A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Freeport vs. Kailua-Kona for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Freeport or Kailua-Kona?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Freeport and Kailua-Kona can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Freeport or Kailua-Kona?

Freeport

When you picture the Bahamas you likely picture the beaches, resorts and playgrounds of Nassau. Just to the northwest of this tourist paradise is a tropical city founded on industry. Freeport began as mostly swampland and is now the second most populous city in the Bahamas.

This city is less of a tourist attraction - a place where you'll find the true Bahaman culture mixed in with some relaxing spots to help you unwind and get into your island vacation.

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 Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Freeport?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Freeport is $244, 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 Freeport and Kailua-Kona in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Freeport 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 Freeport


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: Freeport Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Freeport $59
    Kailua-Kona $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Freeport

Also for Freeport, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Freeport Port to Grand Bahama Airport (FPO): $29
  • Private Transfer from Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Freeport Port: $29
  • Roundtrip Airport Transfers Grand Lucayan Resort Freeport: $30
  • Round-trip Airport Transfers to Castaway Resorts, Freeport: $30
  • Round-Trip Airport Transfer Viva Club Fortuna Freeport: $30
  • Round-Trip Airport Transfer Between Freeport Airport and Pelican Bay Resort : $30
  • Freeport to Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) Departure Private Transfer: $72
  • Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Freeport - Arrival Private Transfer: $72
  • Private Round Trip Transfer from Freeport Airport to Hotel: $133
  • Grand Bahama Airport: One-Way Transfer to Freeport Hotels: $139
  • Grand Bahama Airport(FPO) to Freeport -RoundTrip Private Transfer: $144
  • Shared Round Trip Limousine Transfer to the Port Lucaya Market: $150

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 Freeport or Kailua-Kona?

Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Freeport 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
    Freeport $64
    Kailua-Kona $58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Freeport

For Freeport, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Around Town/Bahamian Cooking Experience: $175

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.
    Freeport $40
    Kailua-Kona $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Freeport

For Freeport, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • 10 Dive Package
    $300
  • 4 Hr. Kayak Tour
    $70
  • 1/2 Day Snorkel Trip
    $75

Tours and Activities in Freeport

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Freeport.

  • Tour of Coral Vita and breach brak at Banana bay beach club: $51
  • Mamma Gal Native Experience : $70
  • Freeport Shore Excursion: Garden of the Groves and City Tour: $82
  • Mamma Gal East End Native Experience : $85
  • Rumbo Tour : $90
  • Clear Kayak Tour: $120
  • Bahamas Sea Scooter Snorkeling Adventure: $120
  • CocoNutz Cruisers Electric Bicycle Tour: $123
  • East End Private Day Trip Experience Tour : $200
  • Snorkel/Swim with the Turtles Experience: $250
  • 4 Hour Private Sandy Cay Experience with Snorkeling - Adults Only: $275

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
    Freeport $30
    Kailua-Kona $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Freeport

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Freeport:

  • Brewery & Taste with Beach & Shop at Largest Market on Freeport 4-hrs : $75


When comparing the travel costs between Freeport and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Freeport is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Freeport is in Caribbean Islands and Kailua-Kona is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Freeport or Kailua-Kona?

Freeport has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Freeport 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.

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