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

Should you visit Portland or Kauai?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Portland and Kauai can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Portland

Portland is a scenic, laid-back, and progressive city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Portland offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music. See Portland travel costs.

Kauai

Kauai is a scenic, dramatic, and idyllic island. Kauai is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Kauai travel costs.

Portland and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portland or Kauai?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kauai than Portland, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kauai is better known for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Portland is more popular for its music and small town charm. Kauai is more touristy than Portland and is known for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. Also, Kauai is famous for Waimea Canyon. Portland is well known for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty.

How is Portland different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kauai is a island with good options for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its 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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Kauai is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Portland or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Portland and Kauai.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Portland. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Kauai has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Portland or Kauai Better for Music?

Portland 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 Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Kauai is not a live music destination.

Is Portland or Kauai Better for Resorts?

Kauai is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Portland is not a resort destination.

Kauai is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Portland is not a resort destination.

Is Portland or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kauai is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Portland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Kauai is an extremely popular place to visit for 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.

Portland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portland or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Kauai is very popular for its beaches. However, Portland is not a beach destination.

Kauai is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Portland is not a beach destination.

Is Portland or Kauai Better for Hiking?

Kauai is very popular for its hiking trails. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Kauai visitors will find world-class hiking 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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Portland. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Is the Shopping Better in Portland or Kauai?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Portland and Kauai.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Portland. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

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

Is Portland or Kauai More Beautiful?

Kauai is very popular for its scenery and beauty. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Kauai is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The island is filled with dramatic beauty, from the inland mountains covered in tropical forests, to the scenic beaches and blue water.

Portland is a beautiful place to visit, too. Surrounded by mountains and filled with parks and greenspace, many people find this town to be quite beautiful.

Is Portland or Kauai Better for Families?

Kauai is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Kauai is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Portland or Kauai Better for Couples?

Kauai is very popular for romance. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Kauai is a great island for couples, as it 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.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Portland or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Portland. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

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 Portland or Kauai Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Portland. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

Kauai is not popular with students.

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

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

While Portland offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

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 Portland or Kauai a more walkable city?

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

Portland is a very walkable destination. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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 Portland Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Portland?

How long in Portland or Kauai?

Portland and Kauai both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kauai than Portland because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Portland, and 5-14 days is enough time in Kauai.

Families should spend more time in Kauai than Portland. 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 Portland. 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 Portland 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 Portland.

One day in Portland or Kauai?

In Portland, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this laid-back destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

The beautiful island of Kauai offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Portland or Kauai?

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

Kauai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Portland or Kauai?

Portland is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Portland. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kauai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kauai, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Portland or Kauai?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the quirky destination of Portland. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kauai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kauai has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Portland and Kauai, we can see that Kauai 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 Portland Expensive? and Is Kauai Expensive?.

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Portland and Kauai. The hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kauai for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Portland is generally cooler than Kauai. Daily temperatures in Portland average around 68°F (20°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 Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. Portland usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during summer. Portland gets 338 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Portland usually receives more rain than Kauai. Portland gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Portland or Kauai in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Portland as well as Kauai. Many travelers come to Portland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Kauai in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Portland is much colder than Kauai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portland averages around 55°F (13°C) in October, and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kauai. In the autumn, Portland often gets less sunshine than Kauai. Portland gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun.

Portland usually gets less rain in October than Kauai. Portland gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portland or Kauai in the Winter?

Both Kauai and Portland are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Portland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Kauai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Portland can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Portland is much colder than Kauai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portland in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Kauai averages at about 71°F (22°C).

Portland usually receives less sunshine than Kauai during winter. Portland gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Portland. In January, Portland usually receives more rain than Kauai. Portland gets 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Portland or Kauai in the Spring?

Both Kauai and Portland during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Portland for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kauai because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Portland is generally much colder than Kauai. Daily temperatures in Portland average around 51°F (11°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Kauai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Portland. In the spring, Portland often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Portland gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun.

Portland usually gets more rain in April than Kauai. Portland gets 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kauai and Portland