A Travel Price Comparison for Hawaii Big Island of Hawaii vs. Hilo for Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, and Hiking

Should you visit Big Island of Hawaii or Hilo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Big Island of Hawaii 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.

Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island of Hawaii is a adventure-filled, laid back, and relaxing island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

Big Island of Hawaii and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Big Island of Hawaii or Hilo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Big Island of Hawaii than Hilo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Big Island of Hawaii is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Hilo is more popular for its food. Big Island of Hawaii is more touristy than Hilo and is known for its active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and majestic manta rays. Also, Big Island of Hawaii is famous for the Waipio Valley Overlook. Hilo is well known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens.

How is Big Island of Hawaii different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Big Island of Hawaii or Hilo?

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Big Island of Hawaii or Hilo.

Big Island of Hawaii is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several local museums around the island such as the Hulihe'e Palace and 'Imiloa Astronomy Center. There's also the Hawaii Plantation Museum and the Lyman House Museum.

Hilo offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Big Island of Hawaii or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilo is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Big Island of Hawaii is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Big Island of Hawaii. It can be challenging to find local restaurants that aren't catering to the tourist crowd, but when you do you'll be rewarded with great local dishes. Seafood, poke bowls, and shave ice are all popular.

Is Big Island of Hawaii or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find respectable options in both Big Island of Hawaii and Hilo.

Big Island of Hawaii doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is very chill with many local places that have live music and drinks. You won't find any major nightclubs, but there are karaoke bars and laid back breweries. The most options are found in Hilo and Kailua-Kona.

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 Big Island of Hawaii or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Hilo is not known for its resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Big Island of Hawaii is a great choice. There are a number of beautiful luxury resorts on the island like the Hilton Waikoloa Village, the Four Seasons Resort, and Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort.

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

Is Big Island of Hawaii or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hilo is not known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Big Island of Hawaii a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. There are a number of beautiful snorkeling spots where you'll see beautiful fish and sometimes even sea turtles. A bucket list experience is also diving or snorkeling with the manta rays, which will take your breath away.

Snorkeling is an option 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.

Is Big Island of Hawaii or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for the beach. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Big Island of Hawaii. This is a younger island than most in Hawaii, so the beaches are varied and diverse. You'll find white sand beaches, black volcanic sand beaches, and even green sand. There are also areas where the lava rock reaches the ocean. Hapuna Beach is a favorite as is Honl's Beach.

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.

Is Big Island of Hawaii or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Big Island of Hawaii and Hilo are both places where visitors can find fantastic hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Big Island of Hawaii draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The island is filled with miles of spectacular hiking trails. They'll take you to iconic waterfalls, world-renowned viewpoints, and through fields of lava rocks. Many people spend days hiking in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, but there are also impressive hikes along the Kona Coast.

Around Hilo visitors will find world-class hiking trails. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Big Island of Hawaii or Hilo?

Big Island of Hawaii is a great island for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Big Island of Hawaii. There are many local artisan shops on the island, particular in Hilo, Historic Kailua Village and along the Kohala Coast. You'll find handmade quilts, wooden carved products, and handcrafted jewelry.

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

Is Big Island of Hawaii or Hilo Better for Families?

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Big Island of Hawaii is a very family-friendly destination. Families will enjoy the laid back island vibe. You can spend some time on the beach and then head inland to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. If your kids are adventurous, the island is a great place to dive or snorkel with manta rays. There are also great hikes, helicopter rides, and luaus.

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 Big Island of Hawaii or Hilo Better for Couples?

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular for couples. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Big Island of Hawaii makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy a relaxed beach vibe will love a visit to this laid back island. There are upscale resorts as well as independent hotels that have a more personal style. The island also has stunning views, impressive hikes, and countless opportunities for romance.

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 Big Island of Hawaii or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Big Island of Hawaii and Hilo are very good places to visit.

Big Island of Hawaii is very popular with the backpacker crowd. This is one of the most popular islands for backpackers. It has a mellow atmosphere that appeals to young travelers. There are also hostels on the island, but transportation can be challenging.

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

Is Big Island of Hawaii or Hilo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Big Island of Hawaii and Hilo both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Big Island of Hawaii. There is a bus service that connects Kona and Hilo. It's called the Hele-On and there are both north and south routes.

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 Big Island of Hawaii or Hilo a more walkable city?

Hilo is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Big Island of Hawaii is not known for its high level of walkability.

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.

Big Island of Hawaii is not a walkable island. It's the largest of the Hawaiian islands and a car is necessary if you want to see the whole thing.

For even more information, also check out Is Big Island of Hawaii Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Big Island of Hawaii?

How long in Big Island of Hawaii or Hilo?

Both Big Island of Hawaii 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 Big Island of Hawaii than in Hilo. Usually, 5-14 days is a good amount of time for Big Island of Hawaii, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

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

Couples should spend more time in Big Island of Hawaii than Hilo. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Big Island of Hawaii that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Big Island of Hawaii than Hilo 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 Big Island of Hawaii.

One day in Big Island of Hawaii or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Big Island of Hawaii. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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 Big Island of Hawaii or Hilo?

Big Island of Hawaii is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. 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 Big Island of Hawaii or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the relaxing destination of Big Island of Hawaii. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Big Island of Hawaii or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the laid back island of Big Island of Hawaii. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Big Island of Hawaii 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 Big Island of Hawaii or Hilo in the Summer?

Both Hilo and Big Island of Hawaii are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Big Island of Hawaii is generally around the same temperature as Hilo. Daily temperatures in Big Island of Hawaii average around 76°F (24°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

Big Island of Hawaii usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilo during summer. Big Island of Hawaii gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. It's quite rainy in Big Island of Hawaii. In July, Big Island of Hawaii usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hilo. Big Island of Hawaii gets 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Big Island of Hawaii or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Big Island of Hawaii during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hilo because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Big Island of Hawaii is around the same temperature as Hilo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Big Island of Hawaii averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In the autumn, Big Island of Hawaii often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilo. Big Island of Hawaii gets 138 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 138 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 Big Island of Hawaii. Big Island of Hawaii usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Hilo. Big Island of Hawaii gets 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Island of Hawaii or Hilo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Island of Hawaii and Hilo. The winter months attract visitors to Big Island of Hawaii because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

In the winter, Big Island of Hawaii is around the same temperature as Hilo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Big Island of Hawaii in January average around 72°F (22°C), and Hilo averages at about 72°F (22°C).

Big Island of Hawaii usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilo during winter. Big Island of Hawaii gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the winter. Big Island of Hawaii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Big Island of Hawaii usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hilo. Big Island of Hawaii gets 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Big Island of Hawaii or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Big Island of Hawaii as well as Hilo. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Big Island of Hawaii this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Big Island of Hawaii is generally around the same temperature as Hilo. Daily temperatures in Big Island of Hawaii average around 73°F (23°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In the spring, Big Island of Hawaii often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilo. Big Island of Hawaii gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Big Island of Hawaii receives a lot of rain in the spring. Big Island of Hawaii usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Hilo. Big Island of Hawaii gets 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Big Island of Hawaii