Which place is cheaper, Kauai or Grand Cayman?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Grand Cayman 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 Grand Cayman 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.
Where Should I go: Grand Cayman or Kauai?
Grand Cayman
When people think of the Cayman Islands, they typically think of offshore bank accounts and sunny, cruise ship ports. Grand Cayman has more to offer travelers than a playground for the wealthy or a short stopover for cruise passengers. This tropical island is the largest of the three Cayman Islands, it is a shopper's heaven, a center for global finance and an ideal vacation spot.
Kauai
Hawaii is certainly a bucket list destination, but what if you want to do it without being surrounded by tourists? You want the adventure of the land of volcanoes and less of the kids in water wings. Then Kaua'i is the island for you.
Kaua'i, or the "garden island," is full of tropical forests, little villages and even more laid back lifestyle – if you can imagine. It's a smaller island at 560 square miles with a population of only 68,000.
With more coastline miles than any other island, Kaua'i is the result of massive erosion forming awe-inspiring sights like the Waimea Canyon and Na Pali Coast. The island experiences more rainfall every year – keeping it lush and green all year.
You'll feel like you've walked into another world in Kaua'i. Because of height restrictions, this island's buildings are no taller than the coconut trees. So if you're looking for an escape from civilization, you'll want to head straight for Kaua'i.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGrand Cayman $214Kauai $190
The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $214, 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 Grand Cayman and Kauai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGrand Cayman $150Kauai $113
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGrand Cayman $300Kauai $226
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Kauai
Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman 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.
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: Grand Cayman Hotel Prices and Kauai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Grand Cayman $31Kauai $34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman
Also for Grand Cayman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfers to North Side Accommodation (GCM Grand Cayman): $265
- George Town Port to George Town / 7-Mile Beach area -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $107
- Airport Transfer - Owen Roberts Intl Airport to GeorgeTown or Seven Mile Beach: $88
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to George Town or 7-Mile: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town or 7 Mile to George Town Port: $53
- George Town / 7- Mile Beach area to George Town Port -Departure Private Transfer: $53
- George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to Owen Roberts AirportGCM: $53
- Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $53
- George Town Cruise Port to George Town or 7-Mile Beach -Arrival Private Transfer: $53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kauai
Also for Kauai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Departure Transfer: Kauai Hotels to Kauai International Airport: $13
- Private SUV Transfer - Lihue Airport to South Shore Kauai Resorts Koloa Poipu: $179
- Private SUV Transfer - Kauai Cruise Ship terminal : $199
- Private Departure Transfer to Kauai Airport (LIH): $80
- Lihue Airport: Shared Transfer to Lihue: $19
Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Kauai?
Prices for flights to both Kauai and Grand Cayman 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
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Food Meals for one dayGrand Cayman $39Kauai $56
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Grand Cayman $41Kauai $17
Tours and Activities in Grand Cayman
For Grand Cayman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-stop Adventure: Stingray City and snorkeling at Cayman Reefs: $79
- Acquarius Stingray City and Snorkel Tours: $80
- Cayman Adventure: Starfish Point, Stingray City and Coral Gardens: $99
- Cayman Crystal Caves & Pedro St James Castle Tour in Grand Cayman: $179
- Cayman Crystal Caves Tour in Grand Cayman Island: $126
- Cayman's Classic Food Tasting & Cultural Experience: $179
- East End Activities and Tour in Grand Cayman: $158
- East Island Tour : $298
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in George Town from George Town Port: $276
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in George Town from George Town Port: $263
- Grand Cayman Cruise: Starfish Point, Stingray City, Coral Garden: $80
- Grand Cayman Reef & Stingray City Snorkeling Adventure: $159
Tours and Activities in Kauai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kauai.
- 'IMILOA - Express Na Pali Sunset Tour: $161
- 'IMILOA - Express Nā Pali Snorkel Tour : $181
- 'IMILOA - Express Whale Watch Cocktail Tour: $136
- 1 Tank Discover Scuba at Koloa Landing with No Experience needed: $162
- 2-Hour Snorkeling Adventure in Kauai: $115
- 5 Hrs. Kauai Eastside Small Group Tour. Short & sweet: $162
- 5 Line Zipline Tour: $130
- 8 Line Zipline Tour: $160
- Cruise Ship Excursion: Kauai – Wailua River Cruise & Fern Grotto: $99
- Cruise Ship Shore Excursion: Kauai Movie Sites Tour: $173
- Deluxe Na Pali Morning Snorkel Tour on the Lucky Lady: $223
- Deluxe Na Pali Sunset Tour on the Lucky Lady: $212
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGrand Cayman $13Kauai $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Grand Cayman
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Grand Cayman:
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Beer$4.97
Sample the Local Flavors in Grand Cayman
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Grand Cayman:
- Cayman Spirits Co. Distillery Tour Pass Ticket Only: $24
When comparing the travel costs between Grand Cayman and Kauai, we can see that Grand Cayman 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. Even though Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands and Kauai is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Grand Cayman Expensive? and Is Kauai Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Grand Cayman or Kauai?
Kauai has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Grand Cayman experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Kauai in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Kauai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.
Grand Cayman is a little warmer than Kauai in the summer. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).
Grand Cayman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Kauai. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGrand Cayman 28°C (83°F)Kauai 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Kauai in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Kauai. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Kauai for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Kauai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Grand Cayman in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Kauai averages at about 78°F (25°C).
Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in October than Kauai. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGrand Cayman 27°C (81°F)Kauai 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Kauai in the Winter?
Both Kauai and Grand Cayman are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Kauai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Grand Cayman is generally a little warmer than Kauai. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 24°C (76°F), and Kauai fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
In January, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Kauai. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGrand Cayman 24°C (76°F)Kauai 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Kauai in the Spring?
Both Kauai and Grand Cayman during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kauai for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
Grand Cayman is a little warmer than Kauai in the spring. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Kauai fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in April than Kauai. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGrand Cayman 26°C (79°F)Kauai 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Kauai and Grand Cayman
| Grand Cayman | Kauai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 1.3 inches (32 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 0.4 inches (10 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 0.6 inches (17 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 0.6 inches (16 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 1 inches (26 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 2.5 inches (62 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.