A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Joshua Tree National Park vs. Kauai for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Joshua Tree National Park or Kauai?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Joshua Tree National Park and Kauai can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a unique, fascinating, and adventurous national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Kauai

Kauai is a idyllic, scenic, and dramatic island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Joshua Tree National Park and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Joshua Tree National Park or Kauai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kauai. Although Joshua Tree National Park and Kauai are popular destinations, Kauai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kauai is more touristy than Joshua Tree National Park and is known for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. It is also well known for Waimea Canyon. Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

How is Joshua Tree National Park different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Joshua Tree National Park or Kauai?

Kauai is a island with good options for its museums and history. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Joshua Tree National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.

Is the Food Better in Joshua Tree National Park or Kauai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kauai is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Joshua Tree National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There aren't any restaurants inside the park, so you'll want to pack your own food and eat at one of the picnic areas.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

Kauai is a island with good options for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Joshua Tree National Park. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Kauai Better for Resorts?

Kauai is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Kauai is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kauai is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Kauai is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Kauai is renowned for the beach. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Kauai is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Kauai Better for Hiking?

Both Joshua Tree National Park and Kauai are destinations which offer fantastic hiking.

Around Joshua Tree National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are a wide range of hikes that include easy, moderate, and strenuous options. Some of the best hikes include Discovery Trail, Boy Scout Trail, and Black Rock Canyon Panorama Loop.

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

Is the Shopping Better in Joshua Tree National Park or Kauai?

Kauai is a island with good options for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

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

Joshua Tree National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There is a park store where you can pick up gifts or other items.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Kauai Better for Families?

Both Joshua Tree National Park and Kauai are very good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Joshua Tree National Park. With its giant boulders that kids can scramble on and its Dr. Seuss-like Joshua Trees, this really is nature's best playground. There are also kid-friendly hikes and Junior Ranger Programs that will both educate and entertain the kids.

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 Joshua Tree National Park or Kauai Better for Couples?

Kauai is renowned for couples. Also, Joshua Tree National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Kauai is a great island for couples, as it 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.

Couples visit Joshua Tree National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

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

Kauai is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Joshua Tree National Park. There's no reliable public transportation in the park.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Kauai a more walkable city?

Neither Joshua Tree National Park or Kauai are walkable places.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a very walkable national park. You need a car to truly explore the park.

Kauai is not a 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 Joshua Tree National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Joshua Tree National Park?

How long in Joshua Tree National Park or Kauai?

Joshua Tree National Park and Kauai both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kauai than Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park, and 5-14 days is enough time in Kauai.

Families should spend more time in Kauai than Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park or Kauai?

In Joshua Tree National Park, many people enjoy the that this fascinating destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the idyllic island of Kauai. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Joshua Tree National Park or Kauai?

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

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Kauai. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Joshua Tree National Park or Kauai?

Joshua Tree National Park is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Joshua Tree National Park. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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.

Kauai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here. It offers something for everyone.

A week in Joshua Tree National Park or Kauai?

You'll find around the fascinating destination of Joshua Tree National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kauai is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

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

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