Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Negril?
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 Negril or Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Negril and Kailua-Kona. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Negril or Kailua-Kona?
Negril
Negril is a town in western Jamaica known for its miles of white sand beaches and cliffs. It is certainly one of the more laid back towns on the island yet still attracts a lot of tourists. The hotels are as close to the water as you can get, and the sand gets whiter and whiter the further away from populated areas you get. The water is unbelievably clear and warm in Negril!
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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.
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Negril Prices
Jamaica PricesKailua-Kona Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $150Kailua-Kona $274
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $150, 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 Negril and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $102Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $204Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Negril and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Negril 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.
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: Negril Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.39Kailua-Kona $45
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Negril
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Negril:
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Taxi From Airport$13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Negril
Also for Negril, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Grand Palladium Jamaica - Lady Hamilton Airport Transfer MBJ ***: $15
- Comfortable Montego Bay Airport to Grand Palladium Transfer 1 Way: $23
- Grand Palladium Private Airport Transfer: $25
- MBJ Airport Private transfers to any Hotels in Negril: $29
- Grand Palladium Jamaica Private Transfers : $29
- Grand Palladium Private Transfers from MBJ Airport: $30
- Comfortable Montego Bay Airport to Negril Resorts Transfer 1 way: $33
- MBJ Airport Private Transfers to any Negril Hotels: $34
- Grand Palladium Airport Transfer: $37
- Round-Trip or Direct Private Airport Transfer to Lucea Resorts: $37
- Private Transfer from MBJ Airport to Grand Palladium Hotel: $38
- Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium: $40
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Negril 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 dayNegril $38Kailua-Kona $100
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Negril
For Negril, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner in the Sky Jamaica Round Trip Taxi & Guide only: $42
- The Jungle Nightclub Experience with Optional Dinner in Negril: $80
- Zimbali Mountain Cooking Studio: $105
- Local food tour and local fields : $164
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $26Kailua-Kona $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Negril
For Negril, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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2 Hr Horseback Ride$42
Tours and Activities in Negril
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Negril.
- Rockland's Bird Sanctuary Tour from Montego Bay/ Falmouth: $56
- Private Seven Mile Beach and Rick’s Café Tour From Negril Hotels: $59
- Negril Beach Experience & Rick's Cafe from Negril: $59
- Private Negril Beach Experience and Rick's Cafe from Negril: $60
- Buddle's Taxi and Tours : $60
- Rick's Cafe Sunset Cruise : $60
- Negril Glass Bottom Boat Tour Snorkeling and Booby Cay: $65
- Private Negril Highlights Tour: $75
- Zimbali's Rasta Tour Lunch: $75
- Private Guided 2-Hour Tour in Montego Bay: $77
- Rose Hall Great House and Glistening Waters Luminous Lagoon Tour : $80
- Negril Country Side Tour & Rick's Cafe : $82
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $9.74Kailua-Kona $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Negril
Also in Negril, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Negril One Love Bus Bar Crawl: $26
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. And not only is Negril much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Negril is in Caribbean Islands and Kailua-Kona is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Negril would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Negril 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 Negril.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Negril Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Negril or Kailua-Kona?
Kailua-Kona has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril 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 Negril or Kailua-Kona?
Kailua-Kona has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Negril experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Negril or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
Both Kailua-Kona and Negril during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Negril because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).
It's quite sunny in Negril. In the summer, Negril often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Negril gets 257 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 Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in July than Kailua-Kona. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNegril 27°C (81°F)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Negril or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Kailua-Kona. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round.
Negril is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during autumn. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Negril usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNegril 27°C (81°F)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Negril or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Negril as well as Kailua-Kona. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Negril is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Negril in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (23°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the winter, Negril often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kailua-Kona. Negril usually gets less rain in January than Kailua-Kona. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNegril 25°C (77°F)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Negril or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
Both Kailua-Kona and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year.
In April, Negril is generally a little warmer than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 26°C (79°F), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during spring. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Negril. In April, Negril usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNegril 26°C (79°F)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Negril
| Negril | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (87 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.