A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Beaufort vs. Kailua-Kona for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Beaufort or Kailua-Kona?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Beaufort or Kailua-Kona, 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.

Where Should I go: Beaufort or Kailua-Kona?

Beaufort

The second oldest city in South Carolina (next to Charleston), Beaufort was charted in 1711 and grew from a shipbuilding community to a slave society of elite planters and finally to the small southern town as it sits today. Beaufort's historic character and architecture has made it a popular tourist destination with much to offer in sightseeing, seaside activities, and maritime history.

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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Beaufort?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Beaufort is $131, 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 Beaufort and Kailua-Kona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Beaufort $100
    Kailua-Kona $141
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Beaufort $200
    Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Beaufort and Kailua-Kona

Looking for a hotel in Beaufort 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.

Hotels in Beaufort


Hotels in Kailua-Kona


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: Beaufort Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Beaufort -
    Kailua-Kona $45

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kailua-Kona

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:


  • Rental Car for One Day
    $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Beaufort or Kailua-Kona?

Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Beaufort 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Beaufort $31
    Kailua-Kona $58

Typical Food Prices in Kailua-Kona

Some typical examples of dining costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:


  • Buffet Breakfast for Two
    $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Beaufort -
    Kailua-Kona $40

Tours and Activities in Beaufort

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Beaufort are as follows:

  • Historic City Tour by Bus: $29
  • Pat Conroy's Beaufort Tour by Golf Cart: $40
  • Gullah Heritage Tour: $49
  • Beaufort Tipsy Tour: $55

Typical Entertainment Prices in Kailua-Kona

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kailua-Kona are as follows:


  • Diving with Manta Rays for Two
    $162
  • Body Board Rental (1 Day)
    $12
  • 1 Day Kayak Rental
    $47
  • 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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Beaufort -
    Kailua-Kona $15


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

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


Which is Bigger, Beaufort or Kailua-Kona?

Beaufort has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Beaufort 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 Beaufort 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 Beaufort or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?

Both Kailua-Kona and Beaufort are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Beaufort because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Beaufort is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona in the summer. The daily temperature in Beaufort averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beaufort. Beaufort usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during summer. Beaufort gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Beaufort. In July, Beaufort usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Beaufort gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Beaufort 82°F (28°C) 
    Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)

Should I visit Beaufort or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?

Both Kailua-Kona and Beaufort during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Beaufort this time of year.

In the autumn, Beaufort is cooler than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beaufort in October average around 68°F (20°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Beaufort. In the autumn, Beaufort often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Beaufort gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun.

Beaufort usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Beaufort gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Beaufort 68°F (20°C) 
    Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Beaufort or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beaufort and Kailua-Kona. Many travelers come to Beaufort for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Beaufort is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Beaufort average around 48°F (9°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

Beaufort usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during winter. Beaufort gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kailua-Kona receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Beaufort usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Beaufort 48°F (9°C) 
    Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)

Should I visit Beaufort or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Beaufort as well as Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to Beaufort in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Beaufort is cooler than Kailua-Kona in the spring. The daily temperature in Beaufort averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beaufort this time of the year. In the spring, Beaufort often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Beaufort gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun.

Beaufort usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kailua-Kona. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Beaufort 67°F (19°C) 
    Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Beaufort

Beaufort Kailua-Kona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 48°F (9°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Feb 52°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Mar 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
May 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 76°F (24°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm) 77°F (25°C) 1.8 inches (47 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.9 inches (200 mm) 78°F (25°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm) 78°F (26°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Sep 77°F (25°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm) 79°F (26°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Oct 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 78°F (26°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Nov 59°F (15°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Dec 52°F (11°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)