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

Should you visit Marathon or Kailua-Kona?

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

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

Marathon

You step outside your deluxe suite onto the balcony and are greeted with nothing less than tropical perfection. The hum of the ocean, the whispers of the palm trees, the songs of the seagulls - you bask in this paradise otherwise known as Marathon, Florida. A 10-mile-long island, the chain contains Vaca Key, Fat Deer Key and Grassy Key, along with Duck Key just another few minutes up the road.

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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Kailua-Kona?

Marathon has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Marathon 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 Marathon 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 Marathon or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?

Both Kailua-Kona and Marathon during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Marathon because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Marathon is a little warmer than Kailua-Kona in the summer. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Marathon. In the summer, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Marathon gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun.

Marathon usually gets more rain in July than Kailua-Kona. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Kailua-Kona. The natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marathon this time of year.

In the autumn, Marathon is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marathon in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (26°C).

In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during autumn. Marathon gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Marathon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Marathon usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Kailua-Kona. Many travelers come to Marathon for the cuisine.

In January, Marathon is generally around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 70°F (21°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In the winter, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Marathon gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kailua-Kona. Marathon usually gets less rain in January than Kailua-Kona. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Kailua-Kona and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Marathon in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Marathon is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona in the spring. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during spring. Marathon gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marathon usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Marathon