A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Basse-Terre vs. Kauai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Basse-Terre or Kauai?

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

Should I visit Basse-Terre or Kauai? 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.

Where Should I go: Basse-Terre or Kauai?

Basse-Terre

In Guadeloupe there is Basse Terre the city and Basse-Terre the island - the city is the capital of Guadeloupe, and the island is Guadeloupe's western half of the main island. As a whole, the place is very green, featuring lush vegetation and a mountainous landscape with a sulfuric volcano.

Kauai

Hawaii is certainly a bucket list destination, but what if you want to do it without being surrounded by tourists? You want the adventure of the land of volcanoes and less of the kids in water wings. Then Kaua'i is the island for you.

Kaua'i, or the "garden island," is full of tropical forests, little villages and even more laid back lifestyle – if you can imagine. It's a smaller island at 560 square miles with a population of only 68,000.

With more coastline miles than any other island, Kaua'i is the result of massive erosion forming awe-inspiring sights like the Waimea Canyon and Na Pali Coast. The island experiences more rainfall every year – keeping it lush and green all year.

You'll feel like you've walked into another world in Kaua'i. Because of height restrictions, this island's buildings are no taller than the coconut trees. So if you're looking for an escape from civilization, you'll want to head straight for Kaua'i.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Kauai or Basse-Terre?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Basse-Terre is $217, while the average daily cost in Kauai is $231. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Basse-Terre and Kauai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Basse-Terre $105
    Kauai $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Basse-Terre $210
    Kauai $226
Compare Hotels in Basse-Terre and Kauai

Looking for a hotel in Basse-Terre or Kauai? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Basse-Terre


Hotels in Kauai


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Basse-Terre Hotel Prices and Kauai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Basse-Terre $9.39
    Kauai $34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kauai

Also for Kauai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private SUV Transfer- Lihue Airport to Lihue/Kapaa : $149
  • Private SUV Transfer-LIH Airport to Koloa/Poipu : $179

Is it cheaper to fly into Basse-Terre or Kauai?

Prices for flights to both Kauai and Basse-Terre change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Basse-Terre $93
    Kauai $96

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kauai

For Kauai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Allerton Garden and Estate Tour with Sunset Dinner: $106
  • Local Tastes Small Group Food Tour: $121
  • Walking Food Tour of Hanalei, Kauaʻi : $129
  • Local Dishes Cooking Class: $174
  • Luau Kalamaku on Kauai with Buffet Dinner and Show: $179
  • Luau Ka Hikina Admission Ticket with Dinner and Lei Greeting: $189
  • Luau Kalamaku – Elevated Seating, Dinner & Show: $198
  • Napali Coast Sunset Sailboat Tour with Dinner: $226
  • Napali Sunset Dinner Cruise: $226
  • VIP Manor House Dinner & Luau Kalamaku Show: $237
  • Luau Kalamaku on Kauai with Manor House 4-Course Dinner & Show: $251
  • Leila Na Pali Sunset Dinner Sail: $264

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Basse-Terre $55
    Kauai $17

Tours and Activities in Kauai

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kauai.

  • Ultimate Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of Kauai (Na Pali, Waimea), Hawaii: $15
  • North Shore Kauai Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Kauai: $20
  • Kauai Poipu and Koloa Town Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
  • Kauai Wailua Valley & Waterfalls Audio Driving Tour: $20
  • Waimea Canyon & Na Pali Driving Tour app: $23
  • Allerton Garden Guided Group Walking Tour: $64
  • Kauai Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Journey to Waimea Canyon: $97
  • Kauai Cruise Ship Excursion: Wailua River & Fern Grotto: $109
  • Kalapaki Kai Sunset Catamaran Cruise: $109
  • Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide: $112
  • Catamaran Sunset Cruise: $114

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Basse-Terre $15
    Kauai $14


When comparing the travel costs between Basse-Terre and Kauai, we can see that Kauai is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Basse-Terre is in Caribbean Islands and Kauai is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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



When is the best time to visit Basse-Terre or Kauai?

Kauai has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Basse-Terre experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Basse-Terre or Kauai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Basse-Terre as well as Kauai. Basse-Terre attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kauai because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Basse-Terre is generally around the same temperature as Kauai. Daily temperatures in Basse-Terre average around 27°C (81°F), and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kauai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basse-Terre this time of the year. In the summer, Basse-Terre often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai. Basse-Terre gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 255 hours of full sun.

Basse-Terre receives a lot of rain in the summer. Basse-Terre usually gets more rain in July than Kauai. Basse-Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Basse-Terre 27°C (81°F) 
    Kauai 78°F (25°C)

Should I visit Basse-Terre or Kauai in the Autumn?

Both Kauai and Basse-Terre are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Basse-Terre throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.

Basse-Terre is around the same temperature as Kauai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Basse-Terre averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Kauai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basse-Terre. Basse-Terre usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai during autumn. Basse-Terre gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Basse-Terre. In October, Basse-Terre usually receives more rain than Kauai. Basse-Terre gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Basse-Terre 27°C (80°F) 
    Kauai 78°F (25°C)

Should I visit Basse-Terre or Kauai in the Winter?

Both Kauai and Basse-Terre during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Basse-Terre because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kauai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Basse-Terre is a little warmer than Kauai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Basse-Terre in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Kauai averages at about 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Basse-Terre. In the winter, Basse-Terre often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Basse-Terre gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun.

Basse-Terre usually gets less rain in January than Kauai. Basse-Terre gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Basse-Terre 24°C (76°F) 
    Kauai 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Basse-Terre or Kauai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Basse-Terre and Kauai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Basse-Terre year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kauai in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Basse-Terre is generally a little warmer than Kauai. Daily temperatures in Basse-Terre average around 26°C (78°F), and Kauai fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kauai this time of the year. In Basse-Terre, it's very sunny this time of the year. Basse-Terre usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during spring. Basse-Terre gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun in the spring.

Basse-Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Basse-Terre usually receives more rain than Kauai. Basse-Terre gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Basse-Terre 26°C (78°F) 
    Kauai 73°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Kauai and Basse-Terre

Basse-Terre Kauai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 71°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 71°F (22°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
Mar 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 73°F (23°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 73°F (23°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
May 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 74°F (24°C) 0.4 inches (10 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 76°F (25°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 78°F (25°C) 0.6 inches (17 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 78°F (26°C) 0.6 inches (16 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 78°F (26°C) 1 inches (26 mm)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 78°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in) 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (62 mm)