A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Albuquerque vs. Hilo for Hiking, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Albuquerque or Hilo?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Albuquerque and Hilo. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a cultural, outdoorsy, and desert town. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Hilo

Hilo is a friendly, authentic, and laid back town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and beaches.

Albuquerque and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Albuquerque or Hilo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Albuquerque than Hilo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Albuquerque is better known for its museums & sights, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Hilo is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hilo is more touristy than Albuquerque and is known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. Albuquerque is well known for its adobe architecture, artisan shops, fascinating cultural venues, and surrounding desert landscapes. Also, Albuquerque is famous for The Old Town.

How is Albuquerque different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Albuquerque or Hilo?

Albuquerque is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Albuquerque offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town has a lot of history including the San Felipe de Neri Church. Also worth visiting is the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Unser Racing Museum, and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

Hilo is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Top museums in and around town include the Lyman Museum, the Pacific Tsunami Museum, Imiloa Astronomy Center, and Mokupapapa Discovery Center.

Is the Food Better in Albuquerque or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Albuquerque and Hilo offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Albuquerque. The city's local cuisine combines Native American and Spanish flavors to make a variety of unique specialties. You should try the green chili stew, breakfast burrito, sopaipillas, and blue corn pancakes.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Hilo. 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.

Is Albuquerque or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Albuquerque is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Hilo is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Albuquerque has a few options to choose from. Head downtown and to the Nob Hill neighborhood for wine bars, breweries, and billiard halls. These areas have the best nightlife scene and they're also compact enough to explore on foot.

Most people don't head to Hilo specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a town that goes to bed early, but there are some local bars that have a chill and relaxing atmosphere.

Is Albuquerque or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Hilo is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Albuquerque is not a resort destination.

Hilo has a few resort options worth checking out. You'll find more hotels than resorts in town.

Albuquerque is not a resort destination.

Is Albuquerque or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is adequate for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Albuquerque is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can 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.

Albuquerque is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Albuquerque or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a good destination for its beaches. However, Albuquerque is not a beach destination.

Hilo offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Albuquerque is not a beach destination.

Is Albuquerque or Hilo Better for its Old Town?

Albuquerque is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Hilo does not have a historic old town.

Albuquerque has a world-famous historical area. There is a wonderful old town where the city's first neighborhood was established. It dates back to the early 1700's and has its roots in Spanish colonial history. The area has many adobe houses, great local restaurants, and artisan shops.

Hilo does not have a historic old town.

Is Albuquerque or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is a must-visit destination for hiking. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Hilo is well-known for its hiking and trekking. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

Albuquerque is a good destination for hiking. The desert landscape is varied and beautiful. Popular trails in the area include Tree Spring Trail, Birdhouse Ridge, and West Ridge.

Is the Shopping Better in Albuquerque or Hilo?

Albuquerque is a great town for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Albuquerque. The city's old town has many cultural artisan shops where you can buy local items. It's a fun and unique shopping experience, and though it sometimes feels a bit touristy, there are many local shops that offer an authentic experience.

Hilo is a good destination for shopping. You can pick up anything you need in town, just head to Hilo Shopping Center.

Is Albuquerque or Hilo Better for Families?

Hilo is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Hilo is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Albuquerque is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of nature centers as well as the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo. Outside of town there are many parks and natural areas to explore.

Is Albuquerque or Hilo Better for Couples?

Albuquerque and Hilo both superb destinations for a couple.

Albuquerque is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Surrounded by natural beauty, and filled with culture and charm, this city makes a great romantic getaway. It's particularly wonderful during the famous International Balloon Fiesta.

Hilo is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Albuquerque or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Albuquerque is not known for backpackers.

Hilo is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Albuquerque is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are campgrounds around that offer affordable and fun places to stay, but in general this town isn't particularly backpacker friendly.

Is Albuquerque or Hilo Better for Students?

Albuquerque is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Hilo is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Albuquerque. It offers a unique cultural environment that students can appreciate. There are also many outdoor recreational opportunities.

Hilo is not popular with students.

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

Albuquerque and Hilo both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Albuquerque. ABQ Ride is the bus system around town, but most visitors prefer to have their own car.

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 Albuquerque or Hilo a more walkable city?

Albuquerque and Hilo are notable when it comes to walkability.

Albuquerque is somewhat walkable. Walkable areas include the old town, the area around the University of New Mexico, and the uptown area.

Hilo is a somewhat walkable place. 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.

For even more information, also check out Is Albuquerque Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Albuquerque?

How long in Albuquerque or Hilo?

Both Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Albuquerque, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

Families should spend more time in Hilo than Albuquerque. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hilo than Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Albuquerque. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the authentic town of Hilo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Albuquerque or Hilo?

Albuquerque is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the friendly destination of Hilo. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Albuquerque or Hilo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the desert destination of Albuquerque. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the authentic town of Hilo. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Albuquerque or Hilo?

The traditional town of Albuquerque offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Hilo. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this town.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Albuquerque and Hilo, we can see that Hilo is more expensive. And not only is Albuquerque much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Albuquerque would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Albuquerque 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 Hilo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hilo than you might in Albuquerque.

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

Which is Bigger, Albuquerque or Hilo?

Albuquerque has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Albuquerque and Hilo, 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.