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

Should you visit Hilo or Fairbanks?

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

Should I visit Hilo or Fairbanks? 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 laid back, mellow, and friendly town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and museums.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a unique, outdoorsy, and remote city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, hiking, and shopping.

Hilo and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilo or Fairbanks?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilo. Although Hilo and Fairbanks are popular destinations, Hilo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hilo is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Fairbanks attracts visitors for its skiing, shopping, and impressive beauty. Hilo is more touristy than Fairbanks and is known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. It is also well known for Akaka Falls State Park. Fairbanks is famous for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Hilo different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Hilo or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is adequate for skiing. However, Hilo is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Fairbanks for snow skiing. The closest ski areas are the ski resorts of Fort Wainwright/Birch Hill, Moose Mountain and Skiland. The area also has dog mushing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing and sleigh riding.

Hilo is not a skiing destination.

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

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Fairbanks 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.

Fairbanks is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city is mostly known for its outdoor activities, but you can also visit the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, the Aurora Ice Museum, Fountainhead Auto Museum, the Museum of the North, and Pioneer Park.

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

Hilo is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Hilo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Fairbanks offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Food can be expensive and of varying quality, but many restaurants use local meats and seafood. There's a surprising number of international restaurants in town as well. Also make sure you try the local specialties like reindeer sausage, Yukon gold potatoes, and Alaskan salmon.

Is Hilo or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Hilo is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Hilo. It's a town that goes to bed early, but there are some local bars that have a chill and relaxing atmosphere.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Fairbanks. You will find some bars around town, but for the most part, the city stays quiet at night.

Is Hilo or Fairbanks Better for Resorts?

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

You might not think of Hilo as a resort destination, but it has a few places. You'll find more hotels than resorts in town.

Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

Is Hilo or Fairbanks Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilo is a decent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Fairbanks 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.

Fairbanks is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hilo or Fairbanks Better for Beaches?

Hilo is a popular place for the beach. However, Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Hilo is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Is Hilo or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Hilo is an amazing town to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Fairbanks. While the town serves as a gateway to the Arctic and all that it has to offer, there are also hiking trails both in town and nearby. There are trails that connect the city's historic sites as well as day hikes that start at the edge of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilo or Fairbanks?

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

Fairbanks has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are interesting local shops and boutiques that sell native Alaskan handmade items. You'll find "Made in Alaska" merchandise at many boutiques and souvenir shops. There are also larger retailers available in case you forgot clothing or other items at home.

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 Fairbanks Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hilo. 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 Fairbanks. Kids who enjoy searching for wildlife, playing in the snow, and exploring nature will love a visit to Fairbanks. Make sure you visit the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as well as Pioneer Park.

Is Hilo or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Hilo is a very popular place for couples. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Fairbanks is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking and nature will love a visit here. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, Fairbanks is your best destination in Alaska. Try to visit sometime between August to April for the best chance of enjoying the lights.

Is Hilo or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Hilo and Fairbanks are high quality places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Hilo. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Fairbanks. There are many outdoor recreation areas where backpackers can explore. Alaska, and Fairbanks in particular, can have very harsh conditions, so unless you know what you're doing, it's best to take a guide.

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

Hilo is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hilo. The Hele-On is a bus service that connects Hilo to Kona with north and south routes.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Fairbanks. There is a public bus system that connects the downtown area with the shopping areas and the university. However, you really can't rely on it to explore the region and you should have your own vehicle.

Is Hilo or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

Hilo is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options 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.

Fairbanks is not a walkable town. The city was built for cars and there are very few walkable areas around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Hilo?

How long in Hilo or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Hilo or Fairbanks. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hilo due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilo, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fairbanks.

Families should spend more time in Hilo than Fairbanks. 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 Fairbanks. 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 Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks?

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 shopping when visiting the destination of Fairbanks. 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.

A weekend in Hilo or Fairbanks?

You'll find museums and food around the friendly 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.

Fairbanks 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.

Five days in Hilo or Fairbanks?

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 museums and shopping around the Arctic destination of Fairbanks. 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 Fairbanks?

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 unique city of Fairbanks offers shopping and museums. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hilo and Fairbanks, we can see that Fairbanks is more expensive. And not only is Hilo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hilo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hilo 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 Fairbanks would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fairbanks than you might in Hilo.

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

Which is Bigger, Hilo or Fairbanks?

Hilo has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Hilo and Fairbanks, 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 Fairbanks?

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 Hilo or Fairbanks in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilo and Fairbanks. The summer months attract visitors to Hilo because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

Hilo is a little warmer than Fairbanks in the summer. The daily temperature in Hilo averages around 76°F (24°C) in July, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hilo usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Hilo gets 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hilo or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hilo as well as Fairbanks. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hilo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Fairbanks for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Fairbanks. In the autumn, Hilo is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hilo in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 27°F (-3°C).

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hilo usually gets more rain in October than Fairbanks. Hilo gets 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilo or Fairbanks in the Winter?

Both Fairbanks and Hilo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hilo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Fairbanks in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Fairbanks can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Hilo is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Hilo average around 72°F (22°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

It's quite rainy in Hilo. In January, Hilo usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Hilo gets 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hilo or Fairbanks in the Spring?

Both Fairbanks and Hilo during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Hilo in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the natural beauty during these months.

Fairbanks can be very cold during spring. Hilo is much warmer than Fairbanks in the spring. The daily temperature in Hilo averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. Hilo usually gets more rain in April than Fairbanks. Hilo gets 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Hilo