A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cherokee vs. Kauai for Hiking, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Cherokee or Kauai?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cherokee 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.

Cherokee

Cherokee is a fascinating, cultural, and genuine town. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Kauai

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

Cherokee and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cherokee or Kauai?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kauai than Cherokee, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kauai is more touristy than Cherokee and is popular for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. Also, Kauai is famous for Waimea Canyon. Cherokee is well known for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails.

How is Cherokee different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Cherokee and Kauai have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Cherokee is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many of the museums educate visitors on the Native American culture. Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee People, and the Mountain Farm Museum each offer a unique and interesting perspective.

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.

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

Kauai is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Cherokee has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are casual sandwich shops as well as several places that offer traditional Cherokee foods such as fry bread.

Is Cherokee or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

Kauai is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Cherokee is a mediocre 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Cherokee. The town is generally quiet but you can head to Harrah's Cherokee Casino for drinks and entertainment.

Is Cherokee or Kauai Better for Resorts?

Kauai is an amazing island to visit for its resorts. However, Cherokee 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.

Cherokee is not a resort destination.

Is Cherokee or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kauai is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Cherokee 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.

Cherokee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cherokee or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Kauai is an amazing island to visit for its beaches. However, Cherokee 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.

Cherokee is not a beach destination.

Is Cherokee or Kauai Better for Hiking?

Kauai is an amazing island to visit for the nearby hiking options. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

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

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Cherokee. There are many trails in the area that pass through forests, wander by waterfalls, and take you to spectacular viewpoints. The fall foliage is particularly nice during the autumn months.

Is the Shopping Better in Cherokee or Kauai?

Both Cherokee and Kauai are notable shopping destinations.

Cherokee is a great destination for shopping. There are craft shops and artisan vendors in the downtown area. It's fun to wander around for a few hours.

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

Is Cherokee or Kauai Better for Families?

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

Cherokee is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park make this a fun destination for families. There are countless outdoor adventure activities. The town is also filled with Cherokee history and culture, so it offers educational experiences as well.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Kauai is very family-friendly. 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 Cherokee or Kauai Better for Couples?

Kauai is an amazing island to visit for romance. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Cherokee makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nearby there are many outdoor activities and adventure experiences. Couples who enjoy nature and exploring will appreciate a stay here.

Is Cherokee or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Cherokee and Kauai are notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Cherokee. There are several great campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hiking opportunities.

Kauai is a good town 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 Cherokee or Kauai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Cherokee and Kauai offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Cherokee. There are some bus and shuttle routes, but a private vehicle is important if you want to make the most of your visit.

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 Cherokee or Kauai a more walkable city?

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

Cherokee is generally not a very walkable town. If you want to explore the area, you'll need a car to reach most places.

Kauai is not a walkable 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 Cherokee Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Cherokee?

How long in Cherokee or Kauai?

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

Families should spend more time in Kauai than Cherokee. 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 Cherokee. 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 Cherokee 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 Cherokee or Kauai?

In Cherokee, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This 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.

The beautiful island of Kauai offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Cherokee or Kauai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cherokee. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

Kauai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Cherokee or Kauai?

Cherokee is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Cherokee. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kauai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kauai, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Cherokee or Kauai?

You'll find food and shopping around the fascinating destination of Cherokee. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kauai has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Cherokee 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 Cherokee Expensive? and Is Kauai Expensive?.

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

The summer brings many poeple to Cherokee as well as Kauai. Many travelers come to Cherokee for the hiking 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.

In July, Cherokee is generally around the same temperature as Kauai. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 81°F (27°C), 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 Cherokee this time of the year. In the summer, Cherokee often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Cherokee gets 294 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 255 hours of full sun.

Cherokee receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cherokee usually gets more rain in July than Kauai. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cherokee or Kauai in the Autumn?

Both Kauai and Cherokee are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cherokee in the autumn for the hiking trails 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.

Cherokee is cooler than Kauai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cherokee averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, 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 Cherokee. Cherokee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai during autumn. Cherokee gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cherokee usually receives less rain than Kauai. Cherokee gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cherokee or Kauai in the Winter?

Both Kauai and Cherokee during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cherokee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Kauai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cherokee can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Cherokee is much colder than Kauai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cherokee in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Kauai averages at about 71°F (22°C).

In the winter, Cherokee often gets less sunshine than Kauai. Cherokee gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cherokee. Cherokee usually gets more rain in January than Kauai. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cherokee or Kauai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cherokee and Kauai. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.

In April, Cherokee is generally cooler than Kauai. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 62°F (17°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kauai this time of the year. In Cherokee, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cherokee usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during spring. Cherokee gets 263 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cherokee usually receives more rain than Kauai. Cherokee gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kauai and Cherokee