Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Zion National Park?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Zion National Park or Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Zion National Park 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: Zion National Park or Kailua-Kona?
Zion National Park
Grab your backpack, water bottle and protein bar and prepare yourself for the most humbling and awe-inspiring sights you'll likely ever see. Zion National Park in southern Utah is a favorite for hikers, backpackers and climbers around the world. With the red and white cliffs of Zion Canyon rising high over the Virgin River, meadows of wildflowers, hanging gardens and high plateaus, you'll be hard pressed to find more breathtaking views in the US.
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 for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.
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Zion National Park Prices
USA PricesKailua-Kona Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZion National Park $146Kailua-Kona $274
The average daily cost (per person) in Zion National Park is $146, while the average daily cost in Kailua-Kona is $274. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Zion National Park and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZion National Park $60Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZion National Park $120Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Zion National Park and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Zion National Park or Kailua-Kona? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Zion National Park Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zion National Park $30Kailua-Kona $45
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Rental Car for One Day$35
Is it cheaper to fly into Zion National Park or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Zion National Park change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayZion National Park $64Kailua-Kona $100
Typical Food Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Buffet Breakfast for Two$53
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zion National Park $26Kailua-Kona $40
Tours and Activities in Zion National Park
Here are a few actual costs in Zion National Park for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- East Zion Dark Sky Stargazing Tour: $22
- Zion Canyon Hot Springs Soak Experience: $36
- East Zion East Rim Jeep Tour: $58
- Zion Sunset Jeep Tour: $81
- Harry Potter's Zion Ghost Tour: $85
- Virgin: Zion National Park Off-Road Vehicle Tour & Hike: $89
- From Virgin: Zion Night Sky Jeep Tour with a Telescope: $100
- Peekaboo Slot Canyon Jeep Tour: $104
- Award Winning UTV Slot Canyon Tour: $105
- East Zion Brushy Cove Jeep Tour: $117
- East Zion 2.5 Hour Slot Canyon Canyoneering UTV Tour: $119
- Private Photographers Choice Slot Canyon Tour: $125
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Diving with Manta Rays for Two$162
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Body Board Rental (1 Day)$12
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1 Day Kayak Rental$47
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2 Tank Morning Scuba Dive$115
Tours and Activities in Kailua-Kona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kailua-Kona are as follows:
- From Kona: Volcano & Waterfall Tour, Small Group: $295
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZion National Park $8.28Kailua-Kona $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zion National Park and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. And not only is Zion National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zion National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zion 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 Zion National Park.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zion National Park Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.