A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oahu vs. Niagara Falls for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Oahu or Niagara Falls?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oahu or Niagara Falls, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

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.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a breathtaking, impressive, and iconic city. The beauty of Niagara Falls is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping. See Niagara Falls travel costs.

Oahu and Niagara Falls: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oahu or Niagara Falls?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Oahu than Niagara Falls, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Oahu is well known 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. Niagara Falls is well known for the large volume of water that flows over it.

How is Oahu different from Niagara Falls?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Oahu or Niagara Falls?

Oahu is notable for its sights and museums. However, Niagara Falls is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Niagara Falls specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The Niagara Falls History Museum is one of the best museums in the area. There are also more touristy museums and attractions that you can visit as well. There's also a butterfly conservancy that is worth checking out.

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

Foodies will find both Oahu and Niagara Falls both to be notable destinations.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Niagara Falls area. It's an iconic Canadian destination so, of course, you should try all things Canadian while you're in town. Maple syrup, poutine, butter tart, and beavertail (fried dough) are all things that should be on your list. Also make sure you sample some of the local game meat.

Is Oahu or Niagara Falls Better for Nightlife?

Oahu is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Niagara Falls. There's a decent concentration of clubs, pubs, and bars around town that keep things fun late into the evening.

Is Oahu or Niagara Falls Better for Music?

Oahu is a moderate island for its live music scene. However, Niagara Falls 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.

Niagara Falls is not a live music destination.

Is Oahu or Niagara Falls Better for Resorts?

Oahu is notable for its resorts. However, Niagara Falls 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.

Niagara Falls is not a resort destination.

Is Oahu or Niagara Falls Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is notable for its diving and snorkeling. However, Niagara Falls 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.

Niagara Falls is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Oahu or Niagara Falls Better for Beaches?

Oahu is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Niagara Falls 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.

Niagara Falls is not a beach destination.

Is Oahu or Niagara Falls Better for Hiking?

Oahu is an amazing island to visit for the nearby hiking options. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Niagara Falls. The nearby area is filled with hiking trails that let you escape into nature and enjoy impressive views.

Is the Shopping Better in Oahu or Niagara Falls?

Oahu is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Oahu is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Niagara Falls has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find touristy souvenir shops as well as outlets and malls nearby.

Is Oahu or Niagara Falls More Beautiful?

Oahu is an amazing island to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Oahu as well. The island has striking beaches and stunning mountains, making it a beautiful Hawaiian Island.

With stunning beauty, Niagara Falls attracts visitors from all around. It's an impressive sight and the Canadian side offers the best views. It's definitely something you should try and see at least once.

Is Oahu or Niagara Falls Better for Families?

Oahu and Niagara Falls are both fantastic destinations for the whole family.

Oahu is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. 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.

Niagara Falls is an extremely popular island to visit for families. The views and setting are spectacular, and kids will love the boat tours or taking a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. There's also an indoor waterpark, a butterfly conservatory, and plenty of nature to explore.

Is Oahu or Niagara Falls Better for Couples?

Oahu is an amazing island to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Niagara Falls makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The setting has long brought to mind romance, and to this day couples still honeymoon at this iconic destination. There are boat tours, nature trails, luxury hotels, and even wineries to explore.

Is Oahu or Niagara Falls Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oahu and Niagara Falls are both notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Niagara Falls is a good island to visit for backpackers. There's a hostel or two where you can stay for cheap and meet other travelers.

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

Niagara Falls 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.

Niagara Falls has some public transit options. There is a bus system through town.

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 Oahu or Niagara Falls a more walkable city?

Niagara Falls 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.

Niagara Falls is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the attractions and close together by the falls, so it's relatively walkable.

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 Oahu Worth Visiting? and Is Niagara Falls Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Niagara Falls or Oahu?

How long in Oahu or Niagara Falls?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Oahu and Niagara Falls. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Oahu than in Niagara Falls. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Oahu, and 2-3 days is enough time in Niagara Falls.

Families should spend more time in Oahu than Niagara Falls. 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 Niagara Falls. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Oahu that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Oahu than Niagara Falls 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 Oahu or Niagara Falls?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the cosmopolitan destination of Oahu. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Niagara Falls. 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.

A weekend in Oahu or Niagara Falls?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oahu. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Niagara Falls is a fun place to experience. 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.

Five days in Oahu or Niagara Falls?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the scenic destination of Oahu. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find food and shopping around the breathtaking destination of Niagara Falls. 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.

A week in Oahu or Niagara Falls?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful island of Oahu. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

The iconic city of Niagara Falls offers shopping and nightlife. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Oahu or Niagara Falls?

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 Oahu or Niagara Falls in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Oahu as well as Niagara Falls. 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. Also, most visitors come to Niagara Falls for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Oahu is a little warmer than Niagara Falls in the summer. The daily temperature in Oahu averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Niagara Falls. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oahu this time of the year. In the summer, Oahu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Niagara Falls. Oahu gets 303 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 306 hours of full sun.

Oahu usually gets less rain in July than Niagara Falls. Oahu gets 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oahu or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?

Both Niagara Falls and Oahu are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Niagara Falls because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Oahu is much warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Oahu in October average around 80°F (26°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oahu. Oahu usually receives more sunshine than Niagara Falls during autumn. Oahu gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 148 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Oahu usually receives less rain than Niagara Falls. Oahu gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oahu or Niagara Falls in the Winter?

Both Niagara Falls and Oahu during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Oahu because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Niagara Falls this time of year.

It's quite cold in Niagara Falls in the winter. In January, Oahu is generally much warmer than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Oahu average around 73°F (23°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).

It's quite sunny in Oahu. In the winter, Oahu often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Oahu gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 89 hours of full sun.

Oahu usually gets more rain in January than Niagara Falls. Oahu gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oahu or Niagara Falls in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Oahu and Niagara Falls. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Oahu this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Niagara Falls for the natural beauty.

Oahu is much warmer than Niagara Falls in the spring. The daily temperature in Oahu averages around 76°F (24°C) in April, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Niagara Falls this time of the year. In Oahu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Oahu usually receives more sunshine than Niagara Falls during spring. Oahu gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oahu usually receives less rain than Niagara Falls. Oahu gets 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Oahu