Which place is cheaper, Kauai or Yellowstone National Park?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Should I visit Yellowstone National Park 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.
Yellowstone National Park is a popular, immense, and unique national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking.
Kauai is a idyllic, scenic, and dramatic island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.
Travelers will usually find more to do in Kauai. Although Yellowstone National Park and Kauai are popular destinations, Kauai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Yellowstone National Park is famous for its iconic geysers, breathtaking waterfalls, world-class hikes, and diverse wildlife. Kauai is famous for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. It is also well known for Waimea Canyon.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kauai and Yellowstone National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Kauai is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Yellowstone National Park does not have museums and landmarks.
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.
Yellowstone National Park does not have museums and landmarks.
Kauai is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.
Dining out in Kauai is an experience not to be missed. 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.
Yellowstone National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. This is a large park and there are a number of dining options available both inside and just outside of the park. Many places are seasonal so your options will be highest during the summer months. Like most national park venues, prices can be high and the quality is variable. It's recommended that you pack your own food and plan to picnic.
Kauai is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Yellowstone National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.
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.
Yellowstone National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.
Kauai is very popular for its resorts. Also, Yellowstone National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.
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.
Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Yellowstone National Park. It is a large national park, and there are several impressive lodges nearby. Reservations are recommended well in advance. Within the park, Old Faithful Inn, Roosevelt Lodge, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel are all nice options.
Kauai is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Yellowstone National Park 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.
Yellowstone National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Kauai is very popular for the beach. However, Yellowstone National Park 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.
Yellowstone National Park is not a beach destination.
If you're looking to go hiking, Yellowstone National Park and Kauai both have amazing trails.
People visit Yellowstone National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The park is huge, and there are countless hikes throughout. From short strolls to lengthy endeavors, there really is something for everyone. If you want to see the geysers, some of the best hikes are Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail, the Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop, and the Lone Star Geyser Trail. For waterfalls you can check out Brink of the Lower Falls Trail, the North Rim Trail, and Fairy Falls Trail.
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
Kauai is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Yellowstone National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.
Many visitors go to Kauai to go shopping. There's a mix of local shopping centers and larger retail malls.
Yellowstone National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.
Kids will enjoy a visit to either Yellowstone National Park or Kauai.
Yellowstone National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids who enjoy the outdoors and exploring new environments will appreciate a visit to this park. The geysers are fascinating for everyone and the waterfalls are breathtaking. There are ranger shows and other activities that are great for kids as well. Make sure you stop by the Visitor's Centers.
Kauai is a very family-friendly destination. 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.
Kauai is very popular for couples. Also, Yellowstone National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.
Yellowstone National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. This park is a beautiful and romantic destination for couples who enjoy the outdoors. There are world-renowned hikes and breathtaking views. There are also lodges in the area that make for a romantic stay.
Yellowstone National Park is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.
A large number of backpackers visit Yellowstone National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. Backpackers will appreciate the campgrounds and affordable facilities that are found around the park. Reservations are recommended well in advance, particularly if you're hoping to stay inside the park.
Plenty of budget travelers 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.
Kauai is a island with a few options for its public transit. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.
Public transit is generally limited in Kauai. There are buses on the island, but it's difficult to rely on them as a visitor.
Public transit is quite limited in Yellowstone National Park. There is no public transportation service available in the park. There are private tour options available.
Neither Yellowstone National Park or Kauai are walkable places.
Yellowstone National Park is not a walkable national park. This is among the largest national parks and a car is an absolute must if you hope to experience the different landscapes.
Kauai is not a very walkable national park. 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 Yellowstone National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Kauai Worth Visiting?.
Yellowstone National Park and Kauai both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kauai than Yellowstone National Park because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Yellowstone National Park, and 5-14 days is enough time in Kauai.
Families should spend more time in Kauai than Yellowstone National Park. 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 Yellowstone National Park. 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 Yellowstone National Park 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.
In Yellowstone National Park, many people enjoy the that this immense destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the hiking. This national park 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.
Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the scenic island of Kauai. People enjoy 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yellowstone National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.
Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Kauai. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
Yellowstone National Park is a fun place to experience. In Yellowstone National Park, many people enjoy the that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Kauai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here. It offers something for everyone.
In Yellowstone National Park, many people enjoy the that this popular destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
Kauai is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Yellowstone National Park is $147, 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 Yellowstone National Park and Kauai in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Yellowstone National Park 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.
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.
Also for Kauai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Kauai and Yellowstone National Park 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.
For Kauai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are a few actual costs in Yellowstone National Park for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kauai.
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yellowstone National Park and Kauai, we can see that Kauai is more expensive. And not only is Yellowstone National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yellowstone National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yellowstone National Park 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 Yellowstone National Park.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Yellowstone National Park Expensive? and Is Kauai Expensive?.