A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Sarasota vs. Kauai for Resorts, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Sarasota or Kauai?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Sarasota and Kauai. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Sarasota

Sarasota is a entertaining, underrated, and relaxing city. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping. See Sarasota travel costs.

Kauai

Kauai is a dramatic, idyllic, and scenic island. Many visitors also come to Kauai because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Kauai travel costs.

Sarasota and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarasota or Kauai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kauai. Although Sarasota 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 Sarasota is known for its museums and attractions. Kauai is more touristy than Sarasota and is known for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. It is also home to Waimea Canyon. Sarasota is popular for its sandy beaches and its fun activities.

How is Sarasota different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sarasota 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 Sarasota. There are some decent museums in town such as the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, and the Ca' da'Zan. Another highlight is the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

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 Sarasota or Kauai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kauai is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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 Sarasota area. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

Is Sarasota or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Sarasota and Kauai.

If you're looking for night time activities Sarasota has a few options to choose from. You'll find beach clubs, live entertainment such as drum circles, and plenty of bars around town. There are also evening cruises and late night parties.

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 Sarasota or Kauai Better for Resorts?

Kauai is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its resorts.

Vacationers flock to Kauai for its luxury resorts. 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.

Sarasota has a few great resort options. You'll find beachfront resorts with pools and nice views.

Is Sarasota or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kauai is great for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sarasota is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Sarasota is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sarasota or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Kauai is renowned for the beach. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the beach.

Kauai offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Sarasota is a good option for a beach vacation. There's no shortage of beaches in the area where you can spend a relaxing day playing the water and lounging in the sun. Siesta Key, Sarasota Gay Beach, Crescent Beach, and Coquina Beach are some of the favorites.

Is Sarasota or Kauai Better for Hiking?

Kauai is renowned for hiking. However, Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

Kauai is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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

Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or Kauai?

If you're looking to go shopping, Sarasota and Kauai both offer plenty of good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Sarasota. Upscale shopping can be found at St. Armand's Circle. There's also Sarasota Square Mall and the Mall at University Town Center. If you want to pick up some local items you can check out Sarasota Farmers Market.

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

Is Sarasota or Kauai More Beautiful?

Kauai is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Sarasota is not a destination known for its 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.

Sarasota is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sarasota or Kauai Better for Families?

Sarasota 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, Sarasota is very family-friendly. There's a huge number of hands on activities for kids and families in the area. Many families enjoy a visit to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. There are also botanical gardens, science museums, and outdoor adventure centers. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. The city also has many performing arts and entertainment options for kids. And make sure you check out the museum dedicated to the Ringling Brothers Circus.

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 Sarasota or Kauai Better for Couples?

Kauai is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Kauai is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. "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.

Sarasota is a good city for couples to visit. A night out at St. Armands Circle is a fun way to spend the evening. There are also sunset cruises, nice restaurants, comedy clubs, and more.

Is Sarasota or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kauai is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sarasota is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Sarasota is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are budget friendly places to stay, but there isn't a large backpacker or young crowd hanging around.

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

Sarasota and Kauai both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Sarasota. There's a bus system around town but most visitors depend on their own car for transportation.

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 Sarasota or Kauai a more walkable city?

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

Sarasota is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown has some walkable parts, you'll need a car to access most things around town.

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 Sarasota Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Kauai?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Kauai than Sarasota. 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota or Kauai?

In Sarasota, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this relaxing destination offers. 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 Sarasota or Kauai?

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

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 Sarasota or Kauai?

Sarasota is a fun place to experience. In Sarasota, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. 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 Sarasota or Kauai?

You'll find food and shopping around the relaxing destination of Sarasota. 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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

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

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

Both Kauai and Sarasota are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Sarasota because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.

In the summer, Sarasota is around the same temperature as Kauai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sarasota in July average around 82°F (28°C), 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 Sarasota. Sarasota usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai during summer. Sarasota gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Sarasota. In July, Sarasota usually receives more rain than Kauai. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sarasota or Kauai in the Autumn?

Both Kauai and Sarasota during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kauai for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Sarasota is generally around the same temperature as Kauai. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 76°F (24°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

In Kauai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sarasota. In the autumn, Sarasota often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Sarasota gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun.

Sarasota usually gets less rain in October than Kauai. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Sarasota or Kauai in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and Kauai. Many travelers come to Sarasota for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kauai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sarasota is cooler than Kauai in the winter. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 59°F (15°C) in January, and Kauai fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sarasota usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during winter. Sarasota gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Sarasota usually receives less rain than Kauai. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sarasota or Kauai in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as Kauai. Many visitors come to Sarasota in the spring for the beaches. Additionally, most visitors come to Kauai for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Sarasota is around the same temperature as Kauai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sarasota in April average around 73°F (23°C), 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 Sarasota this time of the year. In the spring, Sarasota often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Sarasota gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun.

Sarasota usually gets more rain in April than Kauai. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Sarasota is June to November.

Typical Weather for Kauai and Sarasota