A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlantic City vs. Kauai for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City 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.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a colorful, glitzy, and flashy city. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Kauai

Kauai is a scenic, dramatic, and idyllic island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Atlantic City and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Kauai?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kauai than Atlantic City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kauai is better known for its museums & sights, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Atlantic City is more popular for its nightlife. Atlantic City is well known for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Kauai is well known for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. Also, Kauai is famous for Waimea Canyon.

How is Atlantic City different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlantic City or Kauai?

Kauai is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Atlantic City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.

Is the Food Better in Atlantic City or Kauai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kauai is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Atlantic City has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

Is Atlantic City or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife.

Atlantic City is a must-see party destination. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

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 Atlantic City or Kauai Better for Resorts?

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

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.

Atlantic City is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

Is Atlantic City or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kauai is well known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Atlantic City 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.

Atlantic City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Atlantic City or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Kauai is a world-class destination for its beaches. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

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.

Atlantic City is a good option for a beach vacation. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Is Atlantic City or Kauai Better for Hiking?

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

Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Kauai?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Kauai and Atlantic City.

Atlantic City is a great destination for shopping. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kauai. There's a mix of local shopping centers and larger retail malls.

Is Atlantic City or Kauai Better for Families?

Kauai is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.

Is Atlantic City or Kauai Better for Couples?

Kauai is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Atlantic City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.

Is Atlantic City or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City and Kauai are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

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.

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

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

While Atlantic City offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

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 Atlantic City or Kauai a more walkable city?

Atlantic City is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Kauai is not known for its walkability.

Atlantic City is a very walkable destination. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

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 Atlantic City Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Kauai?

Atlantic City and Kauai both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kauai than Atlantic City because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Atlantic City, and 5-14 days is enough time in Kauai.

Families should spend more time in Kauai than Atlantic City. 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 Atlantic City. 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 Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City or Kauai?

In Atlantic City, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this glitzy destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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 Atlantic City or Kauai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlantic City. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Atlantic City or Kauai?

Atlantic City is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Atlantic City. Lots of people come for the nightlife. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 idyllic 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 Atlantic City or Kauai?

You'll find nightlife and food around the colorful destination of Atlantic City. 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 nightlife. 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 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

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

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

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

Both Kauai and Atlantic City during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.

In July, Atlantic City is generally around the same temperature as Kauai. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 75°F (24°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

In Kauai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlantic City. In the summer, Atlantic City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai. Atlantic City gets 273 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 Atlantic City. Atlantic City usually gets more rain in July than Kauai. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Kauai in the Autumn?

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

Atlantic City is much colder than Kauai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 56°F (13°C) in October, and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kauai this time of the year. Atlantic City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai during autumn. Atlantic City gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Atlantic City usually receives less rain than Kauai. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Kauai in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Kauai. Many travelers come to Atlantic City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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 Atlantic City. In the winter, Atlantic City is much colder than Kauai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Atlantic City in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Kauai averages at about 71°F (22°C).

In the winter, Atlantic City often gets less sunshine than Kauai. Atlantic City gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City usually gets less rain in January than Kauai. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Kauai in the Spring?

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

In April, Atlantic City is generally much colder than Kauai. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 51°F (10°C), 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 Atlantic City. Atlantic City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai during spring. Atlantic City gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Kauai. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kauai and Atlantic City