A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kauai vs. Whistler for Resorts, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Kauai or Whistler?

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 Whistler. 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 scenic, dramatic, and idyllic island. You'll find world class beauty in Kauai as well. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Kauai travel costs.

Whistler

Whistler is a charming, adventurous, and outdoorsy village. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Whistler attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Whistler travel costs.

Kauai and Whistler: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kauai or Whistler?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kauai than Whistler, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kauai is better known for its museums and attractions, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Whistler is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, and small town charm. Kauai is well known for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. Also, Kauai is famous for Waimea Canyon. Whistler is well known for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding.

How is Kauai different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Kauai or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is terrific for skiing. However, Kauai is not a skiing destination.

Whistler is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. Whistler is the largest ski resort in North America. It covers a vast area that includes two peaks - Whistler and Blackcomb. The slopes are connected by lifts and gondolas and there are options for every level, from beginner to expert.

Kauai is not a skiing destination.

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

Kauai is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Whistler is not a good village for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Whistler specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There is a local museum where you can learn about the areas culture and heritage.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Kauai and Whistler.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Whistler makes for a great culinary experience. There are many great restaurants and pubs that serve local dishes like Whistler herring, meatloaf, and Artic char fish. There are casual eateries as well as fine dining with upscale cuisine.

Is Kauai or Whistler Better for Nightlife?

Whistler is a great village for its evening party scene. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife.

The nightlife in Whistler has something for everybody. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

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.

Is Kauai or Whistler Better for Resorts?

Kauai is renowned for its resorts. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit for its luxury resorts.

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.

In Whistler, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There's a large selection of resorts that you can choose from. Many have pools and hot tubs and range from romantic to family-friendly.

Is Kauai or Whistler Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kauai is a well-known place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Whistler 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.

Whistler is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kauai or Whistler Better for Beaches?

Kauai is renowned for its beaches. However, Whistler 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.

Whistler is not a beach destination.

Is Kauai or Whistler Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Kauai and Whistler, and they are world-class.

Kauai is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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

People visit Whistler specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. During the warmer seasons there are miles of hiking trails that take you through both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Many trails are accessible by gondola and you'll find great views and stunning vistas. Trails range from short family-friendly options to strenuous and adventurous routes.

Is the Shopping Better in Kauai or Whistler?

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

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

Whistler is a great destination for shopping. The village offers great shopping where you can pick up local items or any ski gear you may have forgotten.

Is Kauai or Whistler More Beautiful?

Kauai is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit for its scenery and 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.

The beauty of Whistler is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The town sits in a valley that is surrounded by stunning mountains and impressive glaciers.

Is Kauai or Whistler Better for Families?

Whistler is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Whistler is very family-friendly. Kids will love the winter activities like skiing, dog sledding, and bobsledding. There's also an ice skating rink, climbing gym, and tons of kid-friendly restaurants.

Kauai is 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.

Is Kauai or Whistler Better for Couples?

Kauai is renowned for romance. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Whistler makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy an adventure will love the year-round outdoor sports. There are also romantic spas, fine dining, and scenic gondola rides.

Is Kauai or Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Whistler is a great village 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 Whistler. There are several hostels in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Kauai and Whistler both offer respectable 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 Whistler. There's a bus system that connects the town to other nearby neighborhoods.

Is Kauai or Whistler a more walkable city?

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

Whistler is a very walkable destination. It's a compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

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 Whistler Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Whistler or Kauai?

How long in Kauai or Whistler?

In either Kauai or Whistler, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Kauai than Whistler because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 5-14 days is a good amount of time for Kauai, and 3-5 days is enough time in Whistler.

Families should spend more time in Whistler than Kauai. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Whistler, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Kauai than Whistler. 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 Whistler 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 Whistler.

One day in Kauai or Whistler?

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 Whistler, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this adventurous destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This village 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.

A weekend in Kauai or Whistler?

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 Whistler. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Kauai or Whistler?

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.

Whistler is a fun place to experience. In Whistler, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Kauai or Whistler?

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 charming destination of Whistler. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Kauai or Whistler?

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 Whistler in the Summer?

Both Whistler 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 Whistler for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Kauai is a little warmer than Whistler. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kauai in July average around 78°F (25°C), and Whistler averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Whistler, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kauai. In the summer, Kauai often gets less sunshine than Whistler. Kauai gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun.

Kauai usually gets less rain in July than Whistler. Kauai gets 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kauai or Whistler in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kauai and Whistler. 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 Whistler because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Kauai is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Kauai average around 78°F (25°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Kauai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kauai usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during autumn. Kauai gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Whistler receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Kauai usually receives less rain than Whistler. Kauai gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kauai or Whistler in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Whistler in the winter. Kauai is much warmer than Whistler in the winter. The daily temperature in Kauai averages around 71°F (22°C) in January, and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Kauai often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Kauai gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Whistler. Kauai usually gets less rain in January than Whistler. Kauai gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kauai or Whistler in the Spring?

Both Whistler 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. Also, many travelers come to Whistler for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Kauai is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kauai in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Whistler averages at about 9°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kauai. Kauai usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during spring. Kauai gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. In April, Kauai usually receives less rain than Whistler. Kauai gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Whistler and Kauai