Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Hot Springs?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hot Springs or Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hot Springs 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: Hot Springs or Kailua-Kona?
Hot Springs
Hot Springs is a popular resort city in central Arkansas. It's location in the Ouachita Mountains make it a convenient base for exploring the area's natural hot springs, from which the city gets its name. The city is also home to Hot Springs National Park, which have long been believed to have healing properties. Today many spas have popped up around the hot springs.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHot Springs $182Kailua-Kona $231
The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $182, 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 Hot Springs and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHot Springs $100Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHot Springs $200Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs 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: Hot Springs Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hot Springs $47Kailua-Kona $45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hot Springs
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hot Springs:
- Private Departure Transfer from Hot Springs Resort to Little Rock: $71
- Hot Springs Resorts to Memphis Airport (MEM) Departure Transfer: $143
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 Hot Springs or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Hot Springs 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 dayHot Springs $52Kailua-Kona $58
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.Hot Springs $30Kailua-Kona $40
Tours and Activities in Hot Springs
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hot Springs are as follows:
- Hot Springs, AR: Magic Springs Theme & Water Park Ticket: $44
- Small-Group Zipline Tour in Hot Springs: $67
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 dayHot Springs $22Kailua-Kona $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hot Springs and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. And not only is Hot Springs much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hot Springs would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hot Springs Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Kailua-Kona?
Hot Springs has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
Both Kailua-Kona and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
Hot Springs is a little warmer than Kailua-Kona in the summer. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 83°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 Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during summer. Hot Springs gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 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 JulyHot Springs 83°F (28°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
Both Kailua-Kona and Hot Springs during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In the autumn, Hot Springs is cooler than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hot Springs in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (26°C).
It's quite sunny in Hot Springs. In the autumn, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Hot Springs gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun.
Hot Springs usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 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 OctoberHot Springs 64°F (18°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Kailua-Kona.
Hot Springs can be very cold during winter. In January, Hot Springs is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 40°F (4°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during winter. Hot Springs gets 205 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, Hot Springs usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 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 JanuaryHot Springs 40°F (4°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Kailua-Kona.
Hot Springs is cooler than Kailua-Kona in the spring. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hot Springs this time of the year. In the spring, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Hot Springs gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun.
Hot Springs receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hot Springs usually gets more rain in April than Kailua-Kona. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 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 AprilHot Springs 65°F (18°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Hot Springs
| Hot Springs | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (4°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 45°F (7°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 65°F (18°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 71°F (22°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 79°F (26°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 83°F (28°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 75°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 64°F (18°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 5.1 inches (130 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 44°F (6°C) | 4.6 inches (118 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.