Which place is cheaper, Oahu or Kailua-Kona?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Kailua-Kona or Oahu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kailua-Kona or Oahu, 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 Oahu?
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.
Oahu
Hawaii is the epitome of paradise, and at the heart of paradise is the island of O'ahu (or Oahu). While it's only the third largest of the Hawaiian islands, O'ahu, or "the gathering place," is the most populous in the state with approximately 976,000 people calling O'ahu home, many of which live in the capital city of Honolulu.
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.
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Kailua-Kona Prices
USA PricesOahu Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKailua-Kona $274Oahu $371
The average daily cost (per person) in Kailua-Kona is $274, while the average daily cost in Oahu is $371. 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 Oahu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKailua-Kona $141Oahu $237
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKailua-Kona $282Oahu $474
Compare Hotels in Kailua-Kona and Oahu
Looking for a hotel in Kailua-Kona or Oahu? 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 Oahu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kailua-Kona $45Oahu $21
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 Oahu
Also for Oahu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Honolulu Port to Honolulu Airport (HNL): $22
- Departure Transfer: Airport Shuttle From Ko'olina To Honolulu Airport: $53
- Luxury Private Airport Transfers-Waikiki Honolulu up to 6 Seats : $70
- Honolulu Airport Private Transfer: $80
- Honolulu Harbor Cruise Terminal Transfer: $105
- Private Transfer from Honolulu (HNL) Airport to Wakiki Beach: $111
- Private Transfer: Waikiki to Honolulu Airport HNL by Sedan: $111
- Manoa Falls Waterfall Hike with Lunch and Transfers: $119
- Private Transfer: Honolulu to Honolulu Airport HNL in Sedan Car: $119
- Waikiki: 5-in-1 Turtle Snorkeling Trip with Transfer: $139
- Private Transfer from Ko Olina to Honolulu (HLN) Airport : $139
- Honolulu Airport & Ko Olina Hotels Private Transfer by Passenger Van(14 ppl): $170
Is it cheaper to fly into Kailua-Kona or Oahu?
Prices for flights to both Oahu 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 $100Oahu $91
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 Oahu
For Oahu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Waikiki Fireworks Dinner Cruise: Sail & Sparkle on Friday Nights: $129
- Ka Moana Luau Dinner and Show at Aloha Tower: $135
- Sunset Dinner Cruise in Honolulu: $140
- Honolulu Sunset & Friday Fireworks Dinner Cruise: $151
- Germaine's Traditional Luau Show & Buffet Dinner: $159
- Chief's Luau Dinner Show: $177
- Three Star Deluxe Sunset Dinner and Show: $193
- Friday Fireworks Dinner Sail from the Hilton Hawaiian Village : $211
- Nova Five Star Sunset Dinner and Jazz: $236
- Traditional Canoe Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $250
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kailua-Kona $40Oahu $27
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: Volcano & Waterfall Tour, Small Group: $295
Tours and Activities in Oahu
For Oahu, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Waikiki Surf Legends History Tour: $5.00
- Waikiki Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $5.00
- Downtown Honolulu Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.00
- Honolulu Downtown Walking Tour: $5.00
- Oahu Grand Circle Guided Tour: $5.00
- Walk The Deck of The USS Arizona Virtual Reality Experience: $6.99
- Diamond Head Official Self-Guided Narrated Audio Tour: $8.99
- Honolulu's Waikiki Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $8.99
- Downtown Honolulu Self Guided Walking Audio Tour: $8.99
- Honolulu Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $9.61
- Chief's Official Pearl Harbor Self-Guided Multimedia Tour: $9.99
- Air Raid Pearl Harbor Virtual Reality Experience: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKailua-Kona $15Oahu $6.47
Sample the Local Flavors in Oahu
Also in Oahu, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Honolulu Self Guided Bar Crawl and Sightseeing: $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kailua-Kona and Oahu, we can see that Oahu 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 Oahu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oahu 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 Oahu Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Kailua-Kona or Oahu?
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 Oahu in the Summer?
Both Oahu and Kailua-Kona during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oahu this time of year.
In the summer, Kailua-Kona is around the same temperature as Oahu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kailua-Kona in July average around 78°F (25°C), and Oahu averages at about 81°F (27°C).
In Oahu, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Kailua-Kona often gets less sunshine than Oahu. Kailua-Kona gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 303 hours of full sun.
Kailua-Kona usually gets more rain in July than Oahu. Kailua-Kona gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)Oahu 81°F (27°C)
Should I visit Kailua-Kona or Oahu in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kailua-Kona and Oahu. Also, many travelers come to Oahu for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Kailua-Kona is generally around the same temperature as Oahu. Daily temperatures in Kailua-Kona average around 78°F (26°C), and Oahu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oahu this time of the year. Kailua-Kona usually receives less sunshine than Oahu during autumn. Kailua-Kona gets 138 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 246 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Kailua-Kona usually receives less rain than Oahu. Kailua-Kona gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)Oahu 80°F (26°C)
Should I visit Kailua-Kona or Oahu in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Kailua-Kona as well as Oahu. Also, many visitors come to Oahu in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Kailua-Kona is around the same temperature as Oahu in the winter. The daily temperature in Kailua-Kona averages around 74°F (23°C) in January, and Oahu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oahu. In the winter, Kailua-Kona often gets less sunshine than Oahu. Kailua-Kona gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oahu receives 212 hours of full sun.
Kailua-Kona receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kailua-Kona usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Oahu. Kailua-Kona gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)Oahu 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Kailua-Kona or Oahu in the Spring?
Both Oahu and Kailua-Kona are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Oahu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Kailua-Kona is around the same temperature as Oahu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kailua-Kona in April average around 74°F (24°C), and Oahu averages at about 76°F (24°C).
It's quite sunny in Oahu. Kailua-Kona usually receives less sunshine than Oahu during spring. Kailua-Kona gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Oahu receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Kailua-Kona usually receives more rain than Oahu. Kailua-Kona gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Oahu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)Oahu 76°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Oahu and Kailua-Kona
| Kailua-Kona | Oahu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Feb | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Mar | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
| Apr | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
| May | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) |
| Jun | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) | 80°F (26°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
| Jul | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 0.6 inches (15 mm) |
| Aug | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 0.4 inches (11 mm) |
| Sep | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) |
| Oct | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) | 80°F (26°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
| Nov | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Dec | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (98 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.