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

Should you visit Cape Cod or Kailua-Kona?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cape Cod and Kailua-Kona. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Cape Cod or Kailua-Kona?

Cape Cod

Cape Cod, in eastern Massachusetts, is a popular travel destination for its natural beauty, rich history, and world renowned restaurants. Many visitors enjoy the bed and breakfasts that are so common in the area, but travelers on a budget may find their money goes a bit farther if that find a short term rental property a bit removed from the water.

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 Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?

Both Kailua-Kona and Cape Cod during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cape Cod in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cape Cod is cooler than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cape Cod in July average around 68°F (20°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Cape Cod. In the summer, Cape Cod often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Cape Cod gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun.

Cape Cod usually gets more rain in July than Kailua-Kona. Cape Cod gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cape Cod or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Cod and Kailua-Kona. Most visitors come to Cape Cod for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Cape Cod is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Cape Cod average around 53°F (12°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

Cape Cod usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during autumn. Cape Cod gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Cape Cod gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cape Cod usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Cape Cod gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cape Cod or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cape Cod as well as Kailua-Kona. The winter months attract visitors to Cape Cod because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Cape Cod can be very cold. Cape Cod is much colder than Kailua-Kona in the winter. The daily temperature in Cape Cod averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

In the winter, Cape Cod often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kailua-Kona. Cape Cod gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kailua-Kona. Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the winter. Cape Cod usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Kailua-Kona. Cape Cod gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cape Cod or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?

Both Kailua-Kona and Cape Cod are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cape Cod this time of year.

In the spring, Cape Cod is much colder than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cape Cod in April average around 45°F (7°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. Cape Cod usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during spring. Cape Cod gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Cape Cod. In April, Cape Cod usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Cape Cod gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Cape Cod