A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Kauai for Nightlife, Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Kauai?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen 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.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a picture-perfect, scenic, and stunning town. With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Kauai

Kauai is a idyllic, scenic, and dramatic island. The famous beauty of Kauai is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food. See Kauai travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Kauai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kauai. Although Playa del Carmen and Kauai are popular destinations, Kauai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kauai is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Playa del Carmen attracts visitors for its nightlife and scuba diving & snorkeling. Playa del Carmen is famous for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Kauai is famous for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. It is also well known for Waimea Canyon.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Playa del Carmen or Kauai?

Kauai is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Playa del Carmen specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. If you're willing to head out of town, there are world class Mayan ruins not far away, but if you want to hang out near town, then you'll likely spend most of your time enjoying outdoor water activities.

Is the Food Better in Playa del Carmen or Kauai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Dining out in Kauai is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Playa del Carmen. You'll find a good number of overpriced tourist restaurants in the area, but if you do some research you'll also find amazing and authentic Mexican food as well. There is everything from food trucks to fine dining that offer ceviche, tacos, or burritos. There are also plenty of places to grab pizza or burgers.

Is Playa del Carmen or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

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

Playa del Carmen is a must-see party destination. It rivals some of the country's best nightlife and you'll find plenty of venues to choose from, ranging from dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges. Head to the main walking street for some of the most active venues.

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 Playa del Carmen or Kauai Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen and Kauai offer a relatively similar set of amazing luxury resort options.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Playa del Carmen is a great choice. You'll find a huge number of luxury resorts in the area, particularly along the beach. There are fancy pools and beachfront properties that offer the perfect vacation retreat.

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 Playa del Carmen or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Playa del Carmen. There's not a lot to see right off of the beach, but there are plenty of snorkeling excursions in the area that take you to beautiful reefs. The diving is world class as well and you'll find wonderful reefs, bull sharks, and hidden gems.

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.

Is Playa del Carmen or Kauai Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Playa del Carmen and Kauai are amazing choices.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Playa del Carmen. The area is filled with world class beaches, long stretches of white sand, and beautiful blue water. You might even stumble across a sea turtle or two while you're swimming.

With world-famous beaches, Kauai is a very popular vacation destination. 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 Playa del Carmen or Kauai Better for Hiking?

Kauai is an amazing island to visit for its hiking experiences. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Playa del Carmen. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Kauai?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Kauai and Playa del Carmen.

Many visitors go to Playa del Carmen to go shopping. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Kauai. There's a mix of local shopping centers and larger retail malls.

Is Playa del Carmen or Kauai More Beautiful?

Kauai is an amazing island to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Playa del Carmen 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.

Playa del Carmen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. From beautiful beaches to inland jungles, this is a truly stunning destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Kauai Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen 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, Playa del Carmen is very family-friendly. From eco parks to kid-friendly snorkeling opportunities, there are many activities for kids of all ages. There are also adventure parks and playgrounds that are perfect for a fun afternoon.

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 Playa del Carmen or Kauai Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Playa del Carmen and Kauai make for a amazing place to visit.

Playa del Carmen makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Beautiful beaches and tropical jungles make this a paradise honeymoon destination. You'll find luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and countless opportunities to enjoy the stunning setting. Take a sunset cruise of explore one of the many natural wonders in the area.

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.

Is Playa del Carmen or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Playa del Carmen and Kauai are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Playa del Carmen. It's filled with tourists staying at luxury resorts, but you'll also find a couple of hostels tucked away in town. If you're interesting in scuba diving, then it's well worth the trip.

Kauai is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Playa del Carmen or Kauai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

While Playa del Carmen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

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 Playa del Carmen or Kauai a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for its ease of walking around. However, Kauai is not known for its walkability.

Playa del Carmen is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's a compact and very walkable town. La Quinta is the main strip and it's pedestrian-only.

Kauai is not a walkable 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 Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Kauai?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Kauai. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Playa del Carmen that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Kauai?

In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this scenic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the idyllic destination of Kauai. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Kauai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Playa del Carmen. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the idyllic island of Kauai. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Playa del Carmen or Kauai?

Playa del Carmen is a fun place to experience. In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the nightlife and food 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.

Kauai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Playa del Carmen or Kauai?

In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this vibrant 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.

Kauai is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It is common to spend one week here. 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 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen or Kauai in the Summer?

Both Kauai and Playa del Carmen during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and 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.

Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Kauai in the summer. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

In Kauai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the summer, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Kauai. Playa del Carmen gets 223 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 Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in July than Kauai. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Kauai in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Kauai. The autumn months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen 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 the autumn, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Kauai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa del Carmen in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Kauai averages at about 78°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kauai this time of the year. In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Kauai. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Kauai in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Kauai. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kauai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Kauai. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Kauai fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Kauai. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Kauai in the Spring?

Both Kauai and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Kauai in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Kauai in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, 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 Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Kauai. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Typical Weather for Kauai and Playa del Carmen