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

Should you visit San Fernando or Kailua-Kona?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Fernando or Kailua-Kona, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: San Fernando or Kailua-Kona?

San Fernando

As the industrial capital of Trinidad & Tobago, San Fernando is an oil city which attracts more business visitors than tourists. While it is primarily focused on industry, the city has a certain charm with its old buildings and sloping streets that frame pretty views of the sea. It is the big city of Trinidad's southern half with plenty to offer in nightlife, especially during Carnival.

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 San Fernando and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. And not only is San Fernando much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since San Fernando 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 San Fernando would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Fernando 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 San Fernando.

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

Which is Bigger, San Fernando or Kailua-Kona?

San Fernando has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of San Fernando 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 San Fernando or Kailua-Kona?

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

Should I visit San Fernando or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?

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

In July, San Fernando is generally around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in San Fernando average around 27°C (81°F), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in San Fernando. In the summer, San Fernando often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. San Fernando gets 206 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 San Fernando. San Fernando usually gets more rain in July than Kailua-Kona. San Fernando gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Fernando or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both San Fernando and Kailua-Kona. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Fernando year-round.

San Fernando is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Fernando averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In San Fernando, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Fernando usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during autumn. San Fernando gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.

San Fernando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, San Fernando usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. San Fernando gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit San Fernando or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to San Fernando as well as Kailua-Kona. San Fernando attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the winter, San Fernando is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Fernando in January average around 26°C (78°F), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Fernando this time of the year. In the winter, San Fernando often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. San Fernando gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kailua-Kona. San Fernando usually gets less rain in January than Kailua-Kona. San Fernando gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Fernando or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?

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

In April, San Fernando is generally a little warmer than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in San Fernando average around 27°C (81°F), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Fernando. San Fernando usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during spring. San Fernando gets 238 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, San Fernando usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. San Fernando gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and San Fernando