A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Big Pine Key vs. Hilo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Big Pine Key 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 Big Pine Key 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.

Where Should I go: Big Pine Key or Hilo?

Big Pine Key

If you are yearning for a slice of paradise without the hustle and bustle of an ever-growing tourist population, the calm, turquoise waters and the untouched sands of Big Pine Key will surely do. Located 100 miles south of Miami and 30 miles north of Key West, this small community huddled in the family of Florida keys is often overlooked by many. However, Big Pine Key is truly a gem for all who seek a tropical vacation as activities like boating, fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling are found throughout the town. Besides its oceanic wonders, Big Pine Key also boasts in containing some of the United States' best seafood restaurants. Enjoy the aquatic wonders of the Keys and stop at Big Pine Key!

Hilo

Hilo is a town on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is also the county seat and largest city in Hawaii County, so many people use it as the starting point to explore the eastern half of the island. The town has a population of just over 40,000 people. It looks out over Hilo Bay and most of the town's development is between Hilo Bay and Waiakea-Uka near the active volcano of Mauna Loa. Hilo is where you will find the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corportation and Hilo International Airport.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Big Pine Key and Hilo, we can see that Hilo is more expensive. And not only is Big Pine Key much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Big Pine Key would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Big Pine Key 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 Big Pine Key.

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

Which is Bigger, Big Pine Key or Hilo?

Hilo has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Big Pine Key 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 Big Pine Key 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 Pine Key or Hilo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Pine Key and Hilo. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Big Pine Key is a little warmer than Hilo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Big Pine Key in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

In Big Pine Key, it's very sunny this time of the year. Big Pine Key usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Big Pine Key gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Hilo. Big Pine Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Hilo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as Hilo. Additionally, many visitors come to Hilo in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Big Pine Key is generally around the same temperature as Hilo. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 80°F (27°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Big Pine Key this time of the year. In the autumn, Big Pine Key often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Big Pine Key gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Big Pine Key receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Big Pine Key are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Big Pine Key is around the same temperature as Hilo in the winter. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Big Pine Key. Big Pine Key usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during winter. Big Pine Key gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In January, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Hilo. Big Pine Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Hilo in the Spring?

Both Hilo and Big Pine Key during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Hilo because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Big Pine Key is around the same temperature as Hilo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Big Pine Key in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Hilo averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Big Pine Key. In the spring, Big Pine Key often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Big Pine Key gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun.

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Big Pine Key