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

Should you visit Baltimore or Hilo?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Hilo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a historic, vibrant, and diverse city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Hilo

Hilo is a mellow, friendly, and authentic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Baltimore and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Baltimore or Hilo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Baltimore. Although Baltimore and Hilo are both popular with visitors, Baltimore has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Baltimore is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Hilo is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Baltimore is popular for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also home to the National Aquarium. Hilo is popular for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens.

How is Baltimore different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Baltimore offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

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 Baltimore or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Baltimore and Hilo both to be great destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Baltimore. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

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.

Is Baltimore or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Baltimore is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Hilo is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Baltimore has something for everybody. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

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 Baltimore or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Hilo is a town with a few options for its resorts. However, Baltimore is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Hilo offers a few options. You'll find more hotels than resorts in town.

Baltimore is not a resort destination.

Is Baltimore or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a town with a few options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Baltimore is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Hilo has a few snorkeling spots. Richardsons Ocean Park is the best snorkeling spot nearby but, in general, the water near town has poor visibility because of the frequent rain.

Baltimore is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Baltimore or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is very good for the beache. However, Baltimore is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Hilo to enjoy the beach. 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.

Baltimore is not a beach destination.

Is Baltimore or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Hilo specifically for its hiking. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Hilo?

Baltimore is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

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

Is Baltimore or Hilo Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Baltimore or Hilo.

Baltimore is a very kid-friendly city. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hilo. 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 Baltimore or Hilo Better for Couples?

Hilo is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Hilo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Baltimore is a good city for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Baltimore or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is well known for backpackers. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hilo is a great town to visit for backpackers. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

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

Baltimore is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilo is not known for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Baltimore. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

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 Baltimore or Hilo a more walkable city?

Baltimore is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Baltimore is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

Hilo is somewhat walkable. 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 Baltimore Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Hilo?

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

Families should spend more time in Hilo than Baltimore. 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 Baltimore. 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore or Hilo?

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

You'll find food and museums around the town of Hilo. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Baltimore or Hilo?

Baltimore is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

You'll find museums and food around the mellow destination of Hilo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Baltimore or Hilo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Baltimore. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and museums around the friendly town of Hilo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

A week in Baltimore or Hilo?

The colorful city of Baltimore offers nightlife and food. 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.

Hilo is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hilo, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Hilo, we can see that Baltimore 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 Baltimore Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Hilo?

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

When is the best time to visit Baltimore or Hilo?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Baltimore or Hilo in the Summer?

Both Hilo and Baltimore during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Hilo because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Baltimore is around the same temperature as Hilo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Baltimore in July average around 78°F (25°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Baltimore. In the summer, Baltimore often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun.

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. Baltimore usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Hilo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Hilo. The autumn months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

In October, Baltimore is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 57°F (14°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

Baltimore usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during autumn. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Hilo. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Baltimore or Hilo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Hilo. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Hilo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Baltimore in the winter. Baltimore is much colder than Hilo in the winter. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 32°F (0°C) in January, and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In the winter, Baltimore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilo. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Baltimore usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Hilo in the Spring?

Both Hilo and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Hilo in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Baltimore is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Baltimore in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Hilo averages at about 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. Baltimore usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during spring. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In April, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Hilo. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Baltimore