Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Ponce?
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 Ponce or Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Ponce and Kailua-Kona can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Ponce or Kailua-Kona?
Ponce
Ponce is on the south coast of Puerto Rico. It's the second largest city on the island and has been around since 1692 when it was originally founded by Ponce de Leon's grandson Juan Ponce de Leon y Loayza. The city has several nicknames, including La Perla del Sur (The Pearl of the South), La Ciudad Senorial (The Noble, or Lordly, City), and La Ciudad de las Quenepas (Genip City).
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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Ponce Prices
Puerto Rico PricesKailua-Kona Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPonce $230Kailua-Kona $274
The average daily cost (per person) in Ponce is $230, 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 Ponce and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPonce $151Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPonce $302Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Ponce and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Ponce 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: Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ponce $10Kailua-Kona $45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:
- San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
- Isabela / Hatillo to Aguadilla Airport(BQN) - DepartureTransfer: $44
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
- Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
- Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
- Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
- Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
- Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
- Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
- Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
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 Ponce or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Ponce 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 dayPonce $61Kailua-Kona $100
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ponce
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ponce.
- Latin Night with Dinner and Local Music with Transportation: $59
- Puerto Rico Art and Wine Dinner with One Way Transportation: $89
- Private Cooking Class with a Fun Local in San German, Puerto Rico: $96
- Private Half-Day Island Authentic Food Tour : $130
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.Ponce $56Kailua-Kona $40
Tours and Activities in Ponce
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ponce are as follows:
- Private Sunset Walking Tour in San Juan: $25
- Guided Walking Tour in Ponce: $30
- Historical Walking Tour in Old San Juan: $30
- La Perla Cultural Tour: $35
- Prive Tours in Puerto Rico: $40
- Las Tinajas Waterfall: Guided Short Hike Adventure from Fajardo: $55
- Walking Guided Tour of History and Myths of Old San Juan : $60
- 2.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour of Old San Juan: $65
- Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $65
- Half-Day Small-Group River Experience in El Yunque with Local : $68
- El Yunque Rainforest, Waterslides & Beach Tour from San Juan: $75
- Party Bus Experience in San Juan, Puerto Rico: $79
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 dayPonce $16Kailua-Kona $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Ponce
Also in Ponce, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Artisan Puertorrican Winery and Distillery Tour: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ponce and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. And not only is Ponce much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ponce 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 Ponce would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ponce 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 Ponce.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ponce Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ponce or Kailua-Kona?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Ponce 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 Ponce or Kailua-Kona?
Kailua-Kona has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Ponce experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Ponce or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
Both Kailua-Kona and Ponce are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
In July, Ponce is generally a little warmer than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 28°C (83°F), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. Ponce usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during summer. Ponce gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Ponce usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Ponce gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPonce 28°C (83°F)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
Both Kailua-Kona and Ponce during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Ponce is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
It's quite sunny in Ponce. In the autumn, Ponce often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Ponce gets 235 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 Ponce. Ponce usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Ponce gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPonce 28°C (82°F)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ponce and Kailua-Kona. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
In the winter, Ponce is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ponce in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (23°C).
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ponce usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during winter. Ponce gets 240 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. In January, Ponce usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Ponce gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPonce 25°C (77°F)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ponce as well as Kailua-Kona. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Ponce is generally a little warmer than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 26°C (79°F), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In the spring, Ponce often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Ponce gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun.
Ponce usually gets less rain in April than Kailua-Kona. Ponce gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPonce 26°C (79°F)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Ponce
| Ponce | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.