A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Myrtle Beach vs. Kailua-Kona for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Myrtle Beach or Kailua-Kona?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Myrtle Beach and Kailua-Kona can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Myrtle Beach or Kailua-Kona?

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular and touristy beach destinations on the South Atlantic coast. It's a popular spring break destination for college kids and there is no shortage of hotels and entertainment options along the beach front. It's also well known as a golfing destination, and it has some wonderful seafood restaurants and shopping areas. If you're looking for a natural, relaxed beach destination, Myrtle Beach is not your best option, but if you're looking for the thrills of club hopping, wonderful food options, and souvenir shopping opportunities, then Myrtle Beach is where it's at.

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 Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Myrtle Beach?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Myrtle Beach is $173, 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 Myrtle Beach and Kailua-Kona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Myrtle Beach $88
    Kailua-Kona $141
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Myrtle Beach $176
    Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Myrtle Beach and Kailua-Kona

Looking for a hotel in Myrtle Beach 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.

Hotels in Myrtle Beach


Hotels in Kailua-Kona


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: Myrtle Beach Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Myrtle Beach $24
    Kailua-Kona $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Myrtle Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Myrtle Beach:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR): $36
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Myrtle Beach Airport MYR: $36
  • Myrtle Beach to Myrtle Beach Intl. Airport (MYR) - Departure Private Transfer: $52
  • Myrtle Beach Intl. Airport (MYR) to Myrtle Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $105

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kailua-Kona

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:


  • Rental Car for One Day
    $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Myrtle Beach or Kailua-Kona?

Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Myrtle Beach 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Myrtle Beach $56
    Kailua-Kona $58
Typical Food Prices in Myrtle Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Myrtle Beach:


  • Dinner for Two
    $49
  • Diner Breakfast for Two
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Myrtle Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Myrtle Beach.

  • Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Myrtle Beach: $50
  • Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show Ticket in Myrtle Beach: $67
  • North Dinner Cruise on a Paddle Wheel Boat: $70
  • Luau with Polynesian Dinner and Live Show: $71

Typical Food Prices in Kailua-Kona

Some typical examples of dining costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:


  • Buffet Breakfast for Two
    $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Myrtle Beach $46
    Kailua-Kona $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Myrtle Beach

Here are a few typical costs in Myrtle Beach for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Mini Golf for Two
    $18
  • Beach Chairs
    $15

Tours and Activities in Myrtle Beach

Here are a few actual costs in Myrtle Beach for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Myrtle Beach, SC: $15
  • Ghosts and Pirates Haunted City Walking Tour: $26
  • Murrells Inlet: Scenic Sunset Cruise: $29
  • Myrtle Beach Ghosts Tour: $30
  • Murrells Inlet: Saltwater Marsh Shelling & Eco Tour: $32
  • Myrtle Beach Military History Trolley Tour: $40
  • Myrtle Beach Area Ghosts, Pirates and Historic Families Trolley Tour: $40
  • The Comedy Shoppe at Wonders Theatre Ticket: $40
  • Early Myrtle Beach History and The WWII Years Trolley Tour: $40
  • Myrtle Beach History, Movies and Music Trolley Tour: $40
  • Waccamaw River Nature and Wildlife Tour: $41
  • Escape Room Game Entry Ticket with Host: $41

Typical Entertainment Prices in Kailua-Kona

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kailua-Kona are as follows:


  • Diving with Manta Rays for Two
    $162
  • Body Board Rental (1 Day)
    $12
  • 1 Day Kayak Rental
    $47
  • 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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Myrtle Beach $16
    Kailua-Kona $15


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

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


Which is Bigger, Myrtle Beach or Kailua-Kona?

Myrtle Beach has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Myrtle Beach and Kailua-Kona. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Myrtle Beach this time of year.

In the summer, Myrtle Beach is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Myrtle Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (25°C).

In Myrtle Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. Myrtle Beach usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during summer. Myrtle Beach gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

Myrtle Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Myrtle Beach usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Myrtle Beach gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Myrtle Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Myrtle Beach as well as Kailua-Kona. Many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Myrtle Beach is generally cooler than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 65°F (18°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Myrtle Beach this time of the year. In the autumn, Myrtle Beach often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Myrtle Beach gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun.

Myrtle Beach usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Myrtle Beach gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Myrtle Beach 65°F (18°C) 
    Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?

Both Kailua-Kona and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Myrtle Beach in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Myrtle Beach is much colder than Kailua-Kona in the winter. The daily temperature in Myrtle Beach averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

Myrtle Beach usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during winter. Myrtle Beach gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kailua-Kona. In January, Myrtle Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kailua-Kona. Myrtle Beach gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Myrtle Beach 45°F (7°C) 
    Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?

Both Kailua-Kona and Myrtle Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Myrtle Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Myrtle Beach is cooler than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Myrtle Beach in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Myrtle Beach. In the spring, Myrtle Beach often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Myrtle Beach gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun.

Myrtle Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kailua-Kona. Myrtle Beach gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Myrtle Beach 62°F (17°C) 
    Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach Kailua-Kona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Feb 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Mar 55°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 76°F (24°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 77°F (25°C) 1.8 inches (47 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 78°F (25°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 78°F (26°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 79°F (26°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Oct 65°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 78°F (26°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Nov 57°F (14°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Dec 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)