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

Should you visit Cherokee or Kailua-Kona?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cherokee 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: Cherokee or Kailua-Kona?

Cherokee

The town of Cherokee is the center of Cherokee Native American culture in North Carolina and the eastern United States. Many natives refer to this area as home and the Cherokee language is also spoken by many people in the area. The town was established by the Cherokee people who were able to stay behind when the US Government forced the majority of the Cherokee people west (ultimately to Oklahoma) in what is known as the Trail of Tears. Those who were able to stay behind were able to hide in the mountains that now comprise the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The Cherokee people at one point lived in houses made of woven grass and mud, and later, log cabins.

Kailua-Kona

Kailua-Kona, often simply called Kona, is a vibrant seaside town located on the west coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. Known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, Kona offers travelers an appealing mix of natural beauty and Hawaiian culture. The town is famous for its historic waterfront, local coffee farms, and as the gateway to many of the island’s unique adventures. Despite its popularity, Kailua-Kona remains more relaxed and less crowded than some of Hawaii’s other tourist hubs. Beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, history buffs, and foodies will all find plenty to enjoy here. With a mix of affordable accommodations, local eateries, and free or inexpensive attractions, it’s a great destination for budget travelers. The nearby volcanic landscapes, snorkeling spots, and lively marketplaces make it an excellent base for exploring the west side of the Big Island.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cherokee or Kailua-Kona?

Kailua-Kona has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Cherokee. When comparing the sizes of Cherokee 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 Cherokee 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 Cherokee or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?

Both Kailua-Kona and Cherokee are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Cherokee because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Cherokee is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona in the summer. The daily temperature in Cherokee averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cherokee. Cherokee usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during summer. Cherokee gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Cherokee. In July, Cherokee usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Kailua-Kona and Cherokee during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Cherokee this time of year.

In the autumn, Cherokee is much colder than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cherokee in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Cherokee. In the autumn, Cherokee often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Cherokee gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun.

Cherokee usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Cherokee gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cherokee. In January, Cherokee is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 40°F (5°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

Cherokee usually receives less sunshine than Kailua-Kona during winter. Cherokee gets 134 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. Cherokee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Cherokee usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Cherokee as well as Kailua-Kona.

Cherokee is cooler than Kailua-Kona in the spring. The daily temperature in Cherokee averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cherokee this time of the year. In the spring, Cherokee often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Cherokee gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun.

Cherokee usually gets more rain in April than Kailua-Kona. Cherokee gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Cherokee