A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Death Valley National Park vs. Kauai for Resorts, Hiking, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Death Valley National Park or Kauai?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Death Valley National Park and Kauai can help you decide which place is right for you.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a striking, vast, and dramatic national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Kauai

Kauai is a idyllic, scenic, and dramatic island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Death Valley National Park and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Death Valley National Park or Kauai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kauai. Although Death Valley National Park and Kauai are popular destinations, Kauai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kauai is more touristy than Death Valley National Park and is popular for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. It is also well known for Waimea Canyon. Death Valley National Park is famous for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S.

How is Death Valley National Park different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Death Valley National Park or Kauai?

Kauai is very good for its sights and museums. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Death Valley National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.

Is the Food Better in Death Valley National Park or Kauai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kauai is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

Dining out in Kauai is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Death Valley National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Is Death Valley National Park or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

Kauai is very good for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

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.

Death Valley National Park doesn't offer many options. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Is Death Valley National Park or Kauai Better for Resorts?

Kauai is renowned for its resorts. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its luxury resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Kauai is a perfect 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.

Death Valley National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.

Is Death Valley National Park or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kauai is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Death Valley National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Death Valley National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Death Valley National Park or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Kauai is renowned for the beach. However, Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Kauai is a very popular vacation 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.

Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Death Valley National Park or Kauai Better for Hiking?

Kauai is renowned for the nearby hiking options. Also, Death Valley National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its hiking trails.

Many people visit Kauai specifically for its hiking. 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 Death Valley National Park. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

Is the Shopping Better in Death Valley National Park or Kauai?

Kauai is very good for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

Many visitors go to Kauai to go shopping. There's a mix of local shopping centers and larger retail malls.

Shopping in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.

Is Death Valley National Park or Kauai Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Death Valley National Park or Kauai.

Death Valley National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.

Kauai is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Death Valley National Park or Kauai Better for Couples?

Kauai is renowned for couples. Also, Death Valley National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Kauai 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.

Death Valley National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.

Is Death Valley National Park or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Death Valley National Park is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Death Valley National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

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.

Is Death Valley National Park or Kauai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kauai is a moderate island for its public transit. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Kauai. There are buses on the island, but it's difficult to rely on them as a visitor.

Public transit is quite limited in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

Is Death Valley National Park or Kauai a more walkable city?

Neither Death Valley National Park or Kauai are walkable places.

Death Valley National Park is not a walkable national park. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.

Kauai is not a very walkable national park. 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 Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Death Valley National Park?

How long in Death Valley National Park or Kauai?

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

Families should spend more time in Kauai than Death Valley National Park. 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 Death Valley National Park. 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 Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park or Kauai?

In Death Valley National Park, many people enjoy the that this striking destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This national park 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.

In Kauai, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this dramatic destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Death Valley National Park or Kauai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Death Valley National Park. 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.

In Kauai, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful destination offers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Death Valley National Park or Kauai?

Death Valley National Park is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Death Valley National Park. 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.

In Kauai, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this scenic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This island offers something for everyone.

A week in Death Valley National Park or Kauai?

You'll find around the vast destination of Death Valley National Park. 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.

In Kauai, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this beautiful island offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this island makes for a great vacation. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Death Valley National Park and Kauai, we can see that Kauai is more expensive. And not only is Death Valley National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Death Valley National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park.

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