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

Should you visit New Bern or Kailua-Kona?

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

Should I visit New Bern 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: New Bern or Kailua-Kona?

New Bern

New Bern is a town in the coastal region of North Carolina. The town, which has a population of about 30,000, is the county seat of Craven County. It sits at the confluence of the Trent and Neuse Rivers close to the North Carolina coast, although there is no coastline in town. The town makes a nice daytrip from Raleigh, which is 112 miles away, and Wilmington, which is 87 miles away. It's also 162 miles from Norfolk, Virginia.

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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, New Bern or Kailua-Kona?

New Bern has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of New Bern 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 New Bern or Kailua-Kona?

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 New Bern or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both New Bern and Kailua-Kona. Many travelers come to New Bern for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

New Bern is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona in the summer. The daily temperature in New Bern averages around 80°F (27°C) in July, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

New Bern gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, New Bern usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. New Bern gets 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit New Bern or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to New Bern as well as Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to New Bern in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, New Bern is cooler than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New Bern in October average around 65°F (18°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (26°C).

New Bern usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. New Bern gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Bern or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?

Both Kailua-Kona and New Bern are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to New Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, New Bern is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in New Bern average around 44°F (7°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kailua-Kona. It's quite rainy in New Bern. In January, New Bern usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kailua-Kona. New Bern gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit New Bern or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?

Both Kailua-Kona and New Bern during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to New Bern because of the small town charm.

New Bern is cooler than Kailua-Kona in the spring. The daily temperature in New Bern averages around 62°F (16°C) in April, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

New Bern usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kailua-Kona. New Bern gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and New Bern