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

Should you visit Atlanta or Kauai?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Kauai, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a diverse, sprawling, and suburban city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Kauai

Kauai is a idyllic, scenic, and dramatic island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Atlanta and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Kauai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kauai. Although Atlanta and Kauai are popular destinations, Kauai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kauai is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Atlanta attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Kauai is more touristy than Atlanta and is known for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. It is also well known for Waimea Canyon. Atlanta is famous for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement.

How is Atlanta different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Atlanta is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Atlanta has many famous sights for visitors. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

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 Atlanta or Kauai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Atlanta and Kauai.

Atlanta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Kauai makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Atlanta or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

Atlanta 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 Atlanta has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

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 Atlanta or Kauai Better for Resorts?

Kauai is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Atlanta is not a resort destination.

Kauai offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Atlanta is not a resort destination.

Is Atlanta or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kauai is a great island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Atlanta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Kauai to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Atlanta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Atlanta or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Kauai is terrific for the beach. However, Atlanta is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Kauai are among the best in 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.

Atlanta is not a beach destination.

Is Atlanta or Kauai Better for Hiking?

Kauai is terrific for hiking. However, Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Kauai draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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

Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Kauai?

Atlanta is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for shopping.

Many people travel to Atlanta specifically to go shopping. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

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

Is Atlanta or Kauai Better for Families?

Atlanta and Kauai are both great destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Atlanta. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

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 Atlanta or Kauai Better for Couples?

Kauai is terrific for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Kauai has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. "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.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is Atlanta or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Atlanta and Kauai are nice places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Atlanta. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Kauai is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Is Atlanta or Kauai Better for Students?

Atlanta is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Kauai is not popular with students.

Many students visit Atlanta. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Kauai is not popular with students.

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

Atlanta and Kauai both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

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 Atlanta or Kauai a more walkable city?

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

Atlanta is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

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 Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Kauai?

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

Families should spend more time in Kauai than Atlanta. 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 Atlanta. 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 Atlanta than Kauai 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 Atlanta.

One day in Atlanta or Kauai?

Each neighborhood in Atlanta has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

In Kauai, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Atlanta or Kauai?

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

In Kauai, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Atlanta or Kauai?

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

Kauai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kauai has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Atlanta or Kauai?

You'll find food and shopping around the diverse big city of Atlanta. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kauai. In Kauai, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Atlanta and Kauai, we can see that Kauai is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

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

Both Kauai and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Atlanta for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kauai in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Atlanta is around the same temperature as Kauai in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, 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 Atlanta. Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai during summer. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In July, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Kauai. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlanta or Kauai in the Autumn?

Both Kauai and Atlanta during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Kauai for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Atlanta is cooler than Kauai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlanta in October average around 66°F (19°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 Atlanta. In the autumn, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun.

Atlanta usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Kauai. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Kauai in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Kauai. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kauai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Atlanta is generally much colder than Kauai. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 45°F (7°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai during winter. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun in the winter.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Kauai. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlanta or Kauai in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Kauai. The spring months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.

Atlanta is cooler than Kauai in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, 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 Atlanta this time of the year. In the spring, Atlanta often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the spring. Atlanta usually gets more rain in April than Kauai. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kauai and Atlanta