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

Should you visit Newport or Kauai?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Newport and Kauai can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newport

Newport is a charming, coastal, and seaside town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

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.

Newport and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newport or Kauai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kauai. Although Newport 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 Newport attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm. Kauai is more touristy than Newport and is known for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. It is also well known for Waimea Canyon. Newport is famous for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history.

How is Newport different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Newport is a great town 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 Newport. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

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 Newport or Kauai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Newport has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

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 Newport or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Newport and Kauai.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Newport. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

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 Newport or Kauai Better for Resorts?

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

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Kauai is a perfect 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.

Newport is not a resort destination.

Is Newport or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kauai is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Newport is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Newport is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Newport or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Kauai is terrific for the beach. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Kauai is a very popular vacation 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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Newport. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

Is Newport or Kauai Better for its Old Town?

Newport is a great town 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 Newport. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

Kauai does not have a historic old town.

Is Newport or Kauai Better for Hiking?

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

Many people visit Kauai specifically for its hiking. 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

Newport is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Newport or Kauai?

Newport is a great town 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 Newport. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

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

Is Newport or Kauai Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Newport or Kauai.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Newport. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

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 Newport or Kauai Better for Couples?

Both Newport and Kauai are first-rate destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Newport has plenty to offer. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

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.

Is Newport or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kauai is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Newport is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Kauai is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Newport is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a beautiful town, but accommodation tends to be expensive and there aren't any hostels to attract the budget crowd.

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

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

While Newport offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

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 Newport or Kauai a more walkable city?

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

Newport is a very walkable destination. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

Kauai is not a walkable town. 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 Newport Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Newport?

How long in Newport or Kauai?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kauai than Newport 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 Newport or Kauai?

In Newport, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this seaside destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This town 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.

In Kauai, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Newport or Kauai?

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

In Kauai, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Newport or Kauai?

Newport is a fun place to experience. In Newport, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Kauai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kauai has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Newport or Kauai?

You'll find food and shopping around the seaside destination of Newport. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kauai. In Kauai, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

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

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Newport and Kauai. Many visitors come to Newport in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kauai for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Newport is cooler than Kauai in the summer. The daily temperature in Newport averages around 73°F (23°C) 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 Newport, it's very sunny this time of the year. Newport usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during summer. Newport gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Newport usually receives more rain than Kauai. Newport gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Newport or Kauai in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Newport as well as Kauai. Most visitors come to Newport for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Kauai because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Newport is much colder than Kauai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Newport in October average around 53°F (12°C), 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 Newport this time of the year. In the autumn, Newport often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai. Newport gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun.

Newport usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Kauai. Newport gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newport or Kauai in the Winter?

Both Kauai and Newport are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Newport because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.

The weather in Newport can be very cold. In January, Newport is generally much colder than Kauai. Daily temperatures in Newport average around 28°F (-2°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Newport usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai during winter. Newport gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Newport usually receives less rain than Kauai. Newport gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Newport or Kauai in the Spring?

Both Kauai and Newport during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Newport this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kauai for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Newport is much colder than Kauai in the spring. The daily temperature in Newport averages around 48°F (9°C) 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 Newport. In the spring, Newport often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Newport gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun.

Newport usually gets more rain in April than Kauai. Newport gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kauai and Newport