A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America West Palm Beach vs. Kauai for Resorts, Beaches, Couples, and Food

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Kauai?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Kauai? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a vibrant, fun-filled, and diverse beach area. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See West Palm Beach travel costs.

Kauai

Kauai is a scenic, dramatic, and idyllic island. Many visitors also come to Kauai because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Kauai travel costs.

West Palm Beach and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in West Palm Beach or Kauai?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kauai than West Palm Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kauai is better known for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while West Palm Beach is more popular for its nightlife. Kauai is more touristy than West Palm Beach and is known for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. Also, Kauai is famous for Waimea Canyon. West Palm Beach is well known for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports.

How is West Palm Beach different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in West Palm Beach or Kauai?

Kauai is a popular place for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach does not have 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.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in West Palm Beach or Kauai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kauai is a great island for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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 West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is West Palm Beach or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach is a great beach area for its evening party scene. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife.

The nightlife in West Palm Beach has something for everybody. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

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 West Palm Beach or Kauai Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach and Kauai offer a relatively similar set of amazing luxury resort options.

For the ultimate resort vacation, West Palm Beach is a great choice. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

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.

Is West Palm Beach or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

There's superb scuba diving or snorkeling available in both West Palm Beach and Kauai.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

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.

Is West Palm Beach or Kauai Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both West Palm Beach and Kauai are amazing choices.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in West Palm Beach. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

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.

Is West Palm Beach or Kauai Better for Hiking?

Kauai is very popular for hiking. However, West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

People visit Kauai specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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

West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Kauai?

Kauai is a popular place for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Kauai. There's a mix of local shopping centers and larger retail malls.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Kauai More Beautiful?

Kauai is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is West Palm Beach or Kauai Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either West Palm Beach or Kauai.

West Palm Beach is a very family-friendly destination. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Kauai is a very kid-friendly beach area. 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 West Palm Beach or Kauai Better for Couples?

Kauai is very popular for romance. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area for its romantic activities.

Kauai makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. "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.

West Palm Beach is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

Is West Palm Beach or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kauai is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

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

While West Palm Beach offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

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 West Palm Beach or Kauai a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Kauai is not known for its walkability.

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable beach area. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

Kauai is not a walkable beach area. 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 West Palm Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or West Palm Beach?

How long in West Palm Beach or Kauai?

West Palm Beach and Kauai both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kauai than West Palm Beach because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for West Palm Beach, and 5-14 days is enough time in Kauai.

Families should spend more time in Kauai than West Palm Beach. 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 West Palm Beach. 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 West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach or Kauai?

In West Palm Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling that this vibrant destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the beaches. This beach area 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 scenic destination of Kauai offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in West Palm Beach or Kauai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in West Palm Beach. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

The island of Kauai offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in West Palm Beach or Kauai?

West Palm Beach is a fun place to experience. In West Palm Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Kauai is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in West Palm Beach or Kauai?

In West Palm Beach, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this fun-filled destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

The idyllic island of Kauai offers museums and nightlife. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

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

When is the best time to visit West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach or Kauai in the Summer?

Both Kauai and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to West Palm Beach for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kauai because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, West Palm Beach is generally around the same temperature as Kauai. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 82°F (28°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Kauai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during summer. West Palm Beach gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in West Palm Beach. In July, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Kauai. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Kauai in the Autumn?

Both Kauai and West Palm Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.

West Palm Beach is around the same temperature as Kauai in the autumn. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 78°F (25°C) in October, and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

In Kauai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. In the autumn, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Kauai. West Palm Beach gets 275 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 West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in October than Kauai. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in West Palm Beach.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Kauai in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Kauai. The cuisine are the main draw to West Palm Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kauai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, West Palm Beach is cooler than Kauai. Typically, the winter temperatures in West Palm Beach in January average around 65°F (19°C), and Kauai averages at about 71°F (22°C).

In West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during winter. West Palm Beach gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, West Palm Beach usually receives less rain than Kauai. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Kauai in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Kauai. Many travelers come to West Palm Beach for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Kauai in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, West Palm Beach is generally around the same temperature as Kauai. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 74°F (23°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 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 West Palm Beach this time of the year. In the spring, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Kauai. West Palm Beach gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in April than Kauai. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Kauai and West Palm Beach