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

Should you visit Ocean City or Kailua-Kona?

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

Should I visit Ocean City 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: Ocean City or Kailua-Kona?

Ocean City

One of the most popular vacation areas of the U.S. east coast, Ocean City is a long-time resort town, taking roots as a getaway when the first beach-front cottage was built in 1869. The destination sits on a strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and the Isle of Wight Bay. The Atlantic Hotel was the first major hotel, built in 1875 and still in business today. It has been family owned and operated since Charles W. Purnell bought it in 1923.

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 Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Kailua-Kona?

Kailua-Kona has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City 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 Ocean City 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 Ocean City or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?

Both Kailua-Kona and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ocean City is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocean City in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (25°C).

It's quite rainy in Ocean City. In July, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ocean City or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?

Both Kailua-Kona and Ocean City during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Ocean City is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 58°F (14°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Kailua-Kona. Most visitors come to Ocean City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ocean City can be very cold during winter. Ocean City is much colder than Kailua-Kona in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 35°F (2°C) in January, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

Kailua-Kona receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Ocean City usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ocean City or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Kailua-Kona. The spring months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the beaches.

In the spring, Ocean City is much colder than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocean City in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (24°C).

Ocean City usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kailua-Kona. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Ocean City