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

Should you visit Olympic National Park or Kailua-Kona?

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

Should I visit Olympic National Park 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: Olympic National Park or Kailua-Kona?

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is in Washington State and was originally established as a national monument in 1909. The area is known for its large Sitka spice and Douglas fir trees, which can be found in the Hoh and Queets rainforest valleys on the western side of the park. The area's temperate rainforest climate creates lush thick moss and dense vegetation that gives the setting a fairytale quality.

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 Olympic National Park and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. And not only is Olympic National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Olympic National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park.

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

When is the best time to visit Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?

Both Kailua-Kona and Olympic National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Olympic National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Olympic National Park is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Olympic National Park average around 60°F (15°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Olympic National Park. Olympic National Park usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during summer. Olympic National Park gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Olympic National Park usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Olympic National Park gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Olympic National Park or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?

Both Kailua-Kona and Olympic National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Olympic National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Olympic National Park is much colder than Kailua-Kona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Olympic National Park averages around 51°F (10°C) in October, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In the autumn, Olympic National Park often gets less sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Olympic National Park gets 113 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Olympic National Park. Olympic National Park usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Olympic National Park gets 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Olympic National Park or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?

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

Olympic National Park can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Olympic National Park is much colder than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Olympic National Park in January average around 41°F (5°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (23°C).

Olympic National Park usually receives less sunshine than Kailua-Kona during winter. Olympic National Park gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kailua-Kona receives a lot of rain in the winter. Olympic National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Olympic National Park usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Olympic National Park gets 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Olympic National Park or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Olympic National Park as well as Kailua-Kona. The spring months attract visitors to Olympic National Park because of the natural beauty.

In April, Olympic National Park is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Olympic National Park average around 47°F (8°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

In the spring, Olympic National Park often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Olympic National Park gets 148 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun.

Olympic National Park receives a lot of rain in the spring. Olympic National Park usually gets more rain in April than Kailua-Kona. Olympic National Park gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Olympic National Park