A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Carmel-by-the-Sea vs. Kailua-Kona for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea 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: Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kailua-Kona?

Carmel-by-the-Sea

A small, beach town on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its idyllic natural scenery and artistic history. Carmel's village, just one square mile in size, is unlike any other in California with its picturesque views, European style and unusual laws.

Clint Eastwood served as mayor of Carmel from 1986-88. Without a single fast food or chain restaurants, visitors can easily feel that Carmel still preserves its slow and easy lifestyle, with all private-owned restaurants, coffee shops and pubs. This town is undoubtedly charming, even with its anti-high heel laws (though they aren't strictly enforced and permits are free at the City Hall), lack of street addresses and has been named the top destination for dog-friendly towns in the country. Grab your furry friends, leave your heels at home and get ready to explore this quaint and lovely town by the sea.

If you want to avoid the heat, Carmel is the perfect place to go, with year-round mild temperatures. Even during the summer seasons, you may not feel the heat through the fog and cool coastal weather. Peak seasons for travel are during summer months in August and September, (especially popular for weddings) and even then, the highs are still in the low 70s. Winter season lows dip only down to low 50s, with the Pacific Oceans maintaining moderate temperatures.

If you're driving to the city, keep in mind that the businesses do not have numbers in their addresses. To get directions or arrange a meeting, be sure to remember the name of the business and grab a map from the Carmel Chamber of Commerce.

Some famous artists who have resided in Carmel are Upton Sinclair, Jack London and Mary Austin. Carmel is known to be particularly dog-friendly, as almost all hotels allow guests to bring their dogs.

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kailua-Kona?

Kailua-Kona has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?

Both Kailua-Kona and Carmel-by-the-Sea are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

In July, Carmel-by-the-Sea usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?

Both Kailua-Kona and Carmel-by-the-Sea during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

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

Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?

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

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

Kailua-Kona receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Carmel-by-the-Sea usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Carmel-by-the-Sea as well as Kailua-Kona. Many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea usually gets less rain in April than Kailua-Kona. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Carmel-by-the-Sea