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

Should you visit Kailua-Kona or Vernon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kailua-Kona or Vernon, 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 Vernon?

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.

Vernon

Vernon is located in British Columbia, Canada. It's in the Okanagan region of the Southern Interior and dates back to 1892. The city has a population of about 40,000 and the Greater Vernon area has a population of about 58,584. It's the largest city in the North Okanagan Regional District. In many ways Vernon feels like most other towns around North America, but if you find yourself here with some time to spare, you can find a handful of activities that will help you see it's unique personality and interesting qualities. The town is most popular for its lakes and beaches during the summer monts, and its skiing and hockey during the winter months.

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 Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kailua-Kona and Vernon, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. And not only is Vernon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vernon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vernon 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 Vernon.

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 Vernon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kailua-Kona or Vernon?

Vernon has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Kailua-Kona and Vernon, 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 Kailua-Kona or Vernon?

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 Vernon in the Summer?

Both Vernon and Kailua-Kona are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In July, Kailua-Kona is generally around the same temperature as Vernon. Daily temperatures in Kailua-Kona average around 78°F (25°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Kailua-Kona usually receives more rain than Vernon. Kailua-Kona gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kailua-Kona or Vernon in the Autumn?

Both Vernon and Kailua-Kona during the autumn are popular places to visit.

Kailua-Kona is much warmer than Vernon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kailua-Kona averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Kailua-Kona usually gets more rain in October than Vernon. Kailua-Kona gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kailua-Kona or Vernon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kailua-Kona and Vernon.

Vernon can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Kailua-Kona is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kailua-Kona in January average around 74°F (23°C), and Vernon averages at about -3°C (27°F).

Kailua-Kona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kailua-Kona usually receives more rain than Vernon. Kailua-Kona gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kailua-Kona or Vernon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kailua-Kona as well as Vernon.

In April, Kailua-Kona is generally much warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Kailua-Kona average around 74°F (24°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Kailua-Kona usually gets more rain in April than Vernon. Kailua-Kona gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Kailua-Kona