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

Should you visit Columbia River Gorge or Kailua-Kona?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Columbia River Gorge or Kailua-Kona, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Columbia River Gorge or Kailua-Kona?

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a popular destination in the Cascade Mountains in the Pacific Northwest. The region's close proximity to Portland, which is just 30 minutes away, makes it a popular weekend destination.

The gorge is formed by the Columbia River, with an 80 mile stretch designated as a National Scenic Area. The area has many beautiful cliffs with a number of tall waterfalls and its protected status means that most new development must occur within one of the already established towns.

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 from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Columbia River Gorge or Kailua-Kona?

Columbia River Gorge has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?

Both Kailua-Kona and Columbia River Gorge are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Columbia River Gorge because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Columbia River Gorge is cooler than Kailua-Kona in the summer. The daily temperature in Columbia River Gorge averages around 68°F (20°C) in July, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia River Gorge. Columbia River Gorge usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during summer. Columbia River Gorge gets 338 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Columbia River Gorge usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Columbia River Gorge gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Columbia River Gorge or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?

Both Kailua-Kona and Columbia River Gorge during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Columbia River Gorge this time of year.

In the autumn, Columbia River Gorge is much colder than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Columbia River Gorge in October average around 55°F (13°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (26°C).

In the autumn, Columbia River Gorge often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Columbia River Gorge gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun.

Columbia River Gorge usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Columbia River Gorge gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia River Gorge or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia River Gorge and Kailua-Kona. Many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Columbia River Gorge. In January, Columbia River Gorge is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Columbia River Gorge average around 40°F (4°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

Columbia River Gorge usually receives less sunshine than Kailua-Kona during winter. Columbia River Gorge gets 86 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. Columbia River Gorge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Columbia River Gorge usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Columbia River Gorge gets 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Columbia River Gorge or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Columbia River Gorge as well as Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to Columbia River Gorge in the spring for the natural beauty.

Columbia River Gorge is much colder than Kailua-Kona in the spring. The daily temperature in Columbia River Gorge averages around 51°F (11°C) in April, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia River Gorge this time of the year. In the spring, Columbia River Gorge often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Columbia River Gorge gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun.

Columbia River Gorge usually gets less rain in April than Kailua-Kona. Columbia River Gorge gets 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Columbia River Gorge