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

Should you visit Newport or Oahu?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Newport and Oahu can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newport

Newport is a seaside, historical, and charming town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Newport is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Newport travel costs.

Oahu

Oahu is a historic, energetic, and vibrant 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 hiking, shopping, and museums. See Oahu travel costs.

Newport and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newport or Oahu?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oahu. Although Newport and Oahu are both popular with visitors, Oahu has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Oahu is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Newport is known for its food, historical sights, and small town charm. Oahu is more touristy than Newport 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. Newport is popular for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history.

How is Newport different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Oahu and Newport.

Many visitors head to Newport specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

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.

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

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

Newport has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

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 Newport or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

Oahu is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Oahu has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Newport has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

Is Newport or Oahu Better for Music?

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

Newport is not a live music destination.

Is Newport or Oahu Better for Resorts?

Oahu is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Newport is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Oahu. 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.

Newport is not a resort destination.

Is Newport or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Newport is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Newport is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Newport or Oahu Better for Beaches?

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

With world-famous beaches, Oahu is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Newport. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

Is Newport or Oahu Better for its Old Town?

Newport is a very popular place for its old town. However, Oahu does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Newport to see the historical old town. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

Oahu does not have a historic old town.

Is Newport or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Oahu is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Newport is not a hiking destination.

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.

Newport is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Newport or Oahu?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Newport and Oahu.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Newport. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

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 Newport or Oahu More Beautiful?

Oahu is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and 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.

Newport is a gorgeous place to visit. The coastal setting and charming architecture give it a lot of character.

Is Newport or Oahu Better for Families?

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

Oahu is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Newport is a very family-friendly place to visit. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

Is Newport or Oahu Better for Couples?

Both Newport and Oahu are terrific destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Newport has plenty to offer. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

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.

Is Newport or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oahu is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Newport is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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.

Newport is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a beautiful town, but accommodation tends to be expensive and there aren't any hostels to attract the budget crowd.

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

Newport 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.

Newport has some public transit options. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

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 Newport or Oahu a more walkable city?

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

Newport is a very walkable town. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

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 Newport Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Newport?

How long in Newport or Oahu?

Both Newport 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 Newport. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Newport, and 3-7 days is enough time in Oahu.

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Newport. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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, 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 Newport or Oahu?

Newport 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.

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 Newport or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the charming destination of Newport. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Newport or Oahu?

The historical town of Newport offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

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

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

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

Both Oahu and Newport are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Newport this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Oahu for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Newport is generally cooler than Oahu. Daily temperatures in Newport average around 73°F (23°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 Newport. Newport usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu during summer. Newport gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Newport usually receives more rain than Oahu. Newport gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Newport or Oahu in the Autumn?

Both Oahu and Newport during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Newport for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Oahu in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Newport is much colder than Oahu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Newport averages around 53°F (12°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 Newport. In the autumn, Newport often gets less sunshine than Oahu. Newport gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 246 hours of full sun.

Newport usually gets more rain in October than Oahu. Newport gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newport or Oahu in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Newport and Oahu. Many visitors come to Newport in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Oahu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Newport can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Newport is much colder than Oahu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Newport in January average around 28°F (-2°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. Newport usually receives less sunshine than Oahu during winter. Newport gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Newport usually receives less rain than Oahu. Newport gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Newport or Oahu in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Newport as well as Oahu. Most visitors come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Oahu because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Newport is generally much colder than Oahu. Daily temperatures in Newport average around 48°F (9°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 Newport this time of the year. In the spring, Newport often gets less sunshine than Oahu. Newport gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 253 hours of full sun.

Newport usually gets more rain in April than Oahu. Newport gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Oahu and Newport