A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Merida vs. Kauai for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Merida or Kauai?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Kauai, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Merida

Merida is a traditional, colonial, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

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 hiking, shopping, and museums.

Merida and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Kauai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kauai. Although Merida and Kauai are popular destinations, Kauai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kauai is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Merida attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities. Kauai is more touristy than Merida and is known for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. It is also well known for Waimea Canyon. Merida is famous for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture.

How is Merida different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Merida is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Merida. The city is filled with culture and traditional heritage, and there are many museums and architectural landmarks that will educate and inform visitors on the area. Gran Museo del Mundo Maya is a highlight for many visitors. It's also worth visiting Museo Casa Montejo and Museo Palacio Canton. If you want to visit ruins, then the Dzibilchaltun Mayan Ruins are about 45 minutes outside of town.

Kauai is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Merida or Kauai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Merida and Kauai.

Merida has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a top foodie destination in the Yucatan region and visitors will enjoy the many local restaurants and diverse local dishes that are influenced by the Mayan, Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. The most well known local dish is cochinita pibil, which is marinated pork shoulder. Other popular dishes include sopa de lima (lime soup), papadzules (enchiladas with pumpkin seed sauce), and relleno negro (a local stew).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Kauai makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Merida or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

Merida is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife.

The nightlife in Merida has something for everybody. Most tourists take advantage of the nightlife scene in the city's downtown area, while locals congregate in the northern part of town. The city has bars, theaters, night clubs, and live music that keeps the energy high late into the night.

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.

Is Merida or Kauai Better for Resorts?

Kauai is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Merida is not a resort destination.

Kauai offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Merida is not a resort destination.

Is Merida or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kauai is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Merida is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Kauai to enjoy 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.

Merida is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Merida or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Kauai is terrific for the beach. However, Merida is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Kauai are among the best in the world. 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.

Merida is not a beach destination.

Is Merida or Kauai Better for its Old Town?

Merida is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Kauai does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Merida. Centered around the city's Grand Plaza, the old town is filled with colonial architecture and colorful buildings. The Catedral de San Ildefonso was the first cathedral built in the Americas. There are also monuments and examples of Mayan art and culture.

Kauai does not have a historic old town.

Is Merida or Kauai Better for Hiking?

Kauai is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Merida is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Kauai draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Kauai?

Merida is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Merida. There are colorful markets that are filled with artisan crafts and traditional clothing. Visitors enjoy discovering the unique vendors and picking up souvenirs that are unique to the area.

Kauai is a great destination for shopping. There's a mix of local shopping centers and larger retail malls.

Is Merida or Kauai Better for Families?

Kauai is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Kauai. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Merida. The weekend is the best time to visit the city, as this is when there are the most activities. There are live performances that educate visitors on Mayan traditions. There are also historic museums, bike-friendly streets, and a vibrant central market.

Is Merida or Kauai Better for Couples?

Kauai is terrific for couples. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Kauai has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. "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.

Merida is a nice destination for couples. If you're interested in Mayan culture and history, then this is a wonderful destination. There are also romantic hotels, excellent restaurants, and plenty of fascinating activities that couples will enjoy.

Is Merida or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is a great city 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 Merida. It's a relatively large city with a number of hostels and budget hotels, so backpackers will have no problem finding a place to stay.

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

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

While Merida offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While there are local bus routes, they can be a bit challenging to figure out when you first arrive.

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 Merida or Kauai a more walkable city?

Merida is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Kauai is not known for its walkability.

Merida is a very walkable destination. It's a very walkable city and most visitors don't have a car.

Kauai is not a 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 Merida Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Merida?

How long in Merida or Kauai?

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

Families should spend more time in Kauai than Merida. 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 Merida. 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 Merida 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 Merida.

One day in Merida or Kauai?

In Merida, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this traditional destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Kauai. 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 Merida or Kauai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Merida. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

Kauai is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Merida or Kauai?

Merida is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Merida. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kauai. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Merida or Kauai?

You'll find food and shopping around the traditional destination of Merida. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic destination of Kauai. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to 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 Merida and Kauai, we can see that Kauai is more expensive. And not only is Merida much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Merida would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Merida 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 Merida.

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

When is the best time to visit Merida or Kauai?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Merida or Kauai in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Kauai. Many travelers come to Merida for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kauai in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Merida is cooler than Kauai in the summer. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kauai this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai during summer. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Merida usually receives more rain than Kauai. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Merida or Kauai in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Merida as well as Kauai. Many visitors come to Merida in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Kauai for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Merida is cooler than Kauai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Merida in October average around 21°C (70°F), 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 Merida this time of the year. In the autumn, Merida often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun.

Merida receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Merida usually gets more rain in October than Kauai. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Kauai in the Winter?

Both Kauai and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kauai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Merida is generally around the same temperature as Kauai. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 20°C (68°F), and Kauai fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during winter. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Merida usually receives less rain than Kauai. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Merida or Kauai in the Spring?

Both Kauai and Merida during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Merida because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.

Merida is around the same temperature as Kauai in the spring. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Kauai fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Kauai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the spring, Merida often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually gets more rain in April than Kauai. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kauai and Merida