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

Should you visit Sacramento or Kauai?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sacramento 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.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a undiscovered, laid back, and relaxed city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Sacramento travel costs.

Kauai

Kauai is a dramatic, idyllic, and scenic island. Kauai is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Kauai travel costs.

Sacramento and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sacramento or Kauai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kauai. Although Sacramento and Kauai are both popular with visitors, Kauai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kauai is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Sacramento is known for its museums and attractions. Kauai is more touristy than Sacramento and is known for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. It is also home to Waimea Canyon. Sacramento is popular for its history and state capital.

How is Sacramento different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sacramento is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Sacramento. As the state capital, you'll find a number of historical and informational museums around town. You should check out the State Capital, as well as the California State Railroad Museum, the Crocker Museum of Art, Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, and the California Automobile Museum.

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.

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

Kauai is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Kauai has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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 many up and coming restaurants in the Sacramento area. Casual restaurants with laid back atmospheres are what's most common around town. You'll also find a variety of international cuisines that include Korean and Vietnamese.

Is Sacramento or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Sacramento and Kauai.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Sacramento. There highest concentration of activities are found in Downtown Sacramento. You'll find bars, clubs and live music in the area. You can also head to midtown, which has performing arts and comedy shows.

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 Sacramento or Kauai Better for Resorts?

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

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.

Sacramento is not a resort destination.

Is Sacramento or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kauai is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sacramento 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.

Sacramento is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sacramento or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Kauai is very popular for the beach. However, Sacramento is not a beach destination.

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.

Sacramento is not a beach destination.

Is Sacramento or Kauai Better for Hiking?

Kauai is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Sacramento 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

Sacramento is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sacramento or Kauai?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Sacramento and Kauai.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Sacramento. You'll find down-to-earth vendors who have reasonable prices and a great selection. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at the Old Sacramento Waterfront or along Folsom Boulevard.

Many visitors go to Kauai to go shopping. There's a mix of local shopping centers and larger retail malls.

Is Sacramento or Kauai More Beautiful?

Kauai is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Sacramento is not a destination known for its 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.

Sacramento is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sacramento or Kauai Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Kauai is very family-friendly. 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 Sacramento. With the large number of families that live in the area, you'll a variety of kid-friendly activities. Options include smaller amusement parks like Funderland Amusement Park, museums like the Sacramento Children's Museum, and indoor trampoline parks. There's also Fairytale Town, which is an imagination filled playground.

Is Sacramento or Kauai Better for Couples?

Kauai is very popular for its romantic activities. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options 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.

Sacramento is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Picnics, nice restaurants, and shows make for enjoyable date activities while you're in town.

Is Sacramento or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kauai is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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.

Sacramento is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although most backpackers skip this town for more popular destinations, there are a couple of hostels in town.

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

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Sacramento and Kauai.

Public transit is mostly limited in Sacramento. There's both light rail and buses around town.

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 Sacramento or Kauai a more walkable city?

Sacramento is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Kauai is not known for its walkability.

Sacramento is generally not a very walkable city. You'll really want a car to get around town, but Midtown is one of the more walkable areas.

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 Sacramento Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Sacramento?

How long in Sacramento or Kauai?

Sacramento and Kauai both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kauai than Sacramento because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Sacramento, and 5-14 days is enough time in Kauai.

Families should spend more time in Kauai than Sacramento. 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 Sacramento. 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento or Kauai?

In Sacramento, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this relaxed destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the dramatic island of Kauai, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Sacramento or Kauai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sacramento. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Kauai, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Sacramento or Kauai?

Sacramento is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Sacramento. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kauai, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Sacramento or Kauai?

You'll find food and shopping around the undiscovered destination of Sacramento. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this island makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

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

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sacramento and Kauai. Many travelers come to Sacramento for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kauai in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sacramento is around the same temperature as Kauai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sacramento in July average around 76°F (24°C), 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 Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sacramento usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during summer. Sacramento gets 439 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Sacramento usually receives less rain than Kauai. Sacramento gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sacramento or Kauai in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sacramento as well as Kauai. Many visitors come to Sacramento in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Kauai for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Sacramento is generally cooler than Kauai. Daily temperatures in Sacramento average around 64°F (18°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 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 Sacramento this time of the year. In the autumn, Sacramento often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Sacramento gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun.

Sacramento usually gets less rain in October than Kauai. Sacramento gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sacramento or Kauai in the Winter?

Both Kauai and Sacramento are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Sacramento for the museums, 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.

Sacramento is much colder than Kauai in the winter. The daily temperature in Sacramento averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Kauai fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Sacramento usually receives less sunshine than Kauai during winter. Sacramento gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Sacramento usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kauai. Sacramento gets 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sacramento or Kauai in the Spring?

Both Kauai and Sacramento during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.

In the spring, Sacramento is much colder than Kauai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sacramento in April average around 58°F (15°C), and Kauai averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In Kauai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sacramento. In the spring, Sacramento often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Sacramento gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun.

Sacramento usually gets more rain in April than Kauai. Sacramento gets 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kauai and Sacramento