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

Should you visit Panama City or Kailua-Kona?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City 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: Panama City or Kailua-Kona?

Panama City

As the tropical breeze kisses your face amidst the never-ending rows of palm trees and high-rise beach condos, you find both pleasure and peace in this popular beach vacation spot. Such a city could be no place else than Panama City, Florida, located on the Florida Panhandle on the Gulf Coast. The entire region is known for it's calm beach with white sand, blue water, and spring break and summer vacation fun. Panama City offers a multitude of hotels, parks, beaches, and restaurants to make it a prime destination to both party and relax. However, as you explore the city, you will find that Panama City acquires its own diverse, vibrant character unique to other beach towns. Bring out the fishing rods and boogie boards and take advantage of one of Florida's most popular destinations! It's a great destination for families, kids, younger travelers, singles, couples, and retirees alike.

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 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Panama City and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Panama City or Kailua-Kona?

Panama City has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Panama 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 Panama 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 Panama City or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Kailua-Kona. The summer months attract visitors to Panama City because of the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Panama City is generally around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 82°F (28°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during summer. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

Panama City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Panama City usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Kailua-Kona. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Panama City this time of year.

Panama City is cooler than Kailua-Kona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Panama City this time of the year. In the autumn, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Kailua-Kona and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Panama City for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Panama City is much colder than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Panama City in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (23°C).

Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during winter. Panama City gets 185 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, Panama City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kailua-Kona. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Kailua-Kona and Panama City during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Panama City in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Panama City is generally cooler than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 68°F (20°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Panama City. In the spring, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets less rain in April than Kailua-Kona. Panama City 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 Panama City