A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kauai vs. Calgary for Couples, Food, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit Kauai or Calgary?

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 Kauai and Calgary. 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.

Kauai

Kauai is a dramatic, idyllic, and scenic island. The famous beauty of Kauai is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Kauai travel costs.

Calgary

Calgary is a authentic, western, and local city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Calgary travel costs.

Kauai and Calgary: Pros and Cons

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
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Waimea Canyon
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Kauai or Calgary?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kauai. Although Kauai and Calgary are both popular with visitors, Kauai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kauai is more touristy than Calgary and is popular for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. It is also home to Waimea Canyon. Calgary is popular for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.

How is Kauai different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kauai
Calgary

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Calgary and Kauai.

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.

Calgary is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.


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

Kauai
Calgary

Kauai is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Calgary may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The food scene is constantly evolving and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants. The city is known for its beef, so you should definitely sample a local steak.

Is Kauai or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

Kauai
Calgary

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

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Calgary. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.

Is Kauai or Calgary Better for Resorts?

Kauai
Calgary

Kauai is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Calgary 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.

Calgary is not a resort destination.


Is Kauai or Calgary Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kauai
Calgary

Kauai is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Calgary 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.

Calgary is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kauai or Calgary Better for Beaches?

Kauai
Calgary

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

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.

Calgary is not a beach destination.

Is Kauai or Calgary Better for Hiking?

Kauai
Calgary

Kauai is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Calgary 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

Calgary is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Kauai or Calgary?

Kauai
Calgary

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

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

Calgary is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of independent shops around town as well as some great shopping neighborhoods. Make sure you check out Fourth Street and 17th Avenue. There are also large shopping malls.

Is Kauai or Calgary More Beautiful?

Kauai
Calgary

Kauai is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Kauai is one of the main draws. The island is filled with dramatic beauty, from the inland mountains covered in tropical forests, to the scenic beaches and blue water.

Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kauai or Calgary Better for Families?

Kauai
Calgary

Kauai is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Kauai is a very kid-friendly island. 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.

Calgary offers lots of family activities. There are a surprising number of things around town to do with kids such as petting zoos, museums, and even amusement parks. The Calgary Zoo is worth a visit, but also make sure you check out Calaway Park Amusement Park and the Telus Spark science center.


Is Kauai or Calgary Better for Couples?

Kauai
Calgary

Kauai is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Calgary is a good island for couples to visit. You'll find outdoor sports, boat tours, and plenty of great restaurants around town. If you're looking for a low key destination with a great vibe, then this is a great city for a weekend trip.

Is Kauai or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kauai
Calgary

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

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Calgary. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.

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

Kauai
Calgary

Calgary is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Kauai is not known for its public transit.

While Calgary offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.

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 Kauai or Calgary a more walkable city?

Kauai
Calgary

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

Calgary is generally not a very walkable city. While there are a couple of walkable neighborhood's around town, it's definitely not the most walkable city.

Kauai is not a walkable island. 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 Kauai Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Kauai?

How long in Kauai or Calgary?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kauai or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kauai than Calgary because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-14 days is a good amount of time for Kauai, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kauai than Calgary 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 Kauai or Calgary? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kauai 5-14 
    Calgary 1-2

One day in Kauai or Calgary?

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.

In Calgary, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this local destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Kauai or Calgary?

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.

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


Five days in Kauai or Calgary?

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.

Calgary is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Calgary. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Kauai or Calgary?

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.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the local destination of Calgary. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


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 Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Calgary or Kauai?

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

  • Kauai Prices
    USA Prices
    Calgary Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Kauai $231
    Calgary $177

The average daily cost (per person) in Kauai is $231, while the average daily cost in Calgary is $177. 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 Kauai and Calgary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kauai $113
    Calgary $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kauai $226
    Calgary $146
Compare Hotels in Kauai and Calgary

Looking for a hotel in Kauai or Calgary? 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 Kauai


Hotels in Calgary


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 and Calgary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kauai $34
    Calgary $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kauai

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:

  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Vancouver: $2,153
  • Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper Shuttle Transfer: $1,256
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Jasper: $861
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Fernie, BC: $517
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Edmonton: $502
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Golden BC: $502
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Lake Louis: $359
  • Black Car Airport Transfers in Bow Valley: $295
  • Calgary to Lake Louise private group transfer: $289
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Red Deer: $251
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Kananaskis: $222
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Drumheller: $215

Is it cheaper to fly into Kauai or Calgary?

Prices for flights to both Calgary and Kauai 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
    Kauai $96
    Calgary $54

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

Typical Food Prices in Calgary

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Calgary:


  • Bread, Chips, Cheese
    $8.10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Calgary

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Calgary.

  • Sushi Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Calgary: $62
  • Pasta Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Calgary: $63
  • Light Brunch & Food Tour at Calgary Farmers' Market WEST: $80
  • Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour: $127
  • Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kauai $17
    Calgary $15

Tours and Activities in Kauai

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

  • Ultimate Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of Kauai (Na Pali, Waimea), Hawaii: $15
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Kauai: $20
  • Kauai Poipu and Koloa Town Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
  • Kauai Wailua Valley & Waterfalls Audio Driving Tour: $20
  • Waimea Canyon & Na Pali Driving Tour app: $23
  • Kauai Adventure Bundle: 4 Epic Audio Driving Tours : $35
  • Allerton Garden Guided Group Walking Tour: $64
  • Kauai Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Journey to Waimea Canyon: $97
  • Mālama Kai Adventure Snorkel: $102
  • Kauai Cruise Ship Excursion: Wailua River & Fern Grotto: $109
  • Kalapaki Kai Sunset Catamaran Cruise: $109
  • Catamaran Sunset Cruise: $114

Typical Entertainment Prices in Calgary

Here are a few typical costs in Calgary for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Stampede Admission (for 2)
    $22

Tours and Activities in Calgary

Here are a few actual costs in Calgary for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 Day Tour | Banff | Moraine Lake | Lake Louise | From Calgary: $80
  • 1 Day of Banff Viewpoints Lakes Bow Valley in Private Custom Tour: $88
  • 1 Day of Drumheller Dinosaurs and Badlands Guided Group Tour : $131
  • 1 Day of Drumheller Dinosaurs and Badlands in Private Custom Tour: $88
  • 1 Hour Shared Winter Sleigh Ride Experience in Kananaskis: $39
  • 2-Day Lake Louise, Moraine Lake & Columbia Icefield Rockies Tour: $80
  • 3 Day Banff Moraine Lake Louise Johnston Columbia Icefield Tour : $241
  • 6-Hour Private City Tour Drive to Calgary Tower: $682
  • Airport Pickup & Private Tour from Calgary to The Rockies!: $256
  • Badlands Tour: Drumheller with Museum, Hoodoos & Coal Mine: $121
  • Banff Area & Johnston Canyon 1-Day Tour from Calgary or Banff: $95
  • Banff Big 3 Moraine Lake, Lake Louise and Emerald Lake Tour: $176

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kauai $14
    Calgary $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Calgary

Also in Calgary, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Brewery Tours at Award Winning Venues: $82
  • Calgary Brewery Tour: $88


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

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