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

Should you visit Kauai or Vernon?

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 Vernon. 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 idyllic, scenic, and dramatic island. You'll find world class beauty in Kauai as well. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Kauai travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a quiet, peaceful, and relaxing town. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking. See Vernon travel costs.

Kauai and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kauai or Vernon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kauai. Although Kauai and Vernon are popular destinations, Kauai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kauai is more touristy than Vernon and is popular for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. It is also well known for Waimea Canyon. Vernon is famous for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Kauai different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Vernon 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 Vernon?

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Vernon 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.

Vernon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

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

Kauai is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Kauai is an experience not to be missed. 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 plenty of up and coming restaurants around Vernon. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

Is Kauai or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Kauai is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Vernon is not a good town for nightlife.

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 Vernon. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is Kauai or Vernon Better for Resorts?

Kauai is terrific for its resorts. However, Vernon is not a resort destination.

Kauai offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Vernon is not a resort destination.

Is Kauai or Vernon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Many visitors go to Kauai to enjoy 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.

Vernon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kauai or Vernon Better for Beaches?

Kauai is terrific for the beach. However, Vernon is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Kauai are among the best in 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.

Vernon is not a beach destination.

Is Kauai or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Kauai is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Kauai draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Vernon. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Kauai or Vernon?

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

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

Vernon is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Kauai or Vernon More Beautiful?

Kauai is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Kauai as well. The island is filled with dramatic beauty, from the inland mountains covered in tropical forests, to the scenic beaches and blue water.

Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kauai or Vernon Better for Families?

Kauai is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Kauai is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Vernon is a family-friendly island. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Kauai or Vernon Better for Couples?

Kauai is terrific for couples. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Kauai has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. "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.

Vernon is a nice destination for couples. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.

Is Kauai or Vernon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kauai is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Vernon is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Vernon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, but this isn't a popular destination for backpackers.

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

Kauai and Vernon both offer reasonable 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 Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

Is Kauai or Vernon a more walkable city?

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

Vernon is generally not a very walkable town. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.

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 Vernon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Kauai?

How long in Kauai or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kauai and Vernon. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kauai than in Vernon. Usually, 5-14 days is a good amount of time for Kauai, and 1-3 days is enough time in Vernon.

Families should spend more time in Kauai than Vernon. 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 Vernon. 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 Vernon 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 Vernon?

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.

In Vernon, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this relaxing destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town 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 Vernon?

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.

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

Five days in Kauai or Vernon?

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.

Vernon is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Vernon. 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.

A week in Kauai or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the relaxing destination of Vernon. 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.

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 Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Kauai or Vernon?

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 Kauai or Vernon in the Summer?

Both Vernon and Kauai during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kauai in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Vernon for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Kauai is around the same temperature as Vernon in the summer. The daily temperature in Kauai averages around 78°F (25°C) in July, and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Kauai usually gets less rain in July than Vernon. Kauai gets 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kauai or Vernon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kauai and Vernon. Most visitors come to Kauai for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Vernon because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Kauai is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kauai in October average around 78°F (25°C), and Vernon averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In October, Kauai usually receives more rain than Vernon. Kauai gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kauai or Vernon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kauai as well as Vernon. The winter months attract visitors to Kauai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vernon this time of year.

It's quite cold in Vernon in the winter. In January, Kauai is generally much warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Kauai average around 71°F (22°C), and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Kauai usually gets more rain in January than Vernon. Kauai gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kauai or Vernon in the Spring?

Both Vernon and Kauai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.

Kauai is much warmer than Vernon in the spring. The daily temperature in Kauai averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In April, Kauai usually receives more rain than Vernon. Kauai gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Kauai