A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Panama City vs. Kauai for Resorts, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Panama City or Kauai?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Kauai, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Panama City

Panama City is a cosmopolitan, fun-filled, and active beach town. Panama City offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and beaches. See Panama City travel costs.

Kauai

Kauai is a dramatic, idyllic, and scenic island. The famous beauty of Kauai is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food. See Kauai travel costs.

Panama City and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Kauai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kauai. Although Panama City and Kauai are both popular with visitors, Kauai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kauai is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Panama City is known for its nightlife and music. Panama City is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Kauai is popular for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. It is also home to Waimea Canyon.

How is Panama City different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Panama City or Kauai?

Kauai is a nice place to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

Kauai offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are local museums that educate visitors on the island's history and culture. You can also visit sugar plantations and art galleries.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kauai is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Panama City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are many waterfront restaurants that serve freshly caught seafood. Head to town for a charming atmosphere or grab a bite at a casual eatery. Fried seafood is popular when eating out but you'll also find plenty of options for land-lovers. Most restaurants also have kid-friendly menus.

Is Panama City or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

Panama City is a great beach town for its evening party scene. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife.

The nightlife in Panama City has something for everybody. The nightlife is particular crazy during spring break, when the town fills with students. Head to the famous Club La Vela or Spinnaker for music and fun at night.

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 Panama City or Kauai Better for Music?

Panama City is a good destination for its music scene. However, Kauai is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Panama City. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Kauai is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Kauai Better for Resorts?

Kauai is an amazing island to visit for its resorts. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Panama City has a few great resort options. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

Is Panama City or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kauai is a great destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Panama City 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.

Panama City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Panama City or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Kauai is an amazing island to visit for the beach. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

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.

The beaches at Panama City attract visitors from all over. With miles of long white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, this area's beaches offer a beautiful escape. Head to the area's state parks for the most natural experience. These include St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park. A day trip to Shell Island is also popular.

Is Panama City or Kauai Better for Hiking?

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

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

Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Kauai?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Kauai and Panama City.

Panama City offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

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

Is Panama City or Kauai More Beautiful?

Kauai is an amazing island to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and 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.

Panama City offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With beautiful sand and blue water, Panama City is a beautiful spot for people who enjoy city beaches.

Is Panama City or Kauai Better for Families?

Panama City 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, Panama City is very family-friendly. This area has large sandy beaches, waterparks, amusement parks, and marine parks. Kids will enjoy playing around at WonderWorks, cooling off at Shipwreck Island Waterpark, and learning about marine life at Gulf World Marine Park. There are also many watersports and water activities that are fun for the whole family.

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 Panama City or Kauai Better for Couples?

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

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.

Panama City is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. The beautiful beaches and romantic restaurants make for a great romantic getaway. This is the perfect place to take sunset walks along the beach and sample freshly caught local seafood.

Is Panama City or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kauai is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Panama City or Kauai Better for Students?

Panama City is a great beach town for its student-friendly activities. However, Kauai is not popular with students.

Many students visit Panama City. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

Kauai is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Panama City and Kauai.

Public transit is generally limited in Panama City. Most people need a car in Panama City but there is a trolley service that connects major tourist areas.

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 Panama City or Kauai a more walkable city?

Neither Panama City or Kauai are walkable places.

Panama City is not a walkable beach town. There's often construction and the streets aren't designed for pedestrians.

Kauai is not a very walkable beach town. 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 Panama City Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Kauai?

Panama City and Kauai both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kauai than Panama City because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Panama City, and 5-14 days is enough time in Kauai.

Families should spend more time in Kauai than Panama City. 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 Panama City. 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 Panama City 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 Panama City or Kauai?

In Panama City, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this fun-filled destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This beach town 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.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the scenic island of Kauai. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Panama City or Kauai?

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

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Kauai. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Panama City or Kauai?

Panama City is a fun place to experience. In Panama City, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the scenic island of Kauai. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Panama City or Kauai?

In Panama City, many people enjoy the live music and food that this fun-filled destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Kauai. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Panama City and Kauai, we can see that Panama City 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 Panama City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Panama City 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 Panama City Expensive? and Is Kauai Expensive?.

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

Both Kauai and Panama City during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Panama City for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kauai in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Panama City is around the same temperature as Kauai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Panama City in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Kauai averages at about 78°F (25°C).

In Kauai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Panama City. In the summer, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Panama City gets 283 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 Panama City. Panama City usually gets more rain in July than Kauai. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Kauai in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Kauai. Many visitors come to Panama City in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Kauai for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Panama City is generally cooler than Kauai. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 71°F (22°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kauai this time of the year. In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during autumn. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Panama City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kauai. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Panama City or Kauai in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Kauai. Most visitors come to Panama City for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kauai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Panama City is much colder than Kauai in the winter. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Kauai fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

In the winter, Panama City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Kauai. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Kauai in the Spring?

Both Kauai and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Panama City because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.

In the spring, Panama City is cooler than Kauai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Panama City in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Kauai averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Kauai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during spring. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Panama City usually receives more rain than Kauai. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kauai and Panama City