A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Wisconsin Dells vs. Kauai for Resorts, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Wisconsin Dells or Kauai?

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

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells 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.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a high energy, fun-filled, and lighthearted city. It's also popular because of the hiking, nightlife, and food. See Wisconsin Dells travel costs.

Kauai

Kauai is a dramatic, idyllic, and scenic island. The famous beauty of Kauai is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Kauai travel costs.

Wisconsin Dells and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wisconsin Dells or Kauai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kauai. Although Wisconsin Dells and Kauai are both popular with visitors, Kauai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kauai is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Wisconsin Dells is known for its nightlife. Wisconsin Dells is popular for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Kauai is popular for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. It is also home to Waimea Canyon.

How is Wisconsin Dells different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Wisconsin Dells or Kauai?

Kauai is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

Kauai offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are local museums that educate visitors on the island's history and culture. You can also visit sugar plantations and art galleries.

While most people don't head to Wisconsin Dells specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of art galleries in the area, but most visitors spend the majority of their time at the theme parks and waterparks.

Is the Food Better in Wisconsin Dells or Kauai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kauai is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Wisconsin Dells is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Pizza, pasta, burgers, and steak in a family-friendly atmosphere are the most common options in the area. There are also a few fine dining restaurants as well as pubs and brunch places to choose from.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

Wisconsin Dells is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife.

The nightlife in Wisconsin Dells has something for everybody. In the evening the fun-filled atmosphere takes on a different vibe. There are bars, clubs, casinos, and shows that keep things lively throughout the evening.

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 Wisconsin Dells or Kauai Better for Resorts?

Kauai is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

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.

Wisconsin Dells has a few great resort options. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kauai is a great destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Wisconsin Dells 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.

Wisconsin Dells is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Kauai is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Wisconsin Dells 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.

Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Kauai Better for Hiking?

Kauai is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Wisconsin Dells. Visitors often forget that this was originally a destination for its natural beauty. There are still many hiking trails in the area with some of the favorites found at Mirror Lake State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, and Chimney Rock Private Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Wisconsin Dells or Kauai?

Kauai is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Kauai offers some nice shopping areas. There's a mix of local shopping centers and larger retail malls.

Wisconsin Dells has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Kauai More Beautiful?

Kauai is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a destination known for its 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.

Wisconsin Dells is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Kauai Better for Families?

Wisconsin Dells 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, Wisconsin Dells is very family-friendly. While it used to be known for its impressive sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River, today it has a more touristy atmosphere with theme parks and amusement parks. It's also become known as the "Water Park Capital of the World", and it won't disappoint. There are both indoor and outdoor waterparks as well as train rides, boat rides, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

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 Wisconsin Dells or Kauai Better for Couples?

Kauai is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Wisconsin Dells is a good city for couples to visit. There are a number of resorts with spas and romantic atmospheres. There are also wineries and plenty of entertainment options in the area.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kauai is a popular place for backpackers. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options 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.

Wisconsin Dells is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find campgrounds in the area, but most places are very built up and don't have the natural setting that backpackers appreciate.

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

Kauai is a island with a few options for its public transit. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Wisconsin Dells. There's no real public transportation in the area.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Kauai a more walkable city?

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

Wisconsin Dells is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is walkable, you really need a car to access everything that the area has to offer.

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 Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Wisconsin Dells?

How long in Wisconsin Dells or Kauai?

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

Couples should spend more time in Kauai than Wisconsin Dells. 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 Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells or Kauai?

In Wisconsin Dells, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this fun-filled 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 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 Wisconsin Dells or Kauai?

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

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 Wisconsin Dells or Kauai?

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

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 Wisconsin Dells or Kauai?

You'll find food and nightlife around the lighthearted destination of Wisconsin Dells. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The dramatic 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

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

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

Both Kauai and Wisconsin Dells during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking 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 the summer, Wisconsin Dells is around the same temperature as Kauai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Wisconsin Dells in July average around 74°F (24°C), and Kauai averages at about 78°F (25°C).

In Kauai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Wisconsin Dells. In the summer, Wisconsin Dells often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Wisconsin Dells gets 309 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 255 hours of full sun.

Wisconsin Dells usually gets more rain in July than Kauai. Wisconsin Dells gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Kauai in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Wisconsin Dells and Kauai. The autumn months attract visitors to Wisconsin Dells because of the hiking trails and 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 October, Wisconsin Dells is generally much colder than Kauai. Daily temperatures in Wisconsin Dells average around 52°F (11°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kauai this time of the year. Wisconsin Dells usually receives less sunshine than Kauai during autumn. Wisconsin Dells gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Wisconsin Dells usually receives less rain than Kauai. Wisconsin Dells gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Kauai in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Wisconsin Dells as well as Kauai. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Wisconsin Dells this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kauai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Wisconsin Dells in the winter. Wisconsin Dells is much colder than Kauai in the winter. The daily temperature in Wisconsin Dells averages around 19°F (-7°C) in January, and Kauai fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

In the winter, Wisconsin Dells often gets less sunshine than Kauai. Wisconsin Dells gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun.

Wisconsin Dells usually gets less rain in January than Kauai. Wisconsin Dells gets 1 inches (25 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Kauai in the Spring?

Both Kauai and Wisconsin Dells are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Kauai in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Wisconsin Dells is much colder than Kauai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Wisconsin Dells in April average around 49°F (10°C), and Kauai averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Kauai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wisconsin Dells. Wisconsin Dells usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai during spring. Wisconsin Dells gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Wisconsin Dells usually receives more rain than Kauai. Wisconsin Dells gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kauai and Wisconsin Dells