A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gatlinburg vs. Hilo for Nightlife, Hiking, Food, and Resorts

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

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a wild, flashy, and high energy city. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Hilo

Hilo is a friendly, authentic, and laid back town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and beaches.

Gatlinburg and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Hilo?

Both Hilo and Gatlinburg have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Gatlinburg is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Hilo is more popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Hilo and is known for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hilo is well known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens.

How is Gatlinburg different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Hilo Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for skiing. However, Hilo is not a skiing destination.

Head to Gatlinburg for some great skiing and other winter activities. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Hilo is not a skiing destination.

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

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Gatlinburg or Hilo.

Gatlinburg is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Museums range from gaudy to quirky. Check out the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Titanic Museum. There's also the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.

Hilo offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Gatlinburg or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilo is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Hilo. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Gatlinburg. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

Is Gatlinburg or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

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

Gatlinburg is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Live music, theatrical shows, as well as bars and clubs that stay open late into the night give this town a huge party atmosphere. During the peak season the town is packed with people looking to have a good time and you'll find tons of things to do by simply walking down the main drag.

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 Gatlinburg or Hilo Better for Resorts?

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

Gatlinburg is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

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

Is Gatlinburg or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is adequate for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Gatlinburg 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.

Gatlinburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Hilo is very good for its beaches. However, Gatlinburg 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.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Hilo is renowned for hiking. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Gatlinburg is a popular spot for hiking. You'll need to head out of town into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but once you're there the hiking is impressive. There are waterfall hikes, trails to viewpoints, and loops that take you through wildflowers. Some of the most popular trails include Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Middle Prong Trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Hilo?

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

Gatlinburg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are tourist traps and souvenir shops around town, but you can also head to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community where you can meet local artists and learn about their work.

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

Is Gatlinburg or Hilo Better for Families?

Hilo is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

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.

Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination. Ober Gatlinburg is a combination ski resort and amusement park that is a highlight for many families. During the warmer season, horseback riding and waterparks are popular. There's also a Ripley's Aquarium, minigolf, and Gatlin's Fun Center. Nearby you'll find Dollywood and Pigeon Forge.

Is Gatlinburg or Hilo Better for Couples?

Both Gatlinburg and Hilo are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Gatlinburg is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. If you're looking for a flashy and ostentatious experience, then there are all the typical activities around town - Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or Ober Gatlinburg. For a bit more nature, you can head out of town and enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also breweries and wineries in the area, as well as a range of resorts.

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.

Is Gatlinburg or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Hilo is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Gatlinburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a touristy town with plenty of cheap motels in the area. There are also campgrounds and hiking not far away.

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

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

While Gatlinburg offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get 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 Gatlinburg or Hilo a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Gatlinburg is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly and most of the attractions in town can be reached on foot. If you want to leave town, a car is a must, but in town traffic and parking can be frustrating, so walk when you can.

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 Gatlinburg Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Gatlinburg and Hilo, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Hilo?

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

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

In July, Gatlinburg is generally a little warmer than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 81°F (27°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Gatlinburg gets 294 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 Gatlinburg. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives less rain than Hilo. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Gatlinburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking trails 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.

Gatlinburg is cooler than Hilo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the autumn, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Gatlinburg gets 213 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. Gatlinburg usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg or Hilo in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Gatlinburg in the winter. In the winter, Gatlinburg is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gatlinburg in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Hilo averages at about 72°F (22°C).

Gatlinburg usually receives less sunshine than Hilo during winter. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the winter. Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives less rain than Hilo. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Hilo. Additionally, many visitors come to Hilo in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Gatlinburg is generally cooler than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 62°F (17°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the spring, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Gatlinburg usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Gatlinburg