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

Should you visit Roanoke or Kauai?

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

Should I visit Roanoke or Kauai? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a scenic, outdoorsy, and laid back town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Kauai

Kauai is a idyllic, scenic, and dramatic island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Roanoke and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Roanoke or Kauai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kauai. Although Roanoke and Kauai are popular destinations, Kauai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kauai is more touristy than Roanoke and is known for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. It is also well known for Waimea Canyon. Roanoke is famous for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Roanoke different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Kauai and Roanoke.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Roanoke. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

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 Roanoke or Kauai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kauai is a great island for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Roanoke or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Roanoke and Kauai.

If you're looking for night time activities Roanoke has a few options to choose from. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

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 Roanoke or Kauai Better for Resorts?

Kauai is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Roanoke is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Kauai is a great 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.

Roanoke is not a resort destination.

Is Roanoke or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kauai is a great island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Roanoke is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Roanoke is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Roanoke or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Kauai is renowned for the beach. However, Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Kauai. 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.

Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Is Roanoke or Kauai Better for Hiking?

Kauai is renowned for hiking. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

People visit Kauai specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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

Roanoke is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Roanoke or Kauai?

If you're looking to go shopping, Roanoke and Kauai both offer plenty of nice spots.

Roanoke has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

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

Is Roanoke or Kauai Better for Families?

Kauai is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Roanoke is a family-friendly place to visit. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Roanoke or Kauai Better for Couples?

Kauai is renowned for couples. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Kauai makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. "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.

Roanoke is a very popular place to visit for couples. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

Is Roanoke or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Roanoke and Kauai are nice places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Roanoke. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

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.

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

Roanoke and Kauai both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

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 Roanoke or Kauai a more walkable city?

Roanoke is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Kauai is not known for its walkability.

Roanoke is generally not a very walkable town. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

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 Roanoke Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Roanoke?

How long in Roanoke or Kauai?

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

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

In Roanoke, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this scenic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Roanoke or Kauai?

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

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 Roanoke or Kauai?

Roanoke is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Roanoke. 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 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 Roanoke or Kauai?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the laid back destination of Roanoke. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Roanoke 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 Roanoke Expensive? and Is Kauai Expensive?.

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

Both Kauai and Roanoke are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Roanoke for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kauai because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Roanoke is around the same temperature as Kauai in the summer. The daily temperature in Roanoke averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Kauai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. Roanoke usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai during summer. Roanoke gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Roanoke. In July, Roanoke usually receives more rain than Kauai. Roanoke gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Roanoke or Kauai in the Autumn?

Both Kauai and Roanoke during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Roanoke because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.

In the autumn, Roanoke is much colder than Kauai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Roanoke in October average around 60°F (16°C), and Kauai averages at about 78°F (25°C).

In Kauai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Roanoke. In the autumn, Roanoke often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai. Roanoke gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun.

Roanoke usually gets more rain in October than Kauai. Roanoke gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Roanoke or Kauai in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Roanoke and Kauai. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Roanoke this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kauai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Roanoke in the winter. In January, Roanoke is generally much colder than Kauai. Daily temperatures in Roanoke average around 38°F (3°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Roanoke usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai during winter. Roanoke gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Roanoke usually receives less rain than Kauai. Roanoke gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Roanoke or Kauai in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Roanoke as well as Kauai. Also, many visitors come to Kauai in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Roanoke is much colder than Kauai in the spring. The daily temperature in Roanoke averages around 59°F (15°C) in April, and Kauai fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kauai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Roanoke this time of the year. In the spring, Roanoke often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Roanoke gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun.

Roanoke usually gets more rain in April than Kauai. Roanoke gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kauai and Roanoke