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

Should you visit Pocono Mountains or Kailua-Kona?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Pocono Mountains and Kailua-Kona can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Pocono Mountains or Kailua-Kona?

Pocono Mountains

The Poconos are a region of mountains, small towns, and natural areas in Eastern Pennsylvania. Located just a few hours from both New York City and Philadelphia, this region of 4 counties (Wayne, Pike, Monroe, & Carbon) consists of plenty of mountain scenery, gorgeous lakes, historic small towns, ski resorts, state parks, water parks, and more.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Pocono Mountains or Kailua-Kona?

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

Both Kailua-Kona and Pocono Mountains are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Pocono Mountains for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Pocono Mountains is generally around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Pocono Mountains average around 75°F (24°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pocono Mountains. Pocono Mountains usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during summer. Pocono Mountains gets 288 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Pocono Mountains. In July, Pocono Mountains usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Pocono Mountains gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pocono Mountains or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?

Both Kailua-Kona and Pocono Mountains during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Pocono Mountains because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Pocono Mountains is much colder than Kailua-Kona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pocono Mountains averages around 55°F (13°C) in October, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In the autumn, Pocono Mountains often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Pocono Mountains gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun.

Pocono Mountains usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Pocono Mountains gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pocono Mountains or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pocono Mountains and Kailua-Kona. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pocono Mountains this time of year.

It's quite cold in Pocono Mountains in the winter. In the winter, Pocono Mountains is much colder than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pocono Mountains in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (23°C).

Pocono Mountains usually receives less sunshine than Kailua-Kona during winter. Pocono Mountains gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kailua-Kona receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Pocono Mountains usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Pocono Mountains gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pocono Mountains or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pocono Mountains as well as Kailua-Kona. Many travelers come to Pocono Mountains for the natural beauty.

In April, Pocono Mountains is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Pocono Mountains average around 51°F (11°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pocono Mountains this time of the year. In the spring, Pocono Mountains often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Pocono Mountains gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun.

Pocono Mountains usually gets more rain in April than Kailua-Kona. Pocono Mountains gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Pocono Mountains