Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Acapulco de Juarez?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Kailua-Kona? 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.
Where Should I go: Acapulco de Juarez or Kailua-Kona?
Acapulco de Juarez
Located on the southwestern Pacific Coast of Mexico is the beautiful beach city of Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco is one of the original travel and resort destinations in Mexico, and it's still considered a popular spring break destination for Americans. Known as simply "Acapulco" to many travelers, this region is a popular spot for cruise lines to stop and timeshares to grow. Thanks to those cruise lines and timeshares, tourist activities like water parks and jet skis have experienced considerable growth.
Kailua-Kona
Kailua Kona, or Kona, as it is commonly referred, is the largest city on the western side of the Big Island of Hawaii. It's a popular destination for sport fishing, snorkeling, and its beautiful sunsets. Kona is protected by the mountains so it receives very little rain annually and has about 300 days of sunshine every year. The closest airport is Kona International Airport at Keahole, which receives flights from the mainland United States, Canada, as well as Honolulu and other islands. Once in town, you can walk around Kona, but if you hope to explore anywhere else on the Big Island you will need a car. To take full advantage of your Hawaiian vacation it really is recommended that you rent a car for at least a few days while you're on the island.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAcapulco de Juarez $81Kailua-Kona $231
The average daily cost (per person) in Acapulco de Juarez is $81, while the average daily cost in Kailua-Kona is $231. 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 Acapulco de Juarez and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAcapulco de Juarez $39Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAcapulco de Juarez $78Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Acapulco de Juarez or Kailua-Kona? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Acapulco de Juarez Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Acapulco de Juarez $16Kailua-Kona $45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:
- Acapulco Airport Transfer: $10
- Transfer in private minivan from Bahía de Acapulco -Acapulco Airport (ACA): $32
- Airport Transfer in Suburban: $65
- Private Best Round Trip Airport - Hotel - Airport Transfer : $70
- Private Airport Transfer &on 2nd Day 4Hr TourAll AttractionsCombo: $90
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Rental Car for One Day$35
Is it cheaper to fly into Acapulco de Juarez or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Acapulco de Juarez 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.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAcapulco de Juarez $29Kailua-Kona $58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Acapulco de Juarez
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Acapulco de Juarez.
- High Divers DeLuxe Three Course Dinner +Three Drinks plus SUNSET: $49
- Cliff Divers Exhibition 2 Drinks + Tacos al Pastor Dinner & Beer: $55
- Lucha Libre-Wrestling Experience Taco Dinner Beer ONLY SATURDAYS: $72
- Off the Beaten Path Mexican Cooking Class Lagoon Boatride &Lunch: $89
- Hands On Mexican Cooking Class with Food Tasting & Market Visit: $100
- Bella Vista PRIVATE Al Fresco 3 Course Dinner Cliff Diver3Drinks: $191
- Super DeLuxe Bella Vista Dinner &1 Drink +2 Drinks at CliffDivers: $193
- Divers Show and Luxury Dinner in Acapulco: $199
Typical Food Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Buffet Breakfast for Two$53
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Acapulco de Juarez $18Kailua-Kona $40
Tours and Activities in Acapulco de Juarez
Here are a few actual costs in Acapulco de Juarez for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Kayaks Tour to El Morro Islet: $25
- Sunset Adventures: $30
- Acapulco City Tour : $35
- Small-Group or Private All Inclusive 4 Hours City Tour & Divers: $36
- 4hr City Tour For Cruises or Hotels Diver Peace Chapel & Mural: $40
- Combo 6 Hr Tour All City Highlights Divers Baby Turtle Release: $46
- 4-6Hrs Acapulco City Tour With a Fun Guide. Diver Show, Mex Lunch: $47
- 6Hr Cruisers or Hotels High Diver Peace Chapel BabyTurtleRelease: $50
- Acapulco Malibu, Avenida Kids Tour : $50
- 6Hr Cruise or Hotels City Tour, Divers, Baby Turtles Peace Chapel: $51
- 6Hr City Tour Cruise or Hotel Turtle Nesting High Diver & Market: $51
- Historical City Tour of Acapulco: $53
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Diving with Manta Rays for Two$162
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Body Board Rental (1 Day)$12
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1 Day Kayak Rental$47
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2 Tank Morning Scuba Dive$115
Tours and Activities in Kailua-Kona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kailua-Kona are as follows:
- From Kona-Volcanoes & waterfall tour in a small group: $295
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAcapulco de Juarez $11Kailua-Kona $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acapulco de Juarez and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. And not only is Acapulco de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Acapulco de Juarez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Acapulco de Juarez 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 Kailua-Kona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kailua-Kona than you might in Acapulco de Juarez.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Acapulco de Juarez Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Kailua-Kona?
Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and Kailua-Kona, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Acapulco de Juarez or Kailua-Kona?
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 Acapulco de Juarez or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Acapulco de Juarez and Kailua-Kona. Many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Acapulco de Juarez is a little warmer than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (25°C).
In Acapulco de Juarez, it's very sunny this time of the year. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during summer. Acapulco de Juarez gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.
Acapulco de Juarez gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Acapulco de Juarez gets 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAcapulco de Juarez 29°C (83°F)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Acapulco de Juarez as well as Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez in the autumn for the shopping scene.
In October, Acapulco de Juarez is generally around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 28°C (83°F), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Acapulco de Juarez this time of the year. In the autumn, Acapulco de Juarez often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Acapulco de Juarez gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun.
Acapulco de Juarez receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Acapulco de Juarez gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAcapulco de Juarez 28°C (83°F)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
Both Kailua-Kona and Acapulco de Juarez are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Acapulco de Juarez is a little warmer than Kailua-Kona in the winter. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during winter. Acapulco de Juarez gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kailua-Kona. In January, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Acapulco de Juarez gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAcapulco de Juarez 26°C (79°F)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
Both Kailua-Kona and Acapulco de Juarez during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Acapulco de Juarez because of the beaches.
In the spring, Acapulco de Juarez is a little warmer than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (24°C).
It's quite sunny in Acapulco de Juarez. In the spring, Acapulco de Juarez often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Acapulco de Juarez gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun.
Acapulco de Juarez usually gets less rain in April than Kailua-Kona. Acapulco de Juarez gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAcapulco de Juarez 27°C (81°F)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Acapulco de Juarez
| Acapulco de Juarez | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 271 mm (10.7 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 209 mm (8.2 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 341 mm (13.4 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.