A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Olympic National Park vs. Oahu for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Olympic National Park or Oahu?

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

Should I visit Olympic National Park 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.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a pristine, stunning, and vast park. The beauty of Olympic National Park is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking and museums. See Olympic National Park travel costs.

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 beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Oahu travel costs.

Olympic National Park and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Olympic National Park or Oahu?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Oahu than Olympic National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Oahu is more touristy than Olympic National Park and is popular 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. Olympic National Park is well known for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall.

How is Olympic National Park different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Olympic National Park or Oahu?

Oahu is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Olympic National Park. There are several museums near the park that highlight the region's history, culture, and geology. These include the Makah Cultural & Research Center Museum, Forks Timber Museum, Sequim Museum, and Squaxin Island Museum, Library and Research Center.

Is the Food Better in Olympic National Park or Oahu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Oahu is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its restaurants.

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.

Olympic National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Most of the lodges have restaurants within the park, but they can be overpriced. There are also restaurants just outside of the park's border.

Is Olympic National Park or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

Oahu is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its evening party scene.

Oahu offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Olympic National Park doesn't offer many options. You can enjoy a peaceful natural setting after the sun sets.

Is Olympic National Park or Oahu Better for Music?

Oahu is a moderate island for its live music scene. However, Olympic National Park 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.

Olympic National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Olympic National Park or Oahu Better for Resorts?

Olympic National Park and Oahu offer a relatively similar set of very good luxury resort options.

Olympic National Park is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are several lodges within the park as well as cabins and inns. Some have a historic atmosphere while others are more rustic. It's best to book well in advance, particularly if you're visiting during the peak summer months.

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.

Is Olympic National Park or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Olympic National Park 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.

Olympic National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Olympic National Park or Oahu Better for Beaches?

Oahu is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Olympic National Park 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.

Olympic National Park is not a beach destination. The park has a rugged coastline with sandy beaches. Many people enjoy exploring the tidal pools or watching the sun set. Some of the best beaches include Kalaloch Beach, Beach 4, and Ruby Beach.

Is Olympic National Park or Oahu Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Olympic National Park and Oahu both have fantastic trails.

People visit Olympic National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hiking trails will take you through the diverse range of landscapes. There are mountain climbs, coastal trails, and routes that wander through old growth forests. You'll also find a mix of day hikes and backcountry wilderness hikes. Mount Storm King, Marymere Falls, and the High Divide are favorite hikes in the park, but there are countless others.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Olympic National Park or Oahu?

Oahu is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park 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.

Olympic National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There's a park store where you can pick up books, informational resources, and souvenirs.

Is Olympic National Park or Oahu More Beautiful?

Oahu is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park 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, Olympic National Park attracts visitors from all around. The diversity of landscapes give the park a unique beauty. You can explore old growth rainforests, wander down pristine beaches, or take in the stunning mountain views.

Is Olympic National Park or Oahu Better for Families?

Oahu is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Olympic National Park. Kids will enjoy exploring the tidal pools and running around the beach. It's also fun to lose yourself in the old growth rainforests and spend some time kayaking or canoeing at Lake Crescent.

Is Olympic National Park or Oahu Better for Couples?

Oahu is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park 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.

Olympic National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy hiking, camping, and natural beauty will love exploring this park together. There are a diversity of ecosystems and landscapes where you can enjoy a couples retreat together.

Is Olympic National Park or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Olympic National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Oahu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Olympic National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Oahu is a good park to visit for backpackers. 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 Olympic National Park or Oahu Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Olympic National Park and Oahu offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Olympic National Park. There are buses and ferries to the park, but the park is large and requires a private vehicle to fully access it.

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.

Is Olympic National Park or Oahu a more walkable city?

Oahu is a moderate island for its high level of walkability. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its ease of walking around.

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.

Olympic National Park is not a very walkable park. The park is large and you'll need a car to reach most of the trailheads.

For even more information, also check out Is Olympic National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Olympic National Park?

How long in Olympic National Park or Oahu?

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

Families should spend more time in Oahu than Olympic National Park. 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 Olympic National Park. 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 Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Olympic National Park. 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.

In Oahu, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Olympic National Park or Oahu?

Olympic National Park is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oahu. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It offers something for everyone.

Five days in Olympic National Park or Oahu?

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the pristine destination of Olympic National Park. This park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Oahu is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Olympic National Park or Oahu?

The vast park of Olympic National Park offers museums. 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.

In Oahu, you'll find nightlife and food. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park or Oahu in the Summer?

Both Oahu and Olympic National Park during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Olympic National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, 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.

Olympic National Park is much colder than Oahu in the summer. The daily temperature in Olympic National Park averages around 60°F (15°C) in July, and Oahu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

In Oahu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Olympic National Park. In the summer, Olympic National Park often gets less sunshine than Oahu. Olympic National Park gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 303 hours of full sun.

Olympic National Park usually gets more rain in July than Oahu. Olympic National Park gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Olympic National Park or Oahu in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Olympic National Park and Oahu. Many visitors come to Olympic National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. 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 the autumn, Olympic National Park is much colder than Oahu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Olympic National Park in October average around 51°F (10°C), and Oahu averages at about 80°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oahu this time of the year. Olympic National Park usually receives less sunshine than Oahu during autumn. Olympic National Park gets 113 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Olympic National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Olympic National Park usually receives more rain than Oahu. Olympic National Park gets 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Olympic National Park or Oahu in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Olympic National Park as well as Oahu. Most visitors come to Olympic National Park 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.

Olympic National Park can be very cold during winter. In January, Olympic National Park is generally much colder than Oahu. Daily temperatures in Olympic National Park average around 41°F (5°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oahu. In the winter, Olympic National Park often gets less sunshine than Oahu. Olympic National Park gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 212 hours of full sun.

Olympic National Park receives a lot of rain in the winter. Olympic National Park usually gets more rain in January than Oahu. Olympic National Park gets 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Olympic National Park or Oahu in the Spring?

Both Oahu and Olympic National Park are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Olympic National Park because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Oahu this time of year.

Olympic National Park is much colder than Oahu in the spring. The daily temperature in Olympic National Park averages around 47°F (8°C) in April, and Oahu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Oahu. Olympic National Park usually receives less sunshine than Oahu during spring. Olympic National Park gets 148 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Olympic National Park. In April, Olympic National Park usually receives more rain than Oahu. Olympic National Park gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oahu and Olympic National Park