Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Grand Cayman?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Grand Cayman 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 Grand Cayman 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: Grand Cayman or Kailua-Kona?
Grand Cayman
When people think of the Cayman Islands, they typically think of offshore bank accounts and sunny, cruise ship ports. Grand Cayman has more to offer travelers than a playground for the wealthy or a short stopover for cruise passengers. This tropical island is the largest of the three Cayman Islands, it is a shopper's heaven, a center for global finance and an ideal vacation spot.
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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.
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Grand Cayman Prices
Cayman Islands PricesKailua-Kona Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGrand Cayman $242Kailua-Kona $274
The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $242, while the average daily cost in Kailua-Kona is $274. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Grand Cayman and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGrand Cayman $149Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGrand Cayman $298Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Kailua-Kona? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Grand Cayman Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Grand Cayman $31Kailua-Kona $45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman
Also for Grand Cayman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $103
- Private Transfer from Airport to morritts: $180
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Rental Car for One Day$35
Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Grand Cayman change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayGrand Cayman $67Kailua-Kona $100
Typical Food Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Buffet Breakfast for Two$53
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Grand Cayman $41Kailua-Kona $40
Tours and Activities in Grand Cayman
For Grand Cayman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- CaymanVisitor Hide & Seek GeoTour Self-Drive Tour: $13
- Diamonds and Cocktails a Shopping Experience in Grand Cayman: $25
- 2 Stop Reef Snorkel and Glass Bottom Boat Adventure: $35
- Grand Cayman Hop On Hop Off Island Adventure: $40
- Stingray City and Snorkeling Tour Starfish Point Adventure: $53
- Stingray City, Snorkeling, & StarFish Adventure: $55
- Stingray City and Starfish Experience with Coral Reef Snorkeling: $55
- Stingray City Catamaran Sunset Tour: $59
- West Bay Sightseeing Tour Plus Seven Mile Beach Visit: $65
- 3 Stop Boat Tour Stingray City Coral Gardens and Starfish Point: $65
- Stingray City Sandbar Experience: $65
- StingrayCity ,Coral Garden & Starfish Tour. : $69
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Diving with Manta Rays for Two$162
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Body Board Rental (1 Day)$12
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1 Day Kayak Rental$47
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2 Tank Morning Scuba Dive$115
Tours and Activities in Kailua-Kona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kailua-Kona are as follows:
- From Kona: Volcano & Waterfall Tour, Small Group: $295
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGrand Cayman $13Kailua-Kona $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Grand Cayman
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Grand Cayman:
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Beer$4.95
Sample the Local Flavors in Grand Cayman
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Grand Cayman:
- Cayman Spirits Co. Distillery Tour Pass Ticket Only: $24
- Cayman Art and Wine Tour: $150
When comparing the travel costs between Grand Cayman and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands and Kailua-Kona is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Grand Cayman Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Kailua-Kona?
Grand Cayman has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman 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 Grand Cayman or Kailua-Kona?
Kailua-Kona has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Grand Cayman experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Kailua-Kona. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Grand Cayman is a little warmer than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Grand Cayman in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (25°C).
Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the summer. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in July than Kailua-Kona. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGrand Cayman 28°C (83°F)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
Both Kailua-Kona and Grand Cayman are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year.
In October, Grand Cayman is generally around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 27°C (81°F), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. In October, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGrand Cayman 27°C (81°F)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
Both Kailua-Kona and Grand Cayman during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona in the winter. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
Kailua-Kona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Grand Cayman usually gets less rain in January than Kailua-Kona. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGrand Cayman 24°C (76°F)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Kailua-Kona. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round.
In the spring, Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Grand Cayman in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (24°C).
In April, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGrand Cayman 26°C (79°F)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Grand Cayman
| Grand Cayman | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.