A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boulder vs. Kauai for Hiking, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Boulder or Kauai?

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 Boulder and Kauai. 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.

Boulder

Boulder is a nature-filled, biker-friendly, and outdoorsy city. Boulder offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and hiking. See Boulder travel costs.

Kauai

Kauai is a dramatic, idyllic, and scenic island. Many visitors also come to Kauai because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Kauai travel costs.

Boulder and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boulder or Kauai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kauai. Although Boulder and Kauai are both popular with visitors, Kauai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kauai is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Boulder is known for its skiing and music. Kauai is more touristy than Boulder and is known for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. It is also home to Waimea Canyon. Boulder is popular for its outdoor sports, biker-friendly downtown, vibrant downtown, and many local breweries.

How is Boulder different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Boulder or Kauai Better for Skiing?

Boulder is adequate for skiing. However, Kauai is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Boulder for snow skiing. The town offers access within an hour or two to several great ski resorts including Eldora Mountain, Vail, and Breckenridge.

Kauai is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boulder or Kauai?

Kauai is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Boulder is not known for its sights and museums.

Kauai offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are local museums that educate visitors on the island's history and culture. You can also visit sugar plantations and art galleries.

Boulder offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit Boulder for the outdoor activities more than the museums and sights. If have the time you can wander around the University of Colorado Boulder campus, visit the Museum of Boulder, or see the Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art.

Is the Food Better in Boulder or Kauai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kauai is a great island for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Kauai has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food in Kauai combines the island's diverse cultures into a unique mix of flavors. There's fresh seafood, tropical fruit, and, of course, spam. You'll find common dishes like poke bowls and coconut shrimp, as well as more local dishes such as poi and lomi lomi.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Boulder area. This is an often overlooked foodie town, with great farmer's markets and restaurants to try. There are many casual places to eat as well as vegetarian and vegan friendly options everywhere.

Is Boulder or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find good options in both Boulder and Kauai.

If you're looking for night time activities Boulder has a few options to choose from. The town has breweries, craft beer, and plenty to do in the evening. Live music is popular and many venues are smaller with a more personal atmosphere. Check out The Bitter Bar or License No. 1 for a local vibe.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kauai. The island has more of a relaxed vibe than a party vibe, but there are plenty of places to listen to live music. There are also local dive bars as well as wine bars and upscale lounges where you can enjoy a drink. Many often have a dance floor as well.

Is Boulder or Kauai Better for Music?

Boulder is a good destination for its music scene. However, Kauai is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Boulder. During the summer months there are often outdoor concerts. Head to Pearl Street for open air stages or see a concert at Boulder Theater.

Kauai is not a live music destination.

Is Boulder or Kauai Better for Resorts?

Kauai is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Boulder is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Kauai for its luxury resorts. You'll find major resorts of all forms and sizes. Most of the major hotel chains have resorts on the island, including the Marriott, the Sheraton, and Hyatt.

Boulder is not a resort destination.

Is Boulder or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kauai is a great island for its diving and snorkeling. However, Boulder is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Kauai. There aren't as many snorkeling and diving options as there are on some of the other Hawaiian islands, but you'll still find plenty of places to enjoy the underwater world. Popular snorkeling spots around the island include Ke'e Beach, Haena Beach Park, and Anini Beach.

Boulder is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boulder or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Kauai is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Boulder is not a beach destination.

Kauai offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island is filled with scenic beaches and idyllic coastline. The water conditions can be highly variable, so you should check with a local before entering the water. But the island has about 50 miles of sandy coastline that will take your breath away. You'll also likely see Hawaiian monk seals or sea turtles on the beach.

Boulder is not a beach destination.

Is Boulder or Kauai Better for Hiking?

Kauai is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Kauai is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Kauai is a beautiful island with world famous hikes through the stunning mountains. The hiking trails take you through lush rainforests and along scenic coastlines. The mountains climb high and the trails range from easy to challenging. Popular hikes include the Awawawapuhi Nualolo Trail, the Cliff Trail to Waipoo Falls, and the Kalalau Trail.IL

Boulder is a popular spot for hiking. There are many accessible hikes in the area that take you through the mountains, by wildflowers, or up mountain peaks. Popular hikes that are nearby include the Bear Peak Summit Hike, the trails in Eldorado Canyon State Park, and Boulder Falls.

Is the Shopping Better in Boulder or Kauai?

If you're looking to go shopping, Boulder and Kauai both offer plenty of good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Boulder. The downtown area has many local retailers where you can shop for clothing, art, or home goods. You can also pick up outdoor gear, camping equipment, and any other items you may need in town. Make sure you wander down the pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall.

Many visitors go to Kauai to go shopping. There's a mix of local shopping centers and larger retail malls.

Is Boulder or Kauai More Beautiful?

Kauai is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Kauai because of it's amazing beauty. The island is filled with dramatic beauty, from the inland mountains covered in tropical forests, to the scenic beaches and blue water.

Boulder offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and breathtaking landscapes. Many people move here specifically for the surrounding natural beauty.

Is Boulder or Kauai Better for Families?

Kauai is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Kauai is very family-friendly. There are kid-friendly hikes, beautiful bike rides, and many family-friendly beaches. Do keep in mind that many beaches have strong currents and large waves, so they're not the most kid-friendly. Good options include Poipu Beach and Lydgate Beach Park.

Boulder is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has parks, playgrounds, a planetarium, and climbing gyms that are fun for kids of all ages. There are plenty places to get outdoors with hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor recreational activities. Eldorado Canyon State Park is a great place to explore as well.

Is Boulder or Kauai Better for Couples?

Kauai is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Kauai is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. "The Garden Isle" is a world class honeymoon destination with stunning beaches and iconic hikes. There are romantic resorts and many adventure activities that couples can enjoy such as whale watching and scuba diving.

Boulder is a good city for couples to visit. This is a great city for couples who love outdoor adventures, hiking, rock climbing, and cycling. You can wander down Pearl Street or go for a bike ride. There are also great restaurants where you can enjoy a meal and then head to Panorama Point to take in the view.

Is Boulder or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Boulder and Kauai are good places to visit.

Plenty of backpackers visit Boulder. There are a number of backcountry areas in the region that are perfect for backpackers. The city also has a young population and several affordable places to stay.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kauai. There are a couple of hostels on the island, but you'll likely need a car to get around, which can make this an expensive destination.

Is Boulder or Kauai Better for Students?

Boulder is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Kauai is not popular with students.

Many students visit Boulder. With the University of Colorado, Boulder in town, this city is a popular spot for students. It's an outdoor enthusiast's perfect base with many outdoor recreational activities in the area.

Kauai is not popular with students.

Is Boulder or Kauai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boulder and Kauai both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Boulder. There are buses that run around town, but you really need a car to fully experience everything that the city has to offer.

Public transit is generally limited in Kauai. There are buses on the island, but it's difficult to rely on them as a visitor.

Is Boulder or Kauai a more walkable city?

Boulder is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Kauai is not known for its walkability.

Boulder is a somewhat walkable city. The city has some nice walkable areas and it is very bike-friendly.

Kauai is not a walkable city. While there are great hikes on the island, you really need a car to get most places.

For even more information, also check out Is Boulder Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Boulder?

How long in Boulder or Kauai?

Boulder and Kauai both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kauai than Boulder because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Boulder, and 5-14 days is enough time in Kauai.

Families should spend more time in Kauai than Boulder. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Kauai, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Kauai than Boulder. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kauai that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kauai than Boulder 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 Kauai.

One day in Boulder or Kauai?

In Boulder, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this biker-friendly destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Kauai, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Boulder or Kauai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boulder. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Kauai, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Boulder or Kauai?

Boulder is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Boulder. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kauai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kauai has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Boulder or Kauai?

You'll find live music and food around the outdoorsy destination of Boulder. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kauai. In Kauai, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 comparing the travel costs between Boulder 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. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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