Which place is cheaper, Kauai 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.
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Should you visit Kailua-Kona or Kauai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kailua-Kona or Kauai, 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 Kauai?
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.
Kauai
Hawaii is certainly a bucket list destination, but what if you want to do it without being surrounded by tourists? You want the adventure of the land of volcanoes and less of the kids in water wings. Then Kaua'i is the island for you.
Kaua'i, or the "garden island," is full of tropical forests, little villages and even more laid back lifestyle – if you can imagine. It's a smaller island at 560 square miles with a population of only 68,000.
With more coastline miles than any other island, Kaua'i is the result of massive erosion forming awe-inspiring sights like the Waimea Canyon and Na Pali Coast. The island experiences more rainfall every year – keeping it lush and green all year.
You'll feel like you've walked into another world in Kaua'i. Because of height restrictions, this island's buildings are no taller than the coconut trees. So if you're looking for an escape from civilization, you'll want to head straight for Kaua'i.
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.
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Kailua-Kona Prices
USA PricesKauai Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKailua-Kona $274Kauai $231
The average daily cost (per person) in Kailua-Kona is $274, while the average daily cost in Kauai is $231. 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 Kauai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKailua-Kona $141Kauai $113
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKailua-Kona $282Kauai $226
Compare Hotels in Kailua-Kona and Kauai
Looking for a hotel in Kailua-Kona or Kauai? 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: Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices and Kauai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kailua-Kona $45Kauai $34
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kauai
Also for Kauai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private SUV Transfer- Lihue Airport to Lihue/Kapaa : $149
- Private SUV Transfer-LIH Airport to Koloa/Poipu : $179
Is it cheaper to fly into Kailua-Kona or Kauai?
Prices for flights to both Kauai 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
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Food Meals for one dayKailua-Kona $100Kauai $96
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kauai
For Kauai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Allerton Garden and Estate Tour with Sunset Dinner: $106
- Local Tastes Small Group Food Tour: $121
- Walking Food Tour of Hanalei, Kauaʻi : $129
- Local Dishes Cooking Class: $174
- Luau Kalamaku on Kauai with Buffet Dinner and Show: $179
- Luau Ka Hikina Admission Ticket with Dinner and Lei Greeting: $189
- Luau Kalamaku – Elevated Seating, Dinner & Show: $198
- Napali Coast Sunset Sailboat Tour with Dinner: $226
- Napali Sunset Dinner Cruise: $226
- VIP Manor House Dinner & Luau Kalamaku Show: $237
- Luau Kalamaku on Kauai with Manor House 4-Course Dinner & Show: $251
- Leila Na Pali Sunset Dinner Sail: $264
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kailua-Kona $40Kauai $17
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
Tours and Activities in Kauai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kauai.
- Ultimate Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of Kauai (Na Pali, Waimea), Hawaii: $15
- North Shore Kauai Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
- Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Kauai: $20
- Kauai Poipu and Koloa Town Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
- Kauai Wailua Valley & Waterfalls Audio Driving Tour: $20
- Waimea Canyon & Na Pali Driving Tour app: $23
- Allerton Garden Guided Group Walking Tour: $64
- Kauai Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Journey to Waimea Canyon: $97
- Kauai Cruise Ship Excursion: Wailua River & Fern Grotto: $109
- Kalapaki Kai Sunset Catamaran Cruise: $109
- Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide: $112
- Catamaran Sunset Cruise: $114
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKailua-Kona $15Kauai $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kailua-Kona and Kauai, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. And not only is Kauai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kauai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kauai 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 Kauai.
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 Kauai Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Kailua-Kona or Kauai?
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 Kauai in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Kailua-Kona as well as Kauai. Additionally, many visitors come to Kauai in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Kailua-Kona is generally around the same temperature as Kauai. Daily temperatures in Kailua-Kona average around 78°F (25°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kauai. In the summer, Kailua-Kona often gets less sunshine than Kauai. Kailua-Kona gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 255 hours of full sun.
Kailua-Kona usually gets more rain in July than Kauai. Kailua-Kona gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)Kauai 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Kailua-Kona or Kauai in the Autumn?
Both Kauai and Kailua-Kona are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Kauai for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Kailua-Kona is around the same temperature as Kauai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kailua-Kona averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).
It's quite sunny in Kauai. Kailua-Kona usually receives less sunshine than Kauai during autumn. Kailua-Kona gets 138 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Kailua-Kona usually receives less rain than Kauai. Kailua-Kona gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)Kauai 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Kailua-Kona or Kauai in the Winter?
Both Kauai and Kailua-Kona during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kauai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Kailua-Kona is around the same temperature as Kauai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kailua-Kona in January average around 74°F (23°C), and Kauai averages at about 71°F (22°C).
In the winter, Kailua-Kona often gets less sunshine than Kauai. Kailua-Kona gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kailua-Kona. Kailua-Kona usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Kauai. Kailua-Kona gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)Kauai 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Kailua-Kona or Kauai in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kailua-Kona and Kauai. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.
In April, Kailua-Kona is generally around the same temperature as Kauai. Daily temperatures in Kailua-Kona average around 74°F (24°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kauai this time of the year. Kailua-Kona usually receives less sunshine than Kauai during spring. Kailua-Kona gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Kailua-Kona usually receives more rain than Kauai. Kailua-Kona gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)Kauai 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Kauai and Kailua-Kona
| Kailua-Kona | Kauai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Feb | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 1.3 inches (32 mm) |
| Mar | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) |
| Apr | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| May | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 0.4 inches (10 mm) |
| Jun | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Jul | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 0.6 inches (17 mm) |
| Aug | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 0.6 inches (16 mm) |
| Sep | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1 inches (26 mm) |
| Oct | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Nov | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Dec | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 2.5 inches (62 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.