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

Should you visit Roanoke or Kailua-Kona?

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

Should I visit Roanoke 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: Roanoke or Kailua-Kona?

Roanoke

Roanoke is a charming city located in the western region of the U.S. state of Virginia. Sometimes called the "Star City of the South" or the "Magic City," Roanoke lies in the scenic Roanoke Valley with Mill Mountain as a local icon, topped with a lighted 100-foot star. The city itself is home to many museums and opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Roanoke or Kailua-Kona?

Roanoke has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Roanoke 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 Roanoke or Kailua-Kona?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Roanoke or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?

Both Kailua-Kona and Roanoke during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Roanoke for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Roanoke is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Roanoke in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Roanoke. In the summer, Roanoke often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Roanoke gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. Roanoke usually gets more rain in July than Kailua-Kona. Roanoke gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Roanoke or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Roanoke and Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to Roanoke in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Roanoke is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Roanoke average around 60°F (16°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In Roanoke, it's very sunny this time of the year. Roanoke usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during autumn. Roanoke gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Roanoke usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Roanoke gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Roanoke or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Roanoke as well as Kailua-Kona. Most visitors come to Roanoke for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Roanoke can be very cold during winter. Roanoke is much colder than Kailua-Kona in the winter. The daily temperature in Roanoke averages around 38°F (3°C) in January, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

In the winter, Roanoke often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kailua-Kona. Roanoke gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kailua-Kona. Roanoke usually gets less rain in January than Kailua-Kona. Roanoke gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Roanoke or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?

Both Kailua-Kona and Roanoke are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In the spring, Roanoke is much colder than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Roanoke in April average around 59°F (15°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. Roanoke usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during spring. Roanoke gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Roanoke usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kailua-Kona. Roanoke gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Roanoke