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

Should you visit Wisconsin Dells or Kailua-Kona?

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

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells 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: Wisconsin Dells or Kailua-Kona?

Wisconsin Dells

Located in central Wisconsin, Wisconsin Dells offers natural beauty, fun rivers, and some of the area's most famous theme parks. Wisconsin Dells is one of the two towns that make up "The Dells." The other town, Lake Delton, is another popular Midwestern tourist spot.

Wisconsin Dells is about an hour north of Madison and two hours from Milwaukee. It's famous for its striking rock formations and scenic bluffs. The town's name comes from the Dells of the Wisconsin River, which is an impressive gorge that was originally formed by a glacier.

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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Wisconsin Dells or Kailua-Kona?

Kailua-Kona has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Wisconsin Dells and Kailua-Kona. Many travelers come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Wisconsin Dells is generally around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Wisconsin Dells average around 74°F (24°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

In Wisconsin Dells, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wisconsin Dells usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during summer. Wisconsin Dells gets 309 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Wisconsin Dells usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Wisconsin Dells gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Wisconsin Dells as well as Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to Wisconsin Dells in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Wisconsin Dells is much colder than Kailua-Kona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Wisconsin Dells averages around 52°F (11°C) in October, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In the autumn, Wisconsin Dells often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Wisconsin Dells gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun.

Wisconsin Dells usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Wisconsin Dells gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?

Both Kailua-Kona and Wisconsin Dells are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Wisconsin Dells for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Wisconsin Dells can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Wisconsin Dells is much colder than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Wisconsin Dells in January average around 19°F (-7°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (23°C).

Wisconsin Dells usually receives less sunshine than Kailua-Kona during winter. Wisconsin Dells gets 141 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. In January, Wisconsin Dells usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Wisconsin Dells gets 1 inches (25 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?

Both Kailua-Kona and Wisconsin Dells during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Wisconsin Dells is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Wisconsin Dells average around 49°F (10°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Wisconsin Dells. In the spring, Wisconsin Dells often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Wisconsin Dells gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun.

Wisconsin Dells usually gets less rain in April than Kailua-Kona. Wisconsin Dells gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Wisconsin Dells