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

Should you visit Cincinnati or Kauai?

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

Should I visit Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a authentic, hard-working, and blue collar city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Kauai

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

Cincinnati and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Waimea Canyon
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Cincinnati or Kauai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kauai. Although Cincinnati and Kauai are both popular with visitors, Kauai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kauai is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Cincinnati is known for its museums. Kauai is more touristy than Cincinnati and is popular for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. It is also home to Waimea Canyon. Cincinnati is popular for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Cincinnati different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cincinnati
Kauai

Cincinnati is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Cincinnati. You'll find both traditional and quirky museums around town. For outside-the-box, check out the American Sign Museum or the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Art museums include the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the Taft Museum of Art. Other popular museums include the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.

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 Cincinnati or Kauai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cincinnati
Kauai

Kauai is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

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.

Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Is Cincinnati or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

Cincinnati
Kauai

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Cincinnati and Kauai.

Cincinnati has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is diverse and includes music venues, breweries, and nightclubs. In addition to the city's downtown, you'll find trendy places to hang out in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Breweries are popular in the city, in part because of its German roots.

If you're looking for night time activities Kauai has a few options to choose from. 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 Cincinnati or Kauai Better for Resorts?

Cincinnati
Kauai

Kauai is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Cincinnati is not a resort destination.

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.

Cincinnati is not a resort destination.


Is Cincinnati or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cincinnati
Kauai

Kauai is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cincinnati or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Cincinnati
Kauai

Kauai is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is not a beach destination.

Is Cincinnati or Kauai Better for Hiking?

Cincinnati
Kauai

Kauai is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Cincinnati is not a hiking destination.

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

Cincinnati is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Cincinnati or Kauai?

Cincinnati
Kauai

Shopping is a popular activity in both Kauai and Cincinnati.

Cincinnati offers some nice shopping areas. There are large shopping malls and retail outlets. You'll also find local boutiques in the Montgomery or Mariemont areas.

Kauai has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of local shopping centers and larger retail malls.

Is Cincinnati or Kauai Better for Families?

Cincinnati
Kauai

Kauai is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Kauai is a very kid-friendly island. 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.

Cincinnati offers lots of family activities. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities around town like the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Museum Center, Newport Aquarium, and Smale Riverfront Park.

Is Cincinnati or Kauai Better for Couples?

Cincinnati
Kauai

Kauai is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. However, Cincinnati is not particularly known 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.

Cincinnati is not always the best place to visit for a couple. If you do find yourself in town for a few days, there are several good restaurants and a number of music venues that can keep the visit fun and entertaining.


Is Cincinnati or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cincinnati
Kauai

Cincinnati and Kauai are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cincinnati. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.

Kauai is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Cincinnati or Kauai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cincinnati
Kauai

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

While Cincinnati offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two bus systems around town - the METRO and TANK bus systems. There's also a streetcar that travels through the downtown.

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 Cincinnati or Kauai a more walkable city?

Cincinnati
Kauai

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

Cincinnati is a very walkable destination. There are several surprisingly walkable areas, particularly downtown and the nearby neighborhoods.

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 Cincinnati Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Cincinnati?

How long in Cincinnati or Kauai?

Cincinnati and Kauai both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kauai than Cincinnati because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cincinnati, and 5-14 days is enough time in Kauai.

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


  • How many days in Cincinnati or Kauai? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cincinnati 1-2 
    Kauai 5-14

One day in Cincinnati or Kauai?

In Cincinnati, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this blue collar destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the idyllic 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 Cincinnati or Kauai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cincinnati. 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 Cincinnati or Kauai?

Cincinnati is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cincinnati. 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 Cincinnati or Kauai?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the blue collar destination of Cincinnati. 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 Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Kauai or Cincinnati?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cincinnati is $183, while the average daily cost in Kauai is $190. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cincinnati and Kauai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cincinnati $102
    Kauai $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cincinnati $204
    Kauai $226
Compare Hotels in Cincinnati and Kauai

Looking for a hotel in Cincinnati or Kauai? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cincinnati


Hotels in Kauai


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cincinnati Hotel Prices and Kauai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cincinnati $25
    Kauai $34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cincinnati

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cincinnati:

  • Cincinnati to Cincinnati Airport (CVG) - Departure Private Transfer: $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kauai

Also for Kauai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Lihue Airport: Shared Transfer to Lihue: $19
  • Private Departure Transfer to Kauai Airport (LIH): $80
  • Private SUV Transfer - Kauai Cruise Ship terminal : $199
  • Private SUV Transfer - Lihue Airport to South Shore Kauai Resorts Koloa Poipu: $179
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Kauai Hotels to Kauai International Airport: $13

Is it cheaper to fly into Cincinnati or Kauai?

Prices for flights to both Kauai and Cincinnati change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cincinnati $55
    Kauai $56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cincinnati

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cincinnati.

  • Ohio River Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $61
  • Mainstrasse Village Food Tour in Covington KY: $79
  • Cincinnati Court Street Food Tour with Vegan Options: $85
  • Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour With Findlay Market : $85
  • Cincinnati Walking Sightseeing Tour with Pizza and Ice-cream: $120

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kauai

For Kauai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Allerton Garden and Estate Tour with Sunset Dinner: $106
  • Ahi Uila Fire Show and Dinner: $110
  • Local Tastes Small Group Food Tour: $121
  • Explore Waimea Town on a Walking Food Tour: $129
  • Luau Kalamaku on Kauai with Buffet Dinner and Show: $171
  • Luau Ka Hikina Admission Ticket with Dinner and Lei Greeting: $209
  • Napali Coast Sunset Sail with Dinner: $226
  • Napali Sunset Dinner Cruise: $226
  • Luau Kalamaku on Kauai with Manor House Dinner & Show: $226
  • VIP 4-Course Dinner and Luau Kalamaku Show: $237
  • Leila Na Pali Sunset Dinner Sail: $242

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cincinnati $26
    Kauai $17

Tours and Activities in Cincinnati

Here are a few actual costs in Cincinnati for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Cincinnati Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Haunted Cincinnati Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour: $36
  • Tour of Historic Wesleyan Cemetery: $20
  • 1919: The year that changed baseball tour: $31
  • Brewers & Barons Trail Tour: $45
  • Built on Beer Tour: $45
  • Cellars and Saloons Sunday Brunch Tour in Cincinnati: $75
  • Cincinnati Ballparks & Breweries Bus Tour: $69
  • Cincinnati Brewing & Distilling Tasting Tour: $59
  • Cincinnati Ethnic Food and Culture Tour in Over the Rhine: $85
  • Cincinnati Findlay Market Food Walking Tour: $89
  • Cincinnati Reds Baseball Game Ticket at Great American Ballpark: $18

Tours and Activities in Kauai

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kauai.

  • Kauai Poipu & Koloa Town Audio Driving Tour: $9.99
  • Kauai Audio Driving Private Tour: $15
  • Ultimate Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of Kauai (Na Pali, Waimea), Hawaii: $17
  • Waimea Canyon & Na Pali Driving Tour app: $20
  • North Shore Kauai Audio Driving Tour: $20
  • Wailua Valley & Waterfalls Audio Driving Tour: $20
  • Kauai Tour Bundle: Self-Drive GPS Road Trip: $30
  • Island Highlights Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $40
  • Allerton Garden Guided Group Walking Tour: $64
  • Cruise Ship Excursion: Kauai – Wailua River Cruise & Fern Grotto: $99
  • Princeville Botanical Gardens Tour and Chocolate Tasting Ticket: $99
  • Catamaran Sunset Cruise: $104

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cincinnati $11
    Kauai $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Cincinnati

Also in Cincinnati, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Cincinnati Bar Hunt: Cin-sational Cincinnati Bar Crawl: $12
  • Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour in Cincinnati with Beer Tasting: $49
  • Craft Brewery 3 Stop Hop: $64
  • Cincinnati Original Craft Brewery Small-Group Tour: $68


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



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

Both Kauai and Cincinnati during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cincinnati for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Kauai because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cincinnati is around the same temperature as Kauai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cincinnati in July average around 79°F (26°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 Cincinnati. In the summer, Cincinnati often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Cincinnati gets 298 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 255 hours of full sun.

Cincinnati usually gets more rain in July than Kauai. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C) 
    Kauai 78°F (25°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Kauai in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cincinnati and Kauai. The autumn months attract visitors to Cincinnati because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, 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, Cincinnati is generally much colder than Kauai. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 58°F (15°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kauai this time of the year. Cincinnati usually receives less sunshine than Kauai during autumn. Cincinnati gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cincinnati usually receives less rain than Kauai. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C) 
    Kauai 78°F (25°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Kauai in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Cincinnati in the winter. Cincinnati is much colder than Kauai in the winter. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Kauai fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

In the winter, Cincinnati often gets less sunshine than Kauai. Cincinnati gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun.

Cincinnati usually gets less rain in January than Kauai. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cincinnati 31°F (-0°C) 
    Kauai 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Kauai in the Spring?

Both Kauai and Cincinnati 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, Cincinnati is much colder than Kauai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cincinnati in April average around 56°F (14°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 Cincinnati. Cincinnati usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai during spring. Cincinnati gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cincinnati usually receives more rain than Kauai. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C) 
    Kauai 73°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Kauai and Cincinnati

Cincinnati Kauai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 71°F (22°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
Mar 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 73°F (23°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 74°F (24°C) 0.4 inches (10 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 76°F (25°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 78°F (25°C) 0.6 inches (17 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 78°F (26°C) 0.6 inches (16 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 78°F (26°C) 1 inches (26 mm)
Oct 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (62 mm)