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

Should you visit Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville 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.

Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a collegiate, southern, and proud university town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Charlottesville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking. See Charlottesville 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 hiking, shopping, and museums. See Kauai travel costs.

Charlottesville and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charlottesville or Kauai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kauai. Although Charlottesville and Kauai are both popular with visitors, Kauai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kauai is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Charlottesville is known for its historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Kauai is more touristy than Charlottesville and is known for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. It is also home to Waimea Canyon. Charlottesville is popular for being home to the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and serving as a gateway to Shenandoah National Park.

How is Charlottesville different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Charlottesville and Kauai.

Charlottesville offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. A highlight of a trip to the area is a visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The city is also famously home to the beautiful University of Virginia, which has a manicured and beautiful campus. History buffs will also appreciate visiting the Civil War Sites that are nearby as well.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kauai. 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 Charlottesville or Kauai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kauai is a great island for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Charlottesville is not known 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.

Charlottesville may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Head to the Historic Downtown Mall to enjoy an outdoor meal at a top rated restaurant. There are also restaurants that cater specifically to students and offer affordable and quick meals.

Is Charlottesville or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Charlottesville has a few options to choose from. Charlottesville is a university town with an active nightlife. The best areas for nightlife are found around the Downtown Mall, Belmont neighborhood, the Corner, and University Ave west near the mall. Even though there are a number of activities to enjoy at night, this is still a small town and the nightlife scene reflects that.

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 Charlottesville or Kauai Better for Resorts?

Kauai is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Charlottesville 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.

Charlottesville is not a resort destination.

Is Charlottesville or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kauai is a great island for its diving and snorkeling. However, Charlottesville 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.

Charlottesville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Charlottesville or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Kauai is terrific for the beach. However, Charlottesville 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.

Charlottesville is not a beach destination.

Is Charlottesville or Kauai Better for its Old Town?

Charlottesville is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Kauai does not have a historic old town.

Charlottesville has an old town worth visiting. The Historic Downtown Mall is filled with restaurants and shops. It's a pedestrian only area with a lot of character and energy.

Kauai does not have a historic old town.

Is Charlottesville or Kauai Better for Hiking?

Kauai is terrific for hiking. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town 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

Charlottesville is a good destination for hiking. Just outside of town there are plenty of hiking opportunities including in and around Shenandoah National Park. Hiking is at its best during the fall season when the leaves are changing.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlottesville or Kauai?

Kauai is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kauai. There's a mix of local shopping centers and larger retail malls.

Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Charlottesville or Kauai More Beautiful?

Kauai is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town 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.

Charlottesville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Surrounded by the Shenandoah Mountains, this is a beautiful town and home to the beautiful University of Virginia.

Is Charlottesville or Kauai Better for Families?

Kauai is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town 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.

Charlottesville is a family-friendly place to visit. Wandering the campus of UVA, picking fruit at Carter Mountain Orchard or exploring the downtown mall, including the Virginia Discovery Museum are all activities that everyone can enjoy. There are also great hiking trails just outside of town.

Is Charlottesville or Kauai Better for Couples?

Kauai is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town 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.

Charlottesville is a good university town for couples to visit. The UVA campus is beautiful to explore, as is Monticello. The Downtown Mall has many great restaurants and activities that make for a nice date night and during the day, there's also beautiful hikes nearby that are at their peak during the fall season.

Is Charlottesville or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kauai is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlottesville is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Charlottesville is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is camping an hiking in the area that is a good option for backpackers.

Is Charlottesville or Kauai Better for Students?

Charlottesville is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Kauai is not popular with students.

Charlottesville is a very popular place to visit for students. The town is home to the beautiful University of Virginia and it's a popular destination for international students as well as local students. Much of the town is focused around student life, and the city's proximity to Washington, DC means it has access to global opportunities.

Kauai is not popular with students.

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

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Charlottesville. There is a bus system that runs between campus, downtown, and several neighborhoods in Charlottesville.

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 Charlottesville or Kauai a more walkable city?

Charlottesville is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Kauai is not known for its walkability.

Charlottesville is generally not a very walkable university town. While the University of Virginia campus and the Downtown Mall are both very walkable, most of the town is not.

Kauai is not a walkable university 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 Charlottesville Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Charlottesville?

How long in Charlottesville or Kauai?

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

Families should spend more time in Kauai than Charlottesville. 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 Charlottesville. 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 Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville or Kauai?

Even though Charlottesville is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This university town 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.

The scenic destination of Kauai offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Charlottesville or Kauai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Charlottesville. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

The island of Kauai offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Charlottesville or Kauai?

Charlottesville is a fun place to experience. Charlottesville is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kauai is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Charlottesville or Kauai?

Charlottesville is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The dramatic island of Kauai offers museums and nightlife. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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

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

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

When is the best time to visit Charlottesville or Kauai?

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 Charlottesville or Kauai in the Summer?

Both Kauai and Charlottesville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Charlottesville because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.

In the summer, Charlottesville is around the same temperature as Kauai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Charlottesville in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Kauai averages at about 78°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Kauai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. Charlottesville usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during summer. Charlottesville gets 305 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Charlottesville. In July, Charlottesville usually receives more rain than Kauai. Charlottesville gets 5 inches (128 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Kauai in the Autumn?

Both Kauai and Charlottesville during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Charlottesville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kauai for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Charlottesville is generally much colder than Kauai. Daily temperatures in Charlottesville average around 59°F (15°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

In Kauai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Charlottesville. In the autumn, Charlottesville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai. Charlottesville gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun.

Charlottesville usually gets more rain in October than Kauai. Charlottesville gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Kauai in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlottesville and Kauai. Many travelers come to Charlottesville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Kauai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Charlottesville. Charlottesville is much colder than Kauai in the winter. The daily temperature in Charlottesville averages around 36°F (2°C) in January, and Kauai fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Charlottesville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai during winter. Charlottesville gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Charlottesville usually receives less rain than Kauai. Charlottesville gets 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Kauai in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Charlottesville as well as Kauai. Many visitors come to Charlottesville in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Kauai for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Charlottesville is much colder than Kauai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Charlottesville in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Kauai averages at about 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kauai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlottesville this time of the year. In the spring, Charlottesville often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Charlottesville gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun.

Charlottesville usually gets more rain in April than Kauai. Charlottesville gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kauai and Charlottesville