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

Should you visit Detroit or Hilo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Detroit or Hilo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Detroit

Detroit is a overlooked , under-rated, and hardworking city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Hilo

Hilo is a laid back, mellow, and friendly town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and museums.

Detroit and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Detroit or Hilo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Detroit. Although Detroit and Hilo are both popular with visitors, Detroit has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Detroit is more popular for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Hilo is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hilo is more touristy than Detroit and is known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. Detroit is popular for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. It is also home to the Henry Ford Experience.

How is Detroit different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Detroit and Hilo.

Detroit offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.

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.

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

Hilo is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Detroit area. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

Is Detroit or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Detroit is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Hilo is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Detroit has something for everybody. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

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 Detroit or Hilo Better for Music?

Detroit is very popular for its music scene. However, Hilo is not a live music destination.

Detroit has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

Hilo is not a live music destination.

Is Detroit or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Hilo is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Detroit is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Hilo offers a few options. You'll find more hotels than resorts in town.

Detroit is not a resort destination.

Is Detroit or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Detroit is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to 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.

Detroit is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Detroit or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Detroit is not a beach destination.

Hilo has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Detroit is not a beach destination.

Is Detroit or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. However, Detroit is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Hilo draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

Detroit is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Detroit or Hilo?

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

Detroit has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

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

Is Detroit or Hilo Better for Families?

Hilo is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Detroit. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.

Is Detroit or Hilo Better for Couples?

Hilo is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

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.

Detroit is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.

Is Detroit or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Hilo. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Detroit is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but this is still an often overlooked city.

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

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Detroit and Hilo.

Public transit is mostly limited in Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.

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 Detroit or Hilo a more walkable city?

Detroit and Hilo are good when it comes to walkability.

Detroit is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

Hilo is a somewhat walkable city. 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 Detroit Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Detroit?

How long in Detroit or Hilo?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Detroit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Hilo, you'll find food and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Detroit or Hilo?

Detroit is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the live music. 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.

In Hilo, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Detroit or Hilo?

You'll find food and shopping around the under-rated destination of Detroit. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hilo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hilo has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Detroit or Hilo?

The overlooked city of Detroit offers shopping and museums. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilo. In Hilo, you'll find museums and food. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Detroit and Hilo, we can see that Hilo is more expensive. And not only is Detroit much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Detroit would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Detroit 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 Detroit.

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

Which is Bigger, Detroit or Hilo?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Detroit 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 Detroit 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 Detroit or Hilo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Detroit and Hilo. Many visitors come to Detroit in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Detroit is around the same temperature as Hilo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Detroit in July average around 74°F (24°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

In Detroit, it's very sunny this time of the year. Detroit usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Detroit gets 319 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, Detroit usually receives less rain than Hilo. Detroit gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Detroit or Hilo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Detroit as well as Hilo. Most visitors come to Detroit for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Hilo because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Detroit is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 54°F (12°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In the autumn, Detroit often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Detroit gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Detroit usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Detroit gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Detroit or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Detroit are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Detroit because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

The weather in Detroit can be very cold. Detroit is much colder than Hilo in the winter. The daily temperature in Detroit averages around 25°F (-4°C) in January, and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Detroit usually receives less sunshine than Hilo during winter. Detroit gets 120 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, Detroit usually receives less rain than Hilo. Detroit gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Detroit or Hilo in the Spring?

Both Hilo and Detroit during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Detroit this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Detroit is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Detroit in April average around 49°F (9°C), and Hilo averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Detroit. In the spring, Detroit often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Detroit gets 223 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. Detroit usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Detroit gets 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Detroit