Which place is cheaper, Oahu or Big Pine Key?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Big Pine Key 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 Big Pine Key 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.
Where Should I go: Big Pine Key or Oahu?
Big Pine Key
If you are yearning for a slice of paradise without the hustle and bustle of an ever-growing tourist population, the calm, turquoise waters and the untouched sands of Big Pine Key will surely do. Located 100 miles south of Miami and 30 miles north of Key West, this small community huddled in the family of Florida keys is often overlooked by many. However, Big Pine Key is truly a gem for all who seek a tropical vacation as activities like boating, fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling are found throughout the town. Besides its oceanic wonders, Big Pine Key also boasts in containing some of the United States' best seafood restaurants. Enjoy the aquatic wonders of the Keys and stop at Big Pine Key!
Oahu
Hawaii is the epitome of paradise, and at the heart of paradise is the island of O'ahu (or Oahu). While it's only the third largest of the Hawaiian islands, O'ahu, or "the gathering place," is the most populous in the state with approximately 976,000 people calling O'ahu home, many of which live in the capital city of Honolulu.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.
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Big Pine Key Prices
USA PricesOahu Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBig Pine Key $174Oahu $371
The average daily cost (per person) in Big Pine Key is $174, while the average daily cost in Oahu is $371. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Big Pine Key and Oahu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBig Pine Key $64Oahu $237
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBig Pine Key $128Oahu $474
Compare Hotels in Big Pine Key and Oahu
Looking for a hotel in Big Pine Key or Oahu? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Oahu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Big Pine Key $56Oahu $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oahu
Also for Oahu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Waikiki: 5-in-1 Turtle Snorkeling Trip with Transfer: $139
- Private Transfer: Waikiki to Honolulu Airport HNL by Sedan: $111
- Private Transfer: Honolulu to Honolulu Airport HNL in Sedan Car: $119
- Private Transfer from North Shore to Honolulu (HLN) Airport: $224
- Private Transfer from Ko Olina to Honolulu (HLN) Airport : $139
- Private Transfer from Kawela to Honolulu (HLN) Airport: $224
- Private Transfer from Honolulu Port to Honolulu Airport (HNL): $22
- Private Transfer from Honolulu (HNL) Airport to Wakiki Beach: $111
- Private Transfer from Honolulu (HLN) Airport to Pupukea: $224
- Private Transfer from Honolulu (HLN) Airport to North Shore : $224
- Polynesian Show and Dining experience with Transfer: $230
- One-Way VIP Transfer: Honolulu Airport, Ko Olina, Cruise Port: $265
Is it cheaper to fly into Big Pine Key or Oahu?
Prices for flights to both Oahu and Big Pine Key change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayBig Pine Key $72Oahu $91
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Oahu
For Oahu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Waikiki Fireworks Dinner Cruise: Sail & Sparkle on Friday Nights: $129
- Ka Moana Luau Dinner and Show at Aloha Tower: $135
- Sunset Dinner Cruise in Honolulu: $140
- Honolulu Sunset & Friday Fireworks Dinner Cruise: $151
- Germaine's Traditional Luau Show & Buffet Dinner: $159
- Chief's Luau Dinner Show: $177
- Three Star Deluxe Sunset Dinner and Show: $193
- Friday Fireworks Dinner Sail from the Hilton Hawaiian Village : $211
- Nova Five Star Sunset Dinner and Jazz: $236
- Traditional Canoe Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $250
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Big Pine Key $42Oahu $27
Tours and Activities in Oahu
For Oahu, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- "Tour de Honolulu" Foodie Bike Tour: $189
- Guided Kayak Tour to Kailua’s Twin Islands: $219
- Waikiki Two Tank Guided Scuba Diving Adventure: Certified Diver: $249
- "Capture Memories: One-Hour Photography Experience at Waikiki": $150
- 1-Hour 3 Zipline Tour at Coral Crater: $109
- 2-Hour 6 Zipline Tour at Coral Crater: $199
- 2-Hour Private Botanical Facial with Hand Dip Experience: $175
- 3 Hour Sunrise Photo Tour with Malasada: $70
- 3-Hour Honolulu Bottom Fishing Adventure : $87
- 5 in 1 Deluxe Cruise: Turtle Snorkeling, Activities and Pick-Up: $59
- 8-Line Zipline Adventure on Oahu's North Shore: $204
- ATV Adventure in Hawaii by Da Mongoose EzRaider: $139
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBig Pine Key $9.29Oahu $6.47
Sample the Local Flavors in Oahu
Also in Oahu, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Honolulu Self Guided Bar Crawl and Sightseeing: $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Big Pine Key and Oahu, we can see that Oahu is more expensive. And not only is Big Pine Key much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Big Pine Key would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Big Pine Key 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 Big Pine Key.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Big Pine Key Expensive? and Is Oahu Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Big Pine Key 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 Big Pine Key or Oahu in the Summer?
Both Oahu and Big Pine Key are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, 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.
Big Pine Key is around the same temperature as Oahu in the summer. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Oahu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).
It's quite sunny in Oahu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Big Pine Key. Big Pine Key usually receives more sunshine than Oahu during summer. Big Pine Key gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Big Pine Key usually receives more rain than Oahu. Big Pine Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBig Pine Key 84°F (29°C)Oahu 81°F (27°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Oahu in the Autumn?
Both Oahu and Big Pine Key during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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.
In the autumn, Big Pine Key is around the same temperature as Oahu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Big Pine Key in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Oahu averages at about 80°F (26°C).
In Oahu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Big Pine Key. In the autumn, Big Pine Key often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu. Big Pine Key gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 246 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Big Pine Key. Big Pine Key usually gets more rain in October than Oahu. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBig Pine Key 80°F (27°C)Oahu 80°F (26°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Oahu in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Pine Key and Oahu. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oahu this time of year.
In January, Big Pine Key is generally around the same temperature as Oahu. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 70°F (21°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oahu this time of the year. In Big Pine Key, it's very sunny this time of the year. Big Pine Key usually receives more sunshine than Oahu during winter. Big Pine Key gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Oahu. Big Pine Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBig Pine Key 70°F (21°C)Oahu 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Oahu in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as Oahu. Also, many travelers come to Oahu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
Big Pine Key is around the same temperature as Oahu in the spring. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Oahu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oahu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Big Pine Key this time of the year. In the spring, Big Pine Key often gets more sunshine than Oahu. Big Pine Key gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 253 hours of full sun.
Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in April than Oahu. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBig Pine Key 77°F (25°C)Oahu 76°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Oahu and Big Pine Key
| Big Pine Key | Oahu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Feb | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Mar | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
| Apr | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
| May | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) |
| Jun | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 80°F (26°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
| Jul | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 0.6 inches (15 mm) |
| Aug | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 0.4 inches (11 mm) |
| Sep | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) |
| Oct | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 80°F (26°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
| Nov | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Dec | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.