A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isla Mujeres vs. Kauai for Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Isla Mujeres 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 Isla Mujeres 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.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a relaxing, laid back, and idyllic island. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

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 scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Isla Mujeres and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Kauai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kauai. Although Isla Mujeres and Kauai are both popular with visitors, Kauai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kauai is more popular for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Isla Mujeres is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling. Kauai is more touristy than Isla Mujeres and is popular for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. It is also home to Waimea Canyon. Isla Mujeres is popular for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere.

How is Isla Mujeres different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isla Mujeres or Kauai?

Kauai is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Isla Mujeres is a mediocre island for its museums and history.

Kauai offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are local museums that educate visitors on the island's history and culture. You can also visit sugar plantations and art galleries.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Isla Mujeres. Nobody really heads to this island for the museums.

Is the Food Better in Isla Mujeres or Kauai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Isla Mujeres and Kauai can be an enjoyable experience.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Isla Mujeres. The island has many restaurants, particularly along Hidalgo Street in the Centro area. They typically have a laid back island vibe and serve local seafood or other popular cuisines.

Kauai has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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 Isla Mujeres or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Isla Mujeres and Kauai.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Isla Mujeres. Many people visit the island as a day trip, but those who spend the night will enjoy hanging out at the beach bars along Playa Norte. Many have a laid back vibe and some have live music or DJs.

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 Isla Mujeres or Kauai Better for Resorts?

There are terrific resorts to choose from in both Isla Mujeres and Kauai.

Vacationers flock to Isla Mujeres for its luxury resorts. Despite its small size, there are a range of impressive resorts on the island. Accommodation ranges from affordable hostels to stunning luxury resorts.

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.

Is Isla Mujeres or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Isla Mujeres is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Isla Mujeres. There are many great snorkeling and diving areas just off the island. It's easy to arrange tours that will take you to the best spots. Popular areas include Manchones Reef, the Underwater Museum of Art, and Garrafon Natural Park.

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.

Is Isla Mujeres or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres and Kauai both offer terrific beaches.

Isla Mujeres offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island has spectacular beaches where the white sand meets the blue water. The idyllic setting is the perfect place to relax with a drink or soak up the island vibe. Playa Norte is an award winning beach that has calm water and stunning snorkeling. Playa Centro has many restaurants and bars, and you'll likely see people sunbathing topless. There's a beach club at Playa Albatros as well as hammocks, umbrellas, and recreational activities.

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 Isla Mujeres or Kauai Better for Hiking?

Kauai is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Isla Mujeres 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

Isla Mujeres is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Kauai?

Both Isla Mujeres and Kauai are good shopping destinations.

Isla Mujeres offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the best opportunities to pick up gifts or souvenirs. You'll find local jewelry, art, and handicrafts.

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

Is Isla Mujeres or Kauai Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Isla Mujeres is very family-friendly. Kids will love the outdoor sports, which include kayaking, surfing, cave exploration, and snorkeling or diving. There are also opportunities to get up close with marine life or spend the day playing at a water park.

Kauai is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Isla Mujeres or Kauai Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres and Kauai both terrific destinations for a couple.

Isla Mujeres is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's a world class honeymoon destination and couples enjoy the white powdery sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, and laid back island vibe. There's diving and snorkeling as well as romantic hotels and wonderful local restaurants.

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.

Is Isla Mujeres or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isla Mujeres is a great island for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Isla Mujeres. There are a handful of hostels on the island that offer budget accommodation and a social atmosphere.

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

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

While Isla Mujeres offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two bus routes around the island that are operated by Isleños Bus.

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 Isla Mujeres or Kauai a more walkable city?

Isla Mujeres is a great island for its ease of walking around. However, Kauai is not known for its walkability.

Isla Mujeres is a very walkable destination. The most walkable part of the island is the North part, which is the town center.

Kauai is not a walkable island. 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 Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Kauai?

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

Families should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Kauai. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Isla Mujeres, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Kauai. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Isla Mujeres that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Kauai 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 Isla Mujeres.

One day in Isla Mujeres or Kauai?

In Isla Mujeres, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this laid back destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Kauai, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this dramatic island offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Isla Mujeres or Kauai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Isla Mujeres. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Isla Mujeres or Kauai?

Isla Mujeres is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Isla Mujeres. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

In Kauai, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this idyllic destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Isla Mujeres or Kauai?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the laid back destination of Isla Mujeres. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

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