A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Daytona Beach vs. Hilo for Nightlife, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Hilo?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Hilo? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a lively, fun, and party-hard beach city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and live music.

Hilo

Hilo is a authentic, laid back, and mellow town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking.

Daytona Beach and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Daytona Beach. Although Daytona Beach and Hilo are popular destinations, Daytona Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Daytona Beach is very popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Hilo attracts visitors for its museums, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Hilo and is popular for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. It is also well known for The Daytona International Speedway. Hilo is famous for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens.

How is Daytona Beach different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Daytona Beach or Hilo?

Hilo is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hilo. Top museums in and around town include the Lyman Museum, the Pacific Tsunami Museum, Imiloa Astronomy Center, and Mokupapapa Discovery Center.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Daytona Beach or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilo is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its restaurants.

Dining out in Hilo is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Daytona Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. This beach is more about the parties and drinks than it is about the food.

Is Daytona Beach or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach is very popular for its evening party scene. However, Hilo is not known for nightlife.

Daytona Beach is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Spring break is when the parties are at their peak. For the most active nightlife head to A1A from Ormond-by-the-Sea to Ponce Inlet, Main and Beach Streets, and Seabreeze Boulevard, ONE DAYTONA and International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach, and Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach.

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 Daytona Beach or Hilo Better for Music?

Daytona Beach is a popular place for its music scene. However, Hilo is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Daytona Beach is active and vibrant. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Hilo is not a live music destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach and Hilo offer a relatively similar set of reasonable luxury resort options.

You might not think of Daytona Beach as a resort destination, but it has a few places. Many resorts in the area focus more on affordability than luxury. The oceanfront hotels usually have nice beachfront pools and rooms with balconies and oceanfront views. You'll pay a bit more for the waterfront rooms.

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

Is Daytona Beach or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a moderate town for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Daytona Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Daytona Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Hilo Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Daytona Beach and Hilo are nice choices.

Daytona Beach is a good option for a beach vacation. The city's beaches are lively and festive, so if you're looking for a beach with music, drinking, and partying, then this is your place. In the surrounding areas you'll find some quieter, more family-friendly beaches. It's also best to avoid the Spring Break crowds if you're hoping for a quieter and more family-friendly vacation.

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 Daytona Beach or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

People visit Hilo specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Hilo?

Both Daytona Beach and Hilo are reasonable shopping destinations.

Daytona Beach has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Souvenir shops and t-shirt shops are the main shopping you'll find in this area. The boardwalk is lined with gimmicky shops where you can pick up magnets or beach paraphernalia.

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

Is Daytona Beach or Hilo Better for Families?

Hilo is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its kid-friendly activities.

Hilo is known to be 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.

Daytona Beach is not always a place people visit with their families. Although it's best avoided during spring break, Daytona with kids can be fun when the crowds aren't too bad. There are water parks, surfing lessons, and of course the beach. The restaurants are usually family-friendly as well with many offering kid's menus and early opening hours.

Is Daytona Beach or Hilo Better for Couples?

Hilo is a well-known place for couples. Also, Daytona Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach city to visit 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.

Daytona Beach is a nice destination for couples. While romance isn't exactly what comes to mind when you first think of Daytona, couples who like to party and be out and about will enjoy a visit to Daytona Beach. There's plenty to do and some very great seafood restaurants in the area, so it's not hard to turn it into a couple's destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Hilo is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Hilo Better for Students?

Daytona Beach is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Hilo is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Daytona Beach. It's one of the original Spring Break destinations, and the trend continues. If you're a student looking to cut loose, you'll find plenty of likeminded vacationers in the area, with many bars and hotels catering specifically to the younger crowd.

Hilo is not popular with students.

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

Hilo is a moderate town for its public transit. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Daytona Beach. There's limited transportation options around town so you really must have a private vehicle. If you've been out drinking, you can call a taxi or an Uber.

Is Daytona Beach or Hilo a more walkable city?

Hilo is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its walkability.

Hilo is a somewhat walkable town. 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.

Daytona Beach is not a very walkable beach city. This area requires a car if you want to access restaurants, nightlife, or anything away from your hotel.

For even more information, also check out Is Daytona Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Hilo?

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

Families should spend more time in Hilo than Daytona Beach. 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 Daytona Beach. 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 Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the live music and nightlife when visiting the destination of Daytona 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Hilo. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Daytona Beach or Hilo?

Daytona Beach is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilo. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Daytona Beach or Hilo?

You'll find live music and nightlife around the party-hard destination of Daytona Beach. This beach city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the laid back destination of Hilo. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Daytona Beach or Hilo?

The lively beach city of Daytona Beach offers nightlife and live music. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the beautiful town of Hilo. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Hilo?

Daytona Beach has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach or Hilo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Hilo. The summer months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

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

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Daytona Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Daytona Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Daytona Beach is around the same temperature as Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Daytona Beach in October average around 74°F (23°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. It's quite rainy in Daytona Beach. In October, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Hilo. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Daytona Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Hilo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Daytona Beach is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 58°F (14°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Hilo. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Daytona Beach is around the same temperature as Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 69°F (21°C) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Hilo. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Daytona Beach