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

Should you visit Pasadena 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 Pasadena 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.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a quaint, charming, and picturesque city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Kauai

Kauai is a idyllic, scenic, and dramatic island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Pasadena and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pasadena or Kauai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kauai. Although Pasadena 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 Pasadena attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Kauai is more touristy than Pasadena and is popular for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. It is also well known for Waimea Canyon. Pasadena is famous for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Pasadena different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pasadena 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 Pasadena. There's a good number of museums around town that include kids' museums, art museums, and local museums. Popular museums include the USC Pacific Asia Museum, the Norton Simon Museum, and the Pasadena Museum of History. Many people also enjoy touring the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

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 Pasadena or Kauai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Pasadena and Kauai can be difficult as they are each excellent in their own way.

Dining out in Pasadena is an experience not to be missed. Local restaurants feature southern California cuisine as well as international flavors. Dishes often use local ingredients that are fresh and seasonal. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Kauai. 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 Pasadena or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

Pasadena 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 Pasadena has something for everybody. Much of the nightlife scene is concentrated around Old Pasadena. You'll find clubs, bars, and lounges that begin the evening with Happy Hours and then become more party-focused as the evening progresses.

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 Pasadena or Kauai Better for Resorts?

Kauai is an amazing island to visit for its resorts. However, Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Kauai for its luxury resorts. 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.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is Pasadena or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kauai is notable for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Pasadena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Pasadena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pasadena or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Kauai is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Kauai offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Is Pasadena or Kauai Better for Hiking?

Kauai is an amazing island to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Pasadena 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

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pasadena or Kauai?

Pasadena 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 Pasadena. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.

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

Is Pasadena or Kauai Better for Families?

Kauai is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Kauai is known to be 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.

Pasadena is a family-friendly city. There are a number of kid-friendly museums around town including Kidspace Children's Museum. There are also nature centers, playgrounds, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

Is Pasadena or Kauai Better for Couples?

Kauai is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Kauai is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. "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.

Pasadena is a nice destination for couples. It's a charming town with a bit of a European vibe and plenty of outdoor activities. Fine dining and interesting shopping make this a nice weekend destination.

Is Pasadena or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kauai is a good destination for backpackers. However, Pasadena is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Pasadena is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

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

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

While Pasadena offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses and light rail offer local transit and connect the city to nearby Los Angeles.

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 Pasadena or Kauai a more walkable city?

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

Pasadena is a somewhat walkable city. Most people head to Old Pasadena, which is the most concentrated and walkable part of the city.

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 Pasadena Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Pasadena?

How long in Pasadena or Kauai?

Pasadena and Kauai both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kauai than Pasadena because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Pasadena, and 5-14 days is enough time in Kauai.

Families should spend more time in Kauai than Pasadena. 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 Pasadena. 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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena or Kauai?

In Pasadena, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this picturesque 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.

The beautiful island of Kauai offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Pasadena or Kauai?

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

Kauai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Pasadena or Kauai?

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

Kauai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kauai, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Pasadena or Kauai?

You'll find food and shopping around the picturesque destination of Pasadena. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kauai has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Pasadena or Kauai?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Pasadena or Kauai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pasadena as well as Kauai. The summer months attract visitors to Pasadena because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.

Pasadena is cooler than Kauai in the summer. The daily temperature in Pasadena averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

Pasadena usually gets less rain in July than Kauai. Pasadena gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pasadena or Kauai in the Autumn?

Both Kauai and Pasadena are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Pasadena this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kauai for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Pasadena is cooler than Kauai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pasadena in October average around 68°F (20°C), and Kauai averages at about 78°F (25°C).

In October, Pasadena usually receives less rain than Kauai. Pasadena gets 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Pasadena or Kauai in the Winter?

Both Kauai and Pasadena during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Pasadena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kauai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Pasadena is generally much colder than Kauai. Daily temperatures in Pasadena average around 56°F (13°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Pasadena usually gets less rain in January than Kauai. Pasadena gets 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pasadena or Kauai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pasadena and Kauai. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kauai for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Pasadena is cooler than Kauai in the spring. The daily temperature in Pasadena averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Kauai fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In April, Pasadena usually receives less rain than Kauai. Pasadena gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kauai and Pasadena