A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Clearwater vs. Hilo for Beaches, Attractions, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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.

Clearwater

Clearwater is a adventure-filled, relaxing, and beautiful coastal city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Hilo

Hilo is a authentic, laid back, and mellow town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Clearwater and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Hilo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Clearwater than Hilo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Clearwater is better known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Hilo is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Clearwater is well known for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. Also, Clearwater is famous for Clearwater Beach. Hilo is well known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens.

How is Clearwater different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Clearwater offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Perhaps most well known is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, but there are also a surprising number of museums nearby such as the Dalí Museum, the impressive Chihuly Glass Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

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 Clearwater or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Clearwater and Hilo both to be superb destinations.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Clearwater makes for a great culinary experience. Head to the waterfront for some of the best seafood. Unfortunately this is also where you'll find the highest prices. Shrimp, crab, and a fresh catch of the day are common on many menus.

Hilo has a huge number of terrific 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 Clearwater or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Clearwater has a few options to choose from. You'll find laid back beach clubs, glitzy wine bars, and relaxed bars where you can spend a nice night out.

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 Clearwater or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Clearwater is a great coastal city for its luxury resorts. However, Hilo is not known for its resorts.

Clearwater is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find a number of nice resorts along the coastline. Some of the most popular are the Sandpearl Resort, the Opal Sands Resort, and the Clearwater Beach Marriott.

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

Is Clearwater or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hilo is not known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

Clearwater has a few good snorkeling spots. There's both snorkeling and diving nearby. Some of the best dive spots are within and hour of the shore and you'll find diving shops that offer trips.

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 Clearwater or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Clearwater 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 Clearwater. Clearwater Beach is on many lists as one of the best beaches in America. It's the most popular beach in the area and it spreads out over 2.5 miles. Sand Key Beach is another popular destination as is the pristine Caladesi Island State Park.

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 Clearwater or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

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.

Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Hilo?

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

Clearwater has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find all of the standard shopping options in the area such as malls, shopping centers, and outlets. Westfield Countryside Mall is a popular destination as is the Cleveland Street District.

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

Is Clearwater or Hilo Better for Families?

Both Clearwater and Hilo are superb family-friendly destinations.

Clearwater is a very family-friendly place to visit. Check out the playground and activities around Pier 60. Less crowded and family-friendly Sand Key Park is another favorite spot and the playgrounds at New Coachman Park and Crest Lake Park are also fun. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is another popular attraction for visitors with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hilo is very family-friendly. 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 Clearwater or Hilo Better for Couples?

Clearwater and Hilo both superb destinations for a couple.

Clearwater is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are beautiful parks and beaches as well as romantic activities like sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. Couples will also enjoy dining on local seafood and shopping at the local venues.

Hilo makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Is Clearwater or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is notable for backpackers. However, Clearwater is a mediocre coastal city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Hilo. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Clearwater is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, and you'll find more affordable prices than in some nearby beach destinations.

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

Both Clearwater and Hilo offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Clearwater. The Clearwater Jolley Trolley connects some of the area's highlights. There are also public buses that run several routes through town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hilo. The Hele-On is a bus service that connects Hilo to Kona with north and south routes.

Is Clearwater or Hilo a more walkable city?

Clearwater and Hilo both are notable when exploring on foot.

Clearwater is somewhat walkable. The waterfront and downtown areas are surprisingly walkable.

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 Clearwater Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Hilo?

Both Clearwater 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 Clearwater. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Clearwater, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

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

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

One day in Clearwater or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Clearwater. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With museums and food around the friendly town of Hilo, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Clearwater or Hilo?

Clearwater is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. 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.

With food and museums around the destination of Hilo, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Clearwater or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Clearwater. This coastal city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Hilo, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Clearwater or Hilo?

The beautiful coastal city of Clearwater offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Hilo?

Clearwater has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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 Clearwater or Hilo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Hilo. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Clearwater is generally a little warmer than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 82°F (28°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the summer, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Clearwater receives a lot of rain in the summer. Clearwater usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Clearwater or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Hilo in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Clearwater is around the same temperature as Hilo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during autumn. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In October, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Hilo. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.

Should I visit Clearwater or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Clearwater during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hilo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Clearwater is cooler than Hilo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Clearwater in January average around 60°F (15°C), and Hilo averages at about 72°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the winter, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun.

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Clearwater usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Clearwater or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Hilo. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the beaches during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Hilo because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Clearwater is generally around the same temperature as Hilo. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 71°F (22°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during spring. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Hilo. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Clearwater