A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Carmel-by-the-Sea vs. Kauai for Beaches, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kauai?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Kauai can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a quaint, charming, and picturesque town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches. See Carmel-by-the-Sea travel costs.

Kauai

Kauai is a idyllic, scenic, and dramatic island. You'll find world class beauty in Kauai as well. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Kauai travel costs.

Carmel-by-the-Sea and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kauai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kauai. Although Carmel-by-the-Sea and Kauai are popular destinations, Kauai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kauai is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts visitors for its shopping and small town charm. Kauai is more touristy than Carmel-by-the-Sea and is popular for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. It is also well known for Waimea Canyon. Carmel-by-the-Sea is famous for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts.

How is Carmel-by-the-Sea different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kauai?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kauai.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Carmel-by-the-Sea. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.

Kauai is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are local museums that educate visitors on the island's history and culture. You can also visit sugar plantations and art galleries.

Is the Food Better in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kauai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Kauai.

Dining out in Carmel-by-the-Sea is an experience not to be missed. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more casual eateries.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Kauai. 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.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

Kauai is a island with good options for its evening party scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for nightlife.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kauai Better for Resorts?

Kauai is renowned for its resorts. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

Kauai is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kauai is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Kauai is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Kauai is renowned for the beach. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its beaches.

Kauai is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Many people visit Carmel-by-the-Sea for it's beautiful beaches. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kauai Better for Hiking?

Kauai is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

Around Kauai visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kauai?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great town for its shopping areas. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.

Kauai is a great destination for shopping. There's a mix of local shopping centers and larger retail malls.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kauai More Beautiful?

Kauai is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Kauai as well. The island is filled with dramatic beauty, from the inland mountains covered in tropical forests, to the scenic beaches and blue water.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful town with nice beaches and a European atmosphere.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kauai Better for Families?

Kauai is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

Kauai is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not always a place people visit with their families. Carmel is a good place to let the kids stretch their legs. There are also some good kid-friendly walks in the area.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kauai Better for Couples?

Kauai is renowned for couples. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Kauai is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. "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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a charming town with a beautiful coastline and plenty of cute hotels that makes for a great romantic getaway. There's wonderful shopping and many great restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kauai is a island with good options for backpackers. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kauai is a good island to visit for backpackers. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any real hostels or accommodation options that appeal to backpackers.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kauai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Kauai offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.

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

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kauai a more walkable city?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great town for its ease of walking around. However, Kauai is not known for its walkability.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very walkable destination. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.

Kauai is not a walkable town. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

How long in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kauai?

Carmel-by-the-Sea and Kauai both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kauai than Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Carmel-by-the-Sea, and 5-14 days is enough time in Kauai.

Families should spend more time in Kauai than Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kauai?

Even though Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a great beach destination, too. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Kauai, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kauai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Carmel-by-the-Sea. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the scenic island of Kauai, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kauai?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a fun place to experience. Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

With nightlife and food around the idyllic destination of Kauai, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

A week in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kauai?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kauai is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Kauai, we can see that Kauai is more expensive. And not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carmel-by-the-Sea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Kauai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kauai than you might in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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

When is the best time to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kauai?

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kauai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Carmel-by-the-Sea as well as Kauai. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Kauai for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is cooler than Kauai in the summer. The daily temperature in Carmel-by-the-Sea averages around 63°F (17°C) in July, and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

Carmel-by-the-Sea usually gets less rain in July than Kauai. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kauai in the Autumn?

Both Kauai and Carmel-by-the-Sea are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Kauai in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Carmel-by-the-Sea is much colder than Kauai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Kauai averages at about 78°F (25°C).

In October, Carmel-by-the-Sea usually receives less rain than Kauai. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kauai in the Winter?

Both Kauai and Carmel-by-the-Sea during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Kauai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Carmel-by-the-Sea is generally much colder than Kauai. Daily temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea average around 51°F (11°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Carmel-by-the-Sea usually gets less rain in January than Kauai. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kauai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Kauai. Most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kauai because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is much colder than Kauai in the spring. The daily temperature in Carmel-by-the-Sea averages around 56°F (13°C) in April, and Kauai fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In April, Carmel-by-the-Sea usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kauai. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kauai and Carmel-by-the-Sea