Which place is cheaper, Whistler 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 Whistler?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kailua-Kona or Whistler, 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 Whistler?
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.
Whistler
Located in the province of British Columbia in Canada, Whistler is most famous as the largest ski area in North America. It is also only a short distance from the city of Vancouver, and offers countless opportunities for snow boarding and other winter sports. The town has a permanent population of almost 10,000 and there is a larger seasonal population of workers that come from all over the world. Whistler is a major travel destination with more than two million people visiting the town yearly. As such, there are countless amenities available to visitors. Hotels can vary dramatically in price and quality. There are some budget options, including a couple of hostels in the area, but most people do not visit Whistler as a budget travel destination. It's usually an expensive vacation, but few would argue that it isn't worth the cost.
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 Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.
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Kailua-Kona Prices
USA PricesWhistler Prices
Canada Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKailua-Kona $274Whistler $146
The average daily cost (per person) in Kailua-Kona is $274, while the average daily cost in Whistler is $146. 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 Whistler in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKailua-Kona $141Whistler $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKailua-Kona $282Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Kailua-Kona and Whistler
Looking for a hotel in Kailua-Kona or Whistler? 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 Whistler Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kailua-Kona $45Whistler $20
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 Whistler
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Whistler:
- Vancouver Airport Private Transfer to Whistler: $133
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Downtown Vancouver: $560
- Private Transfer from Richmond BC to Whistler: $684
Is it cheaper to fly into Kailua-Kona or Whistler?
Prices for flights to both Whistler 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 $100Whistler $52
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
Typical Food Prices in Whistler
Some typical examples of dining costs in Whistler are as follows:
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Coffee at Starbucks$12
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Tim Hortons Breakfast$12
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Coffee at Timmy's$3.63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Whistler
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Whistler.
- Finer Things: 4-Course Dinner Tour in Whistler: $121
- Finer Things Dinner Tour in Whistler: $155
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kailua-Kona $40Whistler $78
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Whistler
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Whistler are as follows:
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Driving Range$15
Tours and Activities in Whistler
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Whistler are as follows:
- Sea to Sky Highway: a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $8.12
- Whistler Mountain Peeks Audio Tour Adventure: $15
- Audain Art Museum Admission Ticket: $17
- One Hour Axe Throwing Guided Experience in Whistler: $33
- Axe Throwing Experience: $35
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure with Geocaching in Whistler: $36
- Vallea Lumina Multimedia Evening Experience: $45
- Tour, Immersive Nature Experience: $52
- Tour, Sensory Nature Experience for Families: $52
- Backcountry Snowshoeing Tour with Guide: $90
- Whistler Sightseeing Tour: Discover all of Whistler Year-Round!: $90
- Mountain Breeze Tour - Mountain E Bike - Whistler Marmot Activity: $104
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKailua-Kona $15Whistler $8.72
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kailua-Kona and Whistler, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. And not only is Whistler much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Whistler would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Whistler 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 Whistler.
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 Whistler Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kailua-Kona or Whistler?
Whistler has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Kailua-Kona and Whistler, 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 Whistler?
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 Kailua-Kona or Whistler in the Summer?
Both Whistler and Kailua-Kona are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Whistler this time of year.
Kailua-Kona is a little warmer than Whistler in the summer. The daily temperature in Kailua-Kona averages around 78°F (25°C) in July, and Whistler fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Whistler. Kailua-Kona usually receives less sunshine than Whistler during summer. Kailua-Kona gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Kailua-Kona usually receives around the same amount of rain as Whistler. Kailua-Kona gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)Whistler 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Kailua-Kona or Whistler in the Autumn?
Both Whistler and Kailua-Kona during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Whistler for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Kailua-Kona is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kailua-Kona in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Whistler averages at about 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Kailua-Kona often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Kailua-Kona gets 138 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun.
Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kailua-Kona usually gets less rain in October than Whistler. Kailua-Kona gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)Whistler 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Kailua-Kona or Whistler in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kailua-Kona and Whistler. Also, many visitors come to Whistler in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Whistler can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Kailua-Kona is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Kailua-Kona average around 74°F (23°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
Kailua-Kona usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during winter. Kailua-Kona gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.
Whistler receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kailua-Kona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kailua-Kona usually receives less rain than Whistler. Kailua-Kona gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)Whistler 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Kailua-Kona or Whistler in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Kailua-Kona as well as Whistler. Also, most visitors come to Whistler for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.
Kailua-Kona is much warmer than Whistler in the spring. The daily temperature in Kailua-Kona averages around 74°F (24°C) in April, and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
In the spring, Kailua-Kona often gets less sunshine than Whistler. Kailua-Kona gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Whistler. Kailua-Kona usually gets less rain in April than Whistler. Kailua-Kona gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)Whistler 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Whistler and Kailua-Kona
| Kailua-Kona | Whistler | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
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.