A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Fernando vs. Kauai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit San Fernando or Kauai?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Fernando 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.

Where Should I go: San Fernando or Kauai?

San Fernando

As the industrial capital of Trinidad & Tobago, San Fernando is an oil city which attracts more business visitors than tourists. While it is primarily focused on industry, the city has a certain charm with its old buildings and sloping streets that frame pretty views of the sea. It is the big city of Trinidad's southern half with plenty to offer in nightlife, especially during Carnival.

Kauai

Hawaii is certainly a bucket list destination, but what if you want to do it without being surrounded by tourists? You want the adventure of the land of volcanoes and less of the kids in water wings. Then Kaua'i is the island for you.

Kaua'i, or the "garden island," is full of tropical forests, little villages and even more laid back lifestyle – if you can imagine. It's a smaller island at 560 square miles with a population of only 68,000.

With more coastline miles than any other island, Kaua'i is the result of massive erosion forming awe-inspiring sights like the Waimea Canyon and Na Pali Coast. The island experiences more rainfall every year – keeping it lush and green all year.

You'll feel like you've walked into another world in Kaua'i. Because of height restrictions, this island's buildings are no taller than the coconut trees. So if you're looking for an escape from civilization, you'll want to head straight for Kaua'i.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Kauai or San Fernando?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in San Fernando is $188, while the average daily cost in Kauai is $231. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for San Fernando and Kauai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Fernando $74
    Kauai $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Fernando $148
    Kauai $226
Compare Hotels in San Fernando and Kauai

Looking for a hotel in San Fernando or Kauai? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in San Fernando


Hotels in Kauai


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Kauai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Fernando $50
    Kauai $34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kauai

Also for Kauai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private SUV Transfer-LIH Airport to Koloa/Poipu : $179
  • Private SUV Transfer- Lihue Airport to Lihue/Kapaa : $149

Is it cheaper to fly into San Fernando or Kauai?

Prices for flights to both Kauai and San Fernando change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    San Fernando $83
    Kauai $96

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kauai

For Kauai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Allerton Garden and Estate Tour with Sunset Dinner: $106
  • Local Tastes Small Group Food Tour: $121
  • Walking Food Tour of Hanalei, Kauaʻi : $129
  • Local Dishes Cooking Class: $174
  • Luau Kalamaku on Kauai with Buffet Dinner and Show: $179
  • Luau Ka Hikina Admission Ticket with Dinner and Lei Greeting: $189
  • Luau Kalamaku – Elevated Seating, Dinner & Show: $198
  • Napali Coast Sunset Sailboat Tour with Dinner: $226
  • Napali Sunset Dinner Cruise: $226
  • VIP Manor House Dinner & Luau Kalamaku Show: $237
  • Luau Kalamaku on Kauai with Manor House 4-Course Dinner & Show: $251
  • Leila Na Pali Sunset Dinner Sail: $264

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Fernando $28
    Kauai $17

Tours and Activities in Kauai

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kauai.

  • Kauai Airplane Tour: Na Pali Coast, Waterfalls & Window Seats: $159
  • 'Imiloa Express Na Pali Sunset Tour: $190
  • 'Imiloa Express Nā Pali Snorkel Tour : $212
  • 2-Hour Snorkeling Adventure in Kauai: $115
  • Best Kauai Northeast, Fern Grotto River Cruise & Lighthouse Tour: $220
  • Deluxe Na Pali Morning Snorkel Tour on the Lucky Lady: $234
  • Deluxe Na Pali Sunset Tour on the Lucky Lady: $201
  • From USS Arizona Memorial and Honolulu City Tour: $400
  • Guided Secret Falls Tour with Snacks and Drinks: $135
  • Hanalei Bay Morning Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $160
  • Hanalei River Paddle and Bay Snorkel Tours (LUNCH INCLUDED): $155
  • Inside the Hive: Kauai Honey and Bee Tour: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Fernando $22
    Kauai $14


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Fernando and Kauai, we can see that Kauai is more expensive. And not only is San Fernando much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since San Fernando is in Caribbean Islands and Kauai is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to San Fernando would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Fernando 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 San Fernando.

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



When is the best time to visit San Fernando or Kauai?

Kauai has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Fernando experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit San Fernando or Kauai in the Summer?

Both Kauai and San Fernando are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Fernando throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Kauai in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, San Fernando is around the same temperature as Kauai. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Fernando in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Kauai averages at about 78°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Kauai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Fernando. San Fernando usually receives less sunshine than Kauai during summer. San Fernando gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in San Fernando. In July, San Fernando usually receives more rain than Kauai. San Fernando gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F) 
    Kauai 78°F (25°C)

Should I visit San Fernando or Kauai in the Autumn?

Both Kauai and San Fernando during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Fernando because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kauai for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, San Fernando is generally around the same temperature as Kauai. Daily temperatures in San Fernando average around 27°C (81°F), and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

In Kauai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in San Fernando. In the autumn, San Fernando often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai. San Fernando gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Fernando. San Fernando usually gets more rain in October than Kauai. San Fernando gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F) 
    Kauai 78°F (25°C)

Should I visit San Fernando or Kauai in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Fernando and Kauai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Fernando year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Kauai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

San Fernando is a little warmer than Kauai in the winter. The daily temperature in San Fernando averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and Kauai fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

In San Fernando, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Fernando usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during winter. San Fernando gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, San Fernando usually receives less rain than Kauai. San Fernando gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    San Fernando 26°C (78°F) 
    Kauai 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit San Fernando or Kauai in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to San Fernando as well as Kauai. San Fernando attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.

In the spring, San Fernando is a little warmer than Kauai. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Fernando in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Kauai averages at about 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kauai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Fernando this time of the year. In the spring, San Fernando often gets more sunshine than Kauai. San Fernando gets 238 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun.

San Fernando usually gets more rain in April than Kauai. San Fernando gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F) 
    Kauai 73°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Kauai and San Fernando

San Fernando Kauai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 71°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 71°F (22°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 73°F (23°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 51 mm (2 in) 73°F (23°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 74°F (24°C) 0.4 inches (10 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 252 mm (9.9 in) 76°F (25°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 78°F (25°C) 0.6 inches (17 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 225 mm (8.9 in) 78°F (26°C) 0.6 inches (16 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 203 mm (8 in) 78°F (26°C) 1 inches (26 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 199 mm (7.8 in) 78°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (62 mm)


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