A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Orlando vs. Kauai for Resorts, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Orlando or Kauai?

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

Should I visit Orlando 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.

Orlando

Orlando is a active, family-friendly, and entertaining city. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and food. See Orlando travel costs.

Kauai

Kauai is a scenic, dramatic, and idyllic island. Many visitors also come to Kauai because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Kauai travel costs.

Orlando and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orlando or Kauai?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kauai than Orlando, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kauai is better known for its museums and attractions, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Orlando is more popular for its theatre productions and shopping. Orlando is well known for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. Kauai is well known for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. Also, Kauai is famous for Waimea Canyon.

How is Orlando different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kauai is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Orlando 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.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Orlando or Kauai Better for Theater?

Orlando is a good destination for its shows and theatre. However, Kauai is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Orlando, take in a show. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Kauai is not a theatre destination.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Orlando and Kauai.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Orlando. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

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.

Is Orlando or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Orlando and Kauai.

If you're looking for night time activities Orlando has a few options to choose from. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

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 Orlando or Kauai Better for Resorts?

Orlando and Kauai offer a relatively similar set of amazing luxury resort options.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Orlando is a great choice. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Kauai is a perfect 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.

Is Orlando or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kauai is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Orlando 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.

Orlando is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Orlando or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Kauai is renowned for its beaches. However, Orlando 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.

Orlando is not a beach destination.

Is Orlando or Kauai Better for Hiking?

Kauai is renowned for hiking. However, Orlando is not a hiking destination.

People visit Kauai specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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

Orlando is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Kauai?

Orlando is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

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

Is Orlando or Kauai More Beautiful?

Kauai is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Orlando is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Kauai because of it's amazing beauty. The island is filled with dramatic beauty, from the inland mountains covered in tropical forests, to the scenic beaches and blue water.

Orlando is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Orlando or Kauai Better for Families?

Orlando 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, Orlando is very family-friendly. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

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 Orlando or Kauai Better for Couples?

Kauai is renowned for romance. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Orlando makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Is Orlando or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kauai is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Orlando is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Orlando is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not exactly a backpacker destination, but there are a surprising number of cheap motels that aren't affiliated with the major parks.

Is Orlando or Kauai Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Orlando. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Kauai is not popular with students.

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

Orlando and Kauai both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

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 Orlando or Kauai a more walkable city?

Neither Orlando or Kauai are walkable places.

Orlando is not a very walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

Kauai is not a walkable 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 Orlando Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Kauai?

Orlando and Kauai both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Orlando 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 Orlando, and 5-14 days is enough time in Kauai.

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

Couples should spend more time in Kauai than Orlando. 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 Orlando 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 Orlando or Kauai?

In Orlando, many people enjoy the shopping and theater that this family-friendly destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This 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, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Orlando or Kauai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orlando. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

In Kauai, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Orlando or Kauai?

Orlando is a fun place to experience. In Orlando, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kauai has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Orlando or Kauai?

You'll find food and shopping around the entertaining destination of Orlando. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kauai. In Kauai, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Orlando and Kauai, we can see that Orlando is more expensive. And not only is Kauai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kauai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kauai 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 Orlando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orlando than you might in Kauai.

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

When is the best time to visit Orlando or Kauai?

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 Orlando or Kauai in the Summer?

Both Kauai and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Orlando for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kauai because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Orlando is generally around the same temperature as Kauai. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 82°F (28°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

It's quite rainy in Orlando. In July, Orlando usually receives more rain than Kauai. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orlando or Kauai in the Autumn?

Both Kauai and Orlando during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Orlando because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.

Orlando is around the same temperature as Kauai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orlando. Orlando usually gets more rain in October than Kauai. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Kauai in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Kauai. The Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Orlando this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kauai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Orlando is cooler than Kauai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orlando in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Kauai averages at about 71°F (22°C).

In January, Orlando usually receives less rain than Kauai. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orlando or Kauai in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Kauai. Additionally, many visitors come to Kauai in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Orlando is generally around the same temperature as Kauai. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 72°F (22°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Orlando usually gets more rain in April than Kauai. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kauai and Orlando