinations, Oahu has more sights and attractions for tourists. Oahu is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Wilmington attracts visitors for its historical sights. Oahu is more touristy than Wilmington 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. Wilmington is famous for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting.

How is Wilmington different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Oahu is great for its historical sights. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Oahu can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Wilmington offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

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

Both Wilmington and Oahu offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Is Wilmington or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

Oahu is great for nightlife. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Oahu for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Wilmington. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

Is Wilmington or Oahu Better for Music?

Oahu is adequate for live music. However, Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is not a live music destination.

Is Wilmington or Oahu Better for Resorts?

Oahu is great for its luxury resorts. However, Wilmington is not a resort destination.

Oahu is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Wilmington is not a resort destination.

Is Wilmington or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Wilmington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Oahu to enjoy 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.

Wilmington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Wilmington or Oahu Better for Beaches?

Oahu is a must-visit destination for its beaches. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the beache.

The beaches in Oahu are among the best in 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.

The beaches at Wilmington attract visitors from all over. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Is Wilmington or Oahu Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington 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 Wilmington. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Oahu does not have a historic old town.

Is Wilmington or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Oahu is a must-visit destination for hiking. However, Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Oahu draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or Oahu?

Oahu is great for shopping. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Wilmington offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Is Wilmington or Oahu Better for Families?

Oahu is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Oahu is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. 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.

Wilmington is a very kid-friendly city. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

Is Wilmington or Oahu Better for Couples?

Oahu is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Oahu has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Wilmington is a very popular place to visit for couples. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

Is Wilmington or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oahu is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Wilmington is not a good destination for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Wilmington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, the university and great beaches make this a surprisingly fun destination.

Is Wilmington or Oahu Better for Students?

Wilmington is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Oahu is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Wilmington. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Oahu is not popular with students.

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

Wilmington and Oahu both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

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 Wilmington or Oahu a more walkable city?

Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable place. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

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 Wilmington Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Wilmington?

How long in Wilmington or Oahu?

Both Wilmington 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 Wilmington. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Wilmington, and 3-7 days is enough time in Oahu.

Families should spend more time in Oahu than Wilmington. 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 Wilmington. 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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Wilmington. 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.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the cosmopolitan island of Oahu, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Wilmington or Oahu?

Wilmington is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Oahu, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Wilmington or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the welcoming destination of Wilmington. This city 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, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wilmington or Oahu?

The charming city of Wilmington offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this island makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

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

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

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Wilmington and Oahu. The summer months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oahu this time of year.

In the summer, Wilmington is around the same temperature as Oahu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Wilmington in July average around 81°F (27°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 Wilmington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wilmington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu during summer. Wilmington gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

Wilmington gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Oahu. Wilmington gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Wilmington or Oahu in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Wilmington as well as Oahu. The shopping scene are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year. Additionally, many travelers 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.

In October, Wilmington is generally cooler than Oahu. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 65°F (18°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 Wilmington this time of the year. In the autumn, Wilmington often gets less sunshine than Oahu. Wilmington gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 246 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets more rain in October than Oahu. Wilmington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wilmington or Oahu in the Winter?

Both Oahu and Wilmington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Wilmington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Oahu in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Wilmington is much colder than Oahu in the winter. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Oahu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Oahu. Wilmington usually receives less sunshine than Oahu during winter. Wilmington gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Wilmington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Oahu. Wilmington gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Wilmington or Oahu in the Spring?

Both Oahu and Wilmington during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Wilmington in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Oahu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Wilmington is cooler than Oahu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Wilmington in April average around 63°F (17°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 Wilmington. In the spring, Wilmington often gets more sunshine than Oahu. Wilmington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 253 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets more rain in April than Oahu. Wilmington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Oahu and Wilmington