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

Should you visit Norfolk or Kailua-Kona?

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

Should I visit Norfolk 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: Norfolk or Kailua-Kona?

Norfolk

The city of Norfolk in the U.S. state of Virginia is a port city holding a large Navy and shipping presence in its harbor. With a long history as a strategic military point, Norfolk is home to the largest Navy base in the world, Naval Station Norfolk. Other attractions include opportunities for dining, shopping, and entertainment as well as many parks and memorials.

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 Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Norfolk or Kailua-Kona?

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Norfolk and Kailua-Kona. Many travelers come to Norfolk for the family-friendly experiences.

Norfolk is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona in the summer. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

In Norfolk, it's very sunny this time of the year. Norfolk usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during summer. Norfolk gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

Norfolk gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Norfolk gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Norfolk as well as Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to Norfolk in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Norfolk is much colder than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Norfolk in October average around 62°F (16°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Norfolk this time of the year. In the autumn, Norfolk often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Norfolk gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun.

Norfolk usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Norfolk gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

Norfolk can be very cold during winter. In January, Norfolk is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 39°F (4°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

Norfolk usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kailua-Kona during winter. Norfolk gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kailua-Kona. In January, Norfolk usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Norfolk gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Kailua-Kona and Norfolk during the spring are popular places to visit.

Norfolk is much colder than Kailua-Kona in the spring. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 58°F (14°C) in April, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Norfolk. In the spring, Norfolk often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Norfolk gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun.

Norfolk usually gets less rain in April than Kailua-Kona. Norfolk gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Norfolk