Which place is cheaper, Hilo or Grande-Terre?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Grande-Terre or Hilo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Grande-Terre 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.
Where Should I go: Grande-Terre or Hilo?
Grande-Terre
Grande Terre is an island that makes up the eastern half of the Guadeloupe 'mainland.' It is divided from the other half of the main Guadeloupe island, Basse Terre, by a narrow channel called Rivière Salee (or the Salt River). The island itself is characterized by rolling hills, white sand beaches, and cliffs, and its indented coastline is surrounded by coral reefs. It is home to most of Guadeloupe's farmlands and tourist resorts.
Hilo
Hilo is a town on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is also the county seat and largest city in Hawaii County, so many people use it as the starting point to explore the eastern half of the island. The town has a population of just over 40,000 people. It looks out over Hilo Bay and most of the town's development is between Hilo Bay and Waiakea-Uka near the active volcano of Mauna Loa. Hilo is where you will find the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corportation and Hilo International Airport.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGrande-Terre $155Hilo $161
The average daily cost (per person) in Grande-Terre is $155, while the average daily cost in Hilo is $161. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Grande-Terre and Hilo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGrande-Terre $87Hilo $71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGrande-Terre $174Hilo $142
Compare Hotels in Grande-Terre and Hilo
Looking for a hotel in Grande-Terre or Hilo? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Grande-Terre Hotel Prices and Hilo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Grande-Terre $9.64Hilo $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grande-Terre
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Grande-Terre:
- Pointe-a-Pitre Airport (PTP) to Guadeloupe island - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $159
- Departure Private Transfer from Saint-Francois to Pointe a Pitre Airport by SUV: $92
- Private Transfer from Pointe a Pitre Airport to Deshaies or Trois Riviers by SUV: $91
- Pointe-a-Pitre Airport (PTP) to Guadeloupe island hotel-Arrival Private Transfer: $80
- Private Transfer in Guadeloupe: $71
- Departure Private Transfer from Sainte-Anne to Pointe a Pitre Airport by SUV: $60
- Private Transfers (Airport, Port, Hotels) Guadeloupe : $55
- Departure Private Transfer from Le Gosier to Pointe a Pitre Airport by SUV: $51
- Arrival Private Transfer from Pointe a Pitre Airport PTP to Le Gosier by SUV: $50
- Pointe-a-Pitre Airport (PTP) to Pointe-a-Pitre - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
- Departure Private Transfer from Pointe a Pitre to Pointe a Pitre Airport by SUV: $42
- Arrival Private Transfer Pointe a Pitre Airport PTP to Pointe a Pitre by SUV: $41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hilo
Also for Hilo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Transfer: Kona International Airport (KOA) to Hotels - Big Island: $15
- Departure Transfer from Hotels to Kona International Airport: $15
- Kailua-Kona to Kona Airport at Keahole Private Departure Transfer: $58
- Kona International Airport (KOA) to Kailua-Kona - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $116
- Kona Intl Airport (KOA) to Waikoloa beach hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $151
- Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) to Waikoloa beach hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
- Luxury Private Airport Transfer : $75
- Private Arrival Transfer: Kona International Airport to Big Island Hotels: $169
- Private Departure Transfer: Big Island Hotels to Kona International Airport: $169
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Kailua-Kona to Kona International Airport: $70
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea to Kona International Airport: $85
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Kailua-Kona: $75
Is it cheaper to fly into Grande-Terre or Hilo?
Prices for flights to both Hilo and Grande-Terre change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayGrande-Terre $51Hilo $70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hilo
For Hilo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Farm to Table Cooking Class at Kulaniapia Falls: $169
- French Hawaiian Fusion Cooking Class: $175
- Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay: $183
- Farm-to-Table Chef's Dinner at Kulaniapia Falls: $199
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Grande-Terre $48Hilo $32
Tours and Activities in Grande-Terre
Here are a few actual costs in Grande-Terre for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- *Cruise Stopover* - Tropical Forest - Sainte-Anne Beach: $60
- Cruise Stopover at Village Sainte Anne and its Beach: $32
- Cruise stopover - Plage du Gosier Round trip: $15
- Full Day Private Boat Tour to the Lagoon of Guadeloupe: $231
- Full Day Tour of Guadeloupe: $158
- Guided tour by electric tuk-tuk: $49
- Photoshoot + Drone on a Caribbean paradise beach or day tour : $101
- Private Surf Lessons Tour in Guadeloupe: $97
- Private Ultralight Seaplane Experience in Guadeloupe: $170
- Stand Up Paddle Adventure in Guadeloupe: $49
- Stopover Cruise - Valombreuse Botanical Garden + Sainte-Anne Beach: $49
Tours and Activities in Hilo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hilo.
- Baumkuchen Farm Tour: $5.00
- History and Legends Walking Tour with a Smartphone App: $6.50
- Big Island - Kohala Coast & Backcountry Driving Tour: $9.99
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
- Big Island Hawaii Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
- Big Island - North Island Jungle Driving Tour: $20
- Big Island - South Island Coastal Loop Driving Tour: $20
- Big Island - Kona Big Kahuna GPS Driving Tour: $20
- Hawaiian Rainforest Banana Cultivation Experience: $20
- Abalone Farm Tour: $25
- Big Island Farms Tour in Hawaii: $30
- Experience Our Honey Farm And Beekeeping Tour: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGrande-Terre $13Hilo $10
When comparing the travel costs between Grande-Terre and Hilo, we can see that Hilo 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. Even though Grande-Terre is in Caribbean Islands and Hilo is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Grande-Terre Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Grande-Terre or Hilo?
Hilo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Grande-Terre experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Grande-Terre or Hilo in the Summer?
Both Hilo and Grande-Terre during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Grande-Terre because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.
In the summer, Grande-Terre is a little warmer than Hilo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Grande-Terre in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).
It's quite sunny in Grande-Terre. In the summer, Grande-Terre often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Grande-Terre gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun.
Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Grande-Terre. Grande-Terre usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Grande-Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGrande-Terre 27°C (81°F)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Grande-Terre or Hilo in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Grande-Terre and Hilo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grande-Terre year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Grande-Terre is generally around the same temperature as Hilo. Daily temperatures in Grande-Terre average around 27°C (80°F), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
In Grande-Terre, it's very sunny this time of the year. Grande-Terre usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during autumn. Grande-Terre gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Hilo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Grande-Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Grande-Terre usually receives less rain than Hilo. Grande-Terre gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGrande-Terre 27°C (80°F)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Grande-Terre or Hilo in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Grande-Terre as well as Hilo. Grande-Terre attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Hilo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Grande-Terre is around the same temperature as Hilo in the winter. The daily temperature in Grande-Terre averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Grande-Terre this time of the year. In the winter, Grande-Terre often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Grande-Terre gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Hilo. Grande-Terre usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Grande-Terre gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGrande-Terre 24°C (76°F)Hilo 72°F (22°C)
Should I visit Grande-Terre or Hilo in the Spring?
Both Hilo and Grande-Terre are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grande-Terre throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Grande-Terre is a little warmer than Hilo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Grande-Terre in April average around 26°C (78°F), and Hilo averages at about 73°F (23°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Grande-Terre. Grande-Terre usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during spring. Grande-Terre gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. It's quite rainy in Grande-Terre. In April, Grande-Terre usually receives less rain than Hilo. Grande-Terre gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGrande-Terre 26°C (78°F)Hilo 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Hilo and Grande-Terre
| Grande-Terre | Hilo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 8.7 inches (221 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 10.8 inches (274 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 13.6 inches (345 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (78°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 15.6 inches (395 mm) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 10.7 inches (272 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 8.5 inches (215 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.8 inches (248 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 14.8 inches (375 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 12.6 inches (321 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.