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

Should you visit Oahu or Victoria?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oahu or Victoria, 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 cosmopolitan, scenic, and historic 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 museums, nightlife, and food. See Oahu travel costs.

Victoria

Victoria is a relaxing, cultural, and scenic city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Victoria travel costs.

Oahu and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oahu or Victoria?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oahu. Although Oahu and Victoria are both popular with visitors, Oahu has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Oahu is more touristy than Victoria 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. Victoria is popular for its colonial buildings and public parks.

How is Oahu different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Victoria 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 Victoria?

Oahu is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Oahu. 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.

Victoria is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several popular museums like the Royal BC Museum and Craigdarroch Castle. Also make sure you check out the Parliament Buildings.

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

Foodies will find both Oahu and Victoria both to be good 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 Victoria area. You'll find tons of fresh seafood around town. Make sure you try to the Dungeness crab, wild caught salmon, and fish chowder.

Is Oahu or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Oahu is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Victoria 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.

Victoria has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a good number of bars and pubs around town. Most offer a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy a cold drink in a casual setting.

Is Oahu or Victoria Better for Music?

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

Victoria is not a live music destination.

Is Oahu or Victoria Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Oahu to choose from. 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.

Victoria is not a resort destination.

Is Oahu or Victoria Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Victoria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Oahu or Victoria Better for Beaches?

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

Oahu offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Victoria is not a beach destination.

Is Oahu or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Oahu is an amazing island to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Oahu is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Victoria is a good destination for hiking. There are many outdoor spaces and parks that offer local hiking trails. This is a great way to experience the scenic beauty of the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Oahu or Victoria?

Oahu is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

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.

Victoria is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

Is Oahu or Victoria More Beautiful?

Oahu is an amazing island to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Victoria is not a destination known for its 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.

Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Oahu or Victoria Better for Families?

Oahu is an amazing island to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Oahu is very family-friendly. 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.

Victoria is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of opportunities to get outside and get the energy out. Walking trails are popular. You can also do the Malahat SkyWalk which offers impressive views. Cadboro-Gyro Park has a playground, zip-line, and picnic areas. Another hightlight for kids is a visit to the Beacon Hill Children's Farm. If the weather isn't cooperating, you can visit the BC Aviation Museum.

Is Oahu or Victoria Better for Couples?

Oahu is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Oahu is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Couples visit Victoria frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city offers many great activities for couples such as a visit to Hatley Park and Castle. The city is also famous for its many flower gardens which are best visited in spring. Kayaking, hiking, and exploring are also favorite activities for couples.

Is Oahu or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oahu and Victoria are both good 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.

Victoria is a good island to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels around town that attract the backpacker and budget traveler crowd.

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

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Oahu and Victoria.

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 generally limited in Victoria. While there are buses, it's best not to count on them because they're not particularly reliable.

Is Oahu or Victoria a more walkable city?

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

Victoria is a very walkable city. Many of the sights are close by and easy to walk to.

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 Victoria Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Oahu?

How long in Oahu or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either Oahu or Victoria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Oahu due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Oahu, and 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

Families should spend more time in Oahu than Victoria. 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 Victoria. 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 Victoria 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 Victoria?

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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Victoria. 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 Victoria?

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.

Victoria 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.

Five days in Oahu or Victoria?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the scenic destination of Victoria. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Oahu or Victoria?

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.

The scenic city of Victoria offers nightlife and food. 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 Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Oahu or Victoria?

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 Oahu or Victoria in the Summer?

Both Victoria and Oahu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Oahu for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Victoria in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Oahu is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Oahu in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Victoria averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In July, Oahu usually receives more rain than Victoria. Oahu gets 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Oahu or Victoria in the Autumn?

Both Victoria and Oahu during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Also, most visitors come to Victoria for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Oahu is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Oahu average around 80°F (26°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Oahu usually gets less rain in October than Victoria. Oahu gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oahu or Victoria in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Oahu and Victoria. Most visitors come to Oahu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Victoria because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

Victoria receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Oahu usually receives less rain than Victoria. Oahu gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Oahu or Victoria in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Oahu as well as Victoria. The spring months attract visitors to Oahu because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Oahu is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Oahu in April average around 76°F (24°C), and Victoria averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Oahu usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Victoria. Oahu gets 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Victoria and Oahu