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

Should you visit Santa Fe or Kauai?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Santa Fe and Kauai can help you decide which place is right for you.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a charming, artsy, and cultural historic town. Santa Fe offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and live music. See Santa Fe travel costs.

Kauai

Kauai is a idyllic, scenic, and dramatic island. Many visitors also come to Kauai because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Kauai travel costs.

Santa Fe and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Fe or Kauai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kauai. Although Santa Fe and Kauai are popular destinations, Kauai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kauai is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Santa Fe attracts visitors for its skiing, music, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Kauai is more touristy than Santa Fe and is known for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. It is also well known for Waimea Canyon. Santa Fe is famous for its strong arts scene, its Pueblo-style architecture, and its unique local cuisine.

How is Santa Fe different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Santa Fe or Kauai Better for Skiing?

Santa Fe is a good destination for skiing. However, Kauai is not a skiing destination.

Head to Santa Fe for some great skiing and other winter activities. There are a few good ski resorts not far from Santa Fe. Popular options include Taos Ski Valley, Ski Santa Fe, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort.

Kauai is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santa Fe or Kauai?

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Kauai and Santa Fe.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santa Fe. Head to the Museum of New Mexico Complex, which has four museums that give a great overview of the history of the area. Also make sure you visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Georgia O'Keeffe 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 Santa Fe or Kauai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Santa Fe and Kauai can be an enjoyable experience.

Santa Fe has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many local restaurants that use regional ingredients and offer great flavors. There are also cafes and bistros where you can enjoy breakfast or brunch. Local dishes include sopaipillas made with Native American fry bread, slow-cooked beans, and anything made with red and green chili peppers.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Kauai makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Santa Fe or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

Kauai is very good for its evening party scene. However, Santa Fe is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Kauai has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Santa Fe specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. While most of the town quiets down at night, the city has a few areas that stay active late into the night. Live music is popular and diverse. It often includes different genres such as the blues, country, salsa or bluegrass.

Is Santa Fe or Kauai Better for Music?

Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe. The town has an eclectic music scene that includes a mix of the blues, country, Latin American music, and bluegrass.

Kauai is not a live music destination.

Is Santa Fe or Kauai Better for Resorts?

Kauai is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Santa Fe is not a resort destination.

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.

Santa Fe is not a resort destination.

Is Santa Fe or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kauai is a great island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Santa Fe is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Santa Fe is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santa Fe or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Kauai is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Santa Fe is not a beach destination.

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.

Santa Fe is not a beach destination.

Is Santa Fe or Kauai Better for its Old Town?

Santa Fe is a great historic town for its historic old town charm. However, Kauai does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Santa Fe. As the 2nd oldest city in the United States, the old town historic district is filled with charm. The Pueblo-style buildings are brightly colored and there are churches throughout.

Kauai does not have a historic old town.

Is Santa Fe or Kauai Better for Hiking?

Kauai is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for the nearby hiking options.

Many people visit Kauai specifically for its hiking. 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

Santa Fe has hiking trails worth exploring. Because it's located right by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, there are many beautiful hikes right outside of town. Popular trails include the Picacho Peak Trail and the Nambe Lake Trail. Bandelier National also has many places to hike.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Fe or Kauai?

Santa Fe is a great historic town for its shopping areas. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Santa Fe. There are many unique shops and art galleries that feature local artists and craftsmen.

Kauai is a great destination for shopping. There's a mix of local shopping centers and larger retail malls.

Is Santa Fe or Kauai More Beautiful?

Kauai is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Kauai because of it's amazing beauty. The island is filled with dramatic beauty, from the inland mountains covered in tropical forests, to the scenic beaches and blue water.

Santa Fe is a gorgeous place to visit. This cultural city has a unique beauty that is hard to find anywhere else.

Is Santa Fe or Kauai Better for Families?

Kauai is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Kauai. 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.

Santa Fe is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kids' museums in Santa Fe including the Santa Fe Children's Museum and the Meow Wolf Art Complex. Kids also enjoy the botanical gardens at Museum Hill and Bandelier National Monument just outside of the city.

Is Santa Fe or Kauai Better for Couples?

Kauai is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for romance.

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.

Santa Fe is a nice destination for couples. There are many romantic inns around town, each with a lot of character. The town also has a lot of atmosphere that makes for a romantic getaway.

Is Santa Fe or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kauai is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Santa Fe is not known for backpackers.

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.

Santa Fe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as several campgrounds.

Is Santa Fe or Kauai Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Santa Fe. There are a few colleges and universities in town and students will appreciate the reasonable cost of living and outdoor activities nearby.

Kauai is not popular with students.

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

Santa Fe and Kauai both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Santa Fe. There is a bus system - the Santa Fe Trails Bus Service.

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 Santa Fe or Kauai a more walkable city?

Santa Fe is a great historic town for its ease of walking around. However, Kauai is not known for its walkability.

Santa Fe is a very walkable destination. The historic district is walkable and it's easy to visit most of the tourist sights in this area on foot.

Kauai is not a walkable historic 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 Santa Fe Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Santa Fe?

How long in Santa Fe or Kauai?

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

Families should spend more time in Kauai than Santa Fe. 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 Santa Fe. 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 Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe or Kauai?

In Santa Fe, many people enjoy the live music and food that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This historic 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.

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 Santa Fe or Kauai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Fe. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Santa Fe or Kauai?

Santa Fe is a fun place to experience. In Santa Fe, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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. 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 Santa Fe or Kauai?

You'll find museums and skiing around the cultural destination of Santa Fe. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.

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

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