A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Death Valley National Park vs. Hilo for Hiking, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park and Hilo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a striking, vast, and dramatic national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking.

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.

Death Valley National Park and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Death Valley National Park or Hilo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilo. Although Death Valley National Park and Hilo are popular destinations, Hilo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hilo is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Death Valley National Park attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Death Valley National Park is famous for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S. Hilo is famous for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also well known for Akaka Falls State Park.

How is Death Valley National Park different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Death Valley National Park or Hilo?

Hilo is very good for its sights and museums. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Death Valley National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.

Is the Food Better in Death Valley National Park or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilo is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park 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.

Death Valley National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Is Death Valley National Park or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Hilo is a moderate town for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

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.

Death Valley National Park doesn't offer many options. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Is Death Valley National Park or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Death Valley National Park and Hilo.

You might not think of Death Valley National Park as a resort destination, but it has a few places. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.

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

Is Death Valley National Park or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a moderate town for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Death Valley National Park 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.

Death Valley National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Death Valley National Park or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is very good for the beach. However, Death Valley National Park 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.

Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Death Valley National Park or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is renowned for the nearby hiking options. Also, Death Valley National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its hiking trails.

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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Death Valley National Park. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

Is the Shopping Better in Death Valley National Park or Hilo?

Hilo is a moderate town for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

Hilo has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You can pick up anything you need in town, just head to Hilo Shopping Center.

Shopping in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.

Is Death Valley National Park or Hilo Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Death Valley National Park or Hilo.

Death Valley National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.

Hilo is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Death Valley National Park or Hilo Better for Couples?

Both Death Valley National Park and Hilo are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Death Valley National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.

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 Death Valley National Park or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Death Valley National Park is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Death Valley National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

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

Is Death Valley National Park 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, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park 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 Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

Is Death Valley National Park or Hilo a more walkable city?

Hilo is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park 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.

Death Valley National Park is not a very walkable national park. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Death Valley National Park?

How long in Death Valley National Park or Hilo?

Both Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Death Valley National Park, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

Families should spend more time in Hilo than Death Valley National Park. 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 Death Valley National Park. 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 Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Death Valley National Park. 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.

In Hilo, many people enjoy the museums and food that this mellow destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Death Valley National Park or Hilo?

Death Valley National Park is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

In Hilo, many people enjoy the food and museums that this beautiful destination offers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Death Valley National Park or Hilo?

You'll find around the vast destination of Death Valley National Park. This national park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

In Hilo, many people enjoy the museums and food that this mellow destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This town offers something for everyone.

A week in Death Valley National Park or Hilo?

The striking national park of Death Valley National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

In Hilo, many people enjoy the food and museums that this beautiful town offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Death Valley National Park Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.