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

Should you visit Juneau or Oahu?

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

Should I visit Juneau or Oahu? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Juneau

Juneau is a breathtaking, historic, and scenic city. Juneau is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Juneau travel costs.

Oahu

Oahu is a scenic, historic, and energetic island. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. You'll find world class beauty in Oahu as well. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food. See Oahu travel costs.

Juneau and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Juneau or Oahu?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Oahu than Juneau, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Oahu is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Juneau is more popular for its food. Oahu is more touristy than Juneau and is popular 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. Juneau is well known for its wildlife, natural beauty, and Gold Rush in 1880.

How is Juneau different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Juneau and Oahu.

Juneau offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many museums focus on the history in the area, including the Gold Rush and the mining industry. You can visit several historic mines as well as the Last Chance Mining Museum. Other museums around town include the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Walter Soboleff Building, and the Alaska State Museum.

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.

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

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

Juneau has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The seafood is superb and visitors will regret if they miss out on the salmon, halibut, and crab. There are many local restaurants and local chefs serving up the freshest caught fish. For the best seafood, head to the waterfront, and if you're looking for something other than seafood, the downtown is where you'll want to be.

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 Juneau or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

Oahu is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Juneau is not a good city for its evening party scene.

Oahu offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Juneau. There are a couple of bars and breweries, but most people relax in the evening.

Is Juneau or Oahu Better for Music?

Oahu is a moderate island for its live music scene. However, Juneau is not a live music destination.

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

Juneau is not a live music destination.

Is Juneau or Oahu Better for Resorts?

Oahu is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Juneau is not a resort destination.

Oahu is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Juneau is not a resort destination.

Is Juneau or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Juneau is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Juneau is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Juneau or Oahu Better for Beaches?

Oahu is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Juneau is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Oahu. 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.

Juneau is not a beach destination.

Is Juneau or Oahu Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Juneau and Oahu both have fantastic trails.

People visit Juneau specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find more than 250 miles of hiking trails in the area, and this really is the best way to experience Alaska. The area is known for its wildlife, but there are also glacier hikes, meadows, mountains, and more. In downtown Juneau there's the Perseverance Trail, the Granite Creek Trail, and the Mount Roberts Trail. From the Mendenhall Visitor Center there's the East Glacier Loop Trail, the West Glacier Trail, and the Nugget Falls Trail. There are also trails on Douglas Island and many options just outside of town.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Juneau or Oahu?

Both Juneau and Oahu are very good shopping destinations.

Juneau is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a mix of contemporary art and traditional artisan crafts. You'll find gift shops and art galleries around, particularly downtown and in the Mendenhall Valley business district. Visitors often enjoy buying art, wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, or dolls.

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.

Is Juneau or Oahu More Beautiful?

Juneau and Oahu are somewhat similar when it comes to the fantastic scenery.

You'll find world class beauty in Juneau as well. The landscape is filled with glaciers, mountains, and fjords, making it a dramatic and beautiful destination.

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.

Is Juneau or Oahu Better for Families?

Oahu is an amazing island to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Juneau is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Oahu is a very family-friendly destination. 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 family-friendly things to do in Juneau. Its is filled with adventure that the whole family will enjoy. There's whale watching, dog sled tours, helicopter rides, hiking, and the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway. This bucket-list destination will have an impact on kids and adults alike.

Is Juneau or Oahu Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Juneau and Oahu make for a fantastic place to visit.

Juneau makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy exploring and adventuring will be in awe of this destination. Glacier trekking, superb gardens, and romantic helicopter rides will leave you feeling like a contestant on "The Bachelor". There are also opportunities for romantic evenings out and cozy hotels where you can stay in.

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.

Is Juneau or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Juneau is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Oahu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Juneau. It's a popular destination with budget hotels and even a hostel or two.

Oahu is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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 Juneau or Oahu Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Juneau and Oahu offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Juneau. You can only reach Juneau by boat or plane and there are three bus routes through town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Oahu. Honolulu has a fairly good bus system, but once you're out of the city, public transportation is limited.

Is Juneau or Oahu a more walkable city?

Juneau is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Oahu is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Juneau is a very walkable city. The downtown is very walkable and many places can be reached within a reasonable walk.

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 Juneau Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Juneau?

How long in Juneau or Oahu?

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

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

One day in Juneau or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Juneau. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Oahu. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Juneau or Oahu?

Juneau is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Juneau or Oahu?

You'll find shopping and museums around the breathtaking destination of Juneau. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oahu. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Juneau or Oahu?

The historic city of Juneau offers museums and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of Oahu. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Juneau or Oahu?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Juneau or Oahu in the Summer?

Both Oahu and Juneau during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Juneau for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Oahu in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Juneau is much colder than Oahu in the summer. The daily temperature in Juneau averages around 56°F (13°C) in July, and Oahu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

In Oahu, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Juneau often gets less sunshine than Oahu. Juneau gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 303 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Juneau. Juneau usually gets more rain in July than Oahu. Juneau gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Juneau or Oahu in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Juneau and Oahu. Many visitors come to Juneau in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors 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 during these months.

In the autumn, Juneau is much colder than Oahu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Juneau in October average around 42°F (6°C), and Oahu averages at about 80°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oahu this time of the year. Juneau usually receives less sunshine than Oahu during autumn. Juneau gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Juneau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Juneau usually receives more rain than Oahu. Juneau gets 7.8 inches (199 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Juneau or Oahu in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Juneau as well as Oahu. Most visitors come to Juneau for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Oahu because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Juneau can be very cold during winter. In January, Juneau is generally much colder than Oahu. Daily temperatures in Juneau average around 24°F (-4°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oahu. In the winter, Juneau often gets less sunshine than Oahu. Juneau gets 87 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 212 hours of full sun.

Juneau receives a lot of rain in the winter. Juneau usually gets more rain in January than Oahu. Juneau gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Juneau or Oahu in the Spring?

Both Oahu and Juneau are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Juneau because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Oahu this time of year.

The weather in Juneau can be very cold. Juneau is much colder than Oahu in the spring. The daily temperature in Juneau averages around 40°F (4°C) in April, and Oahu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Oahu. Juneau usually receives less sunshine than Oahu during spring. Juneau gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Juneau usually receives more rain than Oahu. Juneau gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oahu and Juneau