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

Should you visit Providence or Oahu?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Providence and Oahu. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Providence

Providence is a fascinating, active, and friendly city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Providence travel costs.

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. Many visitors also come to Oahu because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Oahu travel costs.

Providence and Oahu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Providence or Oahu?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oahu. Although Providence and Oahu are both popular with visitors, Oahu has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Oahu is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Providence is known for its food. Oahu is more touristy than Providence 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. Providence is popular for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Providence different from Oahu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Oahu is a great island for its historical sights. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Providence is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several historical museums around town as well as art museums, zoos, a planetarium and natural history museum, and even a children's museum.

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

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

Providence has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food scene around town has grown and diversified in recent years. You'll find a mix of international and local options and for such a small city, it really has a lot to offer.

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 Providence or Oahu Better for Nightlife?

Oahu is a great island for its evening party scene. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Oahu has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Providence. Comedy clubs, bars, and clubs keep the energy high during the evening hours. It's not hard to find something to do, particularly on weekend nights.

Is Providence or Oahu Better for Music?

Oahu is adequate for its music scene. However, Providence 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.

Providence is not a live music destination.

Is Providence or Oahu Better for Resorts?

Oahu is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Providence 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.

Providence is not a resort destination.

Is Providence or Oahu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is a great island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Providence 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.

Providence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Providence or Oahu Better for Beaches?

Oahu is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Providence 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.

Providence is not a beach destination.

Is Providence or Oahu Better for Hiking?

Oahu is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Providence is not a hiking destination.

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.

Providence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Providence or Oahu?

Oahu is a great island for its shopping areas. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Providence is a great destination for shopping. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.

Is Providence or Oahu More Beautiful?

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

Many visitors also come to Oahu because of it's amazing beauty. The island has striking beaches and stunning mountains, making it a beautiful Hawaiian Island.

Providence is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Providence or Oahu Better for Families?

Oahu is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Providence is a family-friendly place to visit. There are opportunities for kids to interact with animals at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, as well as plenty of places for kids to run around like Rocky Point Park or Goddard Memorial State Park. There's also the Providence Children's Museum, go carting, and entertainment centers.

Is Providence or Oahu Better for Couples?

Oahu is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Providence is a nice destination for couples. You can see a show at the Providence Performing Arts Center or visit some of the city's historic buildings and museums. There are also parks and coastal walks as well as many great restaurants.

Is Providence or Oahu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oahu is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Providence is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Providence is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town for those who want an affordable place to stay.

Is Providence or Oahu Better for Students?

Providence is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Oahu is not popular with students.

Providence is a great city to visit as a student. There's a college town vibe to this small city because it's home to Brown University, which is a member of the Ivy League.

Oahu is not popular with students.

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

Providence 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.

Providence has some public transit options. There are RIPTA buses that travel around 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 Providence or Oahu a more walkable city?

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

Providence is a very walkable city. It's a walkable city and it's relatively easy 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 Providence Worth Visiting? and Is Oahu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oahu or Providence?

How long in Providence or Oahu?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Providence. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the historic island of Oahu, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Providence or Oahu?

Providence 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.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Oahu, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Providence or Oahu?

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

Oahu, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Providence or Oahu?

The fascinating city of Providence 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.

Oahu is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this island makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

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

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

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Providence and Oahu. Many visitors come to Providence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Oahu for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Providence is generally cooler than Oahu. Daily temperatures in Providence average around 73°F (23°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oahu this time of the year. In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. Providence usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oahu during summer. Providence gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Providence usually receives more rain than Oahu. Providence 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 Providence or Oahu in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Providence as well as Oahu. Most visitors come to Providence for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Oahu because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Providence is much colder than Oahu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Providence averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Oahu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oahu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. In the autumn, Providence often gets less sunshine than Oahu. Providence gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 246 hours of full sun.

Providence usually gets more rain in October than Oahu. Providence 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 Providence or Oahu in the Winter?

Both Oahu and Providence are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Providence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oahu this time of year.

The weather in Providence can be very cold. In the winter, Providence is much colder than Oahu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Providence in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Oahu averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Oahu. Providence usually receives less sunshine than Oahu during winter. Providence gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Providence usually receives less rain than Oahu. Providence 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 Providence or Oahu in the Spring?

Both Oahu and Providence during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Oahu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Providence is generally much colder than Oahu. Daily temperatures in Providence average around 48°F (9°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Oahu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Providence. In the spring, Providence often gets less sunshine than Oahu. Providence gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 253 hours of full sun.

Providence usually gets more rain in April than Oahu. Providence 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 Providence