A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint John vs. Kailua-Kona for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Saint John 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 Saint John 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: Saint John or Kailua-Kona?

Saint John

With the popularity of the Caribbean rising, many islands have become touristy and expensive – but not St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

At only nine miles long and five miles wide, St. John is the smallest of the Virgin Islands, and, many argue, the prettiest. It's the kind of place that has maintained it's cultural identity, but still welcomes visitors from all over the world. With a population of just 5,000, the residents of St. John know everyone and everything happening on the island.

This island is perfect for people who want an undisturbed island getaway at any price. Between resorts and campgrounds there is a spot for everyone on St. John.

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.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Saint John or Kailua-Kona?

Kailua-Kona has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint John experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Saint John or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint John and Kailua-Kona. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John year-round.

Saint John is a little warmer than Kailua-Kona in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint John averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

In July, Saint John usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Saint John gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint John or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint John as well as Kailua-Kona. Saint John attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Saint John is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint John in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (26°C).

Saint John receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Saint John usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Saint John gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint John or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?

Both Kailua-Kona and Saint John are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John throughout the year.

In January, Saint John is generally a little warmer than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Saint John average around 26°C (78°F), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kailua-Kona. In January, Saint John usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Saint John gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint John or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?

Both Kailua-Kona and Saint John during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Saint John is a little warmer than Kailua-Kona in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint John averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

Saint John usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kailua-Kona. Saint John gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Saint John