A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Milwaukee vs. Kauai for Couples, Food, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a undiscovered, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Kauai

Kauai is a dramatic, idyllic, and scenic island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Milwaukee and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Waimea Canyon
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Milwaukee or Kauai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kauai. Although Milwaukee and Kauai are both popular with visitors, Kauai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kauai is more touristy than Milwaukee and is known for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. It is also home to Waimea Canyon. Milwaukee is popular for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Milwaukee different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Milwaukee
Kauai

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Milwaukee and Kauai.

Milwaukee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several unique museums like the Harley-Davidson Museum, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Milwaukee Public Museum. There's also the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Grohmann Museum as well as outdoor sculpture parks and other cultural and historic museums.

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.


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

Milwaukee
Kauai

Kauai is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Kauai has a huge number of terrific 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.

Milwaukee may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The Midwest is known for its artery clogging comfort foods, and Milwaukee is no exception. Cheese curds, fried fish, fruit dumplings, and frozen custard are all popular.

Is Milwaukee or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

Milwaukee
Kauai

Both Milwaukee and Kauai have good vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Milwaukee. You'll find a decent number of breweries around town. There are also wine bars, nightclubs, and live music venues that are worth checking out.

Kauai has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Milwaukee or Kauai Better for Resorts?

Milwaukee
Kauai

Kauai is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Milwaukee 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.

Milwaukee is not a resort destination.


Is Milwaukee or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Milwaukee
Kauai

Kauai is an excellent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Milwaukee 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.

Milwaukee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Milwaukee or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Milwaukee
Kauai

Kauai is terrific for the beache. However, Milwaukee 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.

Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Is Milwaukee or Kauai Better for Hiking?

Milwaukee
Kauai

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

Around Kauai visitors will find world-class hiking 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

Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Milwaukee or Kauai?

Milwaukee
Kauai

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Milwaukee and Kauai.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Milwaukee. You'll find the standard shopping centers and shopping malls around town, but if you want some more local vendors, check out the areas around the Historic Third Ward and The Village in Wauwatosa.

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

Is Milwaukee or Kauai Better for Families?

Milwaukee
Kauai

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Kauai is very family-friendly. 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 Milwaukee. Kids will enjoy a visit to Discovery World, which is a science center with hands-on exhibits. There's also the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Milwaukee Public Museum. Younger kids will also enjoy a stop at Betty Brinn Children's Museum.

Is Milwaukee or Kauai Better for Couples?

Milwaukee
Kauai

Kauai is terrific for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.

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.

Milwaukee is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Take a walk or visit a local restaurant. There are also museums and performances that make for a nice outing.


Is Milwaukee or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milwaukee
Kauai

Kauai is a island with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for backpackers.

Kauai is a good island to visit for backpackers. 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.

Milwaukee is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's not a lot to attract backpackers to the area.

Is Milwaukee or Kauai Better for Students?

Milwaukee
Kauai

Milwaukee is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Kauai is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Milwaukee. It's home to a number of colleges and universities, so there is a bit of a college town vibe.

Kauai is not popular with students.

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

Milwaukee
Kauai

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Milwaukee and Kauai.

Public transit is mostly limited in Milwaukee. There are buses that travel around town.

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 Milwaukee or Kauai a more walkable city?

Milwaukee
Kauai

Milwaukee is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Kauai is not known for its walkability.

Milwaukee is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are relatively compact and walkable. The most walkable neighborhoods are East Side, Riverwest, Brewers Hill, Downtown, Avenues West/Marquette, Third Ward, Walker's Point, and Bay View.

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 Milwaukee Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Milwaukee?

How long in Milwaukee or Kauai?

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

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


  • How many days in Milwaukee or Kauai? Ideal Length of Stay
    Milwaukee 1-2 
    Kauai 5-14

One day in Milwaukee or Kauai?

In Milwaukee, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this friendly destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find nightlife and food around the island of Kauai. People often spend their time 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Milwaukee or Kauai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milwaukee. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the idyllic destination of Kauai. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Milwaukee or Kauai?

Milwaukee is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Milwaukee. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the dramatic island of Kauai. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

A week in Milwaukee or Kauai?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the undiscovered destination of Milwaukee. 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 choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kauai, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Kauai or Milwaukee?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Milwaukee is $176, 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 Milwaukee and Kauai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Milwaukee $99
    Kauai $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Milwaukee $198
    Kauai $226
Compare Hotels in Milwaukee and Kauai

Looking for a hotel in Milwaukee 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.

Hotels in Milwaukee


Hotels in Kauai


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: Milwaukee Hotel Prices and Kauai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Milwaukee $38
    Kauai $34

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 Milwaukee or Kauai?

Prices for flights to both Kauai and Milwaukee 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Milwaukee $52
    Kauai $56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milwaukee

For Milwaukee, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Family Fun Food Tour: $80
  • Local Food Tour: $97
  • Milwaukee Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Original Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $139

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Milwaukee $26
    Kauai $17

Tours and Activities in Milwaukee

For Milwaukee, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hour Sailing Adventure in Lake Michigan (up to 6 people): $128
  • 2 Hours Private Tour of Milwaukee Marvels: $246
  • 2-Hour Bus Tour in Milwaukee City: $40
  • Brew City Ghosts: Macabre Milwaukee By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Cream City Cannibal: Jeffery Dahmer Walking Tour: $53
  • Discover Iconic Milwaukee Tour : $67
  • Downtown Kenosha Urban Art and Photography Walking Tour: $30
  • Geneva Lake Shore Path: Uncover 21 miles of stories on a self-guided audio tour: $10
  • Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Game Ticket at American Family Field: $11
  • Milwaukee Magic: A Private Christmas Lights Tour: $650
  • Milwaukee Marvels: A 2-Hour Private Tour: $483
  • Milwaukee Private Ghost Tour: $90

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Milwaukee $33
    Kauai $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Milwaukee

Also in Milwaukee, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Sip of Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Snack: $99


When comparing the travel costs between Milwaukee and Kauai, we can see that Kauai 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. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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



When is the best time to visit Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee or Kauai in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Milwaukee and Kauai. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Milwaukee this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kauai for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Milwaukee is around the same temperature as Kauai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Milwaukee in July average around 74°F (23°C), and Kauai averages at about 78°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kauai this time of the year. In Milwaukee, it's very sunny this time of the year. Milwaukee usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during summer. Milwaukee gets 321 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Milwaukee usually receives more rain than Kauai. Milwaukee gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C) 
    Kauai 78°F (25°C)

Should I visit Milwaukee or Kauai in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Milwaukee as well as Kauai. Many travelers come to Milwaukee for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Kauai in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Milwaukee is generally much colder than Kauai. Daily temperatures in Milwaukee average around 53°F (12°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kauai. In the autumn, Milwaukee often gets less sunshine than Kauai. Milwaukee gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun.

Milwaukee usually gets less rain in October than Kauai. Milwaukee gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C) 
    Kauai 78°F (25°C)

Should I visit Milwaukee or Kauai in the Winter?

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

Milwaukee can get quite cold in the winter. Milwaukee is much colder than Kauai in the winter. The daily temperature in Milwaukee averages around 21°F (-6°C) in January, and Kauai fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Milwaukee usually receives less sunshine than Kauai during winter. Milwaukee gets 138 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Milwaukee usually receives less rain than Kauai. Milwaukee gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C) 
    Kauai 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Milwaukee or Kauai in the Spring?

Both Kauai and Milwaukee during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Kauai because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Milwaukee is much colder than Kauai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Milwaukee in April average around 47°F (8°C), and Kauai averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In Kauai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Milwaukee. In the spring, Milwaukee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai. Milwaukee gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun.

Milwaukee usually gets more rain in April than Kauai. Milwaukee gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C) 
    Kauai 73°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Kauai and Milwaukee

Milwaukee Kauai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Feb 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm) 71°F (22°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
Mar 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Apr 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 73°F (23°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
May 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 74°F (24°C) 0.4 inches (10 mm)
Jun 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 76°F (25°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
Jul 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 78°F (25°C) 0.6 inches (17 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 78°F (26°C) 0.6 inches (16 mm)
Sep 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 78°F (26°C) 1 inches (26 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Dec 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (62 mm)