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

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Kauai?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem 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.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a friendly, under-rated, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Winston-Salem travel costs.

Kauai

Kauai is a idyllic, scenic, and dramatic island. You'll find world class beauty in Kauai as well. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Kauai travel costs.

Winston-Salem and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Waimea Canyon


Is there more to do in Winston-Salem or Kauai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kauai. Although Winston-Salem and Kauai are popular destinations, Kauai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kauai is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Winston-Salem attracts visitors for its historical sights. Kauai is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is popular for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. It is also well known for Waimea Canyon. Winston-Salem is famous for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Winston-Salem different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Winston-Salem or Kauai?

Winston-Salem
Kauai

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Winston-Salem or Kauai.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Winston-Salem. Old Salem has a nice concentration of museums and gardens. Outside of the old town you'll find several art museums like the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.

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 Winston-Salem or Kauai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Winston-Salem
Kauai

Kauai is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Kauai is an experience not to be missed. 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 plenty of up and coming restaurants around Winston-Salem. North Carolina barbecue is popular around town. The city is also the birthplace of Krispy Kreme donuts and during the holiday season you should sample the local Moravian Cookies.

Is Winston-Salem or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem
Kauai

Evening events are nice in both Winston-Salem and Kauai.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Winston-Salem. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 Winston-Salem or Kauai Better for Resorts?

Winston-Salem
Kauai

Kauai is renowned for its resorts. However, Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Kauai is a great 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.

Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.


Is Winston-Salem or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Winston-Salem
Kauai

Kauai is notable for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Winston-Salem is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Winston-Salem is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Winston-Salem or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Winston-Salem
Kauai

Kauai is renowned for the beach. However, Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Kauai. 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.

Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.

Is Winston-Salem or Kauai Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem
Kauai

Winston-Salem is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Kauai does not have a historic old town.

Winston-Salem has an old town worth visiting. Nearby Old Salem is filled with historic museums, gardens, and restaurants. A ticket is required for most of the venues, but the atmosphere and architecture are charming.

Kauai does not have a historic old town.


Is Winston-Salem or Kauai Better for Hiking?

Winston-Salem
Kauai

Kauai is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Winston-Salem 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

Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Kauai?

Winston-Salem
Kauai

Both Winston-Salem and Kauai are nice shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Winston-Salem to go shopping. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

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

Is Winston-Salem or Kauai More Beautiful?

Winston-Salem
Kauai

Kauai is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Winston-Salem is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Kauai as well. The island is filled with dramatic beauty, from the inland mountains covered in tropical forests, to the scenic beaches and blue water.

Winston-Salem is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Winston-Salem or Kauai Better for Families?

Winston-Salem
Kauai

Kauai is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Kauai is known to be 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.

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly city. There are interactive museums like the Kaleideum science museums. There are also outdoor parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and a children's theater.

Is Winston-Salem or Kauai Better for Couples?

Winston-Salem
Kauai

Kauai is renowned for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

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.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are restaurants and movie theaters that make for a nice date night. There are also parks and walks that will get you outdoors.

Is Winston-Salem or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Winston-Salem
Kauai

Kauai is a popular place for backpackers. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not on the itinerary for most backpackers.


Is Winston-Salem or Kauai Better for Students?

Winston-Salem
Kauai

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

It's common for students to visit Winston-Salem. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

Kauai is not popular with students.

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

Winston-Salem
Kauai

Both Winston-Salem and Kauai offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Winston-Salem. There are bus routes, but they are limited in their frequency and convenience, making a car essential for most visitors.

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 Winston-Salem or Kauai a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem
Kauai

Winston-Salem is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Kauai is not known for its walkability.

Winston-Salem is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most pedestrian-friendly part of town, but most of the city requires a car.

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 Winston-Salem Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Winston-Salem?

How long in Winston-Salem or Kauai?

Winston-Salem and Kauai both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kauai than Winston-Salem because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Winston-Salem, and 5-14 days is enough time in Kauai.

Families should spend more time in Kauai than Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem 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.


  • How many days in Winston-Salem or Kauai? Ideal Length of Stay
    Winston-Salem 1-2 
    Kauai 5-14

One day in Winston-Salem or Kauai?

In Winston-Salem, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the idyllic destination of Kauai. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Winston-Salem or Kauai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Winston-Salem. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kauai. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Winston-Salem or Kauai?

Winston-Salem is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Winston-Salem. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the scenic destination of Kauai. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.


A week in Winston-Salem or Kauai?

You'll find food and shopping around the welcoming destination of Winston-Salem. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful island of Kauai. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Kauai or Winston-Salem?

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

  • Winston-Salem Prices
    USA Prices
    Kauai Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Winston-Salem $181
    Kauai $231

The average daily cost (per person) in Winston-Salem is $181, 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 Winston-Salem and Kauai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Winston-Salem $91
    Kauai $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Winston-Salem $182
    Kauai $226
Compare Hotels in Winston-Salem and Kauai

Looking for a hotel in Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem


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: Winston-Salem Hotel Prices and Kauai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Winston-Salem $23
    Kauai $34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kauai

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Winston-Salem or Kauai?

Prices for flights to both Kauai and Winston-Salem 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
    Winston-Salem $73
    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, KauaŹ»i : $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.
    Winston-Salem $20
    Kauai $17

Tours and Activities in Winston-Salem

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Winston-Salem are as follows:

  • Carolina History & Haunts Winston-Salem Historical Ghost Tour: $26
  • Old Salem's Ghost Self Guided Outside Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Winston Salem African American History Tour: $19
  • Winston-Salem Historic Guided Walking Tour: $19
  • Winston-Salem True Crime Tour: $19

Tours and Activities in Kauai

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

  • Ultimate Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of Kauai (Na Pali, Waimea), Hawaii: $15
  • North Shore Kauai Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Kauai: $20
  • Kauai Poipu and Koloa Town Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
  • Kauai Wailua Valley & Waterfalls Audio Driving Tour: $20
  • Waimea Canyon & Na Pali Driving Tour app: $23
  • Allerton Garden Guided Group Walking Tour: $64
  • Kauai Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Journey to Waimea Canyon: $97
  • Kauai Cruise Ship Excursion: Wailua River & Fern Grotto: $109
  • Kalapaki Kai Sunset Catamaran Cruise: $109
  • Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide: $112
  • Catamaran Sunset Cruise: $114

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Winston-Salem $24
    Kauai $14


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

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



When is the best time to visit Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem or Kauai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Kauai. Most visitors come to Winston-Salem for 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.

Winston-Salem is around the same temperature as Kauai in the summer. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kauai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Winston-Salem this time of the year. In the summer, Winston-Salem often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai. Winston-Salem gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 255 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem receives a lot of rain in the summer. Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in July than Kauai. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Winston-Salem 81°F (27°C) 
    Kauai 78°F (25°C)

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Kauai in the Autumn?

Both Kauai and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Winston-Salem because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.

In the autumn, Winston-Salem is much colder than Kauai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Winston-Salem in October average around 62°F (17°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 Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai during autumn. Winston-Salem gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Winston-Salem usually receives less rain than Kauai. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Winston-Salem 62°F (17°C) 
    Kauai 78°F (25°C)

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Kauai in the Winter?

Both Kauai and Winston-Salem during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Winston-Salem this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kauai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Winston-Salem in the winter. In January, Winston-Salem is generally much colder than Kauai. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 40°F (4°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

In the winter, Winston-Salem often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai. Winston-Salem gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem usually gets less rain in January than Kauai. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C) 
    Kauai 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Kauai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and Kauai. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kauai in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Winston-Salem is cooler than Kauai in the spring. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 61°F (16°C) in April, and Kauai fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kauai this time of the year. In Winston-Salem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Winston-Salem usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during spring. Winston-Salem gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Kauai. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Winston-Salem 61°F (16°C) 
    Kauai 73°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Kauai and Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem Kauai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 71°F (22°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 73°F (23°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 74°F (24°C) 0.4 inches (10 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 76°F (25°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 78°F (25°C) 0.6 inches (17 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 78°F (26°C) 0.6 inches (16 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 78°F (26°C) 1 inches (26 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (62 mm)