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

Should you visit Everglades National Park or Kauai?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Everglades National Park and Kauai can help you decide which place is right for you.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a wild, pristine, and adventure-filled national park. Everglades National Park offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Everglades National Park travel costs.

Kauai

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

Everglades National Park and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less charming
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Waimea Canyon


Is there more to do in Everglades National Park or Kauai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kauai. Although Everglades National Park and Kauai are popular destinations, Kauai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kauai is more touristy than Everglades National Park and is known for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. It is also well known for Waimea Canyon. Everglades National Park is famous for its unique habitats and wildlife such as the friendly manatees.

How is Everglades National Park different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Everglades National Park or Kauai?

Everglades National Park
Kauai

Kauai is very good for its historical sights. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Everglades National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. It's worth checking out the Museum of the Everglades, but most visitors prefer to spend their time outdoors exploring the habitats.


Is the Food Better in Everglades National Park or Kauai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Everglades National Park
Kauai

Kauai is a great island for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Kauai has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Everglades National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few casual eateries near the park. The options include taquerias and grills. You'll also find some farm fresh fruit stands on the side of the road and it's definitely worth stopping to pick up a snack.

Is Everglades National Park or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

Everglades National Park
Kauai

Kauai is very good for its evening party scene. However, Everglades National Park is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Kauai has a few options to choose from. 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.

People don't go to Everglades National Park for the nightlife. There are a couple of grills outside of the park, but the nightlife scene is very limited.

Is Everglades National Park or Kauai Better for Resorts?

Everglades National Park
Kauai

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

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Kauai is a perfect choice. 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.

Everglades National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Everglades National Park or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Everglades National Park
Kauai

Kauai is a great island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Everglades National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Everglades National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Everglades National Park or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Everglades National Park
Kauai

Kauai is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Everglades National Park is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Kauai is a very popular vacation 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.

Everglades National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Everglades National Park or Kauai Better for Hiking?

Everglades National Park
Kauai

Kauai is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for the nearby hiking options.

Many people visit Kauai specifically for its hiking. 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

Everglades National Park is a popular spot for hiking. The trails take you through a variety of habitats and range in length from short nature walks to longer, in depth hikes. Do be aware that the insects can be brutal. Mosquitos and biting flies are both common.


Is the Shopping Better in Everglades National Park or Kauai?

Everglades National Park
Kauai

Kauai is very good for its shopping areas. However, Everglades National Park is not known for shopping.

Kauai has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of local shopping centers and larger retail malls.

Everglades National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a park store, but otherwise the shopping is very limited.

Is Everglades National Park or Kauai More Beautiful?

Everglades National Park
Kauai

Kauai is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park 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.

Everglades National Park is a gorgeous place to visit. The natural beauty is impressive and it's easy to see why this is a highlight for many visitors to southern Florida.

Is Everglades National Park or Kauai Better for Families?

Everglades National Park
Kauai

Kauai is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Kauai. 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.

Everglades National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. An airboat ride is a highlight for many kids. There's also hiking, kayaking, and even Junior Ranger programs. Do be on the lookout for mosquitoes, which can be relentless in the park.


Is Everglades National Park or Kauai Better for Couples?

Everglades National Park
Kauai

Kauai is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Kauai 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.

Everglades National Park is a nice destination for couples. Hiking and enjoying a bit of nature makes for a nice romantic getaway. Go kayaking or take an airboat ride and then enjoy some time exploring the natural setting.

Is Everglades National Park or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Everglades National Park
Kauai

Everglades National Park is a great national park for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Everglades National Park. There are two drive-in campgrounds (Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground) that you can reach from the Homestead entrance to the park.

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

Everglades National Park
Kauai

Kauai is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Everglades National Park. There is no real public transportation to the park so an organized tour is your best option if you don't have a vehicle.


Is Everglades National Park or Kauai a more walkable city?

Everglades National Park
Kauai

Everglades National Park is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Kauai is not known for its walkability.

Everglades National Park is generally not a very walkable national park. While there are hiking trails, to really explore the park you'll want to have a car or take an organized tour.

Kauai is not a walkable national park. 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 Everglades National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Everglades National Park?

How long in Everglades National Park or Kauai?

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

Families should spend more time in Kauai than Everglades National Park. 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 Everglades National Park. 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 Everglades National Park 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.


  • How many days in Everglades National Park or Kauai? Ideal Length of Stay
    Everglades National Park 2-3 
    Kauai 5-14

One day in Everglades National Park or Kauai?

In Everglades National Park, many people enjoy the that this pristine destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This national park 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.

With nightlife and food around the idyllic island of Kauai, there's plenty to do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A weekend in Everglades National Park or Kauai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Everglades National Park. 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.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the dramatic destination of Kauai, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


Five days in Everglades National Park or Kauai?

Everglades National Park is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Everglades National Park. 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.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the scenic island of Kauai, there's plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days here is typical. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Everglades National Park or Kauai?

You'll find around the adventure-filled destination of Everglades National Park. 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.

Kauai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Kauai or Everglades National Park?

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

  • Everglades National Park Prices
    USA Prices
    Kauai Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Everglades National Park $169
    Kauai $231

The average daily cost (per person) in Everglades National Park is $169, 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 Everglades National Park and Kauai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Everglades National Park $80
    Kauai $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Everglades National Park $160
    Kauai $226
Compare Hotels in Everglades National Park and Kauai

Looking for a hotel in Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park


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: Kauai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Everglades National Park $56
    Kauai $34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kauai

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Everglades National Park or Kauai?

Prices for flights to both Kauai and Everglades National Park 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
    Everglades National Park $54
    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.
    Everglades National Park $28
    Kauai $17

Tours and Activities in Everglades National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Everglades National Park.

  • Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours: $52

Tours and Activities in Kauai

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

  • Kauai Airplane Tour: Na Pali Coast, Waterfalls & Window Seats: $159
  • 'Imiloa Express Na Pali Sunset Tour: $190
  • 'Imiloa Express Nā Pali Snorkel Tour : $212
  • Best Kauai Northeast, Fern Grotto River Cruise & Lighthouse Tour: $220
  • Deluxe Na Pali Morning Snorkel Tour on the Lucky Lady: $234
  • Deluxe Na Pali Sunset Tour on the Lucky Lady: $201
  • From USS Arizona Memorial and Honolulu City Tour: $400
  • Guided Secret Falls Tour with Snacks and Drinks: $135
  • Half-Day Raft and Snorkel Adventure to Na Pali: $217
  • Hanalei Bay Morning Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $160
  • Hanalei River Paddle and Bay Snorkel Tours (LUNCH INCLUDED): $155
  • Inside the Hive: Kauai Honey and Bee Tour: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Everglades National Park $7.86
    Kauai $14


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

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



When is the best time to visit Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park or Kauai in the Summer?

Both Kauai and Everglades National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Everglades National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Kauai for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Everglades National Park is around the same temperature as Kauai in the summer. The daily temperature in Everglades National Park averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, 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 Everglades National Park. Everglades National Park usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during summer. Everglades National Park gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Everglades National Park. In July, Everglades National Park usually receives more rain than Kauai. Everglades National Park gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Everglades National Park 82°F (28°C) 
    Kauai 78°F (25°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Kauai in the Autumn?

Both Kauai and Everglades National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Everglades National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Kauai because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Everglades National Park is around the same temperature as Kauai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Everglades National Park in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Kauai averages at about 78°F (25°C).

In Kauai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Everglades National Park. In the autumn, Everglades National Park often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Everglades National Park gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Everglades National Park. Everglades National Park usually gets more rain in October than Kauai. Everglades National Park gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Everglades National Park is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Everglades National Park 78°F (26°C) 
    Kauai 78°F (25°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Kauai in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Everglades National Park and Kauai. The winter months attract visitors to Everglades National Park because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.

In January, Everglades National Park is generally cooler than Kauai. Daily temperatures in Everglades National Park average around 67°F (19°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

In Everglades National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. Everglades National Park usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during winter. Everglades National Park gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Everglades National Park usually receives less rain than Kauai. Everglades National Park gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Everglades National Park 67°F (19°C) 
    Kauai 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Kauai in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Everglades National Park as well as Kauai. The natural beauty are the main draw to Everglades National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kauai for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Everglades National Park is around the same temperature as Kauai in the spring. The daily temperature in Everglades National Park averages around 74°F (24°C) in April, and Kauai fluctuates around 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 Everglades National Park this time of the year. In the spring, Everglades National Park often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Everglades National Park gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun.

Everglades National Park usually gets more rain in April than Kauai. Everglades National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Everglades National Park.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Everglades National Park 74°F (24°C) 
    Kauai 73°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Kauai and Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park Kauai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 71°F (22°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 73°F (23°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 74°F (24°C) 0.4 inches (10 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 76°F (25°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 78°F (25°C) 0.6 inches (17 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 78°F (26°C) 0.6 inches (16 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 78°F (26°C) 1 inches (26 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (62 mm)