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

Should you visit Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a well-preserved, historic, and charming town. Williamsburg offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Kauai

Kauai is a idyllic, scenic, and dramatic island. The famous beauty of Kauai is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Kauai travel costs.

Williamsburg and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Williamsburg or Kauai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kauai. Although Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and shopping. Kauai is more touristy than Williamsburg and is popular for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. It is also well known for Waimea Canyon. Williamsburg is famous for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments.

How is Williamsburg different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Williamsburg is a great town 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 Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

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 Williamsburg or Kauai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Williamsburg and Kauai both to be excellent destinations.

Dining out in Williamsburg is an experience not to be missed. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

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.

Is Williamsburg or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

Kauai is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

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.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is Williamsburg or Kauai Better for Resorts?

Kauai is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Williamsburg is not a resort destination.

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.

Williamsburg is not a resort destination.

Is Williamsburg or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kauai is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Williamsburg or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Kauai is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

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.

Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

Is Williamsburg or Kauai Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Kauai does not have a historic old town.

Williamsburg has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Kauai does not have a historic old town.

Is Williamsburg or Kauai Better for Hiking?

Kauai is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Williamsburg 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

Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Williamsburg or Kauai?

Williamsburg is a great 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 Williamsburg. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

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

Is Williamsburg or Kauai More Beautiful?

Kauai is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Williamsburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Kauai is one of the main draws. The island is filled with dramatic beauty, from the inland mountains covered in tropical forests, to the scenic beaches and blue water.

Williamsburg is a gorgeous place to visit. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

Is Williamsburg or Kauai Better for Families?

Williamsburg 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, Williamsburg is very family-friendly. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

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 Williamsburg or Kauai Better for Couples?

Kauai is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Williamsburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Williamsburg is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

Is Williamsburg or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kauai is a good destination for backpackers. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Williamsburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a number of restaurants and bars that cater to the student population, but there's little else that attracts backpackers.

Is Williamsburg or Kauai Better for Students?

Williamsburg is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Kauai is not popular with students.

Williamsburg is a very popular place to visit for students. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Kauai is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Williamsburg and Kauai.

Public transit is generally limited in Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kauai. There are buses on the island, but it's difficult to rely on them as a visitor.

Is Williamsburg or Kauai a more walkable city?

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

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable town. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

Kauai is not a walkable 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 Williamsburg Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Williamsburg?

How long in Williamsburg or Kauai?

Williamsburg and Kauai both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kauai than Williamsburg because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Williamsburg, and 5-14 days is enough time in Kauai.

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

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

In Williamsburg, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This 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.

In Kauai, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this dramatic island offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Williamsburg or Kauai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Williamsburg. 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 fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Williamsburg or Kauai?

Williamsburg is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Williamsburg. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

In Kauai, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this scenic destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Williamsburg or Kauai?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Williamsburg. 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 popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Williamsburg or Kauai?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Kauai in the Summer?

Both Kauai and Williamsburg during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of 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.

Williamsburg is around the same temperature as Kauai in the summer. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

In Kauai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Williamsburg. In the summer, Williamsburg often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Williamsburg gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 255 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. Williamsburg usually gets more rain in July than Kauai. Williamsburg gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Kauai in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Williamsburg and Kauai. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kauai for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Williamsburg is much colder than Kauai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Williamsburg in October average around 61°F (16°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 Williamsburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Williamsburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai during autumn. Williamsburg gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Williamsburg usually receives less rain than Kauai. Williamsburg gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Kauai in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Williamsburg as well as Kauai. Many travelers come to Williamsburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Kauai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Williamsburg. In January, Williamsburg is generally much colder than Kauai. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 38°F (4°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

In the winter, Williamsburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai. Williamsburg gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun.

Williamsburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Kauai. Williamsburg gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Kauai in the Spring?

Both Kauai and Williamsburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Williamsburg in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Kauai for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Williamsburg is much colder than Kauai in the spring. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 57°F (14°C) in April, and Kauai fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Kauai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. Williamsburg usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during spring. Williamsburg gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Williamsburg usually receives more rain than Kauai. Williamsburg gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kauai and Williamsburg