Which place is cheaper, Maui or Kailua-Kona?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kailua-Kona or Maui?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kailua-Kona or Maui, 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 Maui?
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.
Maui
Who hasn't spent at least one Monday morning fantasizing about holding a mai tai on a Hawaiian beach? A trip to Maui may be just what we all have in mind, but it's so much more than a drink on a sandy towel.
At over 700 square miles, the island of Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian islands with a small population of just over 140,000 people. The island enjoys approximately two seasons a year with a mild climate just about everywhere. Rough living, right?
Voted "Best Island in the World" by many in the travel industry, Maui is the center for whale watching, relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, and the home of a large and lush rainforest.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKailua-Kona $231Maui $275
The average daily cost (per person) in Kailua-Kona is $231, while the average daily cost in Maui is $275. 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 Kailua-Kona and Maui in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKailua-Kona $141Maui $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKailua-Kona $282Maui $282
Compare Hotels in Kailua-Kona and Maui
Looking for a hotel in Kailua-Kona or Maui? 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: Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices and Maui Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kailua-Kona $45Maui $62
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Maui
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Maui:
- Shared Arrival Transfer: Maui Airport to Hotel: $13
- Private Arrival Transfer from Maui Kahului Airport OGG: $31
- Private Departure Transfer to Maui Kahului Airport OGG: $78
- Private Transfer from Kahului Airport(OGG) to Lahaina Cruise Port: $80
- Private Transfer from Lahaina Cruise Port to Maui city hotels: $80
- Maui Kahului Airport (OGG) to Maui hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $85
- Maui hotel or address to Maui Kahului Airport (OGG) - Departure Private Transfer: $85
- Maui Kahului Airport OGG Arrival Private Transfer: $85
- Maui Kahului Airport (OGG) to Maui - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $170
- Private Customizable Island Tour with Transfer: $500
- Private Customizable Road to Hana Tour with Transfer: $500
Is it cheaper to fly into Kailua-Kona or Maui?
Prices for flights to both Maui and Kailua-Kona 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 dayKailua-Kona $58Maui $94
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Maui
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Maui.
- From Ma'alaea Harbor: Sunset Dinner Cruise Aboard the Quicksilver: $120
- From Ma'alaea Harbor: Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise Aboard Calypso: $130
- Ma'alaea Harbor: Sunset Prime Rib or Mahi Mahi Dinner Cruise : $140
- Farm to Taco: A Farm to Table Cooking Class: $149
- Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise from Ka’anapali Beach: $154
- South Gilligans' Island Luau with Dinner and Drinks: $166
- Mystery Puzzle Food Tour in Lahaina for 2 People: $170
- Premium Dinner Cruise: Four Course Dining Experience - Ma'alaea: $170
- Haleakala's Best Sunset Tour with Dinner: $179
- Maui Sunset Luau Dinner Cruise from Ma'alaea Harbor aboard Pride of Maui: $187
- Wailele Luau Including Fire and Knife Performance plus Dinner: $219
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kailua-Kona $40Maui $38
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
Tours and Activities in Maui
Here are a few actual costs in Maui for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- South Beach Parks Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
- Ultimate Self-Driving Audio Tour of Road to Hana, Maui: $17
- Kahului: Self-Driving Audio Tour of Road to Hana: $17
- Maui Sunset & Stargazing at Haleakala Audio Driving Tour: $20
- Self-Guided Audio Tours - Full Island: $20
- Maui Bundle: 6 In-App Driving And Walking Audio Tours: $30
- Maui Cruise Ship Scenic Shuttle Service - North Shore, Paia Town: $39
- From Maalaea Harbor: Whale Watching Tours Aboard the Quicksilver : $50
- Reefdancer Semi-Sub Boat Cruise from Lahaina Harbor: $54
- Taste of Hawaii: A Maui Farm Tour: $69
- Hali'imaile: Pineapple Farm Tour: $75
- Maui Pineapple Farm Tour in Haliimaile: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKailua-Kona $15Maui $41
Sample the Local Flavors in Maui
Also in Maui, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Maui Farm Distillery and local craft experience Full-Day Tour: $224
- Goat Farm, Distillery, & Glass-Blowing Tour w/ Tasting: $224
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kailua-Kona and Maui, we can see that Maui 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 Maui would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Maui 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 Maui Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Kailua-Kona or Maui?
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 Kailua-Kona or Maui in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kailua-Kona and Maui. Furthermore, most visitors come to Maui for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Kailua-Kona is around the same temperature as Maui. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kailua-Kona in July average around 78°F (25°C), and Maui averages at about 79°F (26°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maui this time of the year. Kailua-Kona usually receives less sunshine than Maui during summer. Kailua-Kona gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 290 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Kailua-Kona usually receives more rain than Maui. Kailua-Kona gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)Maui 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit Kailua-Kona or Maui in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Kailua-Kona as well as Maui. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Maui because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Kailua-Kona is generally around the same temperature as Maui. Daily temperatures in Kailua-Kona average around 78°F (26°C), and Maui fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Maui. In the autumn, Kailua-Kona often gets less sunshine than Maui. Kailua-Kona gets 138 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 245 hours of full sun.
Kailua-Kona usually gets more rain in October than Maui. Kailua-Kona gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)Maui 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Kailua-Kona or Maui in the Winter?
Both Maui and Kailua-Kona are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Maui this time of year.
Kailua-Kona is around the same temperature as Maui in the winter. The daily temperature in Kailua-Kona averages around 74°F (23°C) in January, and Maui fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).
It's quite sunny in Maui. Kailua-Kona usually receives less sunshine than Maui during winter. Kailua-Kona gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 217 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Maui. It's quite rainy in Kailua-Kona. In January, Kailua-Kona usually receives around the same amount of rain as Maui. Kailua-Kona gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)Maui 72°F (22°C)
Should I visit Kailua-Kona or Maui in the Spring?
Both Maui and Kailua-Kona during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Maui for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Kailua-Kona is around the same temperature as Maui. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kailua-Kona in April average around 74°F (24°C), and Maui averages at about 74°F (24°C).
In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Kailua-Kona often gets less sunshine than Maui. Kailua-Kona gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 231 hours of full sun.
Kailua-Kona usually gets more rain in April than Maui. Kailua-Kona gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)Maui 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Maui and Kailua-Kona
| Kailua-Kona | Maui | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) |
| Feb | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Mar | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Apr | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| May | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| Jun | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Jul | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 0.4 inches (10 mm) |
| Aug | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) | 80°F (26°C) | 0.5 inches (13 mm) |
| Sep | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Oct | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| Nov | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Dec | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.3 inches (83 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.