A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Miami vs. Kauai for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Miami or Kauai?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Miami and Kauai can help you decide which place is right for you.

Miami

Miami is a high energy, glamorous, and exciting beach city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and beaches. See Miami travel costs.

Kauai

Kauai is a scenic, dramatic, and idyllic island. The famous beauty of Kauai is one of the main draws. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food. See Kauai travel costs.

Miami and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Miami or Kauai?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Miami than Kauai, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Miami is better known for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Kauai is more popular for its museums and attractions, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty. Miami is well known for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. Also, Miami is famous for South Beach. Kauai is well known for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests.

How is Miami different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kauai is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Miami is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Miami, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Kauai makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Miami or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

Miami is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife.

Miami is a must-see party destination. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

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 Miami or Kauai Better for Music?

Miami is terrific for its music scene. However, Kauai is not a live music destination.

Miami has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Kauai is not a live music destination.

Is Miami or Kauai Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Miami and Kauai.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Miami is a perfect choice. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

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.

Is Miami or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kauai is well known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Miami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Miami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Miami or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Miami and Kauai are first-rate choices for a beach vacation.

With world-famous beaches, Miami is a very popular vacation destination. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

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.

Is Miami or Kauai Better for Hiking?

Kauai is an amazing island to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Miami is not a hiking destination.

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

Miami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Kauai?

Miami is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for shopping.

Many people travel to Miami specifically to go shopping. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

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

Is Miami or Kauai More Beautiful?

Kauai is an amazing island to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Miami 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.

Miami is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Miami or Kauai Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Miami or Kauai.

Miami is a very family-friendly place to visit. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Kauai is very family-friendly. 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 Miami or Kauai Better for Couples?

Kauai is an amazing island to visit for romance. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Miami is a great beach city if you're traveling as a couple. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

Is Miami or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Miami and Kauai are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Miami is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

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.

Is Miami or Kauai Better for Students?

Miami is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Kauai is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

Kauai is not popular with students.

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

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

While Miami offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

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 Miami or Kauai a more walkable city?

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

Miami is a very walkable destination. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

Kauai is not a walkable beach 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 Miami Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Miami?

How long in Miami or Kauai?

Miami and Kauai both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Miami than Kauai because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Miami, and 5-14 days is enough time in Kauai.

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

One day in Miami or Kauai?

Each neighborhood in Miami has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This beach 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.

In Kauai, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this dramatic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island 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 Miami or Kauai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Miami. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kauai. 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 Miami or Kauai?

Miami is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Miami has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Kauai is a fun place to experience. In Kauai, many people enjoy the shopping and museums 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 Miami or Kauai?

You'll find live music and food around the diverse big city of Miami. 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.

In Kauai, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this scenic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Miami and Kauai, we can see that Miami is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

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

Both Kauai and Miami during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Miami in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kauai for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Miami is generally a little warmer than Kauai. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 83°F (28°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

In Kauai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Miami. In the summer, Miami often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Miami gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 255 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually gets more rain in July than Kauai. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Miami or Kauai in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Miami and Kauai. Most visitors come to Miami for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Kauai because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Miami is around the same temperature as Kauai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kauai this time of the year. In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during autumn. Miami gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Miami usually receives more rain than Kauai. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Miami or Kauai in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Miami is cooler than Kauai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Miami in January average around 67°F (20°C), and Kauai averages at about 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In the winter, Miami often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Miami gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun.

Miami usually gets less rain in January than Kauai. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Miami or Kauai in the Spring?

Both Kauai and Miami are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Miami this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kauai for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Miami is generally around the same temperature as Kauai. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 75°F (24°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Kauai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during spring. Miami gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Miami usually receives more rain than Kauai. Miami gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kauai and Miami