A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hilton Head Island vs. Kennebunkport for Families, Food, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Hilton Head Island or Kennebunkport?

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 Hilton Head Island and Kennebunkport can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a relaxing, peaceful, and beautiful coastal town. Hilton Head Island is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping. See Hilton Head Island travel costs.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a character-filled, charming, and quaint town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Kennebunkport offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Kennebunkport travel costs.

Hilton Head Island and Kennebunkport: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilton Head Island or Kennebunkport?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kennebunkport than Hilton Head Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kennebunkport is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Hilton Head Island is more popular for its beaches. Hilton Head Island is well known for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. Kennebunkport is well known for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline. Also, Kennebunkport is famous for Dock Square.

How is Hilton Head Island different from Kennebunkport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kennebunkport and Hilton Head Island. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hilton Head Island or Kennebunkport?

Kennebunkport is very good for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kennebunkport. There are a handful of local museums around town like the Brick Store Museum, the First Families Kennebunkport Museum, and the Seashore Trolley Museum.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Hilton Head Island or Kennebunkport? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Hilton Head Island and Kennebunkport.

Hilton Head Island has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Kennebunkport makes for a great culinary experience. Fine dining, seafood restaurants, and local cafes all make this a wonderful town for foodies. The town's famous for its lobster, but you can also try the scallops, crab, or oysters.

Is Hilton Head Island or Kennebunkport Better for Nightlife?

Kennebunkport is very good for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kennebunkport. You can check out the happy hours that many of the bars in the waterfront area host regularly.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Hilton Head Island or Kennebunkport Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Hilton Head Island and Kennebunkport.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Hilton Head Island. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Kennebunkport is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Luxury resorts and classic inns provide traditional and local accommodation options for visitors.

Is Hilton Head Island or Kennebunkport Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is great for its beaches. However, Kennebunkport is not a beach destination.

Hilton Head Island is considered a top beach destination. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Kennebunkport is not a beach destination. It's lined with rocky and sandy coastlines that are perfect for finding critters at low tide or searching for seashells. Mother's Beach is popular with families and Gooch's Beach is a popular place for walking. Middle Beach is a great spot for climbing over rocks.

Is Hilton Head Island or Kennebunkport Better for Hiking?

Kennebunkport is very good for its hiking trails. However, Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kennebunkport. There are waterfront walks and coastal trails. There are also trails that wander through forests or past marshland.

Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or Kennebunkport?

Kennebunkport is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Kennebunkport. Head to Dock's Square for the best local shops with a charming atmosphere.

Hilton Head Island is a great destination for shopping. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Is Hilton Head Island or Kennebunkport More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of notable scenery and beauty in both Hilton Head Island and Kennebunkport.

Hilton Head Island offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The island has many beautiful waterways that are best explored by boat or kayak. The beaches are also beautiful and striking.

Kennebunkport is a gorgeous place to visit. It's scenic coastline and dramatic lighthouses make this a beautiful area.

Is Hilton Head Island or Kennebunkport Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Hilton Head Island is a very family-friendly destination. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

Kennebunkport is a very kid-friendly coastal town. You can explore the rocks around Mother's Beach or take the kids out on a lobster boat. There's also a lot of history around Dock's Square and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in town.

Is Hilton Head Island or Kennebunkport Better for Couples?

Kennebunkport is a very popular place for couples. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Kennebunkport makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beaches, romantic hotels, and charming local restaurants make this a perfect couple's destination.

Hilton Head Island is a nice destination for couples. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

Is Hilton Head Island or Kennebunkport Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kennebunkport is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kennebunkport. During the summer months there's a Shoreline Trolley that connects towns.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is Hilton Head Island or Kennebunkport a more walkable city?

Kennebunkport is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Kennebunkport is a somewhat walkable town. It's downtown is compact and particularly walkable.

Hilton Head Island is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

For even more information, also check out Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting? and Is Kennebunkport Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kennebunkport or Hilton Head Island?

How long in Hilton Head Island or Kennebunkport?

It's fun to spend time in either Hilton Head Island or Kennebunkport. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilton Head Island, and 2-4 days is enough time in Kennebunkport.

Families should spend more time in Hilton Head Island than Kennebunkport. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Hilton Head Island, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Kennebunkport than Hilton Head Island. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kennebunkport that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kennebunkport than Hilton Head Island if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Kennebunkport.

One day in Hilton Head Island or Kennebunkport?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the family-friendly destination of Hilton Head Island. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Kennebunkport might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This town offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hilton Head Island or Kennebunkport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilton Head Island. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Kennebunkport is a popular place to visit. Even though Kennebunkport is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kennebunkport has to offer.

Five days in Hilton Head Island or Kennebunkport?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the peaceful destination of Hilton Head Island. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Since Kennebunkport is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Hilton Head Island or Kennebunkport?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the coastal town of Hilton Head Island. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kennebunkport is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

When comparing the travel costs between Hilton Head Island and Kennebunkport, we can see that Hilton Head Island 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. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hilton Head Island Expensive? and Is Kennebunkport Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hilton Head Island or Kennebunkport?

Hilton Head Island has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kennebunkport. When comparing the sizes of Hilton Head Island and Kennebunkport, 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 Hilton Head Island or Kennebunkport?

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 Hilton Head Island or Kennebunkport in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilton Head Island and Kennebunkport. Most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kennebunkport because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hilton Head Island is a little warmer than Kennebunkport. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hilton Head Island in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Kennebunkport averages at about 69°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kennebunkport this time of the year. In Hilton Head Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hilton Head Island usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kennebunkport during summer. Hilton Head Island gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Kennebunkport receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.

Hilton Head Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hilton Head Island usually receives more rain than Kennebunkport. Hilton Head Island gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Kennebunkport in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hilton Head Island as well as Kennebunkport. The autumn months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kennebunkport this time of year.

In October, Hilton Head Island is generally much warmer than Kennebunkport. Daily temperatures in Hilton Head Island average around 68°F (20°C), and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island this time of the year. In the autumn, Hilton Head Island often gets more sunshine than Kennebunkport. Hilton Head Island gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kennebunkport receives 196 hours of full sun.

Hilton Head Island usually gets less rain in October than Kennebunkport. Hilton Head Island gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Kennebunkport in the Winter?

Both Kennebunkport and Hilton Head Island are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kennebunkport for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kennebunkport. Hilton Head Island is much warmer than Kennebunkport in the winter. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 48°F (9°C) in January, and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

Hilton Head Island usually receives more sunshine than Kennebunkport during winter. Hilton Head Island gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Kennebunkport receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hilton Head Island usually receives less rain than Kennebunkport. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Kennebunkport in the Spring?

Both Kennebunkport and Hilton Head Island during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kennebunkport in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Hilton Head Island is much warmer than Kennebunkport. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hilton Head Island in April average around 67°F (19°C), and Kennebunkport averages at about 43°F (6°C).

In Kennebunkport, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. In the spring, Hilton Head Island often gets more sunshine than Kennebunkport. Hilton Head Island gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kennebunkport receives 212 hours of full sun.

Hilton Head Island usually gets less rain in April than Kennebunkport. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kennebunkport and Hilton Head Island