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

Should you visit Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville 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: Charlottesville or Kailua-Kona?

Charlottesville

Located in central Virginia, Charlottesville is a little university town steeped in history and culture. Home to Thomas Jefferson, much of the town's architecture is heavily influenced by his hand, while the people scene is full of activities, dining, and entertainment. Many visitors are drawn to the area for the University of Virginia, the Historic Downtown Mall, plus many quaint vineyards and farms in the surrounding countryside.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Charlottesville or Kailua-Kona?

Charlottesville has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?

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

In July, Charlottesville is generally around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Charlottesville average around 78°F (26°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Charlottesville. In the summer, Charlottesville often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Charlottesville gets 305 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. Charlottesville usually gets more rain in July than Kailua-Kona. Charlottesville gets 5 inches (128 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?

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

Charlottesville is much colder than Kailua-Kona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Charlottesville averages around 59°F (15°C) in October, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In Charlottesville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charlottesville usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during autumn. Charlottesville gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Charlottesville usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Charlottesville gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Charlottesville as well as Kailua-Kona. The winter months attract visitors to Charlottesville because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine.

The weather in Charlottesville can be very cold. In the winter, Charlottesville is much colder than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Charlottesville in January average around 36°F (2°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (23°C).

In the winter, Charlottesville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kailua-Kona. Charlottesville gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kailua-Kona. Charlottesville usually gets less rain in January than Kailua-Kona. Charlottesville gets 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?

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

In April, Charlottesville is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Charlottesville average around 58°F (14°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. Charlottesville usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during spring. Charlottesville gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Charlottesville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kailua-Kona. Charlottesville gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Charlottesville