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

Should you visit Big Sur 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 Big Sur and Kailua-Kona can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Big Sur or Kailua-Kona?

Big Sur

Big Sur is the 90-mile stretch of the California Central Coast which runs from the Carmel River in Monterey County south to San Carpoforo Creek in San Luis Obispo County and 20 miles east into the Santa Lucius Foothills.

However you look at it, California's Central Coast is beautiful and undoubtedly a huge tourist trap. If you're not willing to fork over big bucks for overnight stays on coastal hotels, be prepared ahead of time with your camping gear and get ready to go off the beaten track to avoid crowds as best you can and save your wallet.

While the weather in Central Coast is overall, mild and temperate, between 50 and 70 degrees year-round. The highs and lows during the year are in August and January, respectively, with dry summers and wet winters, making April through October the best times to visit but be warned: there will be crowds.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Big Sur or Kailua-Kona?

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 Big Sur or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?

Both Kailua-Kona and Big Sur during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

In the summer, Big Sur is cooler than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Big Sur in July average around 63°F (17°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (25°C).

Big Sur usually gets less rain in July than Kailua-Kona. Big Sur gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Sur or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Sur and Kailua-Kona. Many travelers come to Big Sur for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Big Sur is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Big Sur average around 62°F (17°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In October, Big Sur usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Big Sur gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Big Sur or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Big Sur as well as Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to Big Sur in the winter for the cuisine.

Big Sur is much colder than Kailua-Kona in the winter. The daily temperature in Big Sur averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

It's quite rainy in Kailua-Kona. Big Sur usually gets less rain in January than Kailua-Kona. Big Sur gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Sur or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?

Both Kailua-Kona and Big Sur are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Big Sur for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Big Sur is much colder than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Big Sur in April average around 56°F (13°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (24°C).

In April, Big Sur usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Big Sur gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Big Sur