Sign in Subscribe

Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit Kona

Searching for the cheapest and most expensive times to visit Kona? This guide covers Big Island’s peak travel seasons and major holidays so you know when prices and crowds will be at their highest.

Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit Kona

Most Expensive Time to Visit Kona

The most expensive time to visit Kona is during its winter and summer peak travel seasons, along with major holidays that bring heavy crowds to the Big Island. These times see the highest demand for flights into Kona International Airport (KOA), rental cars, and beachfront resorts.

  • Winter Peak Season (Mid-December – March)
    Snowbirds escape the cold U.S. mainland for Kona’s warm weather. Whale-watching season adds to demand, and hotels sell out months in advance.
  • Summer Peak Season (June – August)
    Families on summer vacation head to the Big Island, filling beaches and resorts along Kailua-Kona’s coast.
  • Christmas & New Year (Mid-December – Early January)
    One of the busiest times of year. Resorts and vacation rentals are often booked solid, especially for holiday celebrations.
  • Ironman World Championship (October)
    Kona’s signature international triathlon brings thousands of athletes, media, and fans to the area. Hotels, Airbnbs, and car rentals become scarce.
  • Merrie Monarch Festival (Late March – Early April, nearby Hilo)
    Hawaii’s most prestigious hula competition takes place in Hilo but causes a major spike in statewide travel, including Kona accommodations.

Cheapest Time to Visit Kona

The cheapest time to visit Kona falls during spring and fall shoulder seasons, plus brief lulls after the holiday rush. Prices drop significantly, and you’ll find quieter beaches and easier bookings.

  • Late Spring (April – May)
    After winter travelers leave but before summer crowds arrive, airfare and hotels dip to some of their lowest levels.
  • Fall Shoulder Season (September – Mid-December, excluding Ironman week)
    Warm weather remains, but tourism slows. Great time for snorkeling, volcano visits, and fewer crowds at Kona coffee farms.
  • Late Winter (Late January – Early March, outside peak events)
    Following the holiday rush, many deals pop up, though still popular with some whale-watchers.

Price Summary Table for Kona Travel

Time Period Price Level Why It Matters
Mid-Dec – March 💲💲💲 Highest Winter Peak Season, snowbirds, whale watching
June – August 💲💲💲 High Summer Peak Season, family travel
Mid-Dec – Early Jan 💲💲💲 High Christmas & New Year
October 💲💲💲 High Ironman World Championship
Late March – Early April 💲💲💲 High Merrie Monarch Festival (Hilo, statewide impact)
April – May 💲 Low Spring shoulder season
Sept – Mid-Dec 💲 Low Fall shoulder season (except Ironman week)
Late Jan – Early March 💲 Low Post-holiday quiet period

How To Save Money When Visiting Kona?

To save money, avoid the winter snowbird rush (December–March), summer family travel (June–August), and major events like Ironman (October). Instead, aim for spring (April–May) or fall (September–November) for smaller crowds, better deals, and equally great weather.

Discover More About Hawaii

Best Areas To Stay On The Island Of Hawaii (Big Island)
In this guide we cover the best areas to stay on the Big Island of Hawaii
Jetsetter AlertsJetsetter Alerts
Hawaii’s Best Golf Courses: Tee Off in Paradise
Hawaii offers a golfer’s paradise like no other, as the island boast a variety of world-class golf courses where you can enjoy breathtaking ocean views, and lush fairways. Let’s look at some of the best golf courses on the Hawaiian Islands.
Jetsetter AlertsKylie Jones
14-Day Hawaii Travel Itinerary: Kauai, Oahu, and Maui
My recent two-week vacation to the Hawaii islands, a review of the things I did, and a breakdown of my travel itinerary so that you can replicate the same trip.
Jetsetter AlertsSara Miller

Airline Mistake Fares