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

Should you visit Islamorada or Kailua-Kona?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Islamorada 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: Islamorada or Kailua-Kona?

Islamorada

From its thriving coral reefs to its miraculous botanical gardens, you will find adventure on both land and sea at Islamorada, Florida. Islamorada, or "Village of Islands," is located in Monroe County and holds a population of no more than 6,119. As Islamorada's village is occupied within a cluster of nearby islands, Islamorada is located on Tea Table Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Windley Key and Plantation Key in the Florida Keys. The village is relatively small, expanding to about 7.2 square miles total. Approximately an hour and a half-drive from Miami and a two hour-drive from Key West, Islamorada works swimmingly for those who seek to acquaint themselves with the tropical pleasures of the Keys.

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, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Islamorada or Kailua-Kona?

Kailua-Kona has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Islamorada 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 Islamorada 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 Islamorada or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?

Both Kailua-Kona and Islamorada during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Islamorada is a little warmer than Kailua-Kona in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Islamorada. In the summer, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Islamorada gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun.

Islamorada usually gets more rain in July than Kailua-Kona. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamorada and Kailua-Kona. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year.

In the autumn, Islamorada is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamorada in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (26°C).

In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during autumn. Islamorada gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Islamorada gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Islamorada usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Islamorada as well as Kailua-Kona. Many travelers come to Islamorada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Islamorada is generally around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 70°F (21°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. In the winter, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Islamorada gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kailua-Kona. Islamorada usually gets less rain in January than Kailua-Kona. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Kailua-Kona and Islamorada are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Islamorada in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Islamorada is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during spring. Islamorada gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.

Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Islamorada