A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kauai vs. Kamloops for Hiking, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Kauai or Kamloops?

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 Kamloops. 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. Kauai is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Kauai travel costs.

Kamloops

Kamloops is a laid-back, outdoorsy, and nature-filled city. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Kamloops travel costs.

Kauai and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kauai or Kamloops?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kauai. Although Kauai and Kamloops are both popular with visitors, Kauai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kauai is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Kamloops is known for its skiing. Kauai is more touristy than Kamloops and is known for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. It is also home to Waimea Canyon. Kamloops is popular for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses.

How is Kauai different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Kauai or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Kamloops is a great city for skiing. However, Kauai is not a skiing destination.

Kamloops draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. There's a long ski season that runs from mid-November to mid-April. The region has two major ski resorts - Sun Peaks Resorts and Harper Mountain.

Kauai is not a skiing destination.

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

Kauai is a island with good options for its museums and history. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Kauai offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are local museums that educate visitors on the island's history and culture. You can also visit sugar plantations and art galleries.

Kamloops offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that highlight the local culture and the region's heritage.

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

Kauai is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Kamloops area. You'll find restaurants that range from casual to fine dining. There are also international options like Jamaican, Indian, or Chinese.

Is Kauai or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Kamloops. You'll find pubs, bars, breweries and night clubs around town that range in personality and style.

Is Kauai or Kamloops Better for Resorts?

Kauai is an amazing island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Kamloops 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.

Kamloops is not a resort destination.

Is Kauai or Kamloops Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kauai is an excellent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kamloops 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.

Kamloops is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kauai or Kamloops Better for Beaches?

Kauai is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Kamloops 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.

Kamloops is not a beach destination.

Is Kauai or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Kauai is an amazing island to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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

Kamloops offers some nice hiking trails. The area is filled with hiking trails that pass through grasslands, desert landscapes, and pine forests. There is something for every skill level.

Is the Shopping Better in Kauai or Kamloops?

If you're looking to go shopping, Kauai and Kamloops 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.

Kamloops is a great destination for shopping. Downtown you'll find local boutiques and eclectic shops. You could also head to Aberdeen Mall for all of the major brands and recognizable stores.

Is Kauai or Kamloops More Beautiful?

Kauai is an amazing island to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kauai or Kamloops Better for Families?

Both Kauai and Kamloops are very good family-friendly destinations.

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.

Kamloops is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are great parks and outdoor spaces for kids as well as the Deep Creek Tool Museum, Westsyde Centennial Park and Petting Zoo, and Hells Gate Air Tram. You can also take a ride on the Kettle Valley Railway Steam Engine. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to either Kamloops Wildlife Park or Kangaroo Creek Farm.

Is Kauai or Kamloops Better for Couples?

Kauai is an amazing island to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Kamloops is a good island for couples to visit. The area is filled with great hikes and nice parks. There are also great restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Kauai or Kamloops Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kauai is a island with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for backpackers.

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.

Kamloops is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's often overlooked by backpackers, but there is a hostel in town.

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

Kauai and Kamloops both offer decent public transit to get you 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Kamloops. There is a bus system through the city.

Is Kauai or Kamloops a more walkable city?

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

Kamloops is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown is the most walkable part of town.

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 Kamloops Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Kauai?

How long in Kauai or Kamloops?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kauai or Kamloops to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kauai than Kamloops 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 Kamloops.

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

The beautiful island of Kauai offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Kamloops, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this nature-filled 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 Kamloops?

Kauai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Kauai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kauai, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A week in Kauai or Kamloops?

Kauai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kauai has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

You'll find nightlife and food around the nature-filled destination of Kamloops. 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 Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Kauai or Kamloops?

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 Kauai or Kamloops in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kauai and Kamloops. Most visitors come to Kauai for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Kamloops because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kauai is generally around the same temperature as Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Kauai average around 78°F (25°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Kauai usually receives less rain than Kamloops. Kauai gets 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kauai or Kamloops in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kauai as well as Kamloops. The autumn months attract visitors to Kauai because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kamloops this time of year.

Kauai is much warmer than Kamloops in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kauai averages around 78°F (25°C) in October, and Kamloops fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Kauai usually gets more rain in October than Kamloops. Kauai gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kauai or Kamloops in the Winter?

Both Kamloops and Kauai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kauai this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kamloops for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kamloops. In the winter, Kauai is much warmer than Kamloops. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kauai in January average around 71°F (22°C), and Kamloops averages at about -3°C (27°F).

In January, Kauai usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Kauai gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kauai or Kamloops in the Spring?

Both Kamloops and Kauai during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kauai for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Kauai is generally much warmer than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Kauai average around 73°F (23°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Kauai usually gets more rain in April than Kamloops. Kauai gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kamloops and Kauai