Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Ocho Rios?
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 Ocho Rios or Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios 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: Ocho Rios or Kailua-Kona?
Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios, or "Ochi" is a town located on the northeastern shore of Jamaica and is a popular hub for cruise ships. It is a great destination for tourists as it has many resorts and beautiful beaches.
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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Ocho Rios Prices
Jamaica PricesKailua-Kona Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOcho Rios $85Kailua-Kona $274
The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $85, 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 Ocho Rios and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOcho Rios $51Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOcho Rios $102Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios 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: Ocho Rios Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ocho Rios $7.32Kailua-Kona $45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios
Also for Ocho Rios, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Ian Fleming Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay: $15
- Montego Bay Airport (MBJ) Transfer One-Way or Round-Trip to Hotel: $16
- Private Transfer to Mystic Mountain from Ocho Rios: $20
- Private Round Trip Transfer to YAAMAN Adventure Park Ocho Rios: $27
- Private Transfer to Konoko Falls Botanical Gardens: $27
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Dunns River Climb and Zipline over the Falls! : $34
- Private Round Trip Transfer for Jamaican Jerk at Scotchie's Ocho Rios: $36
- Private Transfer to Beach Horse Back Ride and Swim: $40
- Private Transfer to ATV dirt road Adventures.: $40
- Runaway Bay Airport Transfer: $48
- Round-Trip or Direct Private Airport Transfers to Runaway Bay: $50
- Private Nightclub Tour with Transfer from Ocho Rios, Runaway Bay: $52
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 Ocho Rios or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Ocho Rios 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 dayOcho Rios $28Kailua-Kona $100
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.Ocho Rios $15Kailua-Kona $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ocho Rios
For Ocho Rios, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Tour of Brimmer Hall Estate$11
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Admission to Coyaba Gardens$5.27
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Tour of Prospect Plantation$17
Tours and Activities in Ocho Rios
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ocho Rios.
- Ocho Rios Shopping Tour : $21
- Blue Hole Admission Fee Ticket: $25
- Original Blue Hole St. Ann Ocho Rios Jamaica Admission Fee Ticket: $25
- Ocho Rios City Bus Tour (Beach, Sightseeing & Shopping): $40
- Skip-The-Line: Dunn's River Falls Adventure Tour from Ocho Rios: $40
- Transportation to Horse Back Ride & Swim Adventure from Ocho Rios: $45
- Luminous lagoon Private & Group tour from Runaway Bay: $45
- Dunn's River Falls and Blue Hole Private Tour from Ocho Rios: $50
- Shopping and Sightseeing Tour in Ocho Rios: $50
- Jamaican Escapade Experience Dunn's River's Natural Majesty: $50
- Blue hole waterfalls tour from Ocho Rios : $51
- Private Ocho Rios highlights and beach day tour: $51
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 dayOcho Rios $7.43Kailua-Kona $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Ocho Rios
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ocho Rios:
- Bar Hopping, Pub Crawl, Shopping and Sightseeing Tour Ocho Rios: $100
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ocho Rios and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. And not only is Ocho Rios much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ocho Rios Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Kailua-Kona?
Kailua-Kona has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios or Kailua-Kona?
Kailua-Kona has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Ocho Rios experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
Both Kailua-Kona and Ocho Rios during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocho Rios in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (25°C).
It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the summer, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun.
Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in July than Kailua-Kona. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 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 JulyOcho Rios 29°C (83°F)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Kailua-Kona. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round.
In October, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 28°C (82°F), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during autumn. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Ocho Rios gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ocho Rios usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 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 OctoberOcho Rios 28°C (82°F)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Kailua-Kona. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Kailua-Kona in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the winter, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kailua-Kona. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in January than Kailua-Kona. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 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 JanuaryOcho Rios 26°C (79°F)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
Both Kailua-Kona and Ocho Rios are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year.
In the spring, Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocho Rios in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (24°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during spring. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 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 AprilOcho Rios 26°C (80°F)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Ocho Rios
| Ocho Rios | Kailua-Kona | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 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.