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

Should you visit Key Largo or Kailua-Kona?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Key Largo and Kailua-Kona can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Key Largo or Kailua-Kona?

Key Largo

As the lustrous emerald waters ebb and flow against your sandy toes, you find yourself cooled by the gentle breeze as you bask under a golden sun. To you, it's paradise. To everyone else, it's Key Largo. Located in the northernmost of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is known as the dive capital of the world due to its well-preserved coral reefs and clear waters. Just an hour-drive from South Florida's major airports, Key Largo boasts in containing a vast biodiversity, such as tropical hardwoods, creeks, two state parks, a national park, and a portion of a national marine sanctuary. Besides its natural beauty, Key Largo is overflowing with top restaurants and chic boutiques. It is no wonder that Key Largo became a hotspot for Hollywood beach scenes, with even a movie holding its namesake! Whether you look to get your fun by land or by water, there is something for everyone at Key Largo!

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.


Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Key Largo?

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

  • Key Largo Prices
    USA Prices
    Kailua-Kona Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Key Largo $256
    Kailua-Kona $274

The average daily cost (per person) in Key Largo is $256, 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 Key Largo and Kailua-Kona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Key Largo $117
    Kailua-Kona $141
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Key Largo $234
    Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Key Largo and Kailua-Kona

Looking for a hotel in Key Largo 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 Key Largo


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: Key Largo Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Key Largo $56
    Kailua-Kona $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key Largo

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

  • Key Largo Private Transfers (up to 14 passengers): $142

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 Key Largo or Kailua-Kona?

Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Key Largo 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
    Key Largo $104
    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.
    Key Largo $27
    Kailua-Kona $40

Tours and Activities in Key Largo

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

  • Florida Key West Self-Guided Driving Tour (7 Mile Bridge): $17
  • Ultimate Florida Self Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour Bundle: $40
  • Key Largo Coral Reef Glass Bottom Boat Adventure : $45
  • Small Group Florida Keys Eco Tour by Boat: $60
  • Key Largo Sunset Cruise: $60
  • Snorkel Tours to Shallow Coral Reefs at Pennekamp Underwater Park: $64
  • Sunset Cruise: $65
  • Boat Eco Tour: $65
  • Key Largo Day Tour: $65
  • Key Largo Bay Sunset Tour: $66
  • Mangroves and Manatees - Guided Kayak Eco Tour: $67
  • Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Adventure in Key Largo: $68

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
    Key Largo $24
    Kailua-Kona $15


When comparing the travel costs between Key Largo 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 Key Largo Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Kailua-Kona?

Key Largo has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo 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 Key Largo 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 Key Largo or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?

Both Kailua-Kona and Key Largo during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Key Largo for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Key Largo is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Key Largo in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Key Largo. In the summer, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually gets more rain in July than Kailua-Kona. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Key Largo 82°F (28°C) 
    Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Kailua-Kona.

In October, Key Largo is generally around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 78°F (26°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during autumn. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Key Largo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Key Largo 78°F (26°C) 
    Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Kailua-Kona. The cuisine are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year.

Key Largo is cooler than Kailua-Kona in the winter. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 67°F (19°C) in January, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key Largo this time of the year. In the winter, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Key Largo gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kailua-Kona. Key Largo usually gets less rain in January than Kailua-Kona. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Key Largo 67°F (19°C) 
    Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?

Both Kailua-Kona and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Key Largo for the beaches.

In the spring, Key Largo is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Key Largo in April average around 74°F (24°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during spring. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Key Largo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kailua-Kona. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Key Largo 74°F (24°C) 
    Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Key Largo

Key Largo Kailua-Kona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 76°F (24°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 77°F (25°C) 1.8 inches (47 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 78°F (25°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 78°F (26°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 79°F (26°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 78°F (26°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)