A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Acadia National Park vs. Hilo for Hiking, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Acadia National Park or Hilo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Acadia National Park or Hilo, 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.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a scenic, picturesque, and beautiful national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking.

Hilo

Hilo is a laid back, mellow, and friendly town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and museums.

Acadia National Park and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Acadia National Park or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilo. Although Acadia National Park and Hilo are popular destinations, Hilo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Acadia National Park is famous for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter. Hilo is famous for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also well known for Akaka Falls State Park.

How is Acadia National Park different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hilo and Acadia National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Acadia National Park or Hilo?

Hilo is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hilo. Top museums in and around town include the Lyman Museum, the Pacific Tsunami Museum, Imiloa Astronomy Center, and Mokupapapa Discovery Center.

Acadia National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are educational centers and Ranger Programs at the visitor centers in the park.

Is the Food Better in Acadia National Park or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilo is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Hilo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. This is the largest city on the island and you'll find a restaurant scene that caters to both locals and tourists. There are a number of local dishes that you can try such as Pla Rad Prik (a Thai fish dish), mushroom pot pie, and crab and avocado melt.

Acadia National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There's one restaurant in the park, the Jordan Pond House Restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner between mid-May and October. Many visitors prefer to bring their own food and enjoy meals at one of the six picnic areas.

Is Acadia National Park or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Hilo is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Hilo. It's a town that goes to bed early, but there are some local bars that have a chill and relaxing atmosphere.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Acadia National Park. The park is more about sunsets and stargazing than lively nightlife parties.

Is Acadia National Park or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Hilo is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Acadia National Park is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Hilo as a resort destination, but it has a few places. You'll find more hotels than resorts in town.

Acadia National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Acadia National Park or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a decent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Acadia National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Hilo. Richardsons Ocean Park is the best snorkeling spot nearby but, in general, the water near town has poor visibility because of the frequent rain.

Acadia National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Acadia National Park or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Both Acadia National Park and Hilo have nice beaches worth visiting.

Acadia National Park has a beach worth visiting. There is one oceanside beach in the park, Sand Beach, as well as two lakefront beaches, Echo Lake Beach and Lake Wood. Many visitors enjoy swimming during the warmer months.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Hilo. The town isn't really known for its beaches but there are some decent options if you want to stay nearby and hit the coastline. Beaches in the area include Coconut Island, Reeds Bay Beach Park, and Onekahakaha Beach Park.

Is Acadia National Park or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Known for its hiking, Hilo draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Acadia National Park. With 158 miles of hiking trails, this is a favorite activity for visitors to the park. There are diverse habitats that trails pass through including forests, estuaries, and coastal settings.

Is the Shopping Better in Acadia National Park or Hilo?

Hilo is a decent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Hilo has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You can pick up anything you need in town, just head to Hilo Shopping Center.

Acadia National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are several park stores near visitor centers and campgrounds.

Is Acadia National Park or Hilo Better for Families?

Acadia National Park and Hilo are both very good destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Acadia National Park. There are campgrounds and games that kids will enjoy. There are also Ranger Programs and hiking trails that are great for kids of all ages.

Hilo is a very family-friendly place to visit. The town has an authentic and unpretentious vibe that is fun for families. There are low key beaches, farmer's markets, local museums, and nearby hiking. If you want to stay away from the larger resorts and see a more local side to Hawaii, then this is a great option.

Is Acadia National Park or Hilo Better for Couples?

Hilo is a very popular place for couples. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Hilo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy visiting Liliuokalani Gardens, taking sunset cruises, and sampling the local cuisine. The town also makes a good base for hiking and exploring the beaches on the island.

Acadia National Park is a nice destination for couples. The natural beauty and scenic trails make this a romantic destination for couples.

Is Acadia National Park or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Hilo. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Acadia National Park is a good national park to visit for backpackers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

Is Acadia National Park or Hilo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Acadia National Park and Hilo.

Public transit is mostly limited in Acadia National Park. The Island Explorer Shuttle Bus operates between late June and early October.

Public transit is generally limited in Hilo. The Hele-On is a bus service that connects Hilo to Kona with north and south routes.

Is Acadia National Park or Hilo a more walkable city?

Hilo is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Hilo is a somewhat walkable town. The downtown is a nice place to take a stroll, but if you want to get out of town, and you really should, then you'll need a car.

Acadia National Park is generally not very walkable. There are countless hiking trails, but having a car allows more efficient access to everything that the park has to offer.

For even more information, also check out Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Acadia National Park?

How long in Acadia National Park or Hilo?

Both Acadia National Park and Hilo have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilo than in Acadia National Park. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Acadia National Park, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

Families should spend more time in Hilo than Acadia National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Hilo, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Hilo than Acadia National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Hilo that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hilo than Acadia National Park if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Hilo.

One day in Acadia National Park or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Acadia National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Hilo. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Acadia National Park or Hilo?

Acadia National Park is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Hilo is a fun place to experience. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Acadia National Park or Hilo?

You'll find around the beautiful destination of Acadia National Park. This national park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people visit Hilo for five days. Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the beautiful town of Hilo. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

A week in Acadia National Park or Hilo?

The picturesque national park of Acadia National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Hilo. Many people spend one week here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hilo, one week is sufficent for most.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Acadia National Park and Hilo, we can see that Acadia National Park is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Acadia National Park Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Acadia National Park or Hilo?

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 Acadia National Park or Hilo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Acadia National Park and Hilo. Many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Acadia National Park is cooler than Hilo in the summer. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 69°F (21°C) in July, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Acadia National Park usually receives less rain than Hilo. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Hilo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Acadia National Park as well as Hilo. Most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Hilo because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Acadia National Park is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Acadia National Park in October average around 48°F (9°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Acadia National Park usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Acadia National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Acadia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Acadia National Park because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

The weather in Acadia National Park can be very cold. In January, Acadia National Park is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Acadia National Park average around 18°F (-8°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In January, Acadia National Park usually receives less rain than Hilo. Acadia National Park gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Hilo in the Spring?

Both Hilo and Acadia National Park during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Acadia National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Acadia National Park is much colder than Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Acadia National Park usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Acadia National Park