A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Port-au-Prince vs. Kailua-Kona for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Port-au-Prince or Kailua-Kona?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Port-au-Prince and Kailua-Kona. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Port-au-Prince or Kailua-Kona?

Port-au-Prince

Port-au-Prince is the capital city and most-populous city of Haiti. The metropolitan area is divided into several districts with access to a number of landmarks and museums, as well as a lively cultural scene.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Port-au-Prince?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Port-au-Prince Prices
    Haiti Prices
    Kailua-Kona Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Port-au-Prince $31
    Kailua-Kona $274

The average daily cost (per person) in Port-au-Prince is $31, 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 Port-au-Prince and Kailua-Kona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Port-au-Prince $22
    Kailua-Kona $141
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Port-au-Prince $44
    Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Port-au-Prince and Kailua-Kona

Looking for a hotel in Port-au-Prince 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.

Hotels in Port-au-Prince


Hotels in Kailua-Kona


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Port-au-Prince $4.77
    Kailua-Kona $45

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kailua-Kona

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:


  • Rental Car for One Day
    $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Port-au-Prince or Kailua-Kona?

Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Port-au-Prince 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Port-au-Prince $6.45
    Kailua-Kona $100

Typical Food Prices in Kailua-Kona

Some typical examples of dining costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:


  • Buffet Breakfast for Two
    $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Port-au-Prince $0.76
    Kailua-Kona $40

Typical Entertainment Prices in Kailua-Kona

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kailua-Kona are as follows:


  • Diving with Manta Rays for Two
    $162
  • Body Board Rental (1 Day)
    $12
  • 1 Day Kayak Rental
    $47
  • 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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Port-au-Prince $0.20
    Kailua-Kona $15


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

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


Which is Bigger, Port-au-Prince or Kailua-Kona?

Port-au-Prince has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Port-au-Prince 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.