A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Nags Head vs. Oahu for Families, Couples, Nightlife, and Food

Should you visit Nags Head or Oahu?

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

Should I visit Nags Head 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.

Nags Head

Visitors also love the nightlife and food. See Nags Head travel costs.

Oahu

Oahu is a scenic, historic, and energetic island. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Many visitors also come to Oahu because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Oahu travel costs.

Nags Head and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nags Head or Oahu?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Oahu. Although Nags Head and Oahu are popular destinations, Oahu has more sights and attractions for tourists. Oahu is more touristy than Nags Head and is known for its unique blend of cultures, stunning beaches, vibrant energy, and world class water sports (including surfing). It is also well known for Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. Nags Head is famous for

How is Nags Head different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nags Head or Oahu?

Oahu is great for its historical sights. However, Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Nags Head and Oahu can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Nags Head. There are a wide variety of seafood restaurants that serve locally caught fish, shrimp, and crabs. Cajon flavors are popular and you'll also find cheese grits at many places.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oahu. 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 Nags Head or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is very good in both Nags Head and Oahu.

Many people head to Nags Head for the nightlife scene. You'll find the widest variety of nightlife options in the Outer Banks here. There are a number of bars and clubs around town where you can enjoy a drink or dance late into the night. During the peak summer months there's often live music at many places.

Oahu has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Nags Head or Oahu Better for Music?

Oahu is adequate for live music. However, Nags Head 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.

Nags Head is not a live music destination.

Is Nags Head or Oahu Better for Resorts?

Oahu is great for its luxury resorts. However, Nags Head 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.

Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Is Nags Head or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Nags Head 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.

Nags Head is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nags Head or Oahu Better for Beaches?

Oahu is an amazing island to visit for its beaches. However, Nags Head 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.

Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Is Nags Head or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Oahu is an amazing island to visit for hiking. However, Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

People visit Oahu specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nags Head or Oahu?

Oahu is great for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nags Head or Oahu More Beautiful?

Oahu is an amazing island to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Nags Head 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.

Nags Head is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nags Head or Oahu Better for Families?

Oahu is an amazing island to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its family-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.

Nags Head is a very kid-friendly . It makes a wonderful base for the many family-friendly activities in the area. Jockey's Ridge is a fun place to visit with kids. There are also wonderful beaches and many kids enjoying flying kites.

Is Nags Head or Oahu Better for Couples?

Oahu is an amazing island to visit for romance. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its romantic activities.

Oahu makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Nags Head makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are great seafood restaurants and a number of activities in the area that are fun for couples.

Is Nags Head or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Nags Head and Oahu are nice places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nags Head. This is one of the more affordable places to stay in the Outer Banks, so it appeals to more budget-oriented travelers.

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.

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

Oahu is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Nags Head. There's no real public transit around town, so you'll need to have your own car.

Is Nags Head or Oahu a more walkable city?

Nags Head and Oahu are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Nags Head is generally not a very walkable . This is one of the least walkable towns in the Outer Banks. You'll need a car to reach most restaurants and other activities in the area.

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.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Oahu?

Both Nags Head and Oahu have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Oahu has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Oahu than Nags Head. In general, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Nags Head, and 3-7 days is enough time in Oahu.

Families should spend more time in Oahu than Nags Head. 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 Nags Head. 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 Nags Head 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 Nags Head or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nags Head. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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 Nags Head or Oahu?

Nags Head is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. 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 vibrant 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 Nags Head or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the fun-filled destination of Nags Head. This offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Nags Head or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun-filled of Nags Head. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 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 Nags Head and Oahu, we can see that Oahu is more expensive. And not only is Nags Head much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nags Head would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nags Head 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 Nags Head.

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

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and Oahu. Many travelers come to Nags Head for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, 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.

In the summer, Nags Head is around the same temperature as Oahu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nags Head in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Oahu averages at about 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oahu this time of the year. In Nags Head, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nags Head usually receives less sunshine than Oahu during summer. Nags Head gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nags Head gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Oahu. Nags Head 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 Nags Head or Oahu in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as Oahu. Additionally, 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 October, Nags Head is generally much colder than Oahu. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 62°F (16°C), 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 Nags Head this time of the year. In the autumn, Nags Head often gets less sunshine than Oahu. Nags Head gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 246 hours of full sun.

Nags Head usually gets more rain in October than Oahu. Nags Head gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nags Head or Oahu in the Winter?

Both Oahu and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nags Head for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Oahu because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nags Head can be very cold during winter. Nags Head is much colder than Oahu in the winter. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 41°F (5°C) in January, and Oahu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Oahu. Nags Head usually receives less sunshine than Oahu during winter. Nags Head gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Nags Head. In January, Nags Head usually receives around the same amount of rain as Oahu. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nags Head or Oahu in the Spring?

Both Oahu and Nags Head during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Oahu this time of year.

In the spring, Nags Head is much colder than Oahu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nags Head in April average around 59°F (15°C), and Oahu averages at about 76°F (24°C).

In Oahu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nags Head. In the spring, Nags Head often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu. Nags Head gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 253 hours of full sun.

Nags Head usually gets more rain in April than Oahu. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Oahu and Nags Head