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

Should you visit Detroit or Oahu?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Detroit 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.

Detroit

Detroit is a hardworking, overlooked , and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Detroit travel costs.

Oahu

Oahu is a energetic, vibrant, and cosmopolitan island. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Oahu is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Oahu travel costs.

Detroit and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Detroit or Oahu?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Oahu than Detroit, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Oahu is better known for its museums and attractions, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Detroit is more popular for its music. Oahu is more touristy than Detroit and is known for its unique blend of cultures, stunning beaches, vibrant energy, and world class water sports (including surfing). Also, Oahu is famous for Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. Detroit is well known for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry.

How is Detroit different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Oahu is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Detroit. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Detroit and Oahu can be an enjoyable experience.

Detroit has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

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 Detroit or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Detroit and Oahu.

Detroit has a large number of nightlife venues. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

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 Detroit or Oahu Better for Music?

Detroit is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Oahu is lacking in good options for its music scene.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Detroit. Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

For those who seek it out, Oahu has several music venues. There are a few good venues that offer live music on Oahu.

Is Detroit or Oahu Better for Resorts?

Oahu is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is not a resort destination.

Is Detroit or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Detroit or Oahu Better for Beaches?

Oahu is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Detroit is not a beach destination.

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.

Detroit is not a beach destination.

Is Detroit or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Oahu is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Detroit or Oahu?

Oahu is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Detroit to go shopping. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Is Detroit or Oahu More Beautiful?

Oahu is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Detroit is not a destination known for its beauty.

Oahu is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The island has striking beaches and stunning mountains, making it a beautiful Hawaiian Island.

Detroit is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Detroit or Oahu Better for Families?

Oahu is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Detroit. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.

Is Detroit or Oahu Better for Couples?

Oahu is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

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.

Detroit is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.

Is Detroit or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oahu is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Detroit is lacking in good options 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.

Detroit is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but this is still an often overlooked city.

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

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Detroit and Oahu.

Public transit is mostly limited in Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.

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 Detroit or Oahu a more walkable city?

Detroit 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.

Detroit is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

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 Detroit Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Detroit?

How long in Detroit or Oahu?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Detroit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Oahu, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Detroit or Oahu?

Detroit is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the live music. 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.

In Oahu, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Detroit or Oahu?

You'll find food and shopping around the under-rated destination of Detroit. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Oahu is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oahu has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Detroit or Oahu?

The overlooked city of Detroit offers shopping and museums. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oahu. In Oahu, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

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

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

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

Both Oahu and Detroit are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Detroit because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, 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.

Detroit is cooler than Oahu in the summer. The daily temperature in Detroit averages around 74°F (24°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 Detroit. Detroit usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu during summer. Detroit gets 319 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Detroit usually receives more rain than Oahu. Detroit gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Detroit or Oahu in the Autumn?

Both Oahu and Detroit during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Detroit this time of year. Also, 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 the autumn, Detroit is much colder than Oahu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Detroit in October average around 54°F (12°C), and Oahu averages at about 80°F (26°C).

In Oahu, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Detroit often gets less sunshine than Oahu. Detroit gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 246 hours of full sun.

Detroit usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Oahu. Detroit gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Detroit or Oahu in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Detroit and Oahu. Many travelers come to Detroit 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.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Detroit. In January, Detroit is generally much colder than Oahu. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 25°F (-4°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oahu this time of the year. Detroit usually receives less sunshine than Oahu during winter. Detroit gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Detroit usually receives less rain than Oahu. Detroit gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Detroit or Oahu in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Detroit as well as Oahu. Many visitors come to Detroit in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Oahu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Detroit is much colder than Oahu in the spring. The daily temperature in Detroit averages around 49°F (9°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 Detroit this time of the year. In the spring, Detroit often gets less sunshine than Oahu. Detroit gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 253 hours of full sun.

Detroit usually gets more rain in April than Oahu. Detroit gets 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Oahu and Detroit