A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charlotte vs. Hilo for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Charlotte 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 Charlotte and Hilo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a evolving, up-and-coming, and growing 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 friendly, authentic, and laid back town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Charlotte and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charlotte or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilo. Although Charlotte and Hilo are popular destinations, Hilo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hilo is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Charlotte attracts visitors for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Hilo is more touristy than Charlotte and is known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also well known for Akaka Falls State Park. Charlotte is famous for its banking industry and growing Uptown area.

How is Charlotte different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Hilo and Charlotte.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charlotte. The Mint Museum is a popular place to visit, as is the Gantt Center for African American Arts. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and sports enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

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 Charlotte or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilo is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Charlotte offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food scene continues to grow and change around town. You'll find the latest trendy restaurant changes regularly, but dishes often include upscale southern faire or classic American. There are also many international restaurants, particularly Mexican, Thai, and Chinese.

Is Charlotte or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Charlotte has a few options to choose from. Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the night.

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 Charlotte or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Hilo is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Charlotte 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.

Charlotte is not a resort destination.

Is Charlotte or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Charlotte 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.

Charlotte is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Charlotte or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is very good for the beach. However, Charlotte 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.

Charlotte is not a beach destination.

Is Charlotte or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is terrific for hiking. However, Charlotte 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.

Charlotte is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlotte or Hilo?

Charlotte is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Charlotte has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping malls such as SouthPark Mall or Carolina Place offer all of the standard retailers. Concord Mills is another favorite mall in the area. Aside from the malls, there is no shortage of shopping centers around town.

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

Is Charlotte or Hilo Better for Families?

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

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.

Charlotte is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of museums for kids, with one of the best being Discovery Place. It has many hands-on science based exhibits that kids will love. Another unique experience is a visit to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Carowinds Amusement Park is also in the area as are many great parks, playgrounds, and natural areas.

Is Charlotte or Hilo Better for Couples?

Hilo is great for couples. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Hilo is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Charlotte is a nice destination for couples. There are a number of date night activities around town, particularly Uptown. You can see a show or concert at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center or hit up one of the trendy bars or restaurants. There are also sporting events and other festivals that are fun to experience.

Is Charlotte or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlotte is not a good destination 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.

Charlotte is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a backpacker destination, there are some cheaper motels that budget travelers can stay at.

Is Charlotte or Hilo Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Charlotte. There are a number of smaller colleges in town, but the biggest university is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Hilo is not popular with students.

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

Charlotte is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilo is not known for its public transit.

While Charlotte offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

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 Charlotte or Hilo a more walkable city?

Charlotte and Hilo are nice when it comes to walkability.

Charlotte is a somewhat walkable city. The Uptown area is the most walkable part of the city.

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 Charlotte Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Charlotte?

How long in Charlotte or Hilo?

Both Charlotte 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 Charlotte. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Charlotte, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Charlotte. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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 Charlotte or Hilo?

Charlotte 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 laid back 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 Charlotte or Hilo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the growing destination of Charlotte. 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 authentic 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 Charlotte or Hilo?

The growing city of Charlotte 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Charlotte and Hilo, we can see that Charlotte 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 Charlotte would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Charlotte 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 Charlotte Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Hilo?

Charlotte has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Charlotte 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 Charlotte 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 Charlotte or Hilo in the Summer?

Both Hilo and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Charlotte for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hilo because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Charlotte is a little warmer than Hilo in the summer. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Charlotte gets 289 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 Charlotte. In July, Charlotte usually receives less rain than Hilo. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Charlotte or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Charlotte during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Charlotte 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 the autumn, Charlotte is cooler than Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Charlotte in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Charlotte. In the autumn, Charlotte often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Charlotte gets 223 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. Charlotte usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlotte or Hilo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Hilo. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hilo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Charlotte is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 42°F (6°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during winter. Charlotte gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Charlotte usually receives less rain than Hilo. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Charlotte or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Hilo. Many travelers come to Charlotte for the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Hilo in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Charlotte is cooler than Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 63°F (17°C) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlotte this time of the year. In the spring, Charlotte often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Charlotte gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Charlotte usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Charlotte