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

Should you visit Kennebunkport or Kailua-Kona?

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

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Kailua-Kona? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Kennebunkport or Kailua-Kona?

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a beautiful coastal town in southern Maine that attracts a number of tourists who enjoy it's quaint atmosphere, upscale shopping, and great restaurants. While the town's history is grounded in the shipbuilding and fishing industries, it long ago became a summer holiday destination for wealthy New Englanders. The town is now one of the wealthiest areas in the state of Maine. It's also notable as the location of Walker's Point, which is a vacation estate for the Bush Family.

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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Kennebunkport?

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

  • Kennebunkport Prices
    USA Prices
    Kailua-Kona Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Kennebunkport $269
    Kailua-Kona $274

The average daily cost (per person) in Kennebunkport is $269, while the average daily cost in Kailua-Kona is $274. 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 Kennebunkport and Kailua-Kona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kennebunkport $124
    Kailua-Kona $141
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kennebunkport $248
    Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Kennebunkport and Kailua-Kona

Looking for a hotel in Kennebunkport or Kailua-Kona? 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 Kennebunkport


Hotels in Kailua-Kona


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: Kennebunkport Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kennebunkport $49
    Kailua-Kona $45

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

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

Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Kennebunkport 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
    Kennebunkport $115
    Kailua-Kona $100

Typical Food Prices in Kailua-Kona

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


  • Buffet Breakfast for Two
    $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kennebunkport $21
    Kailua-Kona $40

Tours and Activities in Kennebunkport

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kennebunkport.

  • 90 Minutes Ghost Walking Tour in Kennebunkport: $35
  • Haunted Ghost Walking Tour: $35
  • 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour: $50
  • From Boston: Kennebunkport Day Trip & Optional Trolley Tour: $125
  • Kennebunkport, Maine: Lunchtime Culinary Walking Tour: $150
  • A Tasty Lunchtime Walking Tour: $160

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kennebunkport $31
    Kailua-Kona $15


When comparing the travel costs between Kennebunkport and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona 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 Kennebunkport Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kennebunkport or Kailua-Kona?

Kailua-Kona has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Kennebunkport. When comparing the sizes of Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?

Both Kailua-Kona and Kennebunkport during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kennebunkport for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Kennebunkport is cooler than Kailua-Kona in the summer. The daily temperature in Kennebunkport averages around 69°F (20°C) in July, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Kennebunkport. In the summer, Kennebunkport often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Kennebunkport gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun.

Kennebunkport usually gets more rain in July than Kailua-Kona. Kennebunkport gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kennebunkport 69°F (20°C) 
    Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kennebunkport and Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to Kennebunkport in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Kennebunkport is much colder than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kennebunkport in October average around 49°F (9°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (26°C).

Kennebunkport usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during autumn. Kennebunkport gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kennebunkport usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Kennebunkport gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kennebunkport 49°F (9°C) 
    Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Kennebunkport as well as Kailua-Kona. Most visitors come to Kennebunkport for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kennebunkport can be very cold during winter. In January, Kennebunkport is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Kennebunkport average around 21°F (-6°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

In the winter, Kennebunkport often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kailua-Kona. Kennebunkport gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kailua-Kona. Kennebunkport usually gets less rain in January than Kailua-Kona. Kennebunkport gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kennebunkport 21°F (-6°C) 
    Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)

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

Both Kailua-Kona and Kennebunkport are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Kennebunkport because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Kennebunkport is much colder than Kailua-Kona in the spring. The daily temperature in Kennebunkport averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kennebunkport. Kennebunkport usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during spring. Kennebunkport gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kennebunkport usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Kennebunkport gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kennebunkport 43°F (6°C) 
    Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport Kailua-Kona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Feb 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Mar 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
May 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 76°F (24°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)
Jun 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 77°F (25°C) 1.8 inches (47 mm)
Jul 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 78°F (25°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 78°F (26°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 79°F (26°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Oct 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 78°F (26°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Nov 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Dec 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)