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

Should you visit Charlotte or Oahu?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Charlotte and Oahu can help you decide which place is right for you.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a growing, evolving, and up-and-coming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Charlotte travel costs.

Oahu

Oahu is a historic, energetic, and vibrant island. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Many visitors also come to Oahu because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Oahu travel costs.

Charlotte and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charlotte or Oahu?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oahu. Although Charlotte and Oahu are both popular with visitors, Oahu has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Oahu is more touristy than Charlotte and is known 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. Charlotte is popular for its banking industry and growing Uptown area.

How is Charlotte different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

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.

Charlotte is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Mint Museum is a popular place to visit, as is the Gantt Center for African American Arts. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and sports enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Charlotte and Oahu.

Charlotte is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food scene continues to grow and change around town. You'll find the latest trendy restaurant changes regularly, but dishes often include upscale southern faire or classic American. There are also many international restaurants, particularly Mexican, Thai, and Chinese.

Oahu offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Charlotte or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

Oahu is great for its evening party scene. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

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 Charlotte. Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the night.

Is Charlotte or Oahu Better for Music?

Oahu is adequate for its music scene. However, Charlotte 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.

Charlotte is not a live music destination.

Is Charlotte or Oahu Better for Resorts?

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

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.

Charlotte is not a resort destination.

Is Charlotte or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Charlotte is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Charlotte is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Charlotte or Oahu Better for Beaches?

Oahu is terrific for the beach. However, Charlotte is not a beach destination.

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.

Charlotte is not a beach destination.

Is Charlotte or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Oahu is terrific for hiking. However, Charlotte is not a hiking destination.

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.

Charlotte is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlotte or Oahu?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Charlotte is a great destination for shopping. Shopping malls such as SouthPark Mall or Carolina Place offer all of the standard retailers. Concord Mills is another favorite mall in the area. Aside from the malls, there is no shortage of shopping centers around town.

Is Charlotte or Oahu More Beautiful?

Oahu is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Charlotte is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Oahu because of it's amazing beauty. The island has striking beaches and stunning mountains, making it a beautiful Hawaiian Island.

Charlotte is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Charlotte or Oahu Better for Families?

Oahu is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Oahu is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Charlotte is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of museums for kids, with one of the best being Discovery Place. It has many hands-on science based exhibits that kids will love. Another unique experience is a visit to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Carowinds Amusement Park is also in the area as are many great parks, playgrounds, and natural areas.

Is Charlotte or Oahu Better for Couples?

Oahu is terrific for couples. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Charlotte is a nice destination for couples. There are a number of date night activities around town, particularly Uptown. You can see a show or concert at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center or hit up one of the trendy bars or restaurants. There are also sporting events and other festivals that are fun to experience.

Is Charlotte or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oahu is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlotte is not a good destination for backpackers.

Oahu is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Charlotte is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a backpacker destination, there are some cheaper motels that budget travelers can stay at.

Is Charlotte or Oahu Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Charlotte. There are a number of smaller colleges in town, but the biggest university is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Oahu is not popular with students.

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

Charlotte 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.

Charlotte has some public transit options. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

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 Charlotte or Oahu a more walkable city?

Charlotte 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.

Charlotte is a somewhat walkable place. The Uptown area is the most walkable part of the city.

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 Charlotte Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Charlotte?

How long in Charlotte or Oahu?

Both Charlotte 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 Charlotte. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Charlotte, and 3-7 days is enough time in Oahu.

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Charlotte. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find nightlife and food around the island of Oahu. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Charlotte or Oahu?

Charlotte is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the energetic destination of Oahu. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Charlotte or Oahu?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the up-and-coming destination of Charlotte. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the vibrant island of Oahu. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

A week in Charlotte or Oahu?

The growing city of Charlotte offers nightlife and food. 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 choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oahu, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

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

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

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Oahu. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Oahu for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oahu this time of the year. In Charlotte, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charlotte usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu during summer. Charlotte gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

Charlotte gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Oahu. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Charlotte or Oahu in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Oahu. Many travelers come to Charlotte for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Oahu in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Charlotte is much colder than Oahu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, 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 Charlotte this time of the year. In the autumn, Charlotte often gets less sunshine than Oahu. Charlotte gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 246 hours of full sun.

Charlotte usually gets more rain in October than Oahu. Charlotte 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 Charlotte or Oahu in the Winter?

Both Oahu and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Charlotte in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Oahu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Charlotte is much colder than Oahu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Charlotte in January average around 42°F (6°C), and Oahu averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Oahu. Charlotte usually receives less sunshine than Oahu during winter. Charlotte gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Charlotte usually receives less rain than Oahu. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Charlotte or Oahu in the Spring?

Both Oahu and Charlotte during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Charlotte for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Oahu because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Charlotte is generally cooler than Oahu. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 63°F (17°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Oahu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Charlotte. In the spring, Charlotte often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu. Charlotte gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 253 hours of full sun.

Charlotte usually gets more rain in April than Oahu. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Oahu and Charlotte