A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kailua-Kona vs. Halifax for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kailua-Kona or Halifax?

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

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

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.

Halifax

The quaint and charming coastal town of Halifax, Nova Scotia has an interesting personality. While it caters to travelers from all over the world, it maintains the pace and lifestyle of a small town.

Steeped in maritime history, Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia, and one of the world's greatest natural harbors. This busy seaport serves as the economic and cultural hub of Eastern Canada.

When planning your trip keep in mind that this city has a climate like other coastal cities. Summers are nice with the occasional humidity. Winters are mild, but still full of snow and wind. The best time of year to visit is most certainly the fall.

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 G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.


Which place is cheaper, Halifax or Kailua-Kona?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Kailua-Kona Prices
    USA Prices
    Halifax Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Kailua-Kona $274
    Halifax $137

The average daily cost (per person) in Kailua-Kona is $274, while the average daily cost in Halifax is $137. 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 Kailua-Kona and Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kailua-Kona $141
    Halifax $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kailua-Kona $282
    Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Kailua-Kona and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Kailua-Kona or Halifax? 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.

Hotels in Kailua-Kona


Hotels in Halifax


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: Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kailua-Kona $45
    Halifax $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kailua-Kona

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:


  • Rental Car for One Day
    $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Halifax

Also for Halifax, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Halifax Stanfield Airport YHZ: $85

Is it cheaper to fly into Kailua-Kona or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax and Kailua-Kona 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Kailua-Kona $100
    Halifax $54
Typical Food Prices in Kailua-Kona

Some typical examples of dining costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:


  • Buffet Breakfast for Two
    $53

Typical Food Prices in Halifax

For Halifax, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Bluenose II Restaurant
    $45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Halifax

For Halifax, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Peggy's Cove Small Group Night Tour with Dinner: $157

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kailua-Kona $40
    Halifax $28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kailua-Kona

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kailua-Kona are as follows:


  • Diving with Manta Rays for Two
    $162
  • Body Board Rental (1 Day)
    $12
  • 1 Day Kayak Rental
    $47
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Halifax

For Halifax, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 Admission & Tour: $14
  • Georges Island National Historic Site Ferry Ticket: $16
  • Happy Hour Cruise with Live Music: $21
  • Guided Kayak Tour with Multiple Options: $29
  • Halifax Sunset Cruise Aboard the Tall Ship Silva: $33
  • Best of Halifax Harbour Tour: $40
  • Party Cruise on the Harbour Queen: $42
  • 50-Minute Boat Tour of the Harbour: $42
  • Tall Ship Harbor Sailing Cruise with Live Music: $42
  • Harbour Hopper City & Water Cruise in a Duck Boat: $56
  • Signature Adventure Sail: $56
  • Solar Waterfront Food/Drink Party Bike Experience: $57

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kailua-Kona $15
    Halifax $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Halifax

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Halifax:

  • Nova Scotia Annapolis Valley Wine Tour Lead by a Sommelier: $168


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

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


Which is Bigger, Kailua-Kona or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Kailua-Kona and Halifax, 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 Kailua-Kona or Halifax?

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 Kailua-Kona or Halifax in the Summer?

Both Halifax and Kailua-Kona during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Halifax this time of year.

Kailua-Kona is a little warmer than Halifax in the summer. The daily temperature in Kailua-Kona averages around 78°F (25°C) in July, and Halifax fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Halifax, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Kailua-Kona often gets less sunshine than Halifax. Kailua-Kona gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun.

Kailua-Kona usually gets less rain in July than Halifax. Kailua-Kona gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C) 
    Halifax 18°C (64°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kailua-Kona and Halifax. Also, many travelers come to Halifax for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Kailua-Kona is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kailua-Kona in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Halifax averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Kailua-Kona usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Halifax during autumn. Kailua-Kona gets 138 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Halifax receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Kailua-Kona usually receives less rain than Halifax. Kailua-Kona gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C) 
    Halifax 10°C (49°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Kailua-Kona as well as Halifax. Also, many visitors come to Halifax in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Halifax can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Kailua-Kona is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Kailua-Kona average around 74°F (23°C), and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

In the winter, Kailua-Kona often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Kailua-Kona gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Kailua-Kona receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kailua-Kona usually gets less rain in January than Halifax. Kailua-Kona gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C) 
    Halifax -4°C (24°F)

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

Both Halifax and Kailua-Kona are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Halifax can be very cold during spring. Kailua-Kona is much warmer than Halifax in the spring. The daily temperature in Kailua-Kona averages around 74°F (24°C) in April, and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Kailua-Kona usually receives less sunshine than Halifax during spring. Kailua-Kona gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. In April, Kailua-Kona usually receives less rain than Halifax. Kailua-Kona gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C) 
    Halifax 4°C (39°F)

Typical Weather for Halifax and Kailua-Kona

Kailua-Kona Halifax
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 74°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) -4°C (24°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 73°F (23°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 74°F (23°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) -1°C (31°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 4°C (39°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 76°F (24°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 9°C (48°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 1.8 inches (47 mm) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 78°F (25°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 18°C (64°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 18°C (65°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm) 15°C (58°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm) 10°C (49°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 5°C (40°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) -1°C (29°F) 152 mm (6 in)