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

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

Where Should I go: Durham or Kailua-Kona?

Durham

Durham is a city in central North Carolina with about 230,000 residents. Together with Raleigh and Chapel Hill, it forms the Research Triangle area. Durham is often referred to as the "City of Medicine" and is home to the famous Duke University.

Durham's history is rooted in tobacco. The Duke family established American Tobacco, which controlled 90% of all cigarette production in the US during the second half of the 19th century. The family donated money to Trinity College, which changed its name to Duke University in 1924.

Today much of Durham's economy is centered around the university and Research Triangle Park. The area has many technology and pharmaceutical jobs and the economy continues to grow.

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 Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Durham or Kailua-Kona?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Durham 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 Durham 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 Durham or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?

Both Kailua-Kona and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Durham this time of year.

In the summer, Durham is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Durham in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Durham. Durham usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during summer. Durham gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Durham. In July, Durham usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Kailua-Kona and Durham during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Durham for the shopping scene.

In October, Durham is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 61°F (16°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Durham. In the autumn, Durham often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Durham gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun.

Durham usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Durham gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to Durham in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Durham can get quite cold in the winter. Durham is much colder than Kailua-Kona in the winter. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

Durham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kailua-Kona during winter. Durham gets 162 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. In January, Durham usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Durham gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Durham as well as Kailua-Kona.

In the spring, Durham is cooler than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Durham in April average around 60°F (16°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Durham this time of the year. In the spring, Durham often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Durham gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun.

Durham usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kailua-Kona. Durham gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Durham