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

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Kauai?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a colonial, historic, and notable city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Kauai

Kauai is a scenic, dramatic, and idyllic island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Saint Augustine and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Kauai?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kauai than Saint Augustine, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kauai is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Saint Augustine is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and shopping. Kauai is more touristy than Saint Augustine and is popular for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. Also, Kauai is famous for Waimea Canyon. Saint Augustine is well known for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States.

How is Saint Augustine different from Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or Kauai?

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime 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 Saint Augustine or Kauai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Saint Augustine and Kauai offer great local cuisine and restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Augustine makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

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.

Is Saint Augustine or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Saint Augustine or Kauai has a better nightlife scene.

Saint Augustine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

If you're looking for night time activities Kauai has a few options to choose from. 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 Saint Augustine or Kauai Better for Resorts?

Kauai is very popular for its resorts. However, Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kauai is a great destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Kauai is very popular for its beaches. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

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.

The beaches at Saint Augustine attract visitors from all over. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Is Saint Augustine or Kauai Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Kauai does not have a historic old town.

Saint Augustine has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Kauai does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Augustine or Kauai Better for Hiking?

Kauai is very popular for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Augustine 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

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Kauai?

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

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

Is Saint Augustine or Kauai Better for Families?

Saint Augustine and Kauai are both great destinations for the whole family.

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

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.

Is Saint Augustine or Kauai Better for Couples?

Kauai is very popular for romance. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Saint Augustine is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

Is Saint Augustine or Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kauai is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Saint Augustine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as a couple of affordable inns.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Saint Augustine and Kauai.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kauai. There are buses on the island, but it's difficult to rely on them as a visitor.

Is Saint Augustine or Kauai a more walkable city?

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

Saint Augustine is a very walkable destination. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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 Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Kauai?

Saint Augustine and Kauai both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kauai than Saint Augustine because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 5-14 days is enough time in Kauai.

Couples should spend more time in Kauai than Saint Augustine. 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 Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine or Kauai?

In Saint Augustine, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city 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.

The dramatic destination of Kauai offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or Kauai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Augustine. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

The island of Kauai offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Saint Augustine or Kauai?

Saint Augustine is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Saint Augustine. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kauai is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Saint Augustine or Kauai?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Saint Augustine. 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.

The idyllic island of Kauai offers museums and nightlife. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Saint Augustine and Kauai, we can see that Kauai is more expensive. And not only is Saint Augustine much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint Augustine would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine.

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

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

Both Kauai and Saint Augustine during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the beaches 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.

In July, Saint Augustine is generally around the same temperature as Kauai. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 82°F (28°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

In Kauai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Augustine. In the summer, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Saint Augustine gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 255 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in July than Kauai. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Kauai in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Kauai. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Kauai for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Saint Augustine is cooler than Kauai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kauai this time of the year. In Saint Augustine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai during autumn. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Kauai. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Kauai in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Kauai. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine 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 the winter, Saint Augustine is much colder than Kauai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Augustine in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Kauai averages at about 71°F (22°C).

In the winter, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in January than Kauai. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Kauai in the Spring?

Both Kauai and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.

In April, Saint Augustine is generally cooler than Kauai. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 68°F (20°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Kauai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during spring. Saint Augustine gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Kauai. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.

Typical Weather for Kauai and Saint Augustine