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

Should you visit Redwood National Park 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 Redwood National Park 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: Redwood National Park or Kailua-Kona?

Redwood National Park

Without a doubt, the Redwoods region of California is known for its trees, some of the tallest and most massive growing trees in the world, many reaching over 300 feet tall. Redwood National Park was established in 1968, but the surrounding State Parks of which it is comprised date back to the 1920s. In addition to the famous trees, these old-growth forests are home to indigenous flora, fauna, grassland prairie, cultural resources, portions of rivers and streams, and 37 miles of Pacific coastline.

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 in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

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

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Redwood National Park and Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to Redwood National Park in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Redwood National Park is much colder than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Redwood National Park in July average around 57°F (14°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (25°C).

In Redwood National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. Redwood National Park usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during summer. Redwood National Park gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Redwood National Park usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Redwood National Park gets 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Redwood National Park as well as Kailua-Kona. Most visitors come to Redwood National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Redwood National Park is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Redwood National Park average around 55°F (13°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In the autumn, Redwood National Park often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Redwood National Park gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun.

Redwood National Park usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Redwood National Park gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Kailua-Kona and Redwood National Park are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

Redwood National Park is much colder than Kailua-Kona in the winter. The daily temperature in Redwood National Park averages around 48°F (9°C) in January, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

Redwood National Park usually receives less sunshine than Kailua-Kona during winter. Redwood National Park gets 135 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. It's quite rainy in Redwood National Park. In January, Redwood National Park usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Redwood National Park gets 6 inches (152 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Kailua-Kona and Redwood National Park during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Redwood National Park this time of year.

In the spring, Redwood National Park is much colder than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Redwood National Park in April average around 50°F (10°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Redwood National Park. In the spring, Redwood National Park often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Redwood National Park gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun.

Redwood National Park usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kailua-Kona. Redwood National Park gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Redwood National Park