A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bar Harbor vs. Kauai for Resorts, Beaches, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Bar Harbor or Kauai?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bar Harbor and Kauai can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a picturesque, relaxed, and quaint coastal town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Kauai

Kauai is a scenic, dramatic, and idyllic island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Bar Harbor and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or Kauai?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kauai than Bar Harbor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kauai is better known for its museums & sights, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bar Harbor is more popular for its shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Kauai is more touristy than Bar Harbor and is popular for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. Also, Kauai is famous for Waimea Canyon. Bar Harbor is well known for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park.

How is Bar Harbor different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bar Harbor or Kauai?

Kauai is a island with good options for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Bar Harbor or Kauai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Bar Harbor makes for a great culinary experience. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

Kauai has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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 Bar Harbor or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

Kauai is a island with good options for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Bar Harbor or Kauai Better for Resorts?

Kauai is terrific for its resorts. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its luxury resorts.

Kauai is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

With a selection of resorts, Bar Harbor makes a nice vacation spot. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Is Bar Harbor or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kauai is a well-known place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bar Harbor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Kauai is an extremely popular place to visit for 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.

Bar Harbor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Kauai is terrific for its beaches. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for the beache.

Kauai is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Bar Harbor offers a nice beach destination. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Is Bar Harbor or Kauai Better for Hiking?

Kauai is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its hiking trails.

Around Kauai visitors will find world-class hiking 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

Bar Harbor offers some nice hiking trails. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Is the Shopping Better in Bar Harbor or Kauai?

Bar Harbor is a great coastal 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 Bar Harbor. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

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

Is Bar Harbor or Kauai Better for Families?

Kauai is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit 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.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly coastal town. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Is Bar Harbor or Kauai Better for Couples?

Kauai is terrific for romance. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its romantic activities.

Kauai is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. "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.

Bar Harbor makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

Is Bar Harbor or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kauai is a island with good options for backpackers. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kauai is a good island 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.

Bar Harbor is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's a small town with mostly high end accommodation so budget travelers and backpackers will struggle to find a place to stay.

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

Both Bar Harbor and Kauai offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

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 Bar Harbor or Kauai a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor is a great coastal town for its ease of walking around. However, Kauai is not known for its walkability.

Bar Harbor is a very walkable destination. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

Kauai is not a walkable coastal 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 Bar Harbor Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or Kauai?

Bar Harbor and Kauai both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kauai than Bar Harbor because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bar Harbor, and 5-14 days is enough time in Kauai.

Families should spend more time in Kauai than Bar Harbor. 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 Bar Harbor. 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 Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor or Kauai?

Even though Bar Harbor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This coastal 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.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the dramatic island of Kauai, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bar Harbor or Kauai?

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

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Kauai, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Bar Harbor or Kauai?

Bar Harbor is a fun place to experience. Bar Harbor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kauai, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Bar Harbor or Kauai?

Bar Harbor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this island makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Bar Harbor and Kauai, we can see that Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor Expensive? and Is Kauai Expensive?.

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

The summer brings many poeple to Bar Harbor as well as Kauai. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Kauai for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bar Harbor is generally cooler than Kauai. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 69°F (21°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in July than Kauai. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Kauai in the Autumn?

Both Kauai and Bar Harbor are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Kauai in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Bar Harbor is much colder than Kauai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 48°F (9°C) in October, and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

In October, Bar Harbor usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kauai. Bar Harbor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Kauai in the Winter?

Both Kauai and Bar Harbor during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Kauai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bar Harbor can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Bar Harbor is much colder than Kauai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bar Harbor in January average around 18°F (-8°C), and Kauai averages at about 71°F (22°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets less rain in January than Kauai. Bar Harbor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Kauai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bar Harbor and Kauai. Most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kauai because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Bar Harbor is generally much colder than Kauai. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 43°F (6°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In April, Bar Harbor usually receives more rain than Kauai. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kauai and Bar Harbor