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

Should you visit Juneau or Kauai?

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

Should I visit Juneau 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.

Juneau

Juneau is a historic, scenic, and breathtaking city. Many visitors also come to Juneau because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking. See Juneau travel costs.

Kauai

Kauai is a dramatic, idyllic, and scenic island. You'll find world class beauty in Kauai as well. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food. See Kauai travel costs.

Juneau and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Juneau or Kauai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kauai. Although Juneau and Kauai are both popular with visitors, Kauai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kauai is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Juneau is known for its museums and attractions and shopping. Kauai is more touristy than Juneau and is popular for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. It is also home to Waimea Canyon. Juneau is popular for its wildlife, natural beauty, and Gold Rush in 1880.

How is Juneau different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Juneau is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Juneau. Many museums focus on the history in the area, including the Gold Rush and the mining industry. You can visit several historic mines as well as the Last Chance Mining Museum. Other museums around town include the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Walter Soboleff Building, and the Alaska State Museum.

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 Juneau or Kauai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Juneau and Kauai can be difficult as they are each superb in their own way.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Juneau. The seafood is superb and visitors will regret if they miss out on the salmon, halibut, and crab. There are many local restaurants and local chefs serving up the freshest caught fish. For the best seafood, head to the waterfront, and if you're looking for something other than seafood, the downtown is where you'll want to be.

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.

Is Juneau or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

Kauai is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Juneau is not a good city for its evening party scene.

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 Juneau. There are a couple of bars and breweries, but most people relax in the evening.

Is Juneau or Kauai Better for Resorts?

Kauai is an amazing island to visit for its resorts. However, Juneau is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Kauai is a great 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.

Juneau is not a resort destination.

Is Juneau or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kauai is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Juneau is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Juneau is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Juneau or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Kauai is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Juneau is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Kauai. 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.

Juneau is not a beach destination.

Is Juneau or Kauai Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Juneau and Kauai both have amazing trails.

People visit Juneau specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find more than 250 miles of hiking trails in the area, and this really is the best way to experience Alaska. The area is known for its wildlife, but there are also glacier hikes, meadows, mountains, and more. In downtown Juneau there's the Perseverance Trail, the Granite Creek Trail, and the Mount Roberts Trail. From the Mendenhall Visitor Center there's the East Glacier Loop Trail, the West Glacier Trail, and the Nugget Falls Trail. There are also trails on Douglas Island and many options just outside of town.

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

Is the Shopping Better in Juneau or Kauai?

Juneau is a great city 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 Juneau. There's a mix of contemporary art and traditional artisan crafts. You'll find gift shops and art galleries around, particularly downtown and in the Mendenhall Valley business district. Visitors often enjoy buying art, wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, or dolls.

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

Is Juneau or Kauai More Beautiful?

Juneau and Kauai are somewhat similar when it comes to the amazing scenery.

You'll find world class beauty in Juneau as well. The landscape is filled with glaciers, mountains, and fjords, making it a dramatic and beautiful destination.

Kauai is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The island is filled with dramatic beauty, from the inland mountains covered in tropical forests, to the scenic beaches and blue water.

Is Juneau or Kauai Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Juneau or Kauai.

Juneau is a very kid-friendly city. Its is filled with adventure that the whole family will enjoy. There's whale watching, dog sled tours, helicopter rides, hiking, and the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway. This bucket-list destination will have an impact on kids and adults alike.

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.

Is Juneau or Kauai Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Juneau and Kauai make for a amazing place to visit.

Juneau makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy exploring and adventuring will be in awe of this destination. Glacier trekking, superb gardens, and romantic helicopter rides will leave you feeling like a contestant on "The Bachelor". There are also opportunities for romantic evenings out and cozy hotels where you can stay in.

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.

Is Juneau or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Juneau is a great city 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 Juneau. It's a popular destination with budget hotels and even a hostel or two.

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

Both Juneau and Kauai offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Juneau. You can only reach Juneau by boat or plane and there are three bus routes through town.

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 Juneau or Kauai a more walkable city?

Juneau is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Kauai is not known for its walkability.

Juneau is a very walkable destination. The downtown is very walkable and many places can be reached within a reasonable walk.

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 Juneau Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Juneau?

How long in Juneau or Kauai?

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

Families should spend more time in Kauai than Juneau. 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 Juneau. 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 Juneau than Kauai 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 Juneau.

One day in Juneau or Kauai?

In Juneau, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Kauai. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Juneau or Kauai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Juneau. 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.

Kauai is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Juneau or Kauai?

Juneau is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Juneau. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kauai. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Juneau or Kauai?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Juneau. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the dramatic destination of Kauai. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. 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 from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Juneau 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 Juneau or Kauai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Juneau as well as Kauai. Most visitors come to Juneau for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Kauai because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Juneau is much colder than Kauai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Juneau in July average around 56°F (13°C), and Kauai averages at about 78°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kauai. In the summer, Juneau often gets less sunshine than Kauai. Juneau gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 255 hours of full sun.

Juneau receives a lot of rain in the summer. Juneau usually gets more rain in July than Kauai. Juneau gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Juneau or Kauai in the Autumn?

Both Kauai and Juneau are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Juneau because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.

In October, Juneau is generally much colder than Kauai. Daily temperatures in Juneau average around 42°F (6°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Kauai. Juneau usually receives less sunshine than Kauai during autumn. Juneau gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Juneau. In October, Juneau usually receives more rain than Kauai. Juneau gets 7.8 inches (199 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Juneau or Kauai in the Winter?

Both Kauai and Juneau during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Juneau this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kauai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Juneau in the winter. Juneau is much colder than Kauai in the winter. The daily temperature in Juneau averages around 24°F (-4°C) in January, and Kauai fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

In the winter, Juneau often gets less sunshine than Kauai. Juneau gets 87 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Juneau. Juneau usually gets more rain in January than Kauai. Juneau gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Juneau or Kauai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Juneau and Kauai. Many travelers come to Juneau for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Kauai in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Juneau. In the spring, Juneau is much colder than Kauai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Juneau in April average around 40°F (4°C), and Kauai averages at about 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kauai this time of the year. Juneau usually receives less sunshine than Kauai during spring. Juneau gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Juneau usually receives more rain than Kauai. Juneau gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kauai and Juneau