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

Should you visit Columbia or Kauai?

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

Should I visit Columbia 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.

Columbia

Columbia is a welcoming, suburban, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Kauai

Kauai is a dramatic, idyllic, and scenic island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Columbia and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbia or Kauai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kauai. Although Columbia and Kauai are both popular with visitors, Kauai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kauai is more touristy than Columbia and is popular for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. It is also home to Waimea Canyon. Columbia is popular for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Columbia different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Columbia and Kauai.

Columbia offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kauai. 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 Columbia or Kauai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kauai is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

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.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Columbia or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

Both Columbia and Kauai are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

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 Columbia or Kauai Better for Resorts?

Kauai is renowned for its resorts. However, Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a resort destination.

Is Columbia or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kauai is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Columbia or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Kauai is renowned for the beache. However, Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a beach destination.

Is Columbia or Kauai Better for Hiking?

Kauai is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Columbia 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

Columbia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbia or Kauai?

Both Columbia and Kauai are good shopping destinations.

Columbia offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

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

Is Columbia or Kauai Better for Families?

Kauai is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Columbia is a family-friendly city. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

Is Columbia or Kauai Better for Couples?

Kauai is renowned for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city 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.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Columbia or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kauai is a popular place for backpackers. However, Columbia is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Columbia is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not an expensive place to visit, there is little in the area to attract backpackers.

Is Columbia or Kauai Better for Students?

Columbia is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Kauai is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Columbia. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Kauai is not popular with students.

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

Both Columbia and Kauai offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

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 Columbia or Kauai a more walkable city?

Neither Columbia or Kauai are walkable places.

Columbia is not a walkable city. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

Kauai is not a very 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 Columbia Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Columbia?

How long in Columbia or Kauai?

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

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

In Columbia, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this friendly 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.

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 Columbia or Kauai?

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

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 Columbia or Kauai?

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

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the friendly destination of Columbia. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Columbia and Kauai, we can see that Kauai is more expensive. And not only is Columbia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia 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 Columbia.

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

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

The summer brings many poeple to Columbia as well as Kauai. Most visitors come to Columbia for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Kauai because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Columbia is around the same temperature as Kauai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Columbia in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Kauai averages at about 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 Columbia this time of the year. In the summer, Columbia often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Columbia gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 255 hours of full sun.

Columbia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Columbia usually gets more rain in July than Kauai. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia or Kauai in the Autumn?

Both Kauai and Columbia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Columbia because of the shopping scene. Also, 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, Columbia is generally cooler than Kauai. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 64°F (18°C), 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 Columbia. Columbia usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during autumn. Columbia gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Columbia usually receives less rain than Kauai. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Columbia or Kauai in the Winter?

Both Kauai and Columbia during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Columbia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kauai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Columbia is much colder than Kauai in the winter. The daily temperature in Columbia averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Kauai fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

In the winter, Columbia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai. Columbia gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun.

Columbia usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Kauai. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia or Kauai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Kauai. Also, many visitors come to Kauai in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Columbia is cooler than Kauai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Columbia in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Kauai averages at about 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kauai this time of the year. In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Columbia usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during spring. Columbia gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Columbia usually receives more rain than Kauai. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kauai and Columbia