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

Should you visit Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a under-rated, lively, and youthful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Jacksonville travel costs.

Oahu

Oahu is a cosmopolitan, scenic, and historic island. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Oahu is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Oahu travel costs.

Jacksonville and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Oahu?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oahu. Although Jacksonville and Oahu are both popular with visitors, Oahu has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Oahu is more popular for its music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Jacksonville is known for its food. Oahu is more touristy than Jacksonville 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. Jacksonville is popular for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area.

How is Jacksonville different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Oahu and Jacksonville.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Jacksonville. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

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.

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

Jacksonville is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Oahu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Jacksonville has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

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 Jacksonville or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

Both Jacksonville and Oahu have great vibes after the sun sets.

Jacksonville has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

The people in Oahu know how to have a good time. 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 Jacksonville or Oahu Better for Music?

Oahu is a decent place to visit for its music scene. However, Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville is not a live music destination.

Is Jacksonville or Oahu Better for Resorts?

Oahu is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Oahu to choose from. 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.

Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

Is Jacksonville or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Jacksonville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Jacksonville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Jacksonville or Oahu Better for Beaches?

Oahu is renowned for the beach. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Oahu offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Jacksonville is considered a top beach destination. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Is Jacksonville or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Oahu is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Oahu is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Oahu?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Jacksonville and Oahu.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Jacksonville. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

Oahu is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Is Jacksonville or Oahu More Beautiful?

Oahu is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Jacksonville or Oahu Better for Families?

Oahu is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Oahu is very family-friendly. 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 Jacksonville. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

Is Jacksonville or Oahu Better for Couples?

Oahu is renowned for couples. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Oahu is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Jacksonville is a nice destination for couples. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

Is Jacksonville or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville and Oahu are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

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.

Is Jacksonville or Oahu Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Jacksonville. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Oahu is not popular with students.

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

Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville has some public transit options. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

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 Jacksonville or Oahu a more walkable city?

Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville is a somewhat walkable place. Downtown Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Oahu?

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

Families should spend more time in Oahu than Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville. 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.

One day in Jacksonville or Oahu?

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

In Oahu, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant island offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Oahu?

Jacksonville 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.

Oahu is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Jacksonville or Oahu?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Jacksonville. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

In Oahu, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this scenic destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Jacksonville or Oahu?

The fun city of Jacksonville 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 to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

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

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

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

Both Oahu and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. 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.

In July, Jacksonville is generally around the same temperature as Oahu. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 82°F (28°C), 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 Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu during summer. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Jacksonville. In July, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Oahu. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Oahu in the Autumn?

Both Oahu and Jacksonville during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, 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.

Jacksonville is cooler than Oahu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Oahu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

In Oahu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. In the autumn, Jacksonville often gets less sunshine than Oahu. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 246 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in October than Oahu. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Oahu in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Oahu. The winter months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oahu this time of year.

In the winter, Jacksonville is much colder than Oahu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jacksonville in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Oahu averages at about 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oahu this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives less sunshine than Oahu during winter. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than Oahu. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Oahu in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Oahu. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Oahu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Jacksonville is generally cooler than Oahu. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 68°F (20°C), 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 Jacksonville this time of the year. In the spring, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Oahu. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 253 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in April than Oahu. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Oahu and Jacksonville