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

Should you visit New Bern or Oahu?

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

Should I visit New Bern 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.

New Bern

New Bern is a quaint, charming, and laid back town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food. See New Bern 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. The famous beauty of Oahu is one of the main draws. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Oahu travel costs.

New Bern and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Bern or Oahu?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Oahu. Although New Bern and Oahu are popular destinations, Oahu has more sights and attractions for tourists. Oahu is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while New Bern attracts visitors for its small town charm. Oahu is more touristy than New Bern and is popular 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. New Bern is famous for being the birthplace of Pepsi.

How is New Bern different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New Bern or Oahu?

Oahu is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

New Bern offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many visitors check out the Tryon Palace while they're in town. Other museums include the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Gallery, and the New Bern Academy Museum.

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

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

New Bern offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a number of local eateries, bistros, and cafes in town. You can sample southern favorites or something international. Popular dishes include fresh caught fish, crab cakes, and even tacos.

Oahu has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 New Bern or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

Oahu is well known for nightlife. However, New Bern is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

New Bern doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.

Is New Bern or Oahu Better for Music?

Oahu is a island with a few options for live music. However, New Bern 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.

New Bern is not a live music destination.

Is New Bern or Oahu Better for Resorts?

Oahu is well known for its resorts. However, New Bern 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.

New Bern is not a resort destination.

Is New Bern or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is well known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, New Bern 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.

New Bern is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is New Bern or Oahu Better for Beaches?

Oahu is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, New Bern 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.

New Bern is not a beach destination.

Is New Bern or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Oahu is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, New Bern 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.

New Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New Bern or Oahu?

Oahu is well known for shopping. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting New Bern. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.

Is New Bern or Oahu More Beautiful?

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

The famous beauty of Oahu is one of the main draws. The island has striking beaches and stunning mountains, making it a beautiful Hawaiian Island.

New Bern is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is New Bern or Oahu Better for Families?

Oahu is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, New Bern is not particularly known 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.

For families, New Bern is not always the best place to visit. Stand up paddle boarding and other outdoor activities are a fun way to experience the area with kids. You could also visit the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Tryon Palace, or one of the parks around town.

Is New Bern or Oahu Better for Couples?

Oahu is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

New Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town's charm and quaint parks make this a nice weekend getaway. There are outdoor activities and the Tryon Palace which is nice to visit. There are also local restaurants around town.

Is New Bern or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oahu is a popular place for backpackers. However, New Bern is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

New Bern is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not popular with backpackers in part because it's a small town that most people breeze through on their way to the beach.

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

Oahu is a island with a few options for its public transit. However, New Bern is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in New Bern. There's no real public transit in the area.

Is New Bern or Oahu a more walkable city?

New Bern 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.

New Bern is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable and nice to explore on foot.

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 New Bern Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or New Bern?

How long in New Bern or Oahu?

Both New Bern 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 New Bern. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for New Bern, and 3-7 days is enough time in Oahu.

Families should spend more time in Oahu than New Bern. 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 New Bern. 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 New Bern 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 New Bern or Oahu?

New Bern is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The beautiful island of Oahu offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in New Bern or Oahu?

New Bern 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.

Oahu is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in New Bern or Oahu?

New Bern is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Oahu is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oahu, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in New Bern or Oahu?

Because New Bern is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oahu has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

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

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

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

The summer brings many poeple to New Bern as well as Oahu. Many travelers come to New Bern for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, 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, New Bern is around the same temperature as Oahu. Typically, the summer temperatures in New Bern in July average around 80°F (27°C), and Oahu averages at about 81°F (27°C).

New Bern receives a lot of rain in the summer. New Bern usually gets more rain in July than Oahu. New Bern gets 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Bern or Oahu in the Autumn?

Both Oahu and New Bern are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to New Bern in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. 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 October, New Bern is generally cooler than Oahu. Daily temperatures in New Bern average around 65°F (18°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

In October, New Bern usually receives more rain than Oahu. New Bern gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit New Bern or Oahu in the Winter?

Both Oahu and New Bern during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to New Bern 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.

New Bern is much colder than Oahu in the winter. The daily temperature in New Bern averages around 44°F (7°C) in January, and Oahu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Bern. New Bern usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Oahu. New Bern gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Bern or Oahu in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both New Bern and Oahu. The spring months attract visitors to New Bern because of the small town charm. 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, New Bern is cooler than Oahu. Typically, the spring temperatures in New Bern in April average around 62°F (16°C), and Oahu averages at about 76°F (24°C).

In April, New Bern usually receives more rain than Oahu. New Bern gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oahu and New Bern