Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Destin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Destin or Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Destin and Kailua-Kona can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Destin or Kailua-Kona?
Destin
An upscale resort town located on the Florida Panhandle, Destin is best known for its white sand beaches and clear green waters, golfing opportunities, and world renowned fishing. The stretch of beach here (on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay) is nicknamed Florida's Emerald Coast.
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 Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDestin $192Kailua-Kona $231
The average daily cost (per person) in Destin is $192, 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 Destin and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDestin $111Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDestin $222Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Destin and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Destin 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: Destin Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Destin $50Kailua-Kona $45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Destin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Destin:
- Destin, FL to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
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 Destin or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Destin 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 dayDestin $51Kailua-Kona $58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Destin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Destin.
- 3 Hour Destin Dinner Cruise: Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $128
- 3 Hour Sunset Dinner Cruise by Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $128
- Mother's Day Sunset Dinner Cruise: SOLARIS Yacht Miramar Beach FL: $128
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.Destin $17Kailua-Kona $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Destin
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Destin are as follows:
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1 Day Rental Umbrella and Chairs$40
Tours and Activities in Destin
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Destin are as follows:
- Flippers Adventures Dolphin Cruise: $25
- Dolphin & Sunset Cruises: $32
- Spectacular Sunset Cruise: $33
- Destin Harbor Sunset Eco Dolphin Cruise: $35
- Guided Sunset Cruise Up to 22 Passengers in Florida: $35
- Kayak Adventure in Destin and Fort Walton Beach : $35
- Chakras Sound Bath Meditation Experience in Destin: $35
- Family Friendly Snorkeling and Dolphin Tour: $40
- Hydrojet Dolphin Cruise in Destin FL : $40
- Destin Harbor Fireworks Cruise: $40
- Fort Walton Beach: Fireworks Cruise on the Emerald Coast: $40
- Fireworks Cruise on the Emerald Coast: $40
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 dayDestin $49Kailua-Kona $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Destin and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. And not only is Destin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Destin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Destin 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 Destin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Destin Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Destin or Kailua-Kona?
Destin has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Destin 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 Destin 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 Destin or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
Both Kailua-Kona and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Destin this time of year.
Destin is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona in the summer. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).
It's quite rainy in Destin. In July, Destin usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) 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 JulyDestin 82°F (28°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Destin or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
Both Kailua-Kona and Destin during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Destin for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Destin is cooler than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Destin in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (26°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) 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 OctoberDestin 69°F (21°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Destin or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to Destin in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In January, Destin is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 50°F (10°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
Kailua-Kona receives a lot of rain in the winter. Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Destin usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) 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 JanuaryDestin 50°F (10°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Destin or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Destin as well as Kailua-Kona. Most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
Destin is cooler than Kailua-Kona in the spring. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).
Destin usually gets more rain in April than Kailua-Kona. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDestin 68°F (20°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Destin
| Destin | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 50°F (10°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 54°F (12°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 60°F (16°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 68°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 74°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (189 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (188 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 79°F (26°C) | 5.3 inches (135 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 69°F (21°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 61°F (16°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 54°F (12°C) | 4.3 inches (109 mm) | 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.