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

Should you visit Hilo or Anchorage?

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

Should I visit Hilo or Anchorage? 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.

Hilo

Hilo is a authentic, laid back, and mellow town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a breathtaking, cultural, and artsy city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Hilo and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilo or Anchorage?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hilo than Anchorage, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hilo is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Anchorage is more popular for its shopping and impressive beauty. Hilo is well known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. Also, Hilo is famous for Akaka Falls State Park. Anchorage is well known for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture.

How is Hilo different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Anchorage and Hilo.

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.

Anchorage is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

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

Hilo is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Hilo makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Anchorage has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

Is Hilo or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find respectable options in both Hilo and Anchorage.

Hilo doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a town that goes to bed early, but there are some local bars that have a chill and relaxing atmosphere.

Most people don't head to Anchorage specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Hilo or Anchorage Better for Resorts?

Hilo is a moderate town for its resorts. However, Anchorage is not a resort destination.

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

Anchorage is not a resort destination.

Is Hilo or Anchorage Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a moderate town for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Anchorage 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.

Anchorage is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hilo or Anchorage Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a town with good options for its beaches. However, Anchorage is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Hilo. 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.

Anchorage is not a beach destination.

Is Hilo or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Hilo and Anchorage both have terrific trails.

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.

Many people visit Anchorage specifically for its hiking. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilo or Anchorage?

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

Anchorage has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

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

Is Hilo or Anchorage Better for Families?

Hilo is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Hilo is 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.

Anchorage is a family-friendly town. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Hilo or Anchorage Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Hilo and Anchorage make for a excellent place to visit.

Hilo is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Anchorage is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

Is Hilo or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Anchorage. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

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

Hilo is a moderate town for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good 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 Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is Hilo or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Hilo is a town with good options for its walkability. However, Anchorage is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

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.

Anchorage is generally not a very walkable town. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Hilo?

How long in Hilo or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hilo and Anchorage. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilo than in Anchorage. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilo, and 1-3 days is enough time in Anchorage.

Families should spend more time in Hilo than Anchorage. 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 Anchorage. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Hilo that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hilo than Anchorage 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 Hilo or Anchorage?

You'll find food and museums around the town of Hilo. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Anchorage. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Hilo or Anchorage?

You'll find museums and food around the authentic destination of Hilo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Anchorage is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. 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.

Five days in Hilo or Anchorage?

You'll find food and museums around the friendly town of Hilo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

You'll find shopping and museums around the outdoorsy destination of Anchorage. This city 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.

A week in Hilo or Anchorage?

Hilo is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hilo, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The nature-oriented city of Anchorage offers museums and food. 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.

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 comparing the travel costs between Hilo and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage 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 Hilo Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hilo or Anchorage?

Anchorage has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Hilo and Anchorage, 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 Hilo or Anchorage?

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 Hilo or Anchorage in the Summer?

Both Anchorage and Hilo during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Hilo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Hilo is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hilo in July average around 76°F (24°C), and Anchorage averages at about 59°F (15°C).

In Anchorage, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Hilo often gets less sunshine than Anchorage. Hilo gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. Hilo usually gets more rain in July than Anchorage. Hilo gets 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilo or Anchorage in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilo and Anchorage. Most visitors come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. In October, Hilo is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Hilo average around 76°F (24°C), and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

Hilo usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during autumn. Hilo gets 138 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hilo usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Hilo gets 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hilo or Anchorage in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hilo as well as Anchorage. The winter months attract visitors to Hilo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.

It's quite cold in Anchorage in the winter. Hilo is much warmer than Anchorage in the winter. The daily temperature in Hilo averages around 72°F (22°C) in January, and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).

In the winter, Hilo often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Hilo gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun.

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hilo usually gets more rain in January than Anchorage. Hilo gets 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilo or Anchorage in the Spring?

Both Anchorage and Hilo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hilo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. In the spring, Hilo is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hilo in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Anchorage averages at about 36°F (2°C).

It's quite sunny in Anchorage. Hilo usually receives less sunshine than Anchorage during spring. Hilo gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. In April, Hilo usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Hilo gets 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Hilo