A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Olympic National Park vs. Kauai for Resorts, Hiking, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Olympic National Park or Kauai?

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

Should I visit Olympic National Park or Kauai? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a stunning, vast, and pristine park. With stunning beauty, Olympic National Park attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking and museums. See Olympic National Park travel costs.

Kauai

Kauai is a dramatic, idyllic, and scenic island. You'll find world class beauty in Kauai as well. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Kauai travel costs.

Olympic National Park and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Olympic National Park or Kauai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kauai. Although Olympic National Park and Kauai are both popular with visitors, Kauai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kauai is more touristy than Olympic National Park and is popular for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. It is also home to Waimea Canyon. Olympic National Park is popular for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall.

How is Olympic National Park different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Olympic National Park or Kauai?

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Olympic National Park and Kauai.

Olympic National Park offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums near the park that highlight the region's history, culture, and geology. These include the Makah Cultural & Research Center Museum, Forks Timber Museum, Sequim Museum, and Squaxin Island Museum, Library and Research Center.

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.

Is the Food Better in Olympic National Park or Kauai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kauai is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its restaurants.

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.

Olympic National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Most of the lodges have restaurants within the park, but they can be overpriced. There are also restaurants just outside of the park's border.

Is Olympic National Park or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

Kauai is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its evening party scene.

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.

Olympic National Park doesn't offer many options. You can enjoy a peaceful natural setting after the sun sets.

Is Olympic National Park or Kauai Better for Resorts?

Kauai is a must-visit destination for its resorts. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Kauai is a great choice. 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.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Olympic National Park. There are several lodges within the park as well as cabins and inns. Some have a historic atmosphere while others are more rustic. It's best to book well in advance, particularly if you're visiting during the peak summer months.

Is Olympic National Park or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kauai is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Olympic National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Olympic National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Olympic National Park or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Kauai is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Olympic National Park is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Kauai. 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.

Olympic National Park is not a beach destination. The park has a rugged coastline with sandy beaches. Many people enjoy exploring the tidal pools or watching the sun set. Some of the best beaches include Kalaloch Beach, Beach 4, and Ruby Beach.

Is Olympic National Park or Kauai Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Olympic National Park and Kauai both have amazing trails.

People visit Olympic National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hiking trails will take you through the diverse range of landscapes. There are mountain climbs, coastal trails, and routes that wander through old growth forests. You'll also find a mix of day hikes and backcountry wilderness hikes. Mount Storm King, Marymere Falls, and the High Divide are favorite hikes in the park, but there are countless others.

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

Is the Shopping Better in Olympic National Park or Kauai?

Kauai is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its shopping areas.

Kauai offers some nice shopping areas. There's a mix of local shopping centers and larger retail malls.

Olympic National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There's a park store where you can pick up books, informational resources, and souvenirs.

Is Olympic National Park or Kauai More Beautiful?

Kauai is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park 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.

With stunning beauty, Olympic National Park attracts visitors from all around. The diversity of landscapes give the park a unique beauty. You can explore old growth rainforests, wander down pristine beaches, or take in the stunning mountain views.

Is Olympic National Park or Kauai Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Olympic National Park or Kauai.

Olympic National Park is a very kid-friendly park. Kids will enjoy exploring the tidal pools and running around the beach. It's also fun to lose yourself in the old growth rainforests and spend some time kayaking or canoeing at Lake Crescent.

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.

Is Olympic National Park or Kauai Better for Couples?

Kauai is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for couples.

Kauai makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. "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.

Olympic National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy hiking, camping, and natural beauty will love exploring this park together. There are a diversity of ecosystems and landscapes where you can enjoy a couples retreat together.

Is Olympic National Park or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Olympic National Park is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Olympic National Park, as it is a very popular park for budget travelers. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

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

Both Olympic National Park and Kauai offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Olympic National Park. There are buses and ferries to the park, but the park is large and requires a private vehicle to fully access it.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kauai. There are buses on the island, but it's difficult to rely on them as a visitor.

Is Olympic National Park or Kauai a more walkable city?

Neither Olympic National Park or Kauai are walkable places.

Olympic National Park is not a walkable park. The park is large and you'll need a car to reach most of the trailheads.

Kauai is not a very walkable park. 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 Olympic National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Olympic National Park?

How long in Olympic National Park or Kauai?

Olympic National Park and Kauai both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kauai than Olympic National Park because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Olympic National Park, and 5-14 days is enough time in Kauai.

Families should spend more time in Kauai than Olympic National Park. 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 Olympic National Park. 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 Kauai than Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park or Kauai?

In Olympic National Park, many people enjoy the museums that this pristine destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the hiking. This park 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, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Olympic National Park or Kauai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Olympic National Park. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kauai. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It offers something for everyone.

Five days in Olympic National Park or Kauai?

Olympic National Park is a fun place to experience. In Olympic National Park, many people enjoy the museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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.

Kauai is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Olympic National Park or Kauai?

You'll find museums around the stunning destination of Olympic National Park. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

In Kauai, you'll find nightlife and food. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park or Kauai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Olympic National Park as well as Kauai. Most visitors come to Olympic National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Kauai because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Olympic National Park is much colder than Kauai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Olympic National Park in July average around 60°F (15°C), and Kauai averages at about 78°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kauai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Olympic National Park this time of the year. In the summer, Olympic National Park often gets less sunshine than Kauai. Olympic National Park gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 255 hours of full sun.

Olympic National Park usually gets more rain in July than Kauai. Olympic National Park gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Olympic National Park or Kauai in the Autumn?

Both Kauai and Olympic National Park are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Olympic National Park because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.

In October, Olympic National Park is generally much colder than Kauai. Daily temperatures in Olympic National Park average around 51°F (10°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Kauai. Olympic National Park usually receives less sunshine than Kauai during autumn. Olympic National Park gets 113 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Olympic National Park. In October, Olympic National Park usually receives more rain than Kauai. Olympic National Park gets 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Olympic National Park or Kauai in the Winter?

Both Kauai and Olympic National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Olympic National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kauai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Olympic National Park in the winter. Olympic National Park is much colder than Kauai in the winter. The daily temperature in Olympic National Park averages around 41°F (5°C) in January, and Kauai fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

In the winter, Olympic National Park often gets less sunshine than Kauai. Olympic National Park gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Olympic National Park. Olympic National Park usually gets more rain in January than Kauai. Olympic National Park gets 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Olympic National Park or Kauai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Olympic National Park and Kauai. Many travelers come to Olympic National Park for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Kauai in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Olympic National Park is much colder than Kauai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Olympic National Park in April average around 47°F (8°C), and Kauai averages at about 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kauai this time of the year. Olympic National Park usually receives less sunshine than Kauai during spring. Olympic National Park gets 148 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun in the spring.

Olympic National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Olympic National Park usually receives more rain than Kauai. Olympic National Park gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kauai and Olympic National Park