A Travel Price Comparison for Hawaii Kailua-Kona vs. Big Island of Hawaii for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kailua-Kona or Big Island of Hawaii?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kailua-Kona or Big Island of Hawaii, 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: Kailua-Kona or Big Island of Hawaii?

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.

Big Island of Hawaii

What comes to mind when someone says, "Hawaii"? Probably sandy beaches, coconut drinks and lazy days of tanning. It's a dream destination for those who want to get away, but the island of Hawai'i, or the Big Island as it's most commonly called, has so much more to offer than a place to catch up on your latest novel.

At 93 miles across, and a population of 185 thousand, the Big Island was once a large exporter of sugarcane. After its final plantation closed in 1996, tourism became the backbone of Hawai'i Island's economy. More recently, the Big Island has become the focus for sustainable tourism – visiting a place as a tourist and trying to make only a positive impact on your destination.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kailua-Kona and Big Island of Hawaii, we can see that Big Island of Hawaii is more expensive. And not only is Kailua-Kona much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kailua-Kona would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kailua-Kona 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 Big Island of Hawaii would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Big Island of Hawaii than you might in Kailua-Kona.

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

When is the best time to visit Kailua-Kona or Big Island of Hawaii?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Kailua-Kona or Big Island of Hawaii in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kailua-Kona as well as Big Island of Hawaii. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Big Island of Hawaii this time of year.

Kailua-Kona is around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii in the summer. The daily temperature in Kailua-Kona averages around 78°F (25°C) in July, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In the summer, Kailua-Kona often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Big Island of Hawaii. Kailua-Kona gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Big Island of Hawaii. Kailua-Kona usually gets less rain in July than Big Island of Hawaii. Kailua-Kona gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kailua-Kona or Big Island of Hawaii in the Autumn?

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Kailua-Kona are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Big Island of Hawaii for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Kailua-Kona is around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kailua-Kona in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 76°F (24°C).

Kailua-Kona usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Big Island of Hawaii during autumn. Kailua-Kona gets 138 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Big Island of Hawaii. In October, Kailua-Kona usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Kailua-Kona gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kailua-Kona or Big Island of Hawaii in the Winter?

Both Big Island of Hawaii and Kailua-Kona during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Kailua-Kona is generally around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Kailua-Kona average around 74°F (23°C), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In the winter, Kailua-Kona often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Big Island of Hawaii. Kailua-Kona gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 158 hours of full sun.

Big Island of Hawaii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kailua-Kona. Kailua-Kona usually gets less rain in January than Big Island of Hawaii. Kailua-Kona gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kailua-Kona or Big Island of Hawaii in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kailua-Kona and Big Island of Hawaii. Also, most visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Kailua-Kona is around the same temperature as Big Island of Hawaii in the spring. The daily temperature in Kailua-Kona averages around 74°F (24°C) in April, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Kailua-Kona usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Big Island of Hawaii during spring. Kailua-Kona gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

Big Island of Hawaii receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Kailua-Kona usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Kailua-Kona gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Big Island of Hawaii and Kailua-Kona