A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Clearwater vs. Kauai for Resorts, Beaches, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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.

Clearwater

Clearwater is a adventure-filled, relaxing, and beautiful coastal city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Kauai

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

Clearwater and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Kauai?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kauai than Clearwater, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kauai is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Clearwater is more popular for its museums. Kauai is more touristy than Clearwater and is popular for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. Also, Kauai is famous for Waimea Canyon. Clearwater is well known for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports.

How is Clearwater different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Clearwater is a great coastal 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 Clearwater. Perhaps most well known is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, but there are also a surprising number of museums nearby such as the Dalí Museum, the impressive Chihuly Glass Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

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 Clearwater or Kauai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Clearwater and Kauai both to be excellent destinations.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Clearwater makes for a great culinary experience. Head to the waterfront for some of the best seafood. Unfortunately this is also where you'll find the highest prices. Shrimp, crab, and a fresh catch of the day are common on many menus.

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 Clearwater or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Clearwater and Kauai.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Clearwater. You'll find laid back beach clubs, glitzy wine bars, and relaxed bars where you can spend a nice night out.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 Clearwater or Kauai Better for Resorts?

Kauai is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit 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.

Clearwater is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find a number of nice resorts along the coastline. Some of the most popular are the Sandpearl Resort, the Opal Sands Resort, and the Clearwater Beach Marriott.

Is Clearwater or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kauai is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its diving and snorkeling.

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.

Clearwater has a few good snorkeling spots. There's both snorkeling and diving nearby. Some of the best dive spots are within and hour of the shore and you'll find diving shops that offer trips.

Is Clearwater or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Clearwater and Kauai both offer terrific beaches.

Clearwater offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Clearwater Beach is on many lists as one of the best beaches in America. It's the most popular beach in the area and it spreads out over 2.5 miles. Sand Key Beach is another popular destination as is the pristine Caladesi Island State Park.

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.

Is Clearwater or Kauai Better for Hiking?

Kauai is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Clearwater 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

Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Kauai?

Both Clearwater and Kauai are notable shopping destinations.

Clearwater is a great destination for shopping. You'll find all of the standard shopping options in the area such as malls, shopping centers, and outlets. Westfield Countryside Mall is a popular destination as is the Cleveland Street District.

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

Is Clearwater or Kauai Better for Families?

Both Clearwater and Kauai are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Clearwater is a very family-friendly place to visit. Check out the playground and activities around Pier 60. Less crowded and family-friendly Sand Key Park is another favorite spot and the playgrounds at New Coachman Park and Crest Lake Park are also fun. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is another popular attraction for visitors with kids.

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 Clearwater or Kauai Better for Couples?

Kauai is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit 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.

Clearwater makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are beautiful parks and beaches as well as romantic activities like sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. Couples will also enjoy dining on local seafood and shopping at the local venues.

Is Clearwater or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kauai is a good destination for backpackers. However, Clearwater is a mediocre coastal city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Clearwater is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, and you'll find more affordable prices than in some nearby beach destinations.

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

Both Clearwater and Kauai offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Clearwater. The Clearwater Jolley Trolley connects some of the area's highlights. There are also public buses that run several routes through town.

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 Clearwater or Kauai a more walkable city?

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

Clearwater is a somewhat walkable coastal city. The waterfront and downtown areas are surprisingly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Kauai?

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

Couples should spend more time in Kauai than Clearwater. 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 Clearwater 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 Clearwater or Kauai?

In Clearwater, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this adventure-filled destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the beaches. This coastal 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.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the scenic 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 Clearwater or Kauai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Clearwater. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. 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 Clearwater or Kauai?

Clearwater is a fun place to experience. In Clearwater, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Clearwater or Kauai?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Clearwater. 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 beaches. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Clearwater and Kauai, we can see that Clearwater is more expensive. And not only is Kauai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kauai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kauai 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 Clearwater would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Clearwater than you might in Kauai.

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

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

The summer brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Kauai. The summer months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.

In July, Clearwater is generally around the same temperature as Kauai. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 82°F (28°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 Clearwater this time of the year. In the summer, Clearwater often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 255 hours of full sun.

Clearwater receives a lot of rain in the summer. Clearwater usually gets more rain in July than Kauai. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Clearwater or Kauai in the Autumn?

Both Kauai and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kauai for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Clearwater is around the same temperature as Kauai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 75°F (24°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 Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during autumn. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Kauai. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.

Should I visit Clearwater or Kauai in the Winter?

Both Kauai and Clearwater during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kauai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Clearwater is cooler than Kauai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Clearwater in January average around 60°F (15°C), and Kauai averages at about 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the winter, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in January than Kauai. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Clearwater or Kauai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Kauai. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the spring for the beaches. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kauai for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Clearwater is generally around the same temperature as Kauai. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 71°F (22°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 Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during spring. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Kauai. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.

Typical Weather for Kauai and Clearwater